Polestar 3 is the EV manufacturer’s first SUV, and its first car planned to be produced on two continents
GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN – Polestar officially reveals the Polestar 3 electric performance SUV. Scandinavian minimalism and design purity work together with the key ingredients of a sport utility vehicle, defining the SUV for the electric age. Polestar 3 makes the SUV not only more relevant and responsible, but also desirable for all the right reasons.
“Polestar 3 is a powerful electric SUV that appeals to the senses with a distinct, Scandinavian design and excellent driving dynamics,” said Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar. “It also takes our manufacturing footprint to the next level, bringing Polestar production to the United States. We are proud and excited to expand our portfolio as we continue our rapid growth.”
Polestar 3 premieres a new aerodynamic profile where strong focus has been placed on retaining the hallmarks of an SUV, including a powerful and wide stance. This has been led by subtle yet effective aerodynamic optimization – including a front aero wing integrated into the hood, a second aero wing integrated into the rear spoiler, and rear aero blades.
“This car has been designed as a Polestar from the start and features new defining characteristics for us like the dual blade headlights, SmartZone and front aero wing,” continued Ingenlath.
Sustainability
Materials used inside Polestar 3 have been selected for their sustainability credentials, without sacrificing premium aesthetics and luxury tactility. These materials include bio-attributed MicroTech upholstery, animal welfare-certified leather and a fully traceable wool upholstery. In line with Polestar’s commitment to transparency, a complete life-cycle assessment (LCA) will be completed for Polestar 3 when production begins. Subsequent assessments will follow through its life cycle and work will continue to constantly find ways of reducing its carbon footprint.
Technology
Polestar 3 is the first car from Polestar to feature centralized computing with the NVIDIA DRIVE core computer, running software from Volvo Cars. Serving as the AI brain, NVIDIA’s high-performance automotive platform processes data from the car’s multiple sensors and cameras to enable advanced driver-assistance safety features and driver monitoring.
The infotainment system is powered by a next-generation Snapdragon Cockpit Platform from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. As a central component of the Snapdragon Digital Chassis – a comprehensive set of open and scalable cloud-connected automotive platforms – the Snapdragon Cockpit Platform will be utilized to provide immersive in-vehicle experiences. Its high-performance capabilities deliver high-definition displays, premium quality surround sound and seamless connectivity throughout the vehicle.
With Volvo Cars embarking on a new era of safety, Polestar 3 carries next-generation advanced active and passive safety technology from Volvo Cars as part of its DNA. This includes the latest innovation – interior radar sensors that can detect sub-millimeter movements in the interior of the car, to help protect against accidentally leaving children or pets inside. The system is also linked to the climate control system to avoid heat stroke or hypothermia.
Further collaborations with industry-leading safety technology partners like Zenseact, Luminar and Smart Eye provide Polestar 3 with cutting-edge ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) technology that integrates seamlessly, thanks to the centralized computing power.
As standard, Polestar 3 features a total of five radar modules, five external cameras and twelve external ultrasonic sensors to support numerous advanced safety features. The SmartZone below the front aero wing collects several of the forward-facing sensors, a heated radar module and camera, and now becomes a signature of Polestar design. Inside, two closed-loop driver monitoring cameras bring leading eye tracking technology from Smart Eye to a Polestar for the first time, geared towards safer driving. The cameras monitor the driver’s eyes and can trigger warning messages, sounds and even an emergency stop function when detecting a distracted, drowsy or disconnected driver.
Infotainment
Android Automotive OS is the in-car operating system, co-developed with Google and fronted by a 14.5-inch center display. It is an evolution of the technology first launched in Polestar 2 – the first car in the world with Google built-in – and a revolution of functionality and design for the large SUV segment. Over-the-air (OTA) updates are included to allow for continuous software improvement and the introduction of new features without the need to visit a service point.
Powertrain
Polestar 3 launches with a dual-motor configuration and a power bias towards rear wheel drive for excellent driving dynamics. Polestar 3 produces a total of 489 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque. With the optional Performance Pack, total output raises to 517 hp and 671 lb-ft. Adjustable one-pedal drive is included, as well as an electric Torque Vectoring Dual Clutch function on the rear axle – an evolution of what was first developed for exceptional driving dynamics on the Polestar 1. A decoupling function is also available for the rear electric motor, allowing the car to run only on the front electric motor to save energy under certain circumstances.
Battery and Charging
A 111 kWh battery pack provides Polestar 3 with generous preliminary driving range of up to 610 km WLTP (estimated 300 miles EPA). The lithium-ion battery features a prismatic cell design housed in a protective aluminum case with boron steel reinforcement and liquid cooling. A mechanical heat pump is included as standard, helping Polestar 3 utilize ambient heat for cabin climate and battery preconditioning- the net effect of which is extended overall range in adverse weather conditions. Polestar 3 is also equipped for bidirectional charging, enabling future potential for vehicle-to-grid and plug-and-charge capabilities.
Suspension
Advanced chassis control is provided by dual-chamber air suspension, included in all variants of Polestar 3. This allows the SUV to alternate between comfort and dynamic suspension characteristics. In fact, Polestar 3 can adjust its active damper velocity electronically once every two milliseconds (500 Hz).
“Our goal was to offer the performance and precision that define all Polestar cars, without compromising the comfort of the daily drive,” said Joakim Rydholm, Polestar’s Chief Chassis Engineer. “To do this, we used new components including the adaptive air suspension to engineer the ‘Polestar feeling’ for this type of car.”
Standard Equipment
The list of standard equipment in Polestar 3 is extensive, enabling easy configuration for the customer, and simplified production logistics to deliver the car faster. All versions of Polestar 3 include air suspension, a full-length panoramic glass roof, all-LED lighting inside and out, retractable door handles with proximity sensing, and 21-inch alloy wheels (see price and specification sheets for a complete list of standard equipment).
Packages
The Plus Pack and Pilot Pack are fitted as standard for the first model year and include a suite of premium, luxury and convenience features. For the Plus pack this includes a 25-speaker audio system from Bowers & Wilkins with 3D surround sound and Dolby Atmos capability, soft-closing doors, electric steering column, heated steering wheel and more.
The Pilot pack includes a head-up display, Park Assist Pilot and the Pilot Assist driver assistance system. Available to order beginning in the second quarter of 2023, an additional optional Pilot Pack with LiDAR from Luminar will add an additional control unit from NVIDIA, three cameras, four ultrasonic sensors and cleaning for the front- and rear-view cameras, providing accurate real-time data about the car’s surroundings especially in the long-range field. This LiDAR system enables enhanced 3D scanning of the car’s surroundings in greater detail and helps prepare the car for autonomous driving.
The optional Performance Pack sharpens driving dynamics even further and includes the maximum power and torque output (517 hp and 671 lb-ft), along with performance optimization for the air suspension, unique 22-inch forged alloy wheels, Pirelli P-Zero tires for enhanced grip, and additional signature ‘Swedish gold’ details.
Platform and Production
Polestar 3 is the first car out on an all-new electric technology base developed by and shared with Volvo Cars. Production for initial launch markets is planned to begin at Volvo Cars’ facility in Chengdu, China, with an incremental ramp-up phase beginning in mid-2023. First deliveries are expected in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Additional manufacturing in the United States at Volvo Cars’ Ridgeville, South Carolina facility is expected to follow towards the middle of 2024 – from which point Polestar 3 production for North America and select other markets is planned to originate in the USA. Initial deliveries from the Ridgeville factory are expected around the middle of 2024.
At launch, the Polestar 3 Long range Dual motor (489 hp, 620 lb-ft) with Plus and Pilot packages is available at a launch MSRP of $83,900.
