- Aerodynamic Exterior
- Sustainable, Feature-Packed Interior
- Powertrain, Performance and 0-60 MPH
- Range and Charging Time
- Tech and Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
Competes with: Audi E-Tron, BMW iX, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Tesla Model Y, Volkswagen ID.4
Looks like: A higher-riding Polestar 2
Powertrains: 111-kilowatt-hour battery pack; 489-horsepower or 517-hp (Performance Pack) dual electric motors; all-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: Late 2023
The first SUV from Volvo’s all-electric sub-brand Polestar has been revealed and promises more range, space and power than its Polestar 2 predecessor. Following the brand’s chronological naming conventions, the 2024 Polestar 3 is expected to join the Polestar 2 sedan with a late 2023 arrival (production for the Polestar 1 performance coupe ended in 2021). The new SUV will be squeezing its way into an increasingly competitive set of all-electric rivals aiming to close the gap on the bestselling Tesla Model Y.
Aerodynamic Exterior
The Polestar 3 is significantly larger than the 2. It measures 11.6 inches longer, is nearly 6 inches taller and has a 9.8-inch longer wheelbase. Compared to its Tesla rivals, the 3 falls in between the Model Y and larger, more costly Model X with a wheelbase that’s closer to the latter. The 3 has a wide stance with a front aero wing integrated into the hood, another aero wing in the rear spoiler and rear aero blades. LED lighting is used in the headlights and full rear light bar. The SUV rides on standard 21-inch alloy wheels, but shoppers can upgrade to 22-inch black-alloy wheels via the optional Performance Pack. A panoramic glass roof is standard for all variants.
Sustainable, Feature-Packed Interior
The 3’s interior fits up to five occupants and gets a host of sustainable materials, including repurposed aluminum trim and imitation leather and wool upholstery options. In addition to standard features like heated seats and a 360-degree camera system, the SUV will also come with a standard Plus Pack for 2024 that adds a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, soft-close doors, advanced cabin filtration system, and heated steering wheel and rear seats.
Powertrain, Performance and 0-60 MPH
Unlike the 2, which can be had with a single-motor front-wheel-drive configuration or dual-motor all-wheel drive, the 3 will come exclusively with the dual-motor setup at launch; Polestar did not immediately say if a single-motor option would be offered in the future. The base powertrain makes 489 horsepower and 620 pounds-feet of torque; adding the available Performance Pack boosts hp to 517 and torque to 671 pounds-feet.
The SUV gets a brand-estimated 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds, which drops to 4.6 seconds with the Performance Pack upgrade. Although the 2 has less power (476 hp with the Performance Pack), the sedan’s 0-60 sprint is an estimated 4.2-second finish. The 3’s acceleration from a stop is competitive with the Model Y’s Long Range model; however, the Model Y Performance and fellow rival Ford Mustang Mach-E GT each achieve quicker estimated 0-60 times of 3.5 seconds. The Polestar 3’s top speed is capped at 130 mph, and its towing capacity maxes out at 3,500 pounds.
Standard on all Polestar 3 models, a dual-chamber air suspension aims to balance comfort and driving dynamics. The Performance Pack adds a sportier version of the air suspension.
Range and Charging Time
2024 Polestar 3 | Manufacturer image
The 3’s 111-kilowatt-hour battery yields up to 300 miles of estimated range, while the Performance Pack reduces such range to 270 miles — the latter matching the 2’s maximum 270 miles with FWD. Among rivals, the Model Y leads with an EPA-rated 330 miles for its Long Range variant, with the BMW iX close behind at 324 miles, Ford Mustang Mach-E at 314 miles and Audi E-Tron at just 222 miles.
The automaker estimates the 3 will charge from zero to full in 11 hours with a 48-amp Level 2 charger; DC fast charging will take the battery from 10-80% in 30 minutes with a public charger thanks to its 240-kilowatt capability.
Tech and Safety
2024 Polestar 3 | Manufacturer image
The SUV gets a standard 14.5-inch tablet-style center touchscreen and 9-inch digital gauge cluster. Like the Polestar 2 and some Volvo models, the 3 will utilize an Android Automotive operating system with Google Built-In (a system we found frustrating to use in the all-electric Volvo XC40 Recharge). Four USB-C ports are split between the first and second rows, and a 12-volt power outlet can be found in the rear cargo area. The SUV also will get over-the-air updates for instant software improvements and new feature introductions.
Safety comes courtesy of Volvo. A series of cameras, radar modules and sensors are used for the vehicle’s driver-assist technologies; standard features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Pilot Pack, which comes standard for 2024, adds the semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system that aids in acceleration, braking and steering at speeds up to 80 mph. The package also adds a park assist feature and a head-up display. Additionally, the Polestar 3 will be one of the first vehicles to feature Volvo’s new radar-based occupant alert system aimed at reducing hot-car deaths.
Pricing and Release Date
2024 Polestar 3 | Manufacturer image
The 2024 Polestar 3 will go on sale in late 2023 with a starting price of $85,300 (includes $1,400 destination). The Performance Pack tacks on $6,000 to the SUV’s starting price, and shoppers can now place an order on Polestar’s site. That cost of admission is notably higher than the Polestar 2’s $49,800 and also lands above many of its rivals: The 2023 Audi E-Tron starts at $71,995, the 2023 BMX iX at $85,095, the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E at $62,475 and the 2022 Tesla Model Y currently at $74,990. It’s worth noting that the Plus and Pilot Packs will come standard at launch, adding the convenience and driver-assist features outlined above; Polestar didn’t say whether the packages would be optional in future model years.
Related Video:
Keyword: 2024 Polestar 3 SUV Debuts With 300-Mile Range, Up to 517 HP