Polestar 3 — Go big or go home

0 0 October 24, 2022 Edit this post

Polestar 3 has hit the decks and it's big -- in every way. Based on Volvo's XC90 replacement, the all-electric EX90, the five-seat SUV comes with a big price, a big battery, big electric range and tips the scales at a big 2500 kilos plus. Powered by two electric motors, with a 111kWh battery, the launch edition puts out 360kW and 840Nm, with a range of up to 610km. Optioned with the Performance Pack, those outputs jump to 380kW and 910kW. It's priced from an "indicative" $135,000 initially and you can register your interest now, with first deliveries expected towards the end of next year. Polestar 3 (P3) is the first car from Volvo's electric performance brand to feature Nvidia Drive hardware, together with software from Volvo Cars. Nvidia's high-performance automotive platform processes data from the car’s sensors and cameras to enable driver monitoring and advanced driver-assist features. The infotainment system is powered by a next-generation Snapdragon Cockpit Platform from Qualcomm Technologies. The Snapdragon Digital Chassis consists of a comprehensive set of open and scalable cloud-connected automotive platforms. It provides an immersive in-vehicle experience, with high-definition displays, premium surround sound and seamless connectivity. Like other Volvos and Polestars it has built-in Android Automotive OS co-developed with Google, together with a 14.5-inch vertically mounted centre display. Over-the-air updates are included to allow for continuous software improvement and introduction of new features without the need to visit a service point. In another first, radar sensors can detect minute movements in the cabin to help protect against accidentally leaving children or pets inside, and are linked to the climate control system to avoid heat stroke or hypothermia. Cameras also monitor the driver’s eyes and can trigger warning messages, sounds and even an emergency stop function when detecting a distracted, drowsy or disconnected driver. P3 features optimised aerodynamics, with a front aero wing integrated into the bonnet, an aero wing integrated into the rear spoiler and rear aero blades. Adjustable one-pedal drive is included, as well as an electric Torque Vectoring Dual Clutch function on the rear axle – an evolution of the tech developed for Polestar 1. A decoupling function is also available for the rear electric motor, allowing the car to run only on the front motor to save energy under certain circumstances. Advanced chassis control is provided by dual-chamber air suspension as standard, allowing Polestar 3 to adapt between comfort and dynamic suspension characteristics. Materials used inside the car have been selected for their sustainability, while raising premium aesthetics and luxury tactility. These include bio-attributed MicroTech, animal welfare-certified leather and fully traceable wool upholsteries. P3 is also equipped for bidirectional charging, enabling future potential for vehicle-to-grid and plug-and-charge capabilities. All versions include air suspension, a full-length panoramic glass roof, all-LED lighting inside and out, retractable door handles with proximity sensing and 21-inch alloy wheels. The Plus Pack and Pilot Pack will be fitted as standard for the first model year and include a raft of premium, luxury and convenience features. These include Bowers & Wilkins 25-speaker audio with 3D surround sound and Dolby Atmos capability, soft-closing doors, a head-up display and Pilot Assist. Available to order from the second quarter of 2023, the optional Pilot Pack with LiDAR from Luminar will add an additional control unit from Nvidia. With three cameras, four ultrasonic sensors and cleaning for the front- and rear-view cameras, it provides accurate real-time data about the car’s surroundings especially in the long-range field. This enables enhanced 3D scanning of the car’s surroundings in greater detail and helps prepare the car for autonomous driving. As well as an increase in power, the optional Performance Pack also sharpens driving dynamics, with performance optimised air suspension, unique 22-inch forged alloys and additional signature ‘Swedish gold’ details. P3 is the first car to be based on new all-electric technology developed by and shared with Volvo Cars. Production for initial launch markets is planned to begin in Chengdu, China, in an incremental ramp-up phase from mid-2023, with first deliveries expected in the fourth quarter of 2023. Additional manufacturing at Volvo’s South Carolina facility in the United States is expected to follow towards the middle of 2024. Polestar's Thomas Ingenlath said Polestar 3 is a powerful electric SUV that will appeal to the senses with a distinct, Scandinavian design and excellent driving dynamics. "It takes our manufacturing footprint to the next level, bringing Polestar production to the United States," he said. "We are proud and excited to expand our portfolio as we continue our rapid growth.” Australian customers can register their interest online from 13 October 2022. Full specification available at www.polestar.com/au