Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath is a bonafide automotive fanatic. He pushed to make the bottom Polestar 2 rear- as a substitute of front-wheel drive, and he’s shepherding the Polestar 5 four-door GT and Polestar 6 roadster into manufacturing. Ingenlath additionally helped flip the restricted BST Edition 270 and Edition 230 of the Polestar 2 into actuality. At the New York International Auto Show, Ingenlath confirmed to Motor1 that extra BST editions are on their method.
He didn’t present a timeline or specifics but, however the earlier BST version automobiles give us an thought of what to anticipate. Essentially decrease, stiffer suspension, stickier tires, and many styling tweaks to speak the automotive’s elevated efficiency. Both BST variations of the Polestar 2 had the identical 476 horsepower because the common dual-motor sedan, however paired that with stiffer springs, a decrease experience peak, distinctive Ohlins dampers, distinctive wheels, and a customized spec of Pirelli tire. Polestar made 270 examples of the BST 270 and—you guessed it—230 examples of the BST 230. Evidently, they had been obtained nicely sufficient to maintain the mission going.
While each the Polestar 3 and 4 had been delayed, Ingenlath says progress is sweet on the 5 sedan. He pulls out his cellphone to indicate us footage he posted to Instagram of pre-production automobiles rolling down the meeting line.
We additionally requested concerning the perceived slowdown of EV gross sales within the U.S., and he had an fascinating perspective on the scenario. He doesn’t assume individuals are souring on electrical automobiles. “It’s just simply a period in economic time where people, of course, are more cautious about a purchase decision,” he says. “That has to do with interest rates, it has to do with psychology, and Jesus, the world is not in an easy place…. For the first time, EVs [have] experienced an economic cycle.”
There’s additionally the truth that Polestar has completely different targets than different EV makers. “Let’s face it,” Ingenlath says, “we are not pitching for the million that Tesla is wanting to sell, we are not in competition with BYD. We are in competition with companies like BMW, Porsche and Mercedes.” He additionally argues that Polestar’s competitors extends past simply EVs—a Polestar 3, for instance, must tempt somebody out of a BMW X5, not simply an iX.
With Polestar 3 deliveries starting this summer season and Polestar 4 deliveries deliberate for the fourth quarter, it is a massive 12 months for the model within the US. Thankfully, each fashions are cheaper than initially anticipated, one thing Ingenlath credit to robust residuals for the Polestar 2. Still, 2024 is a make-or-break 12 months for Polestar. Hopefully it’ll succeed, and we’ll get some extra efficiency fashions.
Polestar’s long-awaited small crossover, the Polestar 4, will hit the US market quickly. On Wednesday, Polestar introduced pricing and vary figures for the 4, and the numbers look good. The base long-range single-motor mannequin begins at $56,300 together with a $1,400 vacation spot and will get an EPA vary of 300 miles.
That’s a bit greater than a single-motor Tesla Model Y, which as of writing has a base value of $45,830, however the Polestar 4 is somewhat bigger in each dimension besides top and has a greater vary determine. Here’s how pricing breaks down for your entire Polestar 4 lineup.
Price
Long Range Single Motor
$56,300
Long Range Single Motor Pilot Pack
$57,800
Long Range Single Motor Pro Pack
$58,300
Long Range Single Motor Plus Pack
$61,800
Long Range Dual Motor Standard Pilot Pack
$64,300
Long Range Dual Motor Pilot + Pro Pack
$66,300
Long Range Dual Motor Pilot + Plus Pack
$69,800
Long Range Dual Motor Plus + Performance Pack
$74,300
All Polestar 4 variants use a 103.0-kilowatt-hour battery pack that may cost at as much as 11 kilowatts on AC energy and 200 kilowatts when linked to a succesful DC fast-charging station. Range for the dual-motor variant falls from 300 miles to 270 miles. The single-motor, rear-drive variant has 272 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque, whereas the dual-motor, all-wheel drive mannequin has 544 hp and 504 lb-ft. Polestar claims a 0-60 mph acceleration time of seven.4 seconds for the rear-drive mannequin, and three.8 seconds for the all-wheel drive.
