Polestar shows off Tesla-fighting Polestar 2 ahead of Geneva Motor Show

Polestar has revealed its second challenger to the electric performance car market, rolling out the all-electric Polestar 2 compact fastback.

Pitted as a direct rival to Tesla’s Model 3, the Polestar 2 is said to bring electric performance to a broader audience than the highly exclusive Polestar 1 coupe.

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The five-door fastback shape is built on Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture platform (CMA), which also services the Wheels Car of the Year-winning Volvo XC40 small SUV, but substitutes the combustion engine, fuel tank and exhaust with a pair of electric motors and intelligent battery packaging for what Volvo claims is exceptional refinement. Road noise is reduced by 3.7dB thanks to the chassis-integrated battery pack, which also reinforces structural rigidity of the whole car.

The Polestar 2 features twin electric motors and a 78kWh battery capacity which, according to Polestar, enables a single-charge range of 500km. The brand is also working hard to provide in-car and mobile-based solutions to charging the car, suggesting hassle-free access to the world’s largest public charging networks.

Polestar insists performance is a great deal of the brand’s identity, stating the all-wheel drive electric powertrain will propel the Polestar 2 to 100km/h in less than 5 seconds thanks to the 300kW and 660Nm outputs.

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Not enough? You can enhance the Polestar 2’s performance further by optioning the Performance Pack that adds Öhlins dampers, Brembo brakes and unique 20-inch forged wheels.

On the inside, the Polestar 2 will be one of the first cars to debut an Android-specific infotainment system via an 11-inch touchscreen. Providing an adaptable digital interface for apps and vehicle functions, Google services add to the driving experience by lending Google Assistant, in-built Google Maps and the Google Play Store.

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You’ll be able to use your phone as a key too, aiding people who car-share and allowing owners to stay connected to their car while they’re away.

This will be the first volume model for the upcoming brand, with Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath saying “as an electric performance brand, and through the forthcoming launch of a portfolio of fully electric cars, Polestar is determined to address the world’s air quality challenges.”

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They’re serious about sustainability too, ensuring the standard interior is vegan-friendly with “progressive textiles” for their “forward-thinking audience”.

Priority markets for the new EV include China, North America and Europe, but Australia shouldn’t lose hope just yet as it will be produced in left- and right-hand drive from early 2020.

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Polestar 2 will be shown in full to the public at the Geneva Motor Show from March 5 onwards.