Sleek Polestar 3 Debuts As Swedish EV Brand’s First SUV

The electric SUV segment keeps expanding by the month, and both mainstream and luxury brands want in. Audi e-tron, BMW iX, Cadillac Lyriq, Volvo C40 Recharge—the list goes on and on.

One of the next in line recently made its global debut. The 2024 Polestar 3, the young Swedish EV brand’s first utility model, will try to stand out from the competition with unique Scandinavian styling and a focus on performance when it goes on sale in North America in the fall of next year.

Here are five things you need to know about the Polestar 3…

1. Tough Price to Swallow

Riding on a different platform than the existing Polestar 2, this new model will initially come from China before production starts at the Volvo plant in South Carolina in mid-2024.

While the sedan currently retails from $53,950, the Polestar 3 gets a base price tag of—wait for it—$97,400. Orders are now being taken online in case you can’t wait to secure a copy.

2. Focus on Aerodynamics

In addition to its sporty, coupe-like silhouette, the Polestar 3 features a front aero wing integrated into the hood, a second aero wing integrated into the rear spoiler and rear aero blades. Even the 21-inch wheels are aerodynamically optimized.

What’s more, the “SmartZone” grille (concealing various ADAS sensors) is smaller and completely closed.

3. Another Dimension of Green

Polestar’s environmental concerns go far beyond the drivetrain. The materials used in the Polestar 3 were selected for their sustainability credentials. These materials include bio-attributed MicroTech upholstery, animal welfare-certified leather and a fully traceable wool upholstery.

Speaking of the interior, Android Automotive OS is the in-car operating system, co-developed with Google and fronted by a 14.5-inch centre display. Naturally, over-the-air software updates are part of the mix, too.

4. Solid Dose of Torque

Since the Polestar 3 is about performance, it generates more power than the Polestar 2. With dual electric motors, output is rated at 489 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque. With the optional Performance Pack ($7,000), it raises to 517 hp and 671 lb-ft.

Power without control means nothing, so the adaptive air suspension allows drivers to alternate between comfort and dynamic suspension characteristics. The Polestar 3 can adjust its active damper velocity electronically once every two milliseconds.

5. All-Weather Efficiency

Polestar says that adjustable one-pedal driving is possible with the Polestar 3, while a decoupling function is also available for the rear electric motor, allowing the vehicle to run only on the front electric motor to save energy under certain circumstances.

By the way, the battery has a capacity of 111 kWh and is projected to deliver a range of up to 482 km based on the U.S. EPA test cycle. That’s great. But you know what else is? On Canadian-spec units, a standard heat pump will help preserve range in cold temperatures.