Volvo is one of a growing number of manufacturers deciding to miss the Geneva show, but the Swedish manufacturer’s electric performance brand Polestar is present to unveil its second model.
The Polestar 2 is a fastback, expected to be significantly less expensive than the around £135,000 that the Polestar 1 costs. The newcomer is expected to cost from around £35,000 and to rival the Jaguar I-Pace and Tesla Model 3.
Built on the same platform as Volvo’s XC40, the Polestar 2 takes inspiration from both its 1 sister model and the Volvo flagship model, the XC90.
It makes use of two electric motors to provide all-wheel-drive capability, putting out a total of 408hp and 660Nm of torque. This results in a sub-five-second 0-62mph time, and performance upgrades will be available as options, including Brembo brakes and adjustable Öhlins dampers.
Polestar states that the 2 will travel up to 311 miles between charges. AC and DC fast-charing will be available for the car.
Inside the standard materials will be vegan, including black ash and reconstructed wood decor elements and textile surface panels, with Nappa leather available as an option. A major innovation will be the infotainment system, based around the Android smartphone operating system and including a full suite of embedded features supplied by Google.
Polestar is not appointing dealers, all car sales being carried out online. Potential owners can pre-order the Polestar 2 now and first deliveries are expected in 2020.
