Volvo's Polestar 2 is the conservative Tesla Model 3

Detroit News auto critic Henry Payne took the 2021 Polestar 2 to Hell, Michigan, where it was a blast on twisty roads thanks to its low center of gravity.

The 2021 Polestar 2 is a new brand — but its lines still evoke parent Volvo. More radical stylings are coming in the future.

The 2021 Polestar 2 is the second car from Volvo's new EV brand. Where the Polestar 1 was an expensive, $100,000-plus halo car, the 2 is aimed at the volume Tesla Model 3.

Hatchback utility. The 2021 Polestar 2 has the same platform as the Volvo XC40 — and its hatchback cargo space.

The 2021 Polestar 2 is the second car from Volvo's new EV brand. Where the Polestar 1 was an expensive, $100,000-plus halo car, the 2 is aimed at the volume Tesla Model 3.

The interior of the 2021 Polestar 2 is roomy, spare — but with a familiar layout of instrument display, center console screen and shifter.

The 2021 Polestar 2 offers a simple console with unique square shifter and a vertical 12-inch screen.

Like the Tesla Model 3, the 2021 Polestar 2 comes with a full, tinted panoramic roof.

The steering wheel of the 2021 Polestar 2 will be familiar to Volvo drivers — despite that new Polestar logo.

The 2021 Polestar 2 counters the Tesla Model 3 with two screens — like traditional, gas-powered cars.

The quick, easy-to-use Android-based screen of the 2021 Polestar 2 blows away Volvo models.

The ride and handling of the 2021 Polestar 2 are configurable.

"Play U2." The 2021 Polestar 2's Android-based system comes with the Spotify app. And with OTA capability, more apps can be added.

The 2021 Polestar 2 is not as ambitious as Tesla on the self-driving front — its adaptive cruise system is lifted from the current Volvo toolbox.

Unlike the Tesla Model 3, the 2021 Polestar 2 duplicates the map on its center console screen in an instrument display behind the steering wheel.

On his 73-mile drive in the 2021 Polestar 2, Detroit News auto critic Henry Payne spent 100 miles of battery range.

The 2021 Polestar 2 comes with the latest safety systems; it's a Volvo product, after all.

The 2021 Polestar 2 knows when it can't reach a destination on current battery charge.

Like Tesla, the 2021 Polestar 2 does not offer AM radio — the electric motors interfere with its frequency.

The 2021 Polestar 2 uses its big screen for a nifty overhead camera view.

Unlike Tesla, Polestar does not offer a network of proprietary chargers, so the 2021 Polestar 2 cannot navigate where to charge on the way to your destination; it can only provide the closest charger options.

The 2021 Polestar 2 does not put all functions in its big touchscreen like the Tesla Model 3. The glove compartment, for example, is still opened by hand.

The 2021 Polestar 2 has a minimalist interior, but not so minimalist as competitor Tesla Model 3. The door switch gear is common to most cars.

The 2021 Polestar 2 offers conservative, Volvo-like styling — but adds some distinct features like rimless mirrors.

The rear seats of the 2021 Polestar 2 are a little tight on the knees of six-footers. It's a subcompact, after all.

One of the 2021 Polestar 2's big advantages over the Tesla Model 3 is its more useful hatchback cargo space.

The 2021 Polestar 2 can be charged on common CCS charging systems.

Based on the chassis of the Volvo XC40 SUV — that is, not a true skateboard EV chassis — the 2021 Polestar 2 does not have as deep a frunk as other EVs.

The 2021 Polestar 2, left, is the first real luxury competitor to the Tesla Model 3.

The 2021 Polestar, right, has many of the features of the Tesla Model 3 — OTA, AWD, big battery, spare interior — but its styling is more conservative.

The interior of the Tesla Model 3, seen here, was an inspiration for the 2021 Polestar 2's panoramic roof and big interior screen.

Tesla's self-driving system (Model 3, seen here) is much more ambitious than the 2021 Polestar 2.

The Toyota Prius (red car) is sooo 15 minutes ago. Ann Arbor greens might want to look at the all-electric, athletic 2021 Polestar 2.

The 2021 Polestar 2 comes in six colors.

Familiar Volvo Thor's hammer headlights, familiar Volvo grille — but what's this? A new Polestar logo for the 2021 Polestar 2.

The rear view of the 2021 Polestar 2 EV features distinct rear lights — and, of course, no tailpipe.