Power, prettily packaged
What does performance look like in an electric car? Fanboys can judge that for themselves with the new shark-like Polestar 3, now available to order. This Volvo stablemate prioritises power and technology to create what its CEO calls a modern SUV. At the top end, that’s a stunning 517hp and 910Nm of torque with the optional Performance Pack, which just about edges into supercar territory. Built anew from the ground up, the Polestar 3 has the looks, range and tech credentials to match, while also maintaining sustainability from the get-go. But even the standard car, with 360 kW and 840 Nm of torque, faces down rivals such as the BMW iX, the Tesla Model X and even the Audi A6 e-tron - all at a very competitive lease price.
Aerodynamic, with range
The Polestar 3 aims to be engaging and aerodynamic, clearly channelling DeLorean vibes. While time travel is a distance away, the Polestar 3’s WLTP range of 610km on an 111kWh battery, makes day trips the norm. Aero wings in the bonnet and spoiler and rear aero blades couple with the new SmartZone panel, which houses cameras and sensors, to optimise aerodynamics and driver assistance. The Polestar 3 launches with a rear-biased, dual-motor powertrain. Electric torque vectoring comes via a dual clutch system on the rear electric motor. Thanks to adaptive dual-chamber air suspension and active dampers, the EV can effortlessly switch between comfort and firm suspension dynamics, adjusting the dampers to suit road conditions once every two milliseconds (500 Hz). At the top end, the Performance variant does 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, while the Long Range takes a little more, at 5 seconds. Both hit top speeds of 210km/h - if you’re brave enough to try that!
Aggressive but progressive
For all its SUV credentials, the Polestar 3 has an aerodynamic Scandi sleekness that lives up to its marketing: aggressive but progressive. T-shaped headlamps sit atop a convex lower grille, flowing smoothly into muscled shoulders and undercarriage. An animal welfare-certified interior easily accommodates a family of five. The panoramic glass roof brings the outdoors in, while the Polestar Digital Key, Android Automotive OS and Google Assistant offer a different kind of escape, including via the 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Indeed, it’s the market-leading tech that is Polestar 3’s most convincing feature. The autonomous driving native runs off an artificial intelligence brain in the form of the centralised NVIDIA DRIVE computer that continually processes data from multiple sensors and cameras to enable advanced driver-assistance safety and monitoring - in line with its Volvo DNA. The Snapdragon Cockpit Platform brings immersive in-vehicle entertainment, complete with seamless connectivity throughout the vehicle. Certainly, the Polestar 3 is one of the most technology-forward EVs yet.
Motor & drivetrain
- Electric motorPermanent magnet synchronous motors
- DrivetrainAll-wheel drive
- TransmissionSingle speed
Performance
- Power360 kW (380 kW with Performance Pack)
- Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h5.0 s (4.7 s with Performance Pack)
- Top speed210 km/h
Battery
- Battery type400V lithium-ion
- Battery capacity111 kWh
- Range (WLTP)610 km (560 km with Performance Pack)
Steering wheel controls
SmartZone sensors
14.5" centre display
Active High Beam
Bowers & Wilkins Audio
Polestar 3
The SUV for the electric age
