Beginning as an offshoot of the mighty Swedish brand Volvo, Polestar is now an entity in its own right producing high-end electric cars. Polestar 1 and 2 have proved very popular, not quite rivalling Tesla yet, but doing very well. We are beginning to see them out and about on our roads and very smart they are too. Now there’s a Polestar 3 and it is an SUV. As ever from the manufacturer from the chilly north of the globe, this very desirable car offers Scandinavian minimalism and purity which work together with the key ingredients of a traditional sport utility vehicle, defining, they say, the SUV for the electric age.
On The Outside
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 optimisation – including a front aero wing integrated into the bonnet, an aero wing integrated into the rear spoiler, and rear aero blades. Defining characteristics of this unique brand include dual blade headlights and that front aero wing.
On The Inside
Materials used inside Polestar 3 have been selected for their sustainability credentials, a strong ethos too of the original parent company, while raising premium aesthetics and a luxury feel. These include bio-attributed MicroTech an ‘animal welfare-certified’ leather substitute and fully traceable wool upholsteries.
Polestar 3 is the first car from the Swedish car maker to feature centralised computing with the ‘NVIDIA DRIVE’ core computer, running software from Volvo Cars. Serving as an 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. This platform will be utilised to provide immersive in-vehicle experiences with its high-performance capabilities to deliver high-definition displays, premium quality surround sound and seamless connectivity throughout the vehicle.
Joining with Volvo, Polestar are embarking on a new era of safety, The 3 carries next-generation advanced active and passive safety technology and this includes the latest innovation – interior radar sensors that can detect sub-millimetre movements in the interior of the car, to help protect against accidentally leaving children or pets inside. No mention of whether it can monitor children accidentally left behind and home alone. The system is also linked to the climate control system.
The Safety
As standard and worth mentioning because it’s so comprehensive, 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 collates 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 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. How well this last feature works remains to be seen, as humans are all different.
Co-developed with Google all this technology is fronted by a 14.5 inch centre display. It is an evolution of the technology first launched in Polestar 2, the first car in the world with Google built-in. Over-the-air updates are included to allow for continuous software improvement and the introduction of new features without the need to visit a servicing garage.
On The Road
Polestar 3 launches with a dual-motor configuration with a power bias towards the rear, which is a sensible arrangement. The standard car produces a total of 360kW (489bhp equivalent) and 840Nm of torque. With the optional Performance Pack, total output is 380kW (517bhp) and 910Nm. That’s real pulling power, although it remains to be seen how the miles-per-charge ratio is affected by towing, say, a trailer or caravan.
Adjustable one-pedal drive (This provides the ability to stop and go using only the accelerator pedal. A growing number of electrified vehicles make this functionality available through their regenerative braking systems), is included, as well as an electric Torque Vectoring Dual Clutch function on the rear axle aiding traction is difficult conditions. 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 which makes sense for long runs in good conditions. Chassis control is provided by dual-chamber air suspension as standard, allowing Polestar 3 to adapt between comfort and dynamic suspension characteristics.
In short, the company say this car will offer the performance and precision that define the brand, without compromising the comfort of the daily drive. A 111kWh battery pack provides Polestar 3 with generous driving range of up to 379 miles, subject as ever to prevailing conditions. The safety features of this pack are second to none to ease the mind.
In addition to a huge list of options, all versions 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. The optional Performance Pack sharpens driving dynamics even further and includes the maximum power and torque output, along with performance optimisation for the air suspension, unique 22-inch forged alloy wheels and additional signature ‘Swedish gold’ details.
To find out more about when this car is becoming available to order (UK pricing is from around £79,000) or indeed how to import from the UK any of the prestigious range of Polestar and Volvo cars, get in touch with us here at MHH International.
