Polestar has been making money hand over fist. It had an income of $1 billion in the first half of 2022, nearly twice that of the previous year’s initial six months. The company is even making a profit, and that was with just a single volume model, the Polestar 2. But more cars have been on their way, and at last the first one is hitting the market. Unsurprisingly, it’s called the Polestar 3, and it’s a bit of a beast.
The Polestar 3 has an aerodynamic look for a heavy SUV.
The Polestar 3 certainly has a promising specification. The basic Long range Dual motor version has a potent 489hp and can hit 62mph in 5 seconds, but add the £5,600 ($6,100) Performance Pack and the power increases to 517hp, with a 4.7-second 62mph sprint. There are faster electric SUVs, such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT, or the Tesla Model X and Y. But the Polestar 3 also comes with a huge 111kWh (107kWh useable) battery pack, so promises 379 miles of range (WLTP) for the basic model, or 360 miles with the Performance Pack. Few electric SUVs can match this with the same level of performance. There’s also DC charging up to 250kW, so you can still charge from 10 to 80% in 30 minutes, given a fast enough charger.
One of the more significant features of the Polestar 3 won’t be so immediately obvious, however. The Polestar 3 is the first car from the company to use a centralized computer system, in this case supplied by NVIDIA. This isn’t a unique development – Tesla has taken this approach for years – but it’s an important way to streamline car functionality for cost, efficiency, and easy software-based upgrade. The software comes from Volvo, processing data from the car’s many sensors for advanced driver assistance and monitoring.
The Polestar 3 is packed with sensors, and even more if you opt for the Pilot Pack.
The Polestar 3 is bristling with sensors. It has five radars, five external cameras, and 12 external ultrasonic sensors, enabling safety features with autonomous capabilities. There are even interior cameras able to detect when the driver is drowsy or inattentive. The in-car operating system continues to be Android Automotive OS. The Polestar 2 was the first to have Google software built in, although now others have followed suit, such as the recently launched Renault Megane E-Tech.
The optional Pilot Pack adds even more sensors, including LiDAR from Luminar, plus an additional NVIDIA control unit. There are three additional cameras, four more ultrasonic sensors, and cleaning for front and rear cameras. This module will make the car ready for higher levels of autonomous driving.
Google Android Auto OS returns for the infotainment system.
This should be a comfortable car to ride in, too, thanks to standard dual-chamber air suspension. The active dampers run at 500Hz, so can be adjusted every two milliseconds in reaction to driving conditions. Considering the Polestar 3 weights up to 2,670kg, it will need a system like this to maintain involving driving dynamics.
This isn’t a huge SUV inside, though. There is a decent if not outstanding 484 liters of space in the rear, including 90 liters under the floor, plus 32 liters in the frunk. This increases to 1,411 liters with the rear seats down. The Model Y has it beat in this respect. But the Polestar 3 can tow 2,200kg, more than enough for a sizeable caravan or boat. With that class-leading range, you might actually be able to tow something a respectable distance, too.
There's a subtle spoiler on the rear.
The Polestar 2 was a very credible first all-electric car from the brand, although it can’t quite surpass the Tesla Model 3 in key areas of range and performance. But there are lots of interesting vehicles coming from the company. The Polestar 5 will add a larger sedan to the range, and the Polestar 6 roadster could be one of the most desirable EVs yet. The LA Concept version’s 500 build slots sold out within a week of being available. Until these arrive, the Polestar 3 showcases the performance and technology the company can deliver.
The Polestar 3 is not for the masses, though. Starting at £79,900 ($88,000) it’s considerably more expensive than the Tesla Model Y, as well as premium configurations of many Volkswagen Group SUVs. But having driven the Polestar 2 around Goodwood racetrack earlier this year, I can confirm that the company knows how to make a great-handling car. The Polestar 3 might not be a Tesla Model Y killer, but if you’re looking at other premium electric SUVs such as the BMW iX, it should definitely be on your shortlist.