Polestar, formerly Volvo Cars’ performance arm, has grown its electric-vehicle (EV) lineup from one sleek coupe to three models in the United States. The automaker just announced the Polestar 3, its first SUV and the first of its models to be built on two continents. The 5-seat electric SUV is available with more than 500 horsepower and follows the Polestar Precept concept car’s design.
When it lands in 2024, the South Carolina-built Polestar 3 will compete with the Audi Q6 E-tron, Mercedes-Benz EQE, and the Porsche Macan. Its dual-motor powertrain starts with 489 hp, which buyers can upgrade to 517 ponies. The automaker also says that the Polestar 3 comes with cutting-edge advanced driver assistance systems thanks to its array of cameras, radar modules, and ultrasonic sensors.
Though it’s no longer “part” of Volvo, Polestar’s vehicles still carry plenty of the Swedish automaker’s DNA. The “Thor’s Hammer” LED running lights, chiseled sides, and interior finishes still scream Volvo. Polestar says the 3 features a new aerodynamic profile that retains the SUV shape while incorporating subtle aero upgrades, such as the front wing incorporated into the hood and another wing in the rear spoiler.
Inside, the Polestar 3’s cabin features a minimalist design with a heavy focus on sustainable materials. The large touchscreen dominates the dash, while Polestar mounts a smaller digital driver information display behind the steering wheel. The center console features a floating design with lower storage space, and Polestar’s contoured seats come wrapped in bio-attributed MicroTech upholstery, animal welfare-certified leather, or fully traceable wool.
Polestar will launch the 3 with a dual-motor powertrain with a rear bias. Basic output registers at 489 hp and 620 pound-feet of torque, and the optional Performance package pushes output to 517 hp and 671 pound-feet. Electric torque vectoring on the rear axle and one-pedal driving are standard, and Polestar says the rear axle can decouple to preserve range when you don’t need it. The 3 also comes standard with an adaptive air suspension that adjusts to changing road conditions once every two milliseconds.
Polestar packs the 3 with a 111-kWh battery, which it says provides a 300-mile range on the EPA scale and 610 km using the WLTP standard. The battery has a unique cell design with boron steel and liquid cooling. The SUV also has a mechanical heat pump to help with battery preconditioning. Polestar equipped the 3 for bidirectional charging to return power to the grid or charge other power equipment.
The Polestar 3 features five external cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and five radar modules. The radar module and forward-facing camera are heated to maintain effectiveness in cold weather. Two closed-loop cameras handle driver eye monitoring and can trigger warning sounds or even an emergency stop function if the driver is incapacitated.
Polestar equips two packages as standard on the launch model, and the Pilot Pack brings a few advanced driver aids. The list includes active parking assistance, a semi-autonomous highway driving assistant, and a head-up display. Polestar says it will offer an upgraded Pilot Pack later in 2023, including a lidar system with a control unit from NVIDIA. The pack also brings three additional cameras and a cleaning system for the front- and rear-facing cameras. Polestar says the lidar system enables “3D scanning of the car’s surroundings and helps prepare the car for autonomous driving.”
Every Polestar 3 comes with a massive 14.5-inch touchscreen that runs Android Automotive OS. The system, built by Google, offers the company’s services built-in, which brings integrated maps, voice assistance, and other features. The system has over-the-air (OTA) updates that Polestar will use to add features over time. Interior radar sensors help prevent leaving a kid or pet in the car. The automaker says they are sensitive enough to assist other systems in activating the 3’s climate control system to prevent temperature damage to sensitive components.
The Polestar 3 comes standard with a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system that features 3D surround sound and Dolby Atmos. An electric steering column and a heated steering wheel are also standard. Polestar focuses heavily on its partnerships with other companies in the computing and AI space, and there will likely be many opportunities to improve the vehicle with updates for the NVIDIA core computer. Adding to its powerhouse computing capabilities, the Snapdragon Digital Chassis system provides a platform for more advanced in-vehicle services and more feature-rich displays.
The Polestar 3 isn’t out yet and already has serious competition. The Mercedes-Benz EQE has great tech and offers advanced electric drivetrain components. The Audi Q6 E-tron offers a stunning interior and fantastic tech, but it’s expensive. Finally, the Porsche Macan is a great gas alternative to the Polestar 3, though industry observers expect Porsche to electrify its high-performance compact SUV in 2024.
Polestar is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of October 12, 2022, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
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