Volvo's forthcoming all-electric Polestar brand has revealed the second model in its lineup, the Polestar 2.
Following up on the Polestar 1 coupe, Polestar 2 will seek broader appeal with a compact fastback body. That will make it the first all-electric four-door to compete directly with the Tesla Model 3, which Polestar name-checks in its press release.
Polestar 2 will come with a 78 kWh battery pack promising 500 km driving range according to the European and Chinese test cycles. Polestar's figure in the US is a more modest 275 miles, or 440 km.
Drivers not concerned with going as far as possible can instead move quickly: Polestar says its new four-door's powertrain will make 408 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0–100 km/h sprint of less than five seconds.
Performance options will include upgraded suspension dampers, Brembo brakes and 20-inch wheels.
In the cabin, an 11.0-inch touchscreen hosts what Polestar says is the first infotainment system powered by the Android smartphone operating system. It brings with it the Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Google Play app store; and Polestar 2 will allow drivers to use their smartphone as the key.
Polestar also calls the car's interior "vegan," thanks to "progressive textiles that will appeal to the forward-thinking audience who will subscribe to Polestar 2."
Most global markets will get cars with Pixel LED headlights, but restrictive Canadian and American lighting rules mean North American Polestar 2 models will get less fancy LEDs.
Polestar 2 is already available for pre-orders in Canada, one of about a half-dozen launch markets that also includes the U.S., Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK. As is the brand's way, you will only be able to order the car online, though Polestar will offer test drive opportunities at physical storefronts. Production is set to begin early next year.
The Polestar 2 will make its first public appearance next month at the Geneva auto show.
