Polestar has officially lifted the lid on its next model, the aptly-named Polestar 3, which is positioned as an all-electric rival to the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE.
That’s right, the follow-up to the relatively affordable Polestar 2 (from $63,900 before on-road costs) will be moving very upmarket, with its estimated Australian pricetag to start from $135,000 before on-road costs and deliveries to begin in the first quarter of 2024.
For the spend, buyers are treated to a rear-biased dual motor set-up, which outputs a total of 360kW/840Nm to all four wheels that enables a zero-to-100km/h run in just 5.0 seconds.
But that’s not all, as performance-hungry buyers can opt for a Performance Pack (€6600 or around $A10,000) that will up outputs to 380kW/910Nm to cut the landmark acceleration time to just 4.7s.
There is also the latest iteration of Polestar’s electric Torque Vectoring Dual Clutch for the rear axle that can send drive to the wheel with the most grip, which first debuted on the Poelstar 1 hero car that featured as the cover car for the 2019 Need for Speed Heat video game.
However, the Polestar 3 isn’t just about performance, as one-pedal driving and the ability to run exclusively in front-drive form is designed to aid efficiency and driving range.
Speaking of, the Polestar 3 comes fitted with an 111kWh lithium-ion battery, enabling a driving range of up to 610km (WLTP test pending), or 560km with the Performance Pack.
The system will also be capable of bi-directional charging, and owners will be able to utlilise up to 250kW of DC fast-changing, which will recoup 10-80 per cent charge in just 30 minutes.
Using an 11kW AC charger however, will require 11 hours to go from 0-100 per cent.
The Polestar 3 retains the brand’s understated design language and clean overall aesthetic.
The front end is distinguished by its ‘Thor’s hammer’ headlight design, while the split bumper hides a bevy of front-facing safety sensors.
In profile, the Polestar 3’s sloping roofline and tapered glasshouse keep the large SUV looking sleek, while the retractable door handles add a nice futuristic touch.
From the rear, the Polestar 3 features a roof-mounted rear spoiler, connected tail-lights and a large, electronically operated tailgate.
Standard equipment will include dual-chamber air suspension (which can be adjusted between various comfort and dynamic settings), LED exterior lights, tri-zone climate control, a panoramic glass roof, 9.0-inch driver display and 21-inch wheels.
Polestar has also tapped Qualcomm’s Snapdragon – famous for building smartphone processors for brands like Samsung, Nokia and others – to provide the brains of its digital cockpit and multimedia systems.
Like the Polestar 2, the Polestar 3 will run a Google Android Automotive operating system, but displayed on a larger 14.5-inch screen, which includes digital radio and Bluetooth connectivity.
Of course, the system will support over-the-air updates for “continuous software improvement and the introduction of new features with the need to visit a service point”, according to Polestar.
The Polestar 3 is also fitted with an Nvidia-branded computer – known for building high-end graphics cards for gaming PCs – that will process the advanced driver assist systems (ADAS).
Other brands Polestar has partnered with for its safety tech include Luminar, Smart Eye and Zenseact.
Speaking of, safety gear extends to five external radar modules, five cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors, two driver monitoring cameras, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, nine airbags, a surround-view monitor and more.
A headline feature is also the inclusion sub-millimetre interior sensors to remind drivers of children and pets in the second row, which is also tied to the climate control system to prevent heat/cold extremes.
To maintain the Polestar 3’s sustainability cred, the brand uses materials such as “bio-attributed MicroTech, animal welfare-certified leather and fully traceable wool upholsteries” throughout the interior.
Measuring 4900mm long, 2120mm wide, 1627mm tall and with a 2985mm wheelbase, the Polestar 3 will weight a porky 2584-2670kg, while also featuring two storage compartments – the front trunk with capacity for 32 litres, while the rear boot will swallow 484L with all five seats in place.
Fold the second row down, and capacity in the rear swells to 1411L.
And for those that like to tow, the Polestar 3 is rated up to 2200kg.
Australian-spec cars will be built in China and start arriving in early 2024, while a new facility in the US will provide vehicles for the North American market.
All local Polestar 3s will come with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, as well as an eight-year/160,000km assurance period.
Polestar Australia will also throw in a five-year roadside assist service, as well as free servicing over the warranty period or up to 160,000km.
Keyword: Polestar's Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5 rival is an electric car powerhouse