Polestar Launches Flagship Vehicle to Compete With Tesla Model 3

Tesla competitor boasts vegan interior

“Polestar 2 is our first fully electric car and first volume model. Everything about it has been designed and engineered with passion and dedication. As an electric performance brand, and through the forthcoming launch of a portfolio of fully electric cars, Polestar is determined to address the world’s air quality challenges. Polestar delivers electric performance cars that are great to own and drive,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Chief Executive Officer of Polestar. 

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A five-door fastback, the Polestar 2 features two electric motors and a 78 kWh battery capacity 2 that has a range of around 500 km. The car is based on Volvo Car Group’s adaptable Compact Modular Architecture platform (CMA). 

Cleverly, the cars 27-module battery pack is integrated into the floor of the car which makes the chassis really stiff and reduces road noise as well as vibrations.

Future Polestar owners can charge at home with the at-home charging kit or make use of public charging facilities that Polestar is working to establish. 

Quick off the mark and full of bling

For a relatively cheap car, the Polestar has some pretty great stats, producing 300 kW (408 hp) and 660 Nm (487 lb-ft) which roughly translates to a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of less than 5 seconds. If you want a little more luxury upgrade to the Performance Pack that improves driving dynamics with Öhlins dampers, Brembo brakes and unique 20-inch forged wheels. 

You’ll stand out in the Polestar 2 showing off the cars bling which includes gold seat belts, brake callipers and valve caps. You won’t only look good in your new Polestar 2, and you’ll sound good too. 

The EV is embedded with an Android-powered infotainment system that includes Google Assistant, Google Maps with support for electric vehicles and the Google Play Store. Voice control and a crisp 11-inch touchscreen display bring your information and entertainment to life. 

Tech-focused with emphasis on seamless use

Other tech-focussed systems in the car include ‘phone-as-key’ technology which easily enables car sharing or as the Polestar press release puts it a ‘more integrated ownership experience’.

Other details include features like enlarged graphics in the instrument cluster which allow the driver to easily see the charging status and range before entering the car. 

Maximilian Missoni, head of Design at Polestar, comments: “We decided to bring something different to the segment. Our avant-garde design has evolved from Polestar 1 into an edgier, bolder statement. We have also designed a standard vegan interior with progressive textiles that will appeal to the forward-thinking audience who will subscribe to Polestar 2.”

Production of the Polestar 2 will begin in China in 2020.