The 2021 Polestar 2 Launch Edition is a limited production electric sedan with specific features and pricing

The 2021 Polestar 2 Launch Edition was a limited run of the company's first fully electric sedan, produced only in 2021. Polestar, the performance electric brand owned by Volvo, built roughly 1,600 Launch Edition vehicles worldwide. These cars came with a fixed set of features, a specific price point, and distinct styling that separated them from standard Polestar 2 models built after the launch year ended.

If you are considering buying a used 2021 Launch Edition or want to understand what made this model year different, the details below cover the powertrain, interior, exterior design, pricing at launch, and how it compares to other 2021 Polestar 2 variants.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2021 Polestar 2 Launch Edition came with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain producing 408 horsepower and an 78 kWh battery pack.
  • Launch Edition models included specific interior and exterior features as standard, such as Nappa leather seats, a panoramic glass roof, and unique 20-inch wheels.
  • The Launch Edition was priced at $59,900 before incentives when it first launched, making it one of the higher-priced variants for that model year.
  • Only about 1,600 Launch Edition vehicles were built globally, making it a limited production run that ended when 2022 model year production began.
  • The Launch Edition included a 3-year, 36,000-mile warranty and access to Polestar's charging network partnership with EVgo.

Powertrain and Performance Specifications

The 2021 Polestar 2 Launch Edition used a dual-motor setup with one motor on each axle, delivering 408 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque. This all-wheel-drive configuration allowed the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.3 seconds. The Launch Edition came standard with an 78 kWh battery pack (usable capacity), which Polestar rated for an EPA-estimated range of 270 miles on a full charge.

Charging speed depended on the equipment used. With a Level 2 home charger (240 volts), a full charge took roughly 8 to 10 hours. Using a DC fast charger at a public station, the battery could reach 80 percent capacity in approximately 35 minutes. The Launch Edition did not offer a smaller battery option — all Launch Edition models came with the 78 kWh pack as standard.

The car used a single-speed transmission, which is typical for electric vehicles. Regenerative braking was standard and helped recover energy when slowing down, extending range in city driving. The Launch Edition came with all-wheel-drive only; there was no rear-wheel-drive option for this variant.

Interior Features and Technology

Launch Edition interiors came equipped with Nappa leather seats as standard, a material softer and more supple than standard leather. The seats were heated and power-adjustable. The steering wheel was also leather-wrapped and heated. The Launch Edition included a panoramic glass roof that extended from the windshield back toward the rear of the cabin, creating an open-air feel.

The infotainment system was built on Google's Android Automotive platform, meaning it included Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant built into the car itself. The 11.6-inch touchscreen was standard, and the system supported both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for phone integration. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster displayed driving information and navigation directions.

The Launch Edition came with a premium audio system by Harman Kardon, featuring 13 speakers. Climate control was dual-zone automatic, allowing the driver and front passenger to set different temperatures. The cabin included ambient lighting with multiple color options, and the Launch Edition featured a power-operated trunk lid.

Exterior Design and Wheels

The 2021 Polestar 2 Launch Edition had a distinctive exterior design that carried forward from the car's 2020 debut. The front end featured a closed grille (since there is no engine to cool) with a horizontal light bar connecting the headlights. The body was sleek and sedan-shaped, with a sloping roofline that gave it a coupe-like profile despite having four doors and a traditional trunk.

Launch Edition models came standard with 20-inch Uberblade wheels finished in a unique design exclusive to the Launch Edition. These wheels were wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, a performance-oriented tire choice. The Launch Edition also included a fixed rear spoiler and side skirts that gave the car a more aggressive stance compared to base Polestar 2 models.

The exterior color options for the Launch Edition included Midnight Black, Glacier White, and Stealth Grey. All Launch Edition vehicles came with a black roof, regardless of body color. The car measured 187.4 inches long, 72.8 inches wide, and 56.5 inches tall, giving it proportions similar to other mid-size luxury sedans.

Launch Edition Pricing and Production Numbers

The 2021 Polestar 2 Launch Edition launched at a starting price of $59,900 before any federal tax credits or state incentives. This price was higher than the base Polestar 2 Standard model, which started at a lower price point but came with fewer standard features. The Launch Edition price included destination charges but did not include taxes, registration, or dealer fees.

