Polestar 2 revealed by Volvo

ABU DHABI: All-electric cars seem to the future, and every car manufacturer is jumping on the bandwagon, trying to get their EVs in the market. At an event in Gothenburg, Volvo took the wraps off its first fully-electric car. The car in question is the Polestar 2, teased in January by the company, it is a compact notchback with the Tesla Model 3 in sight.

The Polestar 2 is the production version of the Volvo 40.2 Concept from back in 2016 and retains many of its design cues. Up front, you are greeted by an abstract version of ‘Thor’s Hammer’ DRLs with the headlights being equipped with Pixel LED technology. Connecting the headlights is a slimmer 6-point grille and sitting below it is a unique bone-shaped air intake. Polestar has decided to stick to conventional side mirrors (as opposed to side view cameras seen on the 40.2 Concept) but has redesigned them, they are frameless while being more aerodynamic and are 30% smaller. The rear end is dominated by C-shaped taillights connected by a full-width LED strip. These lights (consisting of 280 LEDs) have a welcoming sequence as you approach the car. A unique way to unlock the Polestar 2 is by using Bluetooth on your smartphone; your phone can be recognised from up to 1.5 meters and the car will be unlocked.

Enter inside the Polestar 2, and the big 11-inch portrait format screen grabs your attention immediately. The infotainment system is Android-based, developed in partnership with Google. All the loved Google apps are available; you get the Google Assistant, Google Maps (with charging station locations), and Google Play Store so you can install your own apps. The driver also gets a digital screen with enlarged graphics which will help visibility of the charging status and range from the outside. Leather is not a standard affair in the Polestar 2, although it is an option. As standard, you get fabric seats with new Weave Tech material that is dust and water resistant. Various trim options include 3D-etched polycarbonate and black ash wood.

Powering the range-topping model is a pair of electric motors, each one makes 204 bhp and 330 Nm. The combined output stands at 408 bhp and 660 Nm. Power is sent to all 4 wheels, driving the Polestar 2 from 0-100 kmph in 5 seconds. A 78 kWh battery, consisting of a 27 – module battery pack is integrated into the floor of the car and contributes to chassis rigidity. Polestar is claiming a range of up to 500 km.

If you are looking for more performance, there is the optional Performance Pack. With this, you get Ohlins dampers, Brembo brakes, and 20-inch forged alloy wheels along with gold accents on the seat belts, brake callipers, and valve caps.

Details on the various variants are yet to be revealed by Polestar with production set to start in February 2020 in China. The Polestar 2 certainly ticks all the boxes to take the fight with the Tesla Model 3, and we can’t wait for the battle to begin.