New Polestar 3: five things you need to know 

No prizes for guessing this is the third new car from Volvo spin-off brand, Polestar. What you might not know, though, are the following five key facts about the Polestar 3.

Before we get down to the nuts and bolts, first, here’s a whistlestop tour of Polestar to date. Launched in 2019 with a limited-edition hybrid-powered luxury coupe (Polestar 1) the EV marque released a five-door sequel named the 2 in 2020. 

The 2 is a five-door hatch with pure EV power and comes with up to 476hp — helping it to achieve 0-62mph in just 4.0 seconds. That sort of performance and driving fun has made Polestar a hit with those who value thrills behind the wheel as much as zero emissions — a fact which Polestar Driver’s club UK attested in their recent Q&A with us.  

So, what’s next for the Swedish luxury brand? Well, there’s a new Polestar 4 on the way in 2024, but today’s topic of conversation is the all-new Polestar 3 SUV that kicks off from £79,900. Here’s five key facts about the brand’s first-ever SUV.  

1. First with new EV technology 

Far from being just an SUV version of the Polestar 2, the 3 is the first car from the company to have its new all-electric technology platform that has been developed alongside Volvo. Shared with the Volvo EX30, it makes the Polestar 3 one of the most efficient EVs on the road with a driving range of up to 379 miles per charge. Polestar says this also allows for super fast recharging and the 3 can be used to power your home when it’s plugged in, depending on power demands.  

2. Performance-focused drive 

Performance is one thing, but it has to be fun to use and this is where the Polestar 3 aims to set itself apart from rivals. Using Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres is a great starting point as they help harness the potent urge of up to 510hp with the Performance Pack fitted, which also comes with 22-inch wheels. In standard form, the Polestar 3 is good for 0-62mph in 5.0 seconds, while the Performance Pack drops that to just 4.7s seconds. Top speed for both versions is 130mph. 
                                         

3. Sustainable cabin materials 

The interior of the Polestar 3 has the look of a luxury SUV, but it does so without costing the Earth thanks to its use sustainable materials. Many of the surfaces are covered in MicroTech and fully traceable wool, while any leather inside the car is from welfare-certified suppliers. And it’s not just where these materials come from that’s important, it’s where they will end up too. As such, Polestar has committed to making its cars as recyclable as possible. 

4. First Polestar with AI computer brain 

The infotainment system in the Polestar 3 is the first from the company to use NVIDIA DRIVE computing power, which has an Artificial Intelligence brain. It uses multiple sensors and cameras to help with driver assistance and safety, and there is also a new Snapdragon Cockpit Platform to deliver high-definition touchscreen displays, premium surround sound, and effortless connectivity inside the car. 

5. New generation of safety tech 

Any car from Polestar, and its parent company Volvo, is always going to be full of safety kit and the Polestar 3 is no exception. It’s the first to feature the next generation of the company’s technology that senses not just hazards from the outside, but also inside the car. By monitoring tiny movements inside the car and the cabin temperature, it can tell if a child or pet is inside and adjust the climate control to avoid potential heat stroke or hypothermia. There are also five radars, five external cameras, and 12 ultrasonic sensors to spot danger before it reaches the car or warn if the driver is beginning to fatigue.  

Showcasing innovative technologies like these alongside trademark Swedish style, it’s easy to see why the 3 is one of the most eagerly anticipated new electric SUVs. In a class that’s evolving at breakneck speed, has Polestar’s alluring 3 won your vote?

Hero image credit: Polestar