Written by CJ Hubbard Published: 28 September 2022 Updated: 28 September 2022

Overview

Polestar, the electric car brand that’s owned by the Chinese Geely Group, has revealed another image of its first SUV, the Polestar 3. Following on from the incredible Polestar 1 and popular Polestar 2, when it’s revealed in full on 12 October 2022 the new 3 will join the growing ranks of battery-powered premium SUVs fighting for your money.

The company refers to it as an aerodynamic SUV or ‘design-led electric performance SUV’, and it’s going to be the largest model yet from the firm when it goes on sale. The Polestar 3 will be manufactured in the US and China, and it will be competing against rival high-end electric SUVs such as the BMW iX and Tesla Model X.

What’s it like inside?

We don’t know yet, as we’ve only seen a couple of pictures of the outside. But it’s likely to feature a smart minimalist set-up like the Polestar 2, and using it will revolve around a Google Android-powered centre infotainment screen.

The exterior styling story is one of it being a natural progression of the Polestar design story. What we can see of the front looks unconventional and rather sporty, featuring aerodynamic aids ahead of the bonnet to minimise drag, while the back is smooth and sleek (and a little Citroen / DS like). Note also the more extreme version of Volvo’s ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights, and separate lights either side.

The rear of the new SUV also appears to take some inspiration from the all-electric Volvo C40. The Polestar is much bigger, though, with a footprint matching that of the next-generation Volvo XC90, its sister car.

What’s it like to drive?

We won’t know the answer to this until we’ve tested it, but according the brand ‘Performance is key for Polestar, going deeper than just straight-line acceleration.’

To this end, all versions at launch will not only feature a ‘rear-biased’ dual motor drivetrain, but also a trick dual clutch system on the back axle that can do electric ‘torque vectoring’ for sharper, more dynamic direction changes. This is far beyond the norm for electric cars, and promises an exciting driving experience we hope the car can live up to.

Supporting this are dual-chamber air suspension and adaptive dampers – fitted as standard – that can adjust to the road every 2 milliseconds. Comfort and Sport settings will feature, allowing the Polestar 3 to deliver a cushy ride and eager responses.

According to Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath: ‘It’s this instant ability to transform from a comfortable cruiser to a sharp, agile performance car in less than the blink of an eye that makes Polestar 3 special as an electric performance SUV. It also benefits from a low centre of gravity and wide track for ultimate stability, and an exciting feeling behind the wheel.’

Target driving range is said to be 360 miles WLTP.

What models and trims are available?

No mention of any specific trim levels just yet, but the use of ‘at launch’ about the dual-motor four-wheel drive setup suggests less powerful – and cheaper – single-motor variants may follow in time. These will probably be rear-wheel drive but they could be front-wheel drive.

Polestar is also already touting a Polestar 3 Performance Pack. So while we haven’t officially been given any power outputs for the standard versions, we do know this is intended to make 517hp (380kW) and an even more staggering 910 Nm of torque. Should be lively.

Unofficially, we know the standard dual-motor version will produce 489hp (360kw), thanks to information that’s already been released to the residual value industry.

What else should I know?

The Polestar 3 will eventually feature semi-autonomous driving capability, powered by a raft of sensors and some seriously powerful computing power.

It’s expected to go on sale in October 2022, with UK deliveries to follow in 2023. According to the same source as the standard power output, pricing will start at £79,845 for the 360kW model and £85,445 for the 380kW version.

For that sort of money, it had better be very good indeed.