In UAE, cars are more than just vehicles. They are a lifestyle. It’s not a rare sight to spot a Ferrari growl at a stoplight or luxury cars on the sidewalks, at a mall, or in a valet area. The UAE is known for presenting a wide range of luxurious cars and high-end experiences, and Dubai is amongst the cities with the highest car density. The latest to hit the market in UAE is the Polestar 2.
Polestar, the Swedish premium electric performance brand has appointed the Al-Futtaim Group as its representative to enter the UAE market. Internationally launched in 2020, Polestar 2 is the world’s first car with Google built in. This Swedish Sedan car developed by an offshoot arm of Volvo has been available elsewhere in the world for a couple of years, but the Polestar 2 model range will now be available in the UAE in three versions.
Long-Range Version
This premium option comes with two electric motors and a 78 kWh Lithium-ion, 27 modules battery. This dual motor variant provides 408 horsepower delivered through all four wheels, 660 Nm of torque, and has an electric range of up to 482 kilometers. The long-range variant costs upwards of AED 250,900 and features an all-wheel drive.
Long-Range
Single-Motor Version
The long-range variant also comes with a single motor which will deliver 231 hp and a 330 Nm powertrain. With the top speed at 160 km/h and a 78 kWh Lithium-ion, 27 modules battery, this single-motor variant will be able to travel 542 km between charges – 35 minutes (public fast charger, DC, 10-80%) / 8 hours (home wall box, AC, 3-phase, 16A). The Long-Range Single Motor stands at AED 217,900.
Single Motor Version
It features the same performance as its counterparts above but has a reduced range of 444 km. The single electric motor variant comes with 231 hp, 330 Nm of torque, and a 69-kWh battery. In the UAE, Polestar 2 comes at a starting price of AED 179,900 for the standard- range single-motor version.
Vegan Interiors
Polestar 2 is big on sustainability. This Swedish Sedan car has been designed to accelerate sustainable electric mobility. The emphasis has not only been to improve functionality and design but also to address sustainability and carbon footprint. The Polestar 2’s vegan upholstery is made from Weave- Tech for a durable, smooth, and ultra-modern experience. It comes in three colours based on muted, neutral tones – slate, charcoal, and barley. The plus pack’s heat pump optimises the cabin temperature by converting thermal energy from the powertrain, the battery, and the ambient air. The car also features a leather-free steering wheel with a neat matte finish.
“We have revisited materials and processes that go into making Polestar 2, introducing updates that reduce the climate impact and increase material traceability of this award-winning car,” says Polestar Chief Executive Thomas Ingenlath.
“We have revisited materials and rocesses that go into making Polestar 2, introducing updates that reduce the climate impact and increase material traceability of this award-winning car” Polestar Chief Executive Thomas Ingenlath
State-of-the-art Features
Polestar 2 features the Android Automotive OS infotainment system that allows the digital ecosystem for apps and vehicle functions to coexist. Experience high-fidelity sound throughout the cabin delivered by the High-Performance Audi system. From white mood lights to the hexagonal gearshift with an illuminated Polestar symbol in the base, the interior lighting in the Polestar 2 furnishes a modern look. The car’s software is user-friendly with natural voice control and a driver-oriented interface on an 11-inch touchscreen display. The embedded Google services include Google Assistant, Google Maps with support for electric vehicles, and the Google Play Store.
The car can pick instant power at any speed, accelerate from 0-100 km/h in under 5 seconds, and tow up to 1500 kg (plenty for a 6-berth caravan). Known for its safety, the Polestar 2 comes with a 360-degree camera, ABS (Anti-lock Brake System), acoustic hood, and center armrest, among others. The car also comes with 4 USB-C connectors and ample space in the cabin both in front and rear for four adults to sit comfortably.
“With an optional vegan interior that particularly addresses plasticizers, Polestar also makes strong sustainability statements with Polestar 2, releasing its first Life Cycle Assessment report in 2020, with full methodology and transparency, and with a call to the industry at large for a uniformly open and transparent way of disclosing the carbon footprint of electric vehicles from all manufacturers,” said Mohamed Kassem, general manager for Polestar in the UAE.
The Future of EV in UAE
The UAE is pacing swiftly towards a sustainable future. The Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai offers free Salik road-toll tags and free parking slots for EV owners. More than 750 charging stations have been set up in the UAE. The future of Electric vehicles is here, and it looks bright for Polestar 2 as it hits the UAE roads.