2020 Polestar 2

Once known for tuning hot Volvos, Polestar is now selling it’s first mass produced electric vehicle, an all-wheel drive fastback set to take on the Tesla Model 3. Polestar’s first car released was the halo model Polestar 1, an expensive and complicated 2-door hybrid that looked great and really set the tone for what was to follow. Now the Polestar 2 is here, and it continues with the good looks all wrapped up in a package that’s not quite SUV or saloon but a high-riding 5-door hatch they are calling a fastback.

The drivetrain configuration consists of two electric motors mounted front and rear providing all-wheel drive and being fed by a floor mounted 75 kWh battery pack. Peak power has been rated at 408 hp with 487 lb-ft of torque. Polestar are quoting a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 4.7 seconds and general performance that should be in the ball park of the Model 3 if not slightly less. An optional performance pack is available at launch which adds some nice adjustable dual-flow valve Ohlins dampers, larger forged 20-inch wheels with big Brembo brakes sitting behind and gold design details inside and out.