Polestar — Volvo’s new premium EV brand — came to market about a year ago with the all-new, all-electric Polestar 2. Initially this stylish, high-performance hatchback was available exclusively as a fully loaded Launch Edition. Today Polestar announces two new lower-priced variants that retain much of what makes the Polestar 2 special, while simultaneously making it more accessible to a wider audience.
Gaining Momentum
“2021 is the year in which Polestar 2 will really gain momentum,” said Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath. “We launched with a strong offer which has set a great tone for the car. Now, we expand that offering with additional versions — each one maintaining its unique design, premium quality and fun driving experience, “ noted Ingenlath.
Launch Edition
The current Polestar2 Launch Edition is available for purchase immediately. This Polestar 2 is equipped with two electric motors — one powering each axle — creating an electric four-wheel-drive system. Total system output is 408 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque — enough oomph to jump to 60 mph in a mere 4.5 seconds. The dual-motor Polestar 2 delivers a range of approximately 240 miles according to the U.S. EPA.
Environmentally Friendly
The Polestar 2 is designed to be environmentally friendly, and that includes more than simply a zero-emission powertrain. Many elements of the vehicle are 100 percent vegan — made from a material called WeaveTech — including the seat trim, which is both stylish and soft, as well as the steering wheel that looks as if trimmed in leather although it too is WeaveTech. All interior wood accents are constructed using irregular pieces that are typically considered waste. The cloth trim on doors and dash give the Polestar 2 an overall classy — not fancy — vibe.
High-Tech Interior
While the interior materials of the 2021 Polestar 2 provide a homey feeling throughout the cabin, the car also possesses a high-tech ambience thanks to a large center display as well as a smaller digital driver display. Aside from those on the steering wheel, the vehicle has virtually no physical buttons for systems operation.
Android Integration
The Polestar 2 is as much about technology as it is about electrification — as such it is the first car to embed Google’s Android operating system as the platform for its infotainment system. In addition to bringing together apps and vehicle functions, the Polestar 2 features embedded Google services such as Google Maps, Google Assistant and the Google Play Store. These functions are accessed via voice control (simply by saying “OK Google”) or via an 11-inch touchscreen display. Google users can log into the vehicle to sync personal preferences as well as Google Maps locations.
Carryover Features, Style
Many of these features and designs are carryovers to the new variants — in fact, exterior and interior styling is almost identical across all three vehicles according to Polestar. All will feature at least 19-inch wheels, signature LED lighting and the stylish hatchback design. The 11-inch center display and 12.3-inch driver display will be found on all Polestar 2 vehicles, as will the Google Android operating system. “What we have successfully managed with the new versions of the Polestar 2 is to avoid stripping the lower-priced models of their character and premium feeling, “ added Ingenlath. “Even the most affordable Polestar 2, with no option packs, has great visual consistency and high level of standard equipment,” the Polestar CEO observed.
Single Motor Polestar 2
Offering more range than the current version, the 2022 single-motor Polestar 2 will get one motor for the front wheels rated at 231 horsepower — a bump over the current 204 horsepower motor used in dual-motor versions. The 78 kWh battery carries through to the single-motor Polestar 2, which extends the estimated driving range to 260 miles.
Dual Motor Polestar 2
Polestar will also offer a 2022 dual-motor Polestar 2 with all the performance of the current Launch Edition but without the same long list of standard equipment, allowing consumers more flexibility in this configuration.
Plus Pack
Standard on the Launch Edition, this option is available for either of these two new Polestar variants is the Plus Pack. This includes a premium interior, a panoramic glass roof, a 13-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system, Black Ash wood deco panels and heated front and rear seats.
Heat Pump
Also included in the Plus Pack is a new heat pump that captures residual thermal energy from the drivetrain and uses it to warm the cabin, reducing the need to rely on the batteries for climate control. Polestar estimates this could reduce the draw on the battery by as much as 50 percent in colder climates, which could provide up to a 10 percent increase in overall driving range.
Pilot Pack
A Pilot Pack — also standard on the current Launch Edition — is available on the new versions, which includes Pixel LED headlights and LED fog lights. Adaptive cruise control , all-around parking sensors, a 360-degree-view camera a blind-spot information system, rear collision warning and rear cross-traffic alert with brake support are all included in the Pilot Pack.
Standalone Features
Items such as Nappa leather upholstery with ventilation, 20-inch alloy wheels and a semi-electric folding trailer hitch will be available as single line items.
Pricing Coming Soon
Pricing for the new 2022 Polestars will be released in the coming weeks, and is expected to come in below the price of the Polestar 2 Launch Edition which starts at $59,900.
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