What are the highlights of Volvo’s high-end pure electric vehicle Polestar 2?

The emergence of Polestar 2 represents the official start of the "war" between pure electric vehicles. There is no doubt that this is a "cold war" against Tesla Model 3. It can be seen from the current market situation that although rivals such as Jaguar I-Pace, Mercedes-Benz EQC and Audi e-tron have achieved little success in a short period of time, they all feel like electric versions of fuel models. Version, so far, there has never been a car that can be as "pure" electric as Tesla.

Maybe Geely and Volvo are quietly helping this new Swedish brand behind the scenes, and even using the hardware platform they jointly developed, but we can tell you that apart from its identity as an electric vehicle, Polestar makes people feel Sharing less than any other DNA with Volvo's gas-powered cars, it's really exciting. Polestar 2 is?

You may remember Polestar 1, which is a plug-in hybrid car that looks a bit like an S90 from the front and a tough muscle car from the back. The domestic price is 1.45 million yuan. .

You can tell from the appearance that Polestar 1 is a luxury coupe focusing on performance, while Polestar 2 is more like an electric car for the majority of family users, although its price tag is higher ( Compared with Model 3, Polestar 2 (domestic price is 298,000-418,000 yuan), and in terms of output power, its performance is also between the Model 3 standard version and the Performance version.

Swedish engineers say their Polestar 2 will definitely be more fun to drive than the Model 3, and it also has a smoother Google Android operating system. In fact, this is the first car in the world to offer Android Auto (the domestic version has been localized). What is its target audience? If you think about it, car owners who like the BMW M2 or Focus RS who prefer driving and handling will definitely be full of praise for the Polestar2.

This Polestar 2 is a pre-production car (although it drives and looks like a production car). It is equipped with a dual-motor drive system with a power of 408bhp, and the four-wheel drive system has 50: A static power distribution ratio of 50, brake-based torque vectoring and mechanical anti-roll bars.

Nevertheless, when cornering at high speeds, you can feel that the grip is sufficient and the body posture is stable. However, it is not in a very tight state. Adjust the steering angle slightly, and the car's directionality is still precise. It will point directly to the exit route you want without hesitation. I tried to do comparative driving by turning the traction control system on and off repeatedly in Sport mode, letting the tires sizzle at the limit. Interestingly, in both system settings, the ESC system never intervenes prematurely, always choosing to assist rather than interfere with it.

Are you wondering if it is a pure electric Volvo? I tell you clearly that it is not. Polestar 2: Ride and Handling

Although this car inherits Volvo's frame components, the steering tuning is definitely not like Volvo. This is thanks to the engineers behind it. Although this sense of control is not very obvious, you will understand it once you try it once: linear acceleration feeling, responsive power output, and more importantly, engineers told me that this will become the signature feature of Polestar s models.

Body roll is also a point worth mentioning. There will be some tilt when the car just starts to turn, but then the feedback the car gives you is the key point: you can clearly feel that the suspension has sufficient support. The frame also looks confident in the face of these lateral forces, which makes it very neutral to ride. On ordinary roads, the limits of traction are difficult to break. No matter how hard you drive, it will give you the confidence to keep moving forward.

But I also understand that the excellent performance is more or less due to the Performance Pack equipped with this Polestar 2. This is one of the only optional packages when the new car is released. This kit only focuses on improving chassis performance.

Of course, the choice is still yours. After all, this option package is worth ￡5,000 and provides you with 20-inch wheels and Continental Premium SportContact 6 tires (the standard model has 19-inch Primacy tires or 20-inch Premium Contact 6 tires). As well as larger Brembo front brakes, gold seat belts and tire valves.

The anti-roll bars are 0.5 mm thicker at both ends to further calm the body, while the shock springs are also 5-10mm shorter front and rear, increasing stiffness by 5-8%.

Polestar says that the biggest difference, although only a slight tweak, is actually the spring's damper. These dampers are from ?hlins, and like those we've seen on previous Polestar-operated Volvo performance cars, their dual flow valves can be adjusted using the dampers' mechanical dials, just like you would on a race car.