Pricing sensible, it slots proper between the Polestar 2 sedan, which begins at $51,300 and the bigger, $74,800 Polestar 3 crossover. Like the 3, the Polestar 4 ended up being a bit cheaper than Polestar initially introduced. When it first confirmed the 4 final 12 months, Polestar mentioned the MSRP would begin round $60,000.
As for rivals, the Polestar 4 prices a bit greater than the $54,000 Genesis GV60, although it is fairly a bit bigger, too. The all-wheel-drive-only Genesis GV70 Electrified is maybe a greater comparability, and at $68,450 it is proper in the midst of the dual-motor Polestar 4 pricing. But it has simply 236 miles of vary to the Polestar 4 Dual Motor’s 270 miles. Audi hasn’t introduced pricing but for the new Q6 E-Tron, however the Porsche Macan 4 costs over $80,450 and affords much less energy than the top-tier Polestar 4.
Polestar says the 4 goes on sale in April, however buyer deliveries will not start till the fourth quarter of this 12 months. For the model’s sake, it may’t come quickly sufficient.
The Polestar 2 competes within the very aggressive midsize EV crossover section. Thus far, Polestar hasn’t been having fun with the success it anticipated within the American market, because the Tesla Model Y continues to reign supreme. Regardless, the Swedish EV maker continues to place up a battle, with its entry-level choice remaining its most important contender, with some new fashions within the line-up ready to bolster overall sales.
2024 Polestar 2
The Polestar 2 is the Swedish EV producer’s entry-level electrical automobile providing. Design-wise, it takes the type of a crossover with sedan proportions, making it a reasonably distinctive choice within the section. Polestar provides a selection of a base rear-wheel drive single-motor or Performance dual-motor all-wheel drive variant, with energy outputs ranging between 299 and 455 horsepower.
Model
Polestar 2
Engine
Single- or dual-permanent-magnet motors
Transmission
Single-speed computerized
Horsepower
299-455 HP
Torque
361-546 LB-FT
Driveline
rear- or all-wheel drive
Range
247-320 miles
MSRP
$49,900
Fuel Economy
95-115 MPGe
Charge Time
8 Hours @ 240V
Towing Capacity
2,000 LBS
0-60 MPH
5.9-4.1 seconds
Quarter-Mile
12.6 seconds @ 110.0 MPH
In order to provide the most modern and correct info potential, the info used to compile this text was sourced from Polestar’s web sites and different authoritative sources, together with MotorPattern, the EPA, the NHTSA, and J.D. Power. Each mannequin rating is decided by Top Speed’s score workforce, which elements in 5 totally different metrics. You can read our Methodology page for extra details about our score system.
The Polestar 2 Dual Motor would not but dance like a German sports activities sedan, but it surely’s simply as quirky as the good Swedish efficiency machines of yore.
What’s New For 2024
For 2024, Polestar introduces a bigger battery and up to date {hardware}, resulting in higher EPA range estimates. The single-motor mannequin is now rear-wheel drive, versus the pre-updated model’s front-wheel drive configuration. Its estimated vary will increase by 30 miles on a single cost, leading to a 320-mile vary estimate. The dual-motor fashions additionally get a lift, with a variety of 276 miles, up 16 miles from final yr.
Along with this, Polestar kits the vary out with a slight bump in energy. The single-motor mannequin now has 295 horsepower, up from 231, and the dual-motor mannequin has been bumped as much as 416 horsepower, from 408. Plus, Polestar has tweaked the torque ratio to offer the rear motor extra energy. The 20-inch wheels that include the $5,500 Performance Pack have been up to date, and now you can go for Michelin all-season tires on the 19-inch wheels. The bigger battery now helps superfast DC charging speeds of up to 205 kW, up from the earlier 155 kW determine.
