Polestar 3 Electric SUV Unveiled – 517 HP, Up to 610 KM Range

The Swedish all-electric marque, Polestar, has unveiled its brand-new all-electric Polestar 3 SUV. The luxury SUV is poised for initial launch in selected markets by the end of 2023. Pricing starts from €89,900 (RM408,662) for the base model, with an extra €6,600 (RM30,020) for the add-on Performance Pack.

Based on the advanced SPA2 platform, Polestar 3 not only shares the same platform as its upcoming cousins, the Volvo EX90, but also took notes from its parent company’s SUV design language. Featuring sleek, minimalistic Scandinavian styling, one can be forgiven for mistaking it for a Volvo, though technically they’re halfway right.

Measuring at 4,900 MM lengthwise, the 3 is definitely no compact SUV. But thanks to its efficient aerodynamic design, this gives a much sleeker silhouette to the crossover. Its slim dual-blade headlights, front aero wing as well as rear spoiler also help to elongate this bulky, E-segment SUV.

Stepping inside, Polestar 3 oozes hi-tech while maintaining its minimalistic, super clean look. Headlining the front cockpit is the massive 14.5-inch vertical centre display. Co-developed with Google, the Snapdragon-powered infotainment system runs on the Android Automotive OS – following in the footsteps of its predecessor, the Polestar 2.

Additional luxury features are panoramic sunroof, retractable door handles, Bowers & Wilkins 25-speaker audio system with Dolby Atmos, standard HUD and Pilot Assist, on top of its glossy two-tone 21-inch alloy wheels.

Safety features are definitely not lacking in this family-friendly luxury crossover. Boasting Volvo’s latest Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), this SUV comes equipped with five external cameras, multiple radar modules and sensors as well as interior radar sensors. Powering all these safety features is the NVIDIA DRIVE centralised computer system, first time featuring in any Polestar’s EVs.

But luxury and safety are only half of what Polestar 3 has to offer. The SUV boasts high-performance specs such as its dual electric motor as well as rear power bias drivetrain and electric Torque Vectoring Dual Clutch. Powered by a 111 KWH power plant, the whole combo produces a 489 HP and max torque of 840 NM, with the Performance Pack add-on outputting 517 Hp and 910 NM of torque.

All these numbers eventually propel the Polestar 3 from 0 to 100 KMH in 5 seconds for the standard variant, and 4.7 seconds for the Performance Pack. Not bad for a mid-size SUV, right?

The Performance Pack numbers might entice some, but it does come with an additional setback, aside from its €6,600 (RM30,020) price tag. Preliminary range on the standard Polestar 3 is estimated around 610 KM (WLTP), with the Performance Pack range only around 560 KM (WLTP) – some 50 KM less.

With production starting in 2023 at Geely-owned Volvo’s Chengdu plant, China, the Polestar 3 is open for order beginning on mid-2023, with online ordering commencing from Oct 12, 2022. The initial market – China, Europe and North America – is set for deliveries on Q4 2023. Global market launch which includes Asia-Pacific and Middle East markets is set to begin in 2024.

The standard Polestar 3 will come equipped with both Plus and Pilot packs, starting at €89,900 (RM408,662). The additional Performance Pack will set customers an extra €6,600 (RM30,020), that also includes the range-topper exclusive 22-inch forged alloy wheels and additional ‘Swedish Gold’ details and finishes, aside from its performance upgrades.