Polestar 2 EV set for Australian launch, starting from $59,900
The Polestar 2 kicks off in Australia from $59,990 MSRP. Images: Polestar
Polestar 2 range to start from $59,900 MSRP (approx. $64,500 drive away)
3 models available at launch, with 2 options packages
Performance package including Öhlins dampers, Brembo brakes, forged 20-inch alloy wheels, and signature ‘Swedish gold’ details inside and out available on dual motor variant
5 year warranty, roadside assistance and servicing included
On sale from January 2022
The long-awaited Polestar 2 is one step closer to Australia, with pricing announced this morning. Kicking off at $59,900 MSRP for the single motor standard range model, that places it in line with the $59,900 MSRP Tesla Model 3, and undercuts the similarly-specified Hyundai Kona Electric Extended Range, Nissan Leaf e+ and Kia Niro Electric. It also positions the single motor variants under the various thresholds set by Australian states and territories to qualify for EV incentives, meaning that buyers should be able to secure EV rebates in NSW and Victoria, and stamp duty concessions in NSW, and the ACT.
Polestar 2 Australian Pricing and Specifications
| Model | Price (MSRP) | Battery Size | Range/Efficiency | Power/Torque | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polestar 2 single motor SR | $59,900 | 64 kWh | 440 km - 17.1 kWh/100 km | 165 kW/330 Nm | front wheel drive |
| Polestar 2 single motor LR | $64,900 | 78 kWh | 540 km - 17.1 kWh/100 km | 170 kW/330 Nm | front wheel drive |
| Polestar 2 dual motor LR | $69,900 | 78 kWh | 480 km - 19.4 kWh/100 km | 300 kW/660 Nm | all wheel drive |
View the full specifications listing on our Australian EV price list
Standard equipment includes LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, folding frameless mirrors, Polestar digital key, foot operated tailgate, Android Automotive operating system, four USB-C connections, semi-electric front seats with heating and embossed textile seats. Polestar has promised that over-the-air updates will make it to Australia — a key feature missing from Hyundai’s upcoming IONIQ 5 — and that the Android Automotive operating system will be standard.
Two options packages will be available to order across the model range, while a Performance Pack will be available to buyers of the Long Range Dual Motor Polestar 2.
Ideally, there are a number of these features below that I would have liked to have seen as standard equipment, but I can understand Polestar’s prioritisation of attaining the lowest possible price point.
Polestar 2 Options Packages
The Pilot Pack ($5,000) provides enhanced safety and driver assistance features, such as Driver Assistance with Adaptive Cruise Control and Pilot Assist, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and Driver Awareness including Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with steering support, Cross Traffic Alert with brake support, Rear Collision Warning and Pixel LED headlights with LED front fog lights.
The Plus Pack ($6,000) includes a full-length panoramic glass roof, premium Harman Kardon audio system with 13-speakers, WeaveTech vegan upholstery, Black Ash deco panels, fully electric heated front seats with memory, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel and heated wiper nozzles.
The Plus Pack also includes a heat pump, which reduces the need to use valuable battery capacity to prepare and sustain the cabin climate. The system uses ambient heat, as well as residual thermal energy from the drivetrain, to reduce energy requirements for climate control by as much as 50 per cent. In colder weather, and most effectively between 5-15 degrees Celsius, as much as a 10 per cent improvement in range can be achieved.
The Performance Pack is 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.
Why are we excited about the Polestar 2?
The Polestar 2 represents greater consumer choice in the Australian EV market - an awesome thing for consumers. It’s also a (in this writer’s opinion) damn-good looking EV. While we’d like to have seen some of the above optional features come as standard, such as the vegan interior, advanced safety features and sunroof, we understand Polestar’s positioning to take advantage of various EV incentives in Australia.
Polestar’s integration of Android Automotive — as distinct from Android Auto — is a world first, and from what I’ve seen provides a clear, simple and fast UI for drivers and passengers, while integrating the best that Google has to offer. Additional features and apps will be available through over the air system updates too, and access to Google’s ‘Play Store’ App store will allow drivers to add new apps to the vehicle, just as they can on their smartphone.
While the Polestar 2 is based on the same Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) as Volvo’s XC40 Recharge, and can’t compete with the energy efficiency of Tesla’s Model 3, it has received praise from overseas motoring publications, and is the recipient of numerous awards.
Polestar is a brand to watch; with backing from Chinese automotive giant Geely, they have the deep pockets to become a serious brand in their own right. Polestar also leads the industry with its sustainability ambitions, and desire to produce a fully carbon-neutral car by 2030.
We received this statement from a Polestar Australia representative in relation to launch timing: “The Polestar 2 will be on sale in Australia from January 2022 and pre-order timing will be the subject of a future announcement.”
Polestar 2 Image Gallery