2024 Highlights
New rear-wheel drive single-motor configuration
Increased battery capability
New 20-inch wheels for the Performance Pack
Tweaked rear-motor torque ratio
Optional 19-inch Michelin all-season tires
Exterior Dimensions
Length
181.3 Inches
Width
73.2 Inches
Height
58-58.2 Inches
Wheelbase
107.7 Inches
Front Track
63.1 Inches
Rear Track
63 Inches
Curb Weight
4,280-4,658 Pounds
(Data sourced from Polestar)
Specifications And Performance
Polestar
The new base rear-wheel drive configuration produces a modest 299 horsepower and 361 pound-feet of torque from a single-permanent-magnet motor. The result’s a claimed 5.9-second 0-60 MPH time, however impartial assessments reveal that the brand new mannequin is the truth is manner sooner than claimed, with a 5.3-second 0-60 MPH result. The base trim comes normal with entrance and rear ventilated brake discs and two-piston calipers.
The dual-motor configuration produces 421 horsepower and 546 pound-feet, granting it a 4.3-second 0-60 MPH time. If you specify the Performance bundle, this will increase to 455 horsepower, reducing the claimed acceleration time to 4.0 seconds. All three derivatives characteristic the identical restricted 127 MPH prime velocity. This Performance bundle additionally contains Swedish gold Brembo four-piston mounted aluminum entrance calipers with drilled ventilated discs, a Polestar Engineered efficiency chassis, and Öhlins Dual Flow Valve manually adjustable dampers with 22 settings.
Performance Specifications
Single-Motor
Dual-Motor
Dual-Motor Performance
Powertrain
Single-Permanent-Magnet Motor
Dual-Permanent-Magnet Motor
Dual-Permanent-Magnet Motor
Horsepower
299 HP
421 HP
455 HP
Torque
361 LB-FT
546 LB-FT
546 LB-FT
Transmission
Single-Speed Direct Drive
Single-Speed Direct Drive
Single-Speed Direct Drive
Battery
79 kWh Net
75 kWh Net
75 kWh Net
Range
307-320 Miles
266-276 Miles
247 Miles
Fuel Economy
111-115 MPGe
102-106 MPGe
95 MPGe
0-60 MPH
5.9 Seconds
4.3 Seconds
4.0 Seconds
Top Speed
127 MPH
127 MPH
127 MPH
(Data sourced from Polestar and the EPA)
All Dual-Motor Polestar 2 derivatives characteristic the identical lithium-ion battery pack with 75 kWh of usable vitality. The base Polestar 2 introduces the all-new 79 kWh battery. With the usual 19-inch wheels, it’s the best mannequin, because it returns a 115 MPGe mixed vitality consumption consequence, however this worsens to 111 MPGe when you match the elective 20-inch wheels. The dual-motor with 19-inch wheels returns a 106 MPGe estimate on the 19-inch wheels and 102 MPGe on 20-inch wheels. The Performance bundle returns the worst determine, with a 95 MPGe estimate.
The restricted version Polestar 2’s suspension tuning and added energy make it a potent EV
Towing and Payload Capacities
Polestar limits all derivatives to a 2,000-pound towing and 925-pound payload capability. You should spend an additional $1,300 on the tow-bar hitch and four-pin connector. This is a semi-electrical tow-bar, which unfolds through a button situated within the trunk. You then should manually lock it into place beneath the rear bumper. There’s a lightweight on the button which signifies the locked standing, and a message is proven within the heart show if it’s unlocked. A trailer module with the trailer, maintaining the motive force knowledgeable of any points with the trailer’s indicators, brake lights, or different techniques.
Payload Capacity
925 Pounds
Towing Capacity
2,000 Pounds
(Data sourced from Polestar)
Polestar 2 Charging Time And Range
Polestar
The Performance bundle is the least-efficient mannequin, with a 247-mile estimate from the EPA. The best mannequin is the bottom rear-wheel drive choice, returning a 320-mile estimate. The related battery capacities imply that every one three derivatives are topic to the identical charging occasions.
