The Polestar 2 has been unveiled as “the next step” in the development of the Volvo-backed electric performance brand, following the reveal of the hybrid Polestar 1 back in October 2017.

The new, all-electric five-door fastback features two electric motors and a 78 kWh battery capacity that the firm claims will enable a “targeted range of 500 km”.

Running on Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform, the Polestar 2 boasts a 27-module battery pack integrated into its floor. The all-wheel-drive electric powertrain produces a total output of 300 kW and 660 N.m, which Polestar is enough for a zero to 100 km/h time of “less than 5 seconds”.

Specifying the “Performance Pack”, meanwhile, adds Öhlins dampers, Brembo brakes and model-specific 20-inch forged wheels, while Polestar’s signature gold seat belts, brake callipers and valve caps complete the visual upgrade.

Interestingly, Polestar 2 runs an infotainment system powered by Android, thus bringing embedded Google services (such as Google Assistant, Google Maps and the Google Play Store) to the vehicle. The system is controlled via voice control and an 11-inch touchscreen.

Polestar promises a “smart, convenient and extensive” approach to charging the vehicle, saying it is setting up “strategic collaborations” to give owners “easy and hassle-free access to the world’s largest public charging networks”.

While initial launch markets include China, the United States, Canada, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom, Polestar says other markets are “under consideration for future expansion”.

“Polestar 2 is our first fully electric car and first volume model. Everything about it has been designed and engineered with passion and dedication. 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. Polestar delivers electric performance cars that are great to own and drive,” said Thomas Ingenlath, chief executive officer of Polestar.

