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The upcoming Polestar 3 electric SUV, debuting in October 2022, is targeted to offer an impressive 372-mile range (under the WLTP testing cycle), a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain standard, and will be built in both the U.S. and China, with production starting in early 2023. This model marks a significant expansion for the Swedish EV automaker into the dominant SUV segment.
Based on the information released by Polestar, the Polestar 3 will launch with a dual-motor powertrain, which typically indicates an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. This setup provides power to all four wheels, enhancing traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. While the initial launch will focus on this configuration, the automaker has left open the possibility for future single-motor, front-wheel-drive (FWD) or rear-wheel-drive (RWD) variants, which could offer a lower entry price.
The most headline-grabbing figure is the target driving range. Polestar states the Polestar 3 is aiming for 372 miles on a single charge. It is crucial to note that this estimate is based on the global Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), a testing cycle often used in Europe and other regions. For context, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) range estimates in the United States are typically more conservative. Therefore, the final EPA-rated range for the U.S. market is expected to be lower, though still highly competitive.
| Specification | Polestar 3 (Announced Targets) | Testing Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Target Range | 372 miles | WLTP |
| Expected U.S. Range | To be confirmed (typically lower than WLTP) | EPA |
| Launch Powertrain | Dual-Motor All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) | - |
| Future Variants | Potential single-motor options | - |
| Autonomous Tech | Planned "over time" | - |
Furthermore, Polestar has confirmed that the Polestar 3 will, over time, include autonomous driving technology. While specific details about the system's capabilities (e.g., SAE Level 2 or Level 3 automation) are not yet available, this aligns with the industry-wide push towards more advanced driver-assistance systems.
The Polestar 3 represents a strategic pivot for the brand. The first model, the Polestar 1, was a low-volume, high-performance plug-in hybrid (PHEV) coupe. It was followed by the more mainstream Polestar 2, an all-electric liftback sedan. The introduction of the Polestar 3 SUV is a clear acknowledgment that SUVs are currently one of the most popular and dominant vehicle classes globally. This move allows Polestar to compete directly in a high-demand market segment against rivals like the Tesla Model Y, Audi e-tron, and BMW iX.
This expansion is part of a broader product offensive. Polestar has announced plans to launch a new car every year for the next three years, starting with the Polestar 3. For consumers who find the Polestar 2 or the upcoming Polestar 3 not quite to their liking, patience may indeed be a virtue, as more body styles and options are on the horizon.
Orders for the Polestar 3 are expected to open in October 2022, coinciding with its official debut. The start of production is currently scheduled for early 2023. The vehicle will be built in factories in the United States and China, which could help streamline logistics and potentially reduce costs for different markets.
Official pricing has not been announced. However, based on its positioning as a larger, more technologically advanced model than the Polestar 2 (which starts around $45,000), the Polestar 3 is expected to command a premium. Its price will likely place it firmly in the competitive luxury midsize SUV segment.
For those interested in the Polestar 3, the key takeaways are:
Based on our assessment experience, the Polestar 3 is shaping up to be a significant and compelling entry into the electric SUV market, blending performance, long-range capability, and advanced technology.