A Level One family plug replenishes the battery in 72 hours. You can reduce this all the way down to eight hours through the use of a Level Two system rated at 48 amps. The new 205 kW quick charging system recovers the brand new battery from 10 to 80 % in 28 minutes when utilizing a Level Three DC fast charging system. Polestar nonetheless limits the outdated battery to 155 kW, so you must wait 35 minutes for it to cost from 10 to 80 %.
Battery
75-79 kWh Net
Range
247-320 Miles
Level 1 AC 110V Charging time (0-100%)
72 Hours
Level 2 AC 220V Charging time (0-100%)
8 Hours
Level 3 DC 440V Charging time (10-80%)
28-34 Minutes
(Data sourced from Polestar)
The Polestar 2 comes normal with a one-phase AC charging cable, which you should use at house or at public charging factors. Polestar would not supply Level Two-rated chargers, so you will should source them from a reputable supplier, which might price about $200. We additionally suggest getting a Level Two wallbox for comfort. These often price round $800, excluding the price of set up, which could be $800 to $2,000, relying in your location.
The Polestar 2 is a muscular automobile that gives spectacular efficiency, over 300 miles of vary, and an abundance of tech options.
Interior Technology, Luxury, And Comfort
Best Interior Features Of The 2024 Polestar 2
Electrically adjustable and heated entrance seats
12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Dual-zone local weather management
Sustainable upholstery choices
Ambient lighting
Wireless smartphone charger
Like the outside, the Polestar takes a minimalist and scientific method. Key options for the bottom trim embrace partially electrically adjustable entrance seats with lumbar help and heating, ambient lighting, digital dual-zone local weather management with an air high quality system, and
CleanZone air filtration.
Standard upholstery consists of vegan WeaveTech and embossed textiles, obtainable in Charcoal or Zinc shades. Animal welfare Nappa leather-based upholstery prices $4,000, and may solely be had in Zinc and Light Ash. The $2,200 Plus pack provides a panoramic glass roof, Black Ash deco inlays for the WeaveTech seats, upgraded ambient lighting, absolutely electrical entrance seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power-operated tailgate with a foot sensor. Additional inside choices embrace $200 all climate ground mats, a $200 baggage compartment mat, and a $55 first support equipment.
Technology
Polestar
Compared to newer EVs, the Polestar takes a extra conservative method to digital shows. All automobiles characteristic a 12.3-inch portrait touchscreen infotainment system and an 11.2-inch digital instrument cluster powered by Android Automotive OS with navigation, wi-fi Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. As normal, you get a 250-Watt eight-speaker audio system, however the Plus bundle upgrades this to a 600-Watt 13-speaker Harman Kardon Premium audio system.
It is extra highly effective and sits increased than a daily Polestar 2
Safety And Reliability
Polestar
Like its dad or mum firm, Polestar advantages from among the best standard active and passive safety features. Protective security measures embrace a nine-airbag configuration masking the entrance driver, passenger, and knees, sides, inner-sides, and curtains. Polestar adopts a Boron metal security cage with mixed-material crumple zones, a collapsible steering column, and different key security options, incomes it a powerful five-star overall safety score from the NHTSA. The IIHS has not crash-tested the Polestar 2 vary.
On the reliability entrance, the Polestar 2 has held up fairly properly to date, as there aren’t any energetic recollects presently listed for the vary. J.D. Power grants the mannequin a Fair 64/100 score for quality and reliability.
Driver Assistance Features
Polestar kits the two out with a complete superior driver help suite, consisting of twenty-two distinctive options when you specify the elective $2,000 Pilot Pack. Base ADAS options embrace nighttime collision warning, lane preserve support and departure warning, run-off highway and oncoming lane mitigation, and driver alert management. You additionally get rear collision warning and mitigation, cross visitors alert with brake help, blind spot info with steer help, and post-impact braking.
Nighttime collision warning
Lane-keeping support and departure warning
Run-off highway mitigation
Rear collision warning and mitigation
Cross visitors alert with brake help
Blind spot info with steer help
The aforementioned Pilot Plus pack provides adaptive cruise management, pilot help, and a velocity limiter.
