Polestar 3 vs Tesla Model Y
EV SUV showdown for Fall 2022
The Polestar 3 launches this October. The Volvo-Geely stablemate is being seen as a rival to the Tesla Model Y. But will sparks fly between the two cutthroat rival brands this fall?
Overall, details about the Polestar 3 are thin on the ground, but we do know the Swedish-Chinese challenger is the first battery EV with serious range. That alone puts it ahead of the Model Y, which is now considered the car to beat. However, from design to reliability and performance, there are a number of other areas where the two will invite comparison.
So, while we’re waiting for a full reveal of the Polestar 3, here’s a look at how it compares to the Tesla Model Y.
Polestar 3 vs Tesla Model Y: Range and power
The Tesla Model Y is no longer as affordable as it was at launch with tax incentives being phased out in some markets. Nevertheless, it has shown that an electric SUV can burn rubber. Two trims are now available, Long Range and Performance. The Long Range Dual Motor sprints from 0 to a 100 km/h in an even 5 seconds. With a usable battery of 70.0kWh (75.0kWh capacity), it extends to a range of 435km. Its more powerful sibling, the Performance, zips ahead in 3.7 seconds, delivering nearly the same range at 415km. That’s on a usable battery of 75.0kWh (82.0kWh capacity).
The Polestar 3 will raise that bar. The luxury ‘aero’ SUV is set to be one of the most sustainable cars ever made – and will offer the performance to match. At launch, the new EV will come with an impressive target range of over 600 km (WLTP), powered by a dual-motor drivetrain and a large battery, the company says. There’s no official information yet on the battery capacity or horsepower. For comparison, its predecessor, the Polestar 2 dual-motor sedan, extends to 395km – almost in Model Y territory. The Polestar 3 can only go further.
Polestar 3 vs Tesla Model Y: Design and tech
The Tesla Model Y takes its design cues from the older Model 3. There’s that distinctive nose, but the Y is bigger, taller and wider. That means it sits higher on the road and offers more interior space – something its owners can’t stop talking about. But the Model Y also comes equipped with loads of cool tech. There’s the Autopilot system, lane departure, lane assist and adaptive cruise control. There’s a 15-inch central screen that supports YouTube and Netflix. There are over-the-air updates. And there’s the smartphone app that will unlock and turn on your car as long as you’re logged in.
The Polestar 3 is packed with the latest digital kit. Over time, Polestar has promised autonomous highway piloting, powered by the LiDAR sensors from Luminar and centralised NVIDIA computing power. Its Digital Key will let drivers stream to the (as-yet unspecified) central display while parked or charging. And Android Automotive OS means direct entertainment downloads and Google Assistant. Design-wise, the EV serves up an evolution of its Scandinavian DNA – complete with sustainability credentials. The Polestar 2 uses aluminium purchased from suppliers that use renewable energy reduces carbon emissions by 750 kilos per car; the Polestar 3 will at least match that. After all, it’s being billed as an SUV for the electric age.
Conclusion: Polestar 3 for the win?
All things considered, the Polestar 3 looks set to give the Model Y hell for leather.
But slow down a second. This drag race hasn’t been quite decided just yet. Tesla CEO Musk is claiming this year the Model Y will be the number one vehicle in terms of sales volume in 2023. That means there’s plenty of demand for the Y, despite supply chain issues. Is the Polestar 3 good enough to outdistance that excitement?
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