What is it? Volvo’s all-electric Polestar brand now has a second model: An avant-garde five-door in the form of the Polestar 2 — and if you see a head-to-head battle with Tesla on the horizon, you’re not alone. The newest member of the electric breed shares its platform with the Volvo XC40, with the battery pack integrated into the floor. The result is a stiffer chassis, thus improving driving dynamics while cutting noise, vibration and harshness levels. The cabin follows other Volvo models — minimalist, with the iPad-like 11.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system — it’s the first to use Google’s Android operating system — taking pride of place. The Polestar 2 also turns your mobile phone into the ignition key.
Why does it matter? The Polestar 2’s performance is ready to impress. With a 78 kWh battery, plus front and rear electric motors that each produce 201 horsepower and 244 pound-feet of torque, there is no shortage of pulling power. The setup not only gives the Polestar 2 the wherewithal to run from rest to 100 km/h in under five seconds, the company also says it’s targeting a driving range of 500 kilometres.
When is it coming? The Polestar 2 Launch Edition is available for pre-order in Canada now.
Should you buy it? As all-electric cars go, the Polestar 2 is eye-catching and a welcome break from the litany of electrified crossovers that are already on the market, or coming soon. It has the looks and the mechanical muscle to make it a player.