Euro NCAP Crash Testing
We’ve inserted the Polestar 2 Euro NCAP crash testing merely as a reference, as a result of the IIHS has not examined the vary. European security requirements and mannequin specs are vastly totally different from the U.S.A’s.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Overall Rating
5 out of 5
Overall Front Crash Rating
5 out of 5
Overall Side Crash Rating
5 out of 5
Rollover Rating
5 out of 5
Recalls (NHTSA): 0
NHTSA Investigations: 0
NHTSA Consumer Complaints: Two complaints referring to {the electrical} techniques and windshield wiper
With over 400 horses and 270 miles of vary at your disposal aside from all the luxurious and tech, the Polestar 2 is price each penny.
Warranties
Polestar
The Polestar 2 vary comes normal with a reasonably complete guarantee masking 48 months or 50,000 miles. Polestar covers battery-related defects for 96 months or 100,000 miles. Corrosion defects can be resolved inside a 12-year interval over limitless miles. You additionally get complimentary scheduled upkeep inside a three-year or 30,000-mile interval.
Type
Length
Full Warranty
48 Months/50,000 Miles
Powertrain Warranty
48 Months/50,000 Miles
Maintenance Warranty
36 Months/30,000 Miles
Roadside Warranty
24 Months/Unlimited Miles
Corrosion Warranty
96 Months/Unlimited Miles
Federal Emissions Performance
24 Months/24,000 Miles
Federal Emissions Defect
36 Months/36,000 Miles
Seat Belt And Airbags
120 Months/Unlimited Miles
(Data sourced from Polestar)
2024 Polestar 2 Versus Its Competitors
The Polestar competes within the more and more competitive midsize EV crossover segment. Its most important rivals are undoubtedly the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5, that are two examples which are presently dominating the favored discipline.
How The Polestar 2 Compares To The Tesla Model Y
2024 Polestar 2
2024 Tesla Model Y
Model
Polestar 2
Tesla Model Y
Engine
Single- or dual-permanent-magnet motors
Single- or twin permanent-magnet motors
Transmission
Single-speed computerized
Single-speed computerized
Horsepower
299-455 HP
295-456 HP
Torque
361-546 LB-FT
310-487 LB-FT
Driveline
rear- or all-wheel drive
Rear- or all-wheel drive
Range
247-320 miles
260-330 miles
MSRP
$49,900
$43,990
Fuel Economy
95-115 MPGe
111-123 MPGe
Charge Time
8 Hours @ 240V
8-10 hours @ 240V
0-60 MPH
5.9-4.1 seconds
6.6-3.5 seconds
Even with the revised motor configuration and new battery choices, the Polestar 2 struggles to place up a convincing fight against the Tesla Model Y. The base mannequin nearly bests the American EV’s energy output figures, giving it a little bit of an edge within the 0-60 MPH acceleration dash. The top-of-the-range Performance fashions are additionally equally matched in energy, however the Polestar advantages from way more torque. Despite this, the Model Y nonetheless maintains an exemplary 0-60 MPH dash time.
Range and consumption figures are additionally inside the similar area, however the Model Y finally bests the Polestar 2 throughout all trims. It’s capable of do all of this whereas nonetheless being round $6,000 cheaper, however the Swedish mannequin does profit from a barely increased normal specification stage. Its catalog additionally has extra inside and exterior colours and shades, affording it a extra distinctive character.
The superior expertise platforms on which each of those EVs are constructed are designed to supply effectivity, superior efficiency, and reliability.
How The Polestar 2 Compares To The Hyundai Ioniq 5
2024 Polestar 2
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5
Model
Polestar 2
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Engine
Single- or dual-permanent-magnet motors
Single- or dual-permanent-magnet motors
Transmission
Single-speed computerized
Single-speed computerized
Horsepower
299-455 HP
168-320 HP
Torque
361-546 LB-FT
258-446 LB-FT
Driveline
rear- or all-wheel drive
Rear- or all-wheel drive
Range
247-320 miles
220-303 miles
MSRP
$49,900
$41,650
Fuel Economy
95-115 MPGe
99-114 MPGe
Charge Time
8 Hours @ 240V
6-7 hours @ 240V
0-60 MPH
5.9-4.1 seconds
7.4-4.5 seconds
Polestar places up extra of a fight against the Hyundai Ioniq 5 on the efficiency entrance. Its base rear-wheel drive mannequin outperforms the South Korean competitor with the usual and prolonged battery packs, leading to a considerably sooner 0-60 MPH time. The Performance by-product, however, would not fairly match the Ioniq 5 N’s intense performance car capabilities.
