Introduction

The Polestar 3, the latest offering from the renowned Swedish automaker, Polestar, celebrated its world premiere in Copenhagen on October 12, 2022, marking a significant milestone for the brand’s expansion into the United States. With the Polestar 3, the company is poised to revolutionize the electric luxury SUV segment by combining cutting-edge technology, stunning design, and exhilarating performance. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the various aspects of the Polestar 3, from its design philosophy to its impressive specifications, safety features, manufacturing plans, and pricing details.

1. Name

Polestar adopts a straightforward numerical naming scheme for its models, with the Polestar 3 being no exception. This nomenclature approach, as confirmed by Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar’s CEO, simplifies the naming process and minimizes the risk of trademark infringement, reflecting the brand’s commitment to simplicity and clarity.

2. Design

The Polestar 3’s design represents a significant departure from its predecessors, as it was conceived entirely as a Polestar creation from the ground up. The front fascia introduces the brand’s new ‘Dual Blade’ Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and features a distinctive hexagonal upper grille, T-shaped headlamps, and a trapezoidal lower grille. Notable design elements include an aerodynamic wing integrated into the hood and a sleek, sporty silhouette with flush door handles, showcasing the brand’s commitment to minimalism and performance-oriented aesthetics.

3. Interior

Polestar’s Scandinavian minimalism is evident in the interior design of the Polestar 3. The five-seat configuration prioritizes spaciousness and luxury, with a sportscar-inspired seating position, a lowered dashboard, and generous legroom in the second row. The use of animal welfare-certified leather and traceable wool upholstery emphasizes Polestar’s commitment to sustainability. The interior is replete with advanced technology, including connected car solutions and on-board entertainment features.

4. Features

The Polestar 3 comes equipped with a range of impressive features, including 21-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, a panoramic glass roof, a 9-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Notably, it adopts Android Automotive OS for its infotainment system, offering seamless integration with Android devices, Google HD Maps, and Google Assistant. Additionally, the Polestar 3 boasts a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system and an Advanced Cabin Air filtration system, ensuring a premium driving experience.

5. Specifications

Platform: The Polestar 3 is built on the SPA2 platform, shared with the Volvo EX90, featuring a skateboard chassis optimized for electric vehicles.

Body: With dimensions measuring 193 inches in length, 83.5 inches in width (including mirrors), and 64 inches in height, the Polestar 3 offers a spacious interior. The rear seats can be folded down to provide 49.8 cubic feet of cargo space, with additional storage available in the frunk.

Chassis: The Polestar 3 features a rear-biased dual-motor powertrain, achieving a 50:50 weight distribution and a lower center of gravity compared to gas-powered SUVs. Torque Vectoring Dual Clutch (TDVC) technology and adaptive suspension ensure agile and dynamic handling.

Acceleration & Top Speed: Powered by two motors delivering 360 kW (483 hp) and 840 Nm (620 lb.-ft.) of torque, the Polestar 3 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. An optional Performance Pack enhances power to 380 kW (509 hp) and torque to 910 Nm (671 lb.-ft.), reducing the 0-60 mph time to 4.6 seconds.

Range & Charging: Equipped with a 107 kWh battery pack, the Polestar 3 offers an estimated EPA range of 300 miles. Charging from 10 to 80% state of charge (SoC) takes just 30 minutes with a DC charger, and a plug-and-charge (PnC) function enhances convenience at public charging stations.

Polestar 3 Specifications

Aspect\Specification	Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor	Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor with Performance Pack
Length	193 in.	193 in.
Width (incl. mirrors)	83.5 in.	83.5 in.
Height	64 in.	64 in.
Wheelbase	117.5 in.	117.5 in.
Ground Clearance	8.3 in.	8.3 in.
Curb-to-curb Turning Circle	38.7 ft.	38.7 ft.
Wheels	Cast alloy	Forged alloy
Wheel Size	21 in.	22 in.
Tires	Michelin Pilot Sport 4 EV	Pirelli P-Zero
Tire Size	265/45R21 (front)/295/40R21 (rear)	265/40R22 (front)/295/35R22 (rear)
Brakes	Brembo 4-piston, 400 mm drilled and ventilated discs (front)/Standard single-piston, 390 mm ventilated discs (rear)	Brembo 4-piston, 400 mm drilled and ventilated discs (front)/Standard single-piston, 390 mm ventilated discs (rear)
Cargo Volume (Rear Seats Up)	17.1 cu. ft.	17.1 cu. ft.
Cargo Volume (Rear Seats Folded)	49.8 cu. ft.	49.8 cu. ft.
Battery Pack	107 kWh	107 kWh
Drivetrain Layout	AWD	AWD
No. of Motors	Two	Two
Power	360 kW (483 hp)	380 kW (509 hp)
Torque	840 Nm (620 lb.-ft.)	910 Nm (671 lb.-ft.)
0-60 mph Acceleration Time (Estimated)	4.9 seconds	4.6 seconds
Top Speed	130 mph	130 mph
EPA-est. Range (Preliminary)	300 miles	270 miles
EPA-est. Energy Consumption (Preliminary)	38.5 kWh/100 miles	43.2 kWh/100 miles
Towing Capacity	3,500 lbs.	3,500 lbs.
Tongue Weight Limit	350 lbs.	350 lbs.
Max. Roof Load	220.5 lbs.	220.5 lbs.
Charging (10-80% SoC)	30 minutes (DC fast charger)	30 minutes (DC fast charger)

6. Performance and Handling

The Polestar 3 delivers an exhilarating performance thanks to its powerful electric motors and advanced chassis technology. The rear-biased dual-motor setup, coupled with torque vectoring and adaptive suspension, ensures responsive handling and confident cornering. The optional Performance Pack elevates the driving experience even further, reducing the 0-60 mph sprint time to 4.6 seconds and enhancing overall performance.

7. Safety

Polestar’s commitment to safety is reflected in the extensive range of driver-assistance features available in the Polestar 3. These include advanced features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Pilot Assist, and an array of sensors and cameras for a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings. Polestar has designed the Polestar 3 with the goal of achieving the highest safety ratings, and rigorous testing and engineering have been conducted to ensure occupant and pedestrian safety.

8. Manufacturing

The Polestar 3 will be manufactured at the brand’s state-of-the-art facility in Ridgeville, South Carolina. This production facility, known for its sustainable practices and advanced manufacturing techniques, underscores Polestar’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting responsible manufacturing.

9. Pricing and Availability

Polestar 3 pricing starts at ~$85,000 for the Long Range Dual Motor variant. The optional Performance Pack is available for an additional cost. Reservations for the Polestar 3 are now open, and deliveries are expected to begin in the summer of 2024.

Conclusion

The Polestar 3 represents a significant step forward for the brand as it expands into the competitive electric luxury SUV market. With its striking design, impressive specifications, advanced technology, and commitment to sustainability, the Polestar 3 is well-positioned to make a substantial impact. Polestar’s focus on safety and responsible manufacturing further enhances the appeal of this electrifying SUV. As the automotive industry transitions towards electrification, the Polestar 3 showcases the brand’s dedication to leading the way with innovative and captivating vehicles.