Polestar produced approximately 1,600 Launch Edition vehicles globally during 2021. Once the 2022 model year began, the Launch Edition was discontinued, and Polestar shifted to other trim levels and configurations. This limited production run makes the 2021 Launch Edition a specific collectible variant within the Polestar 2 lineup.

At the time of launch, buyers could take advantage of the federal electric vehicle tax credit of up to $7,500 (in the United States), which reduced the effective price. State incentives varied by location and ranged from no additional credit to several thousand dollars depending on where the car was registered and purchased.

Warranty Coverage and Charging Network Access

The 2021 Polestar 2 Launch Edition came with a 3-year, 36,000-mile basic warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. The battery and electric drivetrain were covered under a separate 8-year, 120,000-mile warranty, which protected against battery degradation and motor failure. This extended battery coverage was a key selling point for early Polestar buyers concerned about long-term reliability.

Launch Edition owners received complimentary access to EVgo's DC fast-charging network for the first three years of ownership. This partnership allowed Launch Edition owners to charge at thousands of EVgo stations across the United States without paying per-use fees during that period. After three years, charging would revert to EVgo's standard pay-per-use rates unless the owner enrolled in a paid membership plan.

Polestar also offered a mobile app that showed nearby charging stations, real-time availability, and allowed remote climate control and battery preconditioning before driving. The app worked with both the built-in charging locator and third-party networks like Electrify America and ChargePoint.

How the Launch Edition Compared to Other 2021 Polestar 2 Variants

The 2021 Polestar 2 lineup included three main variants: Standard, Plus, and Launch Edition. The Standard model came with a smaller 62 kWh battery (usable), rear-wheel drive, and fewer luxury features. The Plus model added the larger 78 kWh battery and all-wheel drive but used different interior materials and wheels than the Launch Edition. The Launch Edition was positioned as the premium variant, combining the largest battery, all-wheel drive, and the most comprehensive standard feature set.

In terms of performance, the Launch Edition and Plus models were mechanically identical — both had dual motors, 408 horsepower, and the 78 kWh battery. The differences were primarily in interior appointments, exterior styling, and included features. The Launch Edition's Nappa leather, panoramic roof, and Uberblade wheels were not available on the Standard or Plus models, or required expensive options packages to add.

Pricing reflected these differences. The Launch Edition at $59,900 was the most expensive variant, while the Standard and Plus models cost less. However, the Launch Edition's fixed feature set meant buyers could not customize it as much as other variants — you got the Launch Edition as Polestar designed it, with no option to remove features or substitute alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 Polestar 2 Launch Edition still in production?

No. The Launch Edition was only produced during 2021 and was discontinued when the 2022 model year began. If you are interested in a Launch Edition, you would need to purchase a used vehicle from the 2021 model year. Polestar continued making the Polestar 2 in other trim levels after 2021.

How much range does the 2021 Launch Edition lose in cold weather?

Electric vehicles typically lose 20 to 40 percent of their range in cold weather, depending on temperature and driving conditions. The EPA-rated 270-mile range assumes moderate conditions. In freezing temperatures, you might see 160 to 216 miles of real-world range. The Launch Edition's heat pump helped mitigate some cold-weather losses compared to earlier EV designs.

Can you charge the Launch Edition at home with a standard outlet?

Yes, but it is very slow. A standard 120-volt household outlet charges the Polestar 2 at roughly 2 to 3 miles of range per hour. A full charge from empty would take 30 to 40 hours. Most Launch Edition owners installed a Level 2 (240-volt) home charger, which reduced charging time to 8 to 10 hours and was far more practical for daily use.

What is the difference between the Launch Edition and the Plus model?

Both have the same powertrain and battery. The Launch Edition includes Nappa leather, a panoramic roof, and unique 20-inch Uberblade wheels as standard. The Plus model uses standard leather, a fixed roof, and different wheels. The Launch Edition was also a limited production run, while the Plus was available throughout the model year.

Does the free EVgo charging last forever?

No. The complimentary EVgo charging access was limited to three years from the date of purchase. After that period ended, Launch Edition owners would need to pay EVgo's standard rates or enroll in a paid membership plan to continue using the network. This benefit applied only to the original owner.