The Polestar 2 and Ioniq 5 mixed vitality consumption figures are in the identical area, however the Swede’s larger battery pack choices means it covers longer distances on a single cost. The Polestar’s greatest problem is competing with Hyundai’s pricing, however once more, its normal specification listing is much extra complete.
The Ioniq 5 has been a revelation for Hyundai and has taken its EV success to new heights. Here’s what you get in each trim within the EV’s lineup.
How Much The 2024 Polestar 2 Costs
Polestar
The Polestar 2 range starts at $49,990 for the bottom rear-wheel drive and $55,300 for the all-wheel drive dual-motor choice. Polestar provides a $1,400 vacation spot cost to all gross sales.
The Polestar 2 is presently among the best choices on the EV market and these are the very best explanation why!
Is It Worth Buying A Polestar 2?
Polestar
The Polestar 2 is a worthy choice when contemplating its complete options listing, good efficiency skills, and enticing inside and exterior designs. Its five-door liftback design additionally provides nice inside packaging with the good thing about an athletic look. It’s additionally one of the safest electric car options currently available.
Unfortunately, its pricing technique simply is not aggressive sufficient to tackle the extra established fashions presently preventing within the area, particularly the Tesla Model Y, however those that find yourself contemplating the area of interest Swede are unlikely to be dissatisfied.
Although the Polestar 3 was launched in October 2022, manufacturing did not begin till final month. The first vehicles rolled off the meeting line in China, whereas manufacturing within the US in South Carolina will kick off in a number of months. Before it does, Polestar launched US pricing for the brand new 3 SUV.
The Polestar 3 begins at $74,800 with the $1,400 vacation spot payment included. All 2025 Polestar 3 fashions offered within the US have twin motors, all-wheel drive, and a 111.0-kilowatt-hour battery pack that may be DC quick cost charged at as much as 250 kilowatts.
The base mannequin has a mixed output of 489 horsepower and 620 pound-feet of torque, sufficient for a 0-60 mph run of 5.0 seconds flat. Performance variations up the facility ante to 517 hp and 671 lb-ft to attain a dash time of 4.7 seconds.
Trim
Range
Output
0-60 MPH
Price
Pilot
315 Miles
489 HP / 620 LB-FT
5.0 Seconds
$74,800
Pilot + Plus
315 Miles
489 HP / 620 LB-FT
5.0 Seconds
$80,300
Pilot + Performance
279 Miles
517 HP / 671 LB-FT
4.7 Seconds
$80,800
Pilot, Plus, + Performance
279 Miles
517 HP / 671 LB-FT
4.7 Seconds
$86,300
As for the trim packages, the Plus Pack will get you 21-inch wheels, heated rear seats, and a 1,610-watt Bowers & Wilkins sound system with 25 audio system and an air subwoofer. Polestar covers the seats in “bio-attributed MicroTech or animal welfare wool seats.” The Performance Pack not solely provides further oomph through software program tuning but additionally sweetens the pot with 22-inch solid wheels, chassis tweaks, and gold accents.
Getting the Performance model means you are happy with a big drop in effectivity for the reason that vary goes down by 36 miles in comparison with a daily Polestar 3. Regardless of the mannequin you go for, all of them qualify for a Polestar Clean Vehicle Incentive of $7,500 on lease transactions.
How does the 2025 Polestar 3 stack up towards equally sized fashions when it comes to pricing? The desk under solutions that query.
Model
Price
Polestar 3
$74,800
BMW iX
$88,095
Audi E-Tron
$75,595
Tesla Model X
$81,380
Volvo EX90
$77,990
Kia EV9
$56,395
Polestar will begin deliveries to prospects within the second quarter of the 12 months. Aside from the opponents talked about above, it will additionally must go up towards the forthcoming Hyundai Ioniq 7.
Polestar’s naming scheme is very straightforward: the Polestar 3 is the third model since the brand was separated from Volvo as an independent car maker.
However, this alone doesn’t provide much information about its positioning, especially given that the Polestar 4, Polestar 5, and Polestar 6 have already been unveiled. To clarify, the Polestar 3 is a large electric SUV aiming to compete with the Audi Q8 E-tron, BMW iX, and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. The 4 is a smaller and sleeker SUV, the 5 is comparable to the Porsche Taycan, and the 6 is a roadster (all electric vehicles).
As a result, Polestar is rapidly expanding its range from a single car to a diverse line-up. In the spotlight today is the Polestar 3, as we’ve had the opportunity to drive an early prototype. Set to be the first to launch in the second quarter of 2024, it is also the first model to be exclusively designed as a Polestar, unlike the Polestar 1 coupé and Polestar 2 hatchback, which were originally intended to be Volvos.
Nevertheless, this does not signify that Polestar has severed connections with Volvo; in fact, the Geely-owned Swedish brands are becoming more integrated, and the Polestar 3 is essentially a sibling car of the Volvo EX90, Volvo’s upcoming large, three-row SUV.
Both vehicles share the same all-new SPA platform, mammoth 111kWh battery pack, 2985mm wheelbase, 250kW maximum charging speed, and dual motors in some versions. The interior design feels distinctively Volvo-esque, with similarities in the steering wheel, column stalks, and large infotainment touchscreen. Similarly, the centre console bears a strong resemblance to that of the EX90.
The upcoming Polestar 3 is set to debut in the second quarter of next year as the company’s inaugural SUV model, boasting a sleek design, luxurious features, and cutting-edge technology.
With a maximum power output of 510bhp in its twin-motor configuration, the vehicle incorporates advanced safety technologies and utilizes sustainable materials, aligning with the company’s commitment to creating a more relevant and environmentally responsible SUV.
The Polestar 3 made its first appearance in the UK at Salon Privé earlier this year, showcasing the Long Range Dual Motor variant finished in ‘Snow’ white paint and equipped with 22-inch four-spoke forged alloys.
Positioned as a direct competitor to the BMW iX and Jaguar I-Pace, the Polestar 3 follows the Volvo spin-off brand’s Polestar 2 electric saloon as the second model in its series production.
Built on the advanced new SPA2 platform, the Polestar 3 shares many of the same underlying technologies and systems with the upcoming Volvo EX90, effectively creating a close relationship between the two models. Unlike the Polestar 1 and 2, which were based on Volvo concept cars, the Polestar 3 is the first vehicle to be designed from the outset as a Polestar.
Despite being a large SUV, the Polestar 3 emphasizes aerodynamic efficiency with its sleek silhouette and various aero-channeling additions.
Drawing inspiration from the Polestar Precept concept, the vehicle features dual-blade headlights, a rear spoiler with an integrated wing, and a front aero wing, below which is a ‘Smartzone’ panel containing various sensors. Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath has highlighted these elements as defining characteristics of the brand.
In line with Polestar’s performance-oriented approach, the Polestar 3 will be launched with a rear-biased dual-motor powertrain, delivering 483bhp and 618lb ft of torque in standard form. This power enables the 2584kg-plus SUV to accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 130mph.
An optional Performance Pack offers an additional 27bhp and 51lb ft, reducing the 0-62mph sprint time by 0.3 seconds.
Polestar has set an ambitious goal to introduce a completely climate-neutral car in 2030. The company is currently two years into an extensive research and development program focused on reducing the environmental impact of its supply and construction processes.
The initiative, known as Polestar 0, is indicative of its intended environmental significance. Hans Pehrson, who formerly led Polestar’s R&D department and is now in charge of bringing this initiative to fruition, emphasized the objective of creating a “commercialized car” rather than just a concept.
Pehrson stated, “What kind of car will come later – convertible, SUV, city car, whatever…” and explained that the 10-year program, which commenced in 2020, is divided into three distinct stages.
“We have a detailed timeline to get there. We should have a production start in 2030. Three years before that point, we need to start detailed product development in the automotive business: 36 months is quite common.
“Before that starts, we need to look into architecture. Will we build it on aluminum, steel or something else? Will it be four-wheel drive? Will the battery be under the floor?”
Pehrson mentioned that his division will need to be well-prepared with thorough research by 2025 in order for the company to achieve its goals.
The research program will consider the impact of all materials, components, and processes used in car construction. Pehrson also noted, “If we make a breakthrough this year or next year, we can implement them in a model-year change or in a new car launching in 2024, 2025 or 2026.”
Polestar has already included more than 30 companies in the 0 project and showcased the work of some of these at its Polestar Day event in Los Angeles.
These include seats made using ‘fossil-free steel’ from a company called SSAB, plastics from Dama BioPlastics that are made using plant waste, and a material called PaperShell that turns paper back into wood.
The Polestar 6 will not go into production until 2026, but the automaker has exciting plans for its electric roadster. Instead of limiting production to just 500 examples, the company has decided to produce the car based on demand, which is already high.
Within a week of the car’s production announcement on August 16, all 500 build slots were reserved, indicating strong interest in the electric roadster. In a recent interview with Autocar, Polestar’s CEO Thomas Ingenlath confirmed that production will not be limited to 500 units if there is demand for more.
The O2 took design cues from the Precept concept – which previewed the 5 – and Ingenlath said it was developed with two goals: further reinforcing the brand’s image as a “luxury sports brand” and pushing internal development.
“The energy and vision that it brings into the company definitely drives us,” said Ingenlath. “We made the Precept a reality with the Polestar 5, and that’s the result of us daring to go out with that vision.”
He added: “The propulsion of an electric drivetrain is great for a sports car. And then to do it when an open-roof concept, when everybody dreams about ‘the fresh air, the breeze, being closer to nature’ – it’s a perfect fit to have that with an electric drivetrain, and not only have fresh air when you arrive at it, but you’ll leave it for the people behind you.
“Electric propulsion is absolutely a perfect fit for a roadster, so I would love to put an exclamation mark that the future of driving an open roadster has to be electric.”
The O2, which features a fixed retracting roof, is substantially shorter than the 5, at around 4600mm long, with the wheelbase shrunk by around 400mm. This has been enabled by removing the ‘foot garage’ – a well in the skateboard chassis floor of the 5 to increase rear leg room – from the platform. Polestar claims this will allow the model to maintain huge rigidity, ensuring it offers strong handling and dynamics.
Polestar has expressed interest in developing a supercar based on the Synergy concept, as stated by design boss Maximillian Missoni. While there are no concrete production plans yet, the positive feedback received for the concept and the confidence in the engineering team have made this a compelling prospect for Polestar in the future.
Missoni emphasized that there are no guarantees, but the desire to pursue this project is there. The UK-based engineering team at the Horiba MIRA facility could make the production of a low-volume car a feasible possibility. This team, responsible for the aluminum architecture of the Polestar 5 and Polestar 6 models, is well-equipped to create specialized and high-performance vehicles.
If the Synergy were to enter production, it would be based on a monocoque rather than the new aluminum architecture, according to Missoni. He expressed confidence in the Polestar brand’s ability to create a supercar and is excited to see the brand’s future direction.
The Synergy concept, initially described as a “fantasy supercar,” is a combination of three models created for a design contest. After an extensive selection process, the final design was a result of collaboration between contest winners and the Polestar design team. The concept car, standing at 1.07 meters tall and 4.65 meters long, boasts striking features such as imposing wheel arches, a large front splitter, and a dramatic rear lightbar.
The exterior design draws inspiration from a hammerhead shark, encapsulating the concepts of “emotional durability” and “technical upgradability,” according to Polestar.
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