Polestar has launched the Polestar 3, a premium electric performance SUV. Combining Scandinavian minimalism and purity with the core elements of a sports utility vehicle, it redefines what an SUV can be in the electrification age. Polestar 3 not only enhances the value of SUVs but also stimulates customers’ desire to purchase with its attractive SUV built with socially responsible manufacturing processes.
Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath stated, “The Polestar 3 is a powerful electric performance SUV that stimulates the senses of the driver through its unique Scandinavian design and exceptional driving dynamics. We have also taken a significant step forward in controlling our carbon footprint in the manufacturing process, and we have expanded Polestar’s production base to the United States. I am very pleased and proud to continue our rapid growth and to expand our product portfolio.”
The Polestar 3 showcases a new aerodynamic profile while maintaining the SUV’s inherent characteristics, including a strong and wide stance. It incorporates a front aero wing integrated into the hood, an aero wing integrated into the rear spoiler, and rear aero blades, achieving precise and effective aerodynamic optimization. With a low height (1,627mm) and ground clearance (211mm), it records a drag coefficient of 0.29 Cd, among the best in large SUVs. This, combined with a long wheelbase (2,985mm) and a wide track (2,120mm, including side mirrors), provides an intense presence and ample space characteristic of SUVs.
Thomas Ingenlath further noted, “The Polestar 3 is designed from the ground up by Polestar itself, featuring new attributes like dual-blade headlights and a smart zone, as well as the front aero wing.”
The interior of the Polestar 3 achieves a premium design that maximizes Scandinavian minimalism, realized sustainably through luxurious tactile materials. This includes bio-based microtech, leather sourced from strictly animal welfare-certified suppliers, and perfectly traceable wool. As production of the Polestar 3 begins, a life cycle assessment will be completed, which will be continuously updated throughout the product’s life cycle. Polestar plans to continually seek ways to reduce its carbon footprint.
The Polestar 3 is the first model to apply centralized computing powered by the NVIDIA Drive Core computer. NVIDIA’s high-performance automotive platform acts as the brain of artificial intelligence, processing data received from numerous sensors and cameras installed in the Polestar 3 to enable advanced driver assistance safety features and driver monitoring.
The infotainment system is powered by Qualcomm Technology’s next-generation Snapdragon Cockpit platform. The Snapdragon Cockpit platform is a core component of the open and highly scalable cloud-based automotive platform known as Snapdragon Digital Chassis, providing high-quality displays, premium surround sound, and seamless connectivity throughout the vehicle.
As Volvo Cars opens a new horizon of safety, the Polestar 3 also incorporates many next-generation advanced active and passive safety technologies as part of its DNA. A representative latest technology is the ‘Indoor Radar Sensor.’ This system detects even the slightest movements within the vehicle, preventing children or pets from being left unattended due to driver carelessness. It also connects to the interior temperature control system to prevent heatstroke or hypothermia.
In addition, partnerships with industry-leading companies such as Zenseact, Luminar, and Smart Eye have enabled a variety of advanced driver assistance systems, which integrate smoothly thanks to the capabilities of centralized computing.
The Polestar 3 supports numerous advanced safety functions based on five radar modules and five external cameras, along with twelve external ultrasonic sensors. The smart zone at the bottom of the front aero wing is a space concentrated with multiple sensors, heat radar modules, and cameras, becoming a signature of Polestar design. The ‘Smart Eye,’ first deployed in the Polestar 3, combines two cameras with excellent eye-tracking technology to monitor the driver’s eyes, detecting drowsiness or distraction and supporting alerts, warnings, and emergency stop functions.
Android Automotive OS is the operating system jointly developed by Polestar and Google, operable through the 14.5-inch central display at the front. This represents an evolution from the world’s first car with embedded Google, the Polestar 2, offering innovative experiences in terms of functionality and design for large SUV drivers. It includes OTA (Over-the-Air) update capability, enabling continuous software improvements and the introduction of new features without a visit to the service center. The domestic model will be equipped with a dedicated EV navigation and infotainment system developed in partnership with TMAP.
The Polestar 3 boasts a dual-motor powertrain with a total output of 489 hp (360 kW) and 840 Nm of torque, which increases to 517 hp (380 kW) and 910 Nm when the performance pack option is selected. It features a one-pedal driving mode with adjustable stages and a dual-clutch system with electronic torque vectoring for stable driving. It also has a rear motor decoupling function allowing it to drive on the front electric motor alone to save energy in certain situations.
The Polestar 3 includes adaptive dual-chamber air suspension and advanced dampers that can electronically adjust every 1/1000 second (500 Hz) based on road conditions, supporting both comfort and dynamic driving experiences through advanced chassis control technology.
Joakim Rydholm, Polestar’s chief chassis engineer, stated, “Our goal was to provide the Polestar feeling of fine-tuned and sharp driving performance without compromising comfort in everyday driving. To achieve this, we used new components like adaptive air suspension to allow for a ‘Polestar feeling’ even though it’s an SUV.”
The Polestar 3 is equipped with an 111 kWh battery pack that aims to provide a WLTP maximum range of 610 km. The lithium-ion battery features a prismatic cell design housed in a protective aluminum case with boron-steel reinforcement and liquid cooling capabilities.
Additionally, the Polestar 3 features bi-directional charging, allowing for more efficient and sustainable energy use. Thus, V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) functionality and the PnC (Plug-and-Charge) function, which allows for automatic authentication and payment upon connecting the electric vehicle charging cable, are also realized. The heat pump is included as a standard feature.
Polestar has packed the initial production of the Polestar 3 with rich standard features, enhancing production efficiency through simplification. All Polestar 3 vehicles are equipped with air suspension, a panoramic glass roof, full LED lighting inside and out, folding door handles with proximity sensors, and 21-inch alloy wheels as standard. The Plus Pack and Pilot Pack will be standard on the first model year, including luxurious and convenient features such as a Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) premium sound system capable of 3D surround sound and Dolby Atmos with 25 speakers, soft-closing doors, a head-up display (HUD), and Pilot Assist.
Starting in the second quarter of 2023, the Pilot Pack option that includes Luminar’s lidar will add an additional control unit from NVIDIA, three cameras, four ultrasonic sensors, and front/rear camera washing functions. This indicates the ability to conduct more detailed 3D scanning of the vehicle’s surroundings, preparing for future autonomous driving based on accurate real-time data of the vehicle’s environment.
The Performance Pack improves driving dynamics, along with increasing maximum output and torque to 517 hp (380 kW) and 910 Nm, optimizing air suspension performance, dedicating specific 22-inch alloy wheels, and adding distinct ‘Swedish Gold’ details.
The Polestar 3 is produced at Volvo Cars’ factory in Chengdu, China, with plans to gradually increase production volume from mid-2023. The first customer deliveries are expected in the fourth quarter of 2023. Production is also planned to take place at Volvo Cars’ Ridgeville plant in South Carolina, USA, with customer deliveries expected to begin after mid-2024.
The launch price of the Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor is set at €89,900 (approximately 125 million KRW). Vehicle ordering will commence online on October 12, 2022, with the Korean market expected to start in the third quarter of 2023.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr