Polestar 2 range expands to three including sub-£40k model

Last updated on May 9th, 2021 at 08:21 am

Polestar has announced that the Polestar 2 model range is expanding to three variants.

Three powertrains will be now available. The existing 300 kW (408 hp) dual motor setup, with a large 78 kWh battery pack, is joined by two front-mounted single motor variants – available either with the same long-range battery and a 170-kW motor, or a smaller, standard-range battery (64 kWh) and a 165-kW motor.

The Long range Dual motor will continue to have a WLTP range of 279-298 miles and now has a starting price of £45,900, which is still £1,000 cheaper than before, when it was eligible for the UK Plug-in Car Grant, and £2,590 less than the Tesla Model 3 Long Range. The Long range Single motor will have an impressive range of 320-335 miles and a price tag of £42,900. Meanwhile, the cheapest version will be the Standard range Single motor starting at £39,900 and with a WLTP range of 260-273 miles. This version undercuts the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus by £1,090, but both Single motor cars take 7 seconds to reach 60mph, which is slower than the Tesla's 5.3 seconds.

To further improve accessibility, optional equipment packs have been designed to add value without plaguing the ordering process with too many single options. The existing optional Performance Pack remains available for the Long range Dual motor variant only, and includes adjustable Öhlins dampers, Brembo brakes, forged 20-inch alloy wheels and signature ‘Swedish gold’ details inside and out.

There is also a new Plus Pack for £4,000 that includes high-level premium equipment like the full-length panoramic glass roof, premium Harman Kardon audio system with 13 speakers, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats and wipers, WeaveTech upholstery, Black Ash deco panels, fully electric heated front seats with memory, and a new heat pump.

The Pilot Pack for £3,000 includes enhanced safety and driver assistance features, such as the Pixel LED headlights with LED front fog lights, Driver Assistance with Adaptive Cruise Control and Pilot Assist, a 360-degree surround view camera and Rear Collision Warning.

The new offers are meant to help Polestar become an even more important player in the EV market, according to Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO.

“2021 is the year in which Polestar 2 will really gain momentum,” he said. “We launched with a strong offer, which has set a great tone for the car. Now, we expand the offering with additional versions – each maintaining its unique design, premium quality and fun driving experience.”

As we reported, Polestar 2 was awarded a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating in March 2021, thanks to innovative structural safety developments, eight airbags, and safety assistance features, which include vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist and road edge detection support.

Polestar has also announced last month that Over-the-Air (OTA) updates will finally be available for the Polestar 2.

As lockdown restrictions are easing down, the public will be able to go check out the new Polestar 2 in person as we reported that the manufacturer has opened a new showroom at the Westfield mall in the heart of London. However, the new versions will be available from September 2021.