The Polestar 3 is the largest and most luxurious automotive but from this fledgling EV model – and it’s a automotive Polestar hopes can tempt consumers which are looking for a big luxurious SUV out of some large identify manufacturers.
The Polestar 3 will not be about setting the EV gross sales world on hearth, however is extra a showcase for the design, know-how and efficiency that’s on the coronary heart of the electrical automotive specialist.
The big five-seat SUV has the likes of the BMW iX, Audi Q8 e-Tron and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV in its crosshairs. It additionally hopes to tempt consumers out of the Porsche Cayenne, which Polestar nominates as one in all its prime rivals (remembering the following era Cayenne due in a few years will likely be EV solely).
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They’re large targets and so they accompany a automotive oozing attention-grabbing design parts and a contemporary, tech-infused cabin.
Whereas it’s an SUV the Polestar 3 is comparatively low slung, with an emphasis on model and sportiness. The delicate front-mounted wing that offers the automotive some visible bulk whereas serving to decrease the aero drag is indicative of the eye to element – and the hassle that’s gone to in making certain it’s a bit of bit totally different.
2024 Polestar 3 worth and tools
The Polestar 3 is priced from $132,900 plus on-road prices and comes completely as a five-seater.
That lack of a 3rd row of seats might damage it towards its rivals, lots of which have seven seats.
However Polestar believes the luxurious focus and emphasis on driving dynamics offers it some extent of distinction.
For that you simply get two electrical motors (a single motor mannequin is due later) making a mixed 360kW and 840Nm.
Step as much as the Efficiency Pack for one more $9000 and a software program replace boosts the utmost outputs to 380kW and 910Nm, in flip decreasing the claimed 0-100km/h time from 5.0 seconds to 4.7 seconds.
Whereas the motors are similar tech, the rear one is tuned to make as much as 200kW and 490Nm whereas the entrance is proscribed to 180kW/420Nm.
The Efficiency mannequin – which is what we spent most time in throughout our European drive – additionally will get 22-inch wheels in lieu of the usual 21-inch hoops. Plus there’s gold-coloured seatbelts and gold Brembo brake calipers.
Each include loads of luxurious fare and tech, together with a 9.0-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.5-inch infotainment show organized in a portrait configuration.
It runs the Android Automotive working system so it has Google embedded.
You may nonetheless pair any telephones, however the Google set-up means you may entry the Play Retailer for extra apps whereas additionally having Google Maps included.
There’s additionally a 360-degree digital camera, wi-fi telephone charging, three-zone air flow, heated entrance seats, tyre strain screens, panoramic sunroof, electrical entrance seats, powered tailgate and 4 USB ports.
Launch version vehicles may even include the Plus Pack that features doorways that suck themselves closed, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, numerous eco trim parts and a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system with Dolby Atmos (ordinarily the pack prices $9000).
You may select numerous trims and supplies inside, all of that are fine quality.
The MicroTech seat materials seems to be and feels terrific, or you may go extra conventional with Nappa leather-based.
Sprint trim selections embrace black ash wooden or aluminium and people upmarket delicate finishes circulation elsewhere, too, from mesh-like inserts and the selection of lighter hues, there’s an actual luxurious atmosphere.
Throw in some Swedish design minimalism – the vehicles are designed in Sweden with loads of Volvo flavour, however ours will likely be in-built China – and it makes for a critically upmarket cabin.
Higher than that, the Polestar 3 is totally different and attention-grabbing, for one thing distinctive in that giant SUV phase.
While you’re spending large bucks that counts for one thing.
Polestar 3: What we predict
The 2024 Polestar 3 begins with recent genes within the type of the SPA2 platform (Scalable Product Structure) that can also be shared with the upcoming Volvo EX90.
Its low-ish roof line units it up properly for its sporty aspirations.
Using on adjustable top air suspension – there’s even a high-riding off-road mode, though no spare tyre – the three additionally has a broad footprint.
All of which contributes to its on-road manner.
Over bumps it’s genuinely plush and cozy, smothering all however the largest of imperfections.
Even using on 22-inch wheels there’s spectacular polish to the way in which the suspension goes about its enterprise.
It’s quiet, too, and the physique properly managed, making for an easy-to-live-with SUV that feels much more agile and interesting than its on-paper stats could recommend.
And it’s enjoyable to drive, too, with progressive, well-weighted steering.
Electrical torque vectoring helps feed drive to the surface rear wheel, serving to level the automotive and endowing it with terrific mid-corner poise. It’s made potential by a intelligent dual-clutch rear differential that may apportion 100 per cent of the drive to both facet of the automotive.
It’s an necessary consider giving the Polestar 3 that athleticism and agility.
Dial up sportier drive modes and the dampers stiffen, however to not the purpose of upsetting the journey.
That capability to supply partaking dynamic capability together with on a regular basis consolation is the actual shock with the Polestar 3.
And, in fact, that luxurious flavour is rammed dwelling with the structure of the cabin
As a five-seater it pampers from any seat, with the flat ground aiding with legroom within the rear and the width of the cabin creating a way of area.
There’s a beneficiant 484 litres of bags area out again (or 597L should you measure to the roof) and one other 32 litres below the bonnet.
As with so many twin motor EVs there’s not the slightest challenge with efficiency.
The Polestar 3 launches with intent and shuns greater than 2.4 tonnes of heft by shoving you again into the properly bolstered entrance seats.
We often had the traction electronics hiccup when firing out of tight hairpins, however that’s when pushed with the kind of enthusiasm few will aspire to in a automotive reminiscent of this. And it’s additionally whereas making an attempt to unleash an entire lot of grunt.
In all different conditions there’s oodles of thrust that makes for simple acceleration.
Even in eco mode there’s first rate pull, one thing made extra spectacular while you realise it’s solely the entrance motor doing the work (the rear is cleverly disconnected quickly to spice up effectivity).
Polestar claims as much as 628km of WLTP vary, or 561km with the Efficiency Pack.
Our expertise suggests one thing like 500km is nearer to the mark, which nonetheless makes it a totally helpful EV. Utilise that front-drive mode, although, and it’s best to have the ability to eke some extra from it.
Residence AC charging may be carried out at as much as 11kW and when utilizing a extra frequent 7.4kW wallbox it’d be about 16 hours for a full cost.
Quicker DC charging may be carried out at as much as 250kW for a 10-80 per cent top-up in about half-hour.
2024 Polestar 3: Verdict
The Polestar 3 is essentially the most convincing automotive but from this younger EV model.
It’s additionally by far the most costly, one thing that may critically restrict its firepower, particularly when there’s a lot depth to the circa-$150,000 SUV market.
However with refreshingly fashionable design inside and outside and compelling driving manners it makes the Polestar 3 an attention-grabbing various amongst a sea of acquainted luxurious marques.
Throw in a slick-looking and sensible five-seat physique and it effortlessly muscular tissues into the premium SUV class, even when it’s unlikely to be an enormous vendor (neither is it making an attempt to be).
The Polestar 3 as an alternative asserts itself as a worthy addition to the phase and the model that’s pleased with doing issues in another way – whereas additionally nailing the luxurious SUV fundamentals.
Rating: 4/5
2024 Polestar 3 specificationsPrice: From $132,900 plus on-road costsBasics: EV, 5 seats, 5 doorways, SUV, AWDRange: 449kmBattery capability: 111kWh (107kWh usable)Battery guarantee: 8 years/160,000kmEnergy consumption: 21.9-23.1kWh/100kmMotors: 1 entrance and 1 rear 380kW/910NmAC charging: 11kW, Sort 2 plugDC charging: 250kW, CCS combo plug0-100km/h: 4.7 seconds