Polestar is an electric-car brand that was founded in 2017. Volvo Cars Group and Geely Holding are the two companies that own it. Polestar currently sells two electrified cars - a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) called the Polestar 1, and an all-electric car called the Polestar 2. Beginning in 2023, the all-electric Polestar 3 SUV will join them.
In the US Polestar 3 launches with a dual-motor configuration and a power bias towards rear wheel drive. Polestar 3 produces a total of 489 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque. With the optional Performance Pack, total output raises to 517 hp and 671 lb-ft.
Adjustable one-pedal drive is included, as well as an electric Torque Vectoring Dual Clutch function on the rear axle - an evolution of what was first developed for driving dynamics on the Polestar 1. A decoupling function is also available for the rear electric motor, allowing the car to run only on the front electric motor to save energy under certain circumstances.
A 111 kWh battery pack provides Polestar 3 with driving range of up to 610 km WLTP (estimated 300 miles EPA). The lithium-ion battery features a prismatic cell design housed in a protective aluminium case with boron steel reinforcement and liquid cooling. A mechanical heat pump is included as standard, helping Polestar 3 utilize ambient heat for cabin climate and battery preconditioning- the net effect of which is extended overall range in adverse weather conditions.
Polestar 3 is also equipped for bidirectional charging, enabling future potential for vehicle-to-grid and plug-and-charge capabilities.
Chassis control is provided by dual-chamber air suspension, included in all variants of Polestar 3. This allows the SUV to alternate between comfort and dynamic suspension characteristics. In fact, Polestar 3 can adjust its active damper velocity electronically once every two milliseconds (500 Hz).
The list of standard equipment in Polestar 3 include air suspension, a full-length panoramic glass roof, all-LED lighting inside and out, retractable door handles with proximity sensing, and 21-inch alloy wheels.
The Plus Pack and Pilot Pack come standard in the first model year. They include a set of features that are considered luxurious and convenient. For the Plus pack this includes a 25-speaker audio system from Bowers & Wilkins with 3D surround sound and Dolby Atmos capability, soft-closing doors, electric steering column, heated steering wheel and more.
The Pilot pack includes a head-up display, Park Assist Pilot and the Pilot Assist driver assistance system. Available to order beginning in the second quarter of 2023, an additional optional Pilot Pack with LiDAR from Luminar will add an additional control unit from NVIDIA, three cameras, four ultrasonic sensors and cleaning for the front- and rear-view cameras, providing accurate real-time data about the car's surroundings especially in the long-range field. This LiDAR system enables enhanced 3D scanning of the car's surroundings in greater detail and helps prepare the car for autonomous driving.
The optional Performance Pack includes the maximum power and torque output (517 hp and 671 lb-ft), along with performance optimization for the air suspension, unique 22-inch forged alloy wheels, Pirelli P-Zero tires for enhanced grip, and additional signature 'Swedish gold' details.
Polestar 3 is the first car out on an all-new electric technology base developed by and shared with Volvo Cars. Production for initial launch markets is planned to begin at Volvo Cars' facility in Chengdu, China, with an incremental ramp-up phase beginning in mid-2023. First deliveries are expected in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Additional manufacturing in the United States at Volvo Cars' Ridgeville, South Carolina facility is expected to follow towards the middle of 2024 - from which point Polestar 3 production for North America and select other markets is planned to originate in the USA. Initial deliveries from the Ridgeville factory are expected around the middle of 2024.
At launch, the Polestar 3 Long range Dual motor (489 hp, 620 lb-ft) with Plus and Pilot packages is available at a launch MSRP of $83,900. The indicative starting price for the Polestar 3 Long range Dual motor (360 kW, 840 Nm) for European markets is EUR 89,900. Orders are now being taken online in North America, Europe and China.