Polestar 3: Worth the Price?
I wouldn’t characterize myself as an enthusiast for Sport Utility Vehicles, however I concede that it may be a rather puzzling decision to first release a range of all-electric or electrified models with a sedan and coupe. Timing is everything, and nowadays the Tesla Model Y continues to be the hottest-selling car in the planet. Actually, most of the highest-selling cars are component of the light truck bunch regardless of mode of engine. Accordingly, there’s no doubting that the Polestar 3 has been highly anticipated, so that it may scoop up the throng of shoppers waiting for a crossover created by the Swedish/Chinese company.
The appearance of its crossover has presented a variety of impending questions. Can the Polestar succeed in leaving the shadow of its parent brand, Volvo Automobiles of the Geely Group? I had no opportunity to take the wheel for a spin; nevertheless, I had some insight into the 3 and 4 models from the ride-along activities at this year’s Polestar event. Even as a simply a passenger, there is plenty still to analyze.
Even as an industry analyst compensated to comprehend, create, and criticize the electric vehicle market, I must admit it can be complex to stay abreast of the slew of pioneering EV models on the brink of debuting. Indeed, Polestar pulled off a surprising move when they unveiled not one, but three alluring vehicles with that ubiquitous white finish concurrently – my incorrect presumption had been these two would simply be discrete versions of one layout, a twofold approach presumably taking aim at the increasingly competitive cost bracket of between fifty thousand and sixty-five thousand US dollars; a range which is now crowded by such competitors as the Tesla Model Y, Cadillac Lyritz, Genesis GV70 Electrical, and many more.
My mistake was soon realised. Deep down, the Polestar 3 and 4 have little resemblance to one another. The 4 sits atop a structure that is used in both the Zeekr 001 of China and the new Volvo EM90 van. The noteworthy difference between these two Polestars is in their pricing: the Polestar 3 is made for an affluent market, while the Polestar 2 proffers a much friendlier cost.
With an introductory cost of $83,900 ahead of any applicable taxes or assortment of amenities, the Polestar 3 has its sights set on rival EVs like the Audi Q8 E-Tron and BMW iX. This sizable automobile is designed for more affluent buyers who crave a touch of Swedish opulence mixed with a hint of sportiness.
This is not the initial instance of catching a glimpse of the Polestar 3 – it has been divulged for some time, and certain small numbers of Polestar storefronts across the U.S. possess samples in their display rooms for fanatics and purchasers to take a peek at. Even so, they don’t exist in every showroom, and not many of us have the habit of regularly visiting dealerships to check out new models. I am sure that this occasion was the first time that a lot of the people present had witnessed the Polestar 3 live, since the Polestar Day function was populated with admirers, investors together with reporters.
Undeniably, Polestar continues to face accusations of being just another Volvo, yet the Polestar 3 stands with bold lines that are unmistakably its own. The rear hatch area is notably upright and practical in comparison to other electric vehicles’ conventionally coupe-inspired rooflines