We all had to be patient, but last month Polestar started the European delivery of its first all-electric car, the Polestar 2. After the Tesla Model 3, there have been few other cars that got everyone so excited. Time to undress the electric Swede with Chinese blood here.
Polestar 2€ 59,800
More than a year and a half ago, Volvo’s sister brand lived up to its electric promise by presenting the plugged-in Polestar 2 to the world public. He has since been seen by many as the formidable opponent of the Tesla Model 3, which until recently had the empire to itself. Where there are not many options for that car, the Polestar is (for the time being) even better suited for people with choice stress. The price list contains only one powertrain with a further one equipment package. Polestar does not have an extra name on it, this is just the Polestar 2 as anyone can get it. Fortunately, there is still something to choose from here and there, so we are going to do that on this sunny Saturday morning.
470 km
Starting with the powertrain, we cannot choose anything there, as said. The Polestar is currently powered by two electric motors as standard, which together generate 300 kW (409 hp) of power. In Gothenburg a 78 kWh battery is connected to this. The 4.6 meter long EV is therefore 470 km away on one battery charge. On the go, the Polestar 2 can handle a fast charger. With the plug in the CCS connection it can charge up to 150 kW. Within half an hour, the battery is again up to 80 percent full (about 300 km range). At a regular charging station it takes about 7:45 hours before the battery is fully charged again. A milder version is being talked about in the corridors, but no official report has been released to date.
Standard
With an asking price of almost € 60,000, the minimum investment for a Polestar 2 is a lot higher than with Tesla. There, someone with € 10,000 less in the cut can count themselves rich with a Model 3. With that Model 3 Standard Range Plus, the promised range is, however, lower (409 km). A look at the list of standard facilities also shows that the Swedish Chinese is a bit better at his stuff. Take ‘Pixel’ LED headlights, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, a ‘hands-free’ electric tailgate and heated front and rear seats. Funnily enough, other things correspond with the Tesla. Take the standard panoramic roof, the gigantic central screen and the list of driver assistance systems, including Pilot Assist. The multimedia system in the Polestar 2 is the first car to run entirely on programs from Google. Adaptive cruise control, 360-degree parking cameras and electrically operated front seats are also always present.
Extras
Fortunately, as indicated earlier, there is still something to choose during the configuration party. Take the paint color: Polestar comes standard with the Void black color. Those who prefer a softer color must bring an extra € 1,000. After that investment, you can choose from five other white or gray lacquer shades. Furthermore, the wheel arches can be filled with other wheels. Polestar comes standard with 19-inch five-V-spoke wheels. Those who invest an additional € 1,000 in their Polestar 2 can choose from 20-inch four-spoke wheels. Two ‘free flavors’ are available for the interior. The chairs are not covered with leather, but with – yes – ‘vegan’ upholstery in which no animal products are used. The animal-free synthetic leather, which bears the name Weave Tech, can be ordered in black or with a bluer glow. Those who want to distinguish themselves more can have the seats covered with cream-colored nappa leather upholstery for € 4,500. All other details are then finished with wood: chic!
Those who want to go all out, can take along € 6,000 for the additional Performance package. It gets unique Y-spoke wheels, Brembo brakes and a more exclusive finish with glossy black details and gold seat belts. Finally, you can opt for a € 1,100 towbar (€ 50 cheaper than Tesla). This may then be towed (braked) 1,500 kg.
January 2021
The Polestar 2 can be ordered immediately. The registration fee, which will be refunded later, is € 1,000. Those who press the large order button now will have their Polestar 2 delivered next January.