It packs a 380kW/910Nm punch, has a distinctively Scandinavian design and has the Porsche Cayenne and Tesla Model X squarely in its sights.
The Polestar 3 is the Swedish brand’s all-new SUV and was designed from the beginning to be the new brand’s flagship SUV, sharing its underpinnings with the upcoming Volvo EX90.
READ MORE: How Polestar plans to take on Porsche and Tesla
“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,” explained Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath.
The standard version will be powered by a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain making 360kW of power and 840Nm of torque. However, if that’s not enough there is an optional Performance Pack that will bump the outputs up to the aforementioned 380kW/910Nm, cutting the 0-100km/h time from 5.0 seconds to 4.7 seconds.
While it may be a big SUV, Polestar is determined to ensure it has the best handling possible, so it’s fitted with the Torque Vectoring Dual Clutch system that debuted on the Polestar 1 coupe, and works to send drive to the rear wheel with the most grip for sharper turning.
But it’s not all about performance, Polestar is also focused on efficiency and sustainability. The 111kWh lithium-ion battery provides a driving range up to 610km (although the Performance Pack drops it back to 560km).
To stave off critics who claim electric vehicles aren’t any better for the environment than an internal combustion model Polestar has taken a holistic approach to its design, development and its future production.
ROAD TEST: 2022 Polestar 2 review
That means the interior features “bio-attributed MicroTech, animal welfare-certified leather and fully traceable wool upholsteries” and the company will take a “complete life-cycle assessment” when the production begins and try to find ways to reduce its carbon footprint.
The real question is, will this new Swedish luxury, performance SUV have what it takes to compete with the likes of the Porsche Cayenne, Tesla Model X and BMW iX. We’ll find out when it arrives in Australia in the first quarter of 2024 with a price starting at $135,000. Stay tuned for more details as they’re announced.
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