Polestar has finally unveiled its first electric SUV. The Polestar 3 will now be available to clients in the fourth quarter of 2023, with a starting price of $85,300 in the United States. Pre-orders are now available. While this positions the EV squarely in the premium category, there are a few characteristics that might make it stand apart.
To begin, the Polestar 3 will provide consistent performance. The 111kWh battery pack gives the Volvo spinoff an early estimate of 379 miles of range (using WLTP testing procedures). We’d anticipate a lower EPA rating in the US, but it still means the car may outperform Mercedes’ more costly EQS SUV’s 305 miles. Polestar also claims a 0-62MPH pace of 5 seconds with the 483HP twin motor system (4.7 seconds and 510HP with the $6,000 Performance Pack), a peak speed of 130MPH, and compatibility for 250kW rapid charging.
More crucially, there is an abundance of technology on hand. The basic Polestar 3 is outfitted with a slew of cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors to provide safety features taken from Volvo, such as interior radar that alerts drivers when youngsters are still in the rear seats. You may also get an unpriced Pilot Pack that includes LiDAR and sets the framework for self-driving features.
There will also be much more computing power within. Polestar’s initial model will employ an NVIDIA Drive computer to power driver aid capabilities, and the 14.5-inch infotainment display will be powered by a “next-generation” Snapdragon Cockpit Platform. This first model year will contain the Plus Pack and normal Pilot Pack, which will include amenities such as a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system (compatible with Dolby Atmos), a heads-up display, and driving assists for highways and parking.