We counted and found that there are 22 levels of adjustment in one ***. They adjust the oil flow rate during the compression and rebound processes in the same stroke. Soft? hard? The choice is yours. This is much cooler than selecting comfort or sport mode on the screen (of course, you have to be "hardcore" enough)

Obviously, the advantage of this mechanical adjustment system is: compared with constantly changing the mode on the screen The adjustable electronic controller has a larger adjustable range, and there is no need to worry about electrical failures, it can always work normally. First adjust the vehicle to your favorite mode, and then adjust the softness and hardness of the shock absorber springs. Not all cars have the fun of doing it. It not only allows you to experience the ultimate in fisting and flesh, but also gives you a comfortable and wonderful journey. Is Polestar 2 fast?

Very fast! Unlike the Polestar 1's plug-in hybrid system, the Polestar 2 only has one drive mode, so making it fast is simple. Its throttle response is sharp and easy to get used to. Although Polestar2 does not have a launch control system, as long as you bravely step on the "switch", the speed range of 0-60km/h will still make you feel dizzy, which cannot be imitated by gasoline or diesel cars.

Of course, you can also adjust the steering force independently, or adjust the intensity of power recovery. Want to drive with one pedal? No problem, just set it up. Braking feel is also commendable, with almost no difference between the feedback of kinetic energy recovery and further deceleration when the Brembo brakes are pressed, it feels natural and progressive. Car system based on Android?

Good news for digital lovers! Perhaps the most exciting element on the Polestar 2 is that it's the first car in the world to feature Google Android infotainment. It's set up on an 11-inch freestanding portrait screen, and once you're logged into your Google account, it runs just like your Android phone or tablet, and it also supports app sync.

The default home screen is the status bar plus four customizable main function tiles, such as navigation, media, phone, etc. The four buttons at the top are the vehicle settings. Their UI is large and easy to move. One is for the 360° panoramic image, one is for setting various processing options, another is for the vehicle safety system, and finally a All other vehicle settings, such as interior lighting. Is it better than stock Android Auto?

Yes, but mostly because of a few ease-of-use reasons. You simply walk to the driver's door to log into the Polestar 2's infotainment system, where a Bluetooth antenna automatically recognizes the mobile device on you for verification. If you're more "retro", you can also set a password for verification. All without plugging your phone into your car's USB or pressing an on-screen button. (Editor's note: satire of Model 3's "automation")

Since everything is integrated and saved to your Google profile, when you open the door, the car has already started moving the seat for you and rearview mirrors, steering weight to your liking, and a variety of safety systems configured to your liking.

Therefore, you can rest assured to leave it to Android Auto and the voice control system in the car to complete in-car operations. As long as the car is connected to the Internet, Google Assistant can control all connected devices in the local area network, such as Navigation, Spotify radio, car air conditioning, even your home’s garage light or smart oven. Battery life?

Polestar’s data is: comprehensive cruising range 470km, if you only drive in the city, it is 560km. Of course, this is test data derived under the WLTP standard.

What about charging time? It doesn't have Porsche's ridiculously fast 800V high-voltage charging technology, just the standard 400V, so don't expect any surprises. According to a rough estimate, it will take 35-45 minutes to charge 80% of the battery with a 150kW DC charger, which is a very common and normal charging data. Our rating?

The publicity strategy of pure electric vehicles is often accompanied by some eye-catching "gimmicks", such as the ability to launch multiple times in a row or 20-minute wireless fast charging. These all represent the application of cutting-edge technology in new vehicles. application.

But Polestar 2 does not do this. It still deserves your attention because it is not reinventing the car, but a master. Polestar 2 is a pure electric car suitable for daily use. All its features are designed to serve you in the driver's seat, not to mention that its infotainment system seamlessly integrates Android Auto functions.

In many ways, these pragmatic combinations make it feel a lot like the Volvo it once was. But the difference is that Polestar 2 has unique personality and driving pleasure, which Volvo does not have. In short, it's really, really good.