The 2021 Polestar 2 is an all-new model, and what a vehicle it is. The Polestar 2 is an all-electric car that could be called a hatchback, crossover, wagon, or sedan, depending on your mood. It aims to take down the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y in one fell swoop.
Polestar is a spin-off of Volvo, previously known for the sporty plug-in Polestar 1. The brand’s second model is intended for high-volume production and mainstream appeal.
The Polestar 2 lineup is simple with one trim level called the Launch Edition. Prices start at $61,200 after destination fees. That’s less than a Tesla Model S, but significantly more than a Model 3. Federal tax incentives soften the blow, and a cheaper trim should launch within the next year or so.
There’s only one powertrain in the Polestar 2, and it’s unconventional. Both axles get a 150-kW electric motor, for a total of 408 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. Those are impressive numbers, good enough to send the car from 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds.
Just as important is the 78-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that sits under the floor. Polestar claims that the 2 can travel up to 292 miles on a charge, which is competitive with most Tesla models. The EPA doesn’t agree, and lists a range of 233 miles.
With a motor at each end, all-wheel drive is standard on every car. Combined with the standard all-season tires, it should provide peace of mind even for snow-state buyers.
The Polestar 2 seats five passengers. Adults should have enough leg room in either row, but the battery pack and tapered roofline may cut into head room in the rear seats.
Cargo capacity starts at a mediocre 14.3 cubic feet, though there’s an extra cubic foot available in the frunk (front trunk). The rear seats fold down to accommodate larger luggage.
Thanks to its Volvo ancestry, the Polestar has a reputation for safety to uphold. It lives up to the billing with an impressive suite of standard safety tech, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.
Neither the NHTSA or IIHS have yet crashed the Polestar into any walls, but given Volvo’s history, we’re not worried.
Technology is one of the most impressive elements of the Polestar 2. Occupying most of the dash is an 11.2-inch vertically-oriented touchscreen, which handles everything from infotainment to climate control. It runs Google’s new Android Automotive OS, and groups apps and functions by category into different areas of the screen. The system also displays vehicle information, navigation, and nearby charging stations. The driver gets a gauge cluster to match, and audio is handled by Harman Kardon.
For now, the aptly named Launch Edition is the only trim available. It’s luxurious enough to fit the price, with tasteful wood trim integrated into sleek Scandinavian design. Vegan fabric is the default upholster, but real leather is available.
A panoramic roof, LED lighting, and 19-inch alloy wheels come standard. Frameless side mirrors are another nice touch. In addition to the impressive infotainment and audio systems, the Launch Edition gets wireless charging and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
To dial up performance even further, check out the Performance Package ($5,000). Included are upgraded dampers, Brembo brakes, 20-inch wheels, and gold seatbelts. Aside from interior and exterior colors, that’s the only choice for buyers to make. Unfortunately, any paint color other than black costs an extra $1,200.
The Performance Package is tempting for enthusiasts, but the 2021 Polestar 2 is exciting enough in base form. If you can live with the range, it’s a compelling alternative to a Tesla.
