Polestar 2 family grows with lower-priced variant

Polestar is broadening the market appeal of its first mainstream nameplate.

The Swedish electric carmaker will introduce a single-motor version of the Polestar 2 fastback, slashing the entry price into the model lineup by about US$10,000. While the vehicle is bound for Canada, too, pricing there hasn't yet been announced.

The new variant will launch in the United States and Canada in the fourth quarter and will be powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour battery that delivers 231 hp and an EPA-estimated 260 miles, or about 420 kilometres. The model will start at about US$50,000, including shipping, in the United States, but before federal and state incentives.

The Volvo affiliate late last year began deliveries of the long-range, dual-motor Polestar 2 that features 408 hp and about 240 miles — or 385 kilometres — of driving range. The launch version starts at US$61,200, including shipping, in the United States and C$71,800 in Canada, shipping included.

Next year, Polestar will introduce a customizable version of the fully loaded, dual-motor variant.

Polestar expects to attract more customers to the brand with a mix of performance and driving range options, said Conrad Layson, analyst at AutoForecast Solutions.

The new variant also allows Polestar to lure more price-conscious customers, Layson said.

The optional US$5,000 Performance Pack remains available for the top-of-the-line Polestar 2 only and includes adjustable Öhlins dampers, Brembo brakes and signature "Swedish gold" details inside and out. Again, the Canadian price has not be announced.

The Plus and Pilot packs, which have previously been standard on the launch version, will be optional on the less-expensive variant.

The Plus Pack includes a new heat pump that extends driving range as much as 10 percent, by using ambient heat and residual thermal energy from the drivetrain to help condition the cabin. The package also includes a panoramic roof and upgraded Harman Kardon sound system, and heated steering wheel, rear seats and wipers.

The Pilot Pack includes safety and driver-assistance features, such as "Pixel LED" headlights, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera and rear collision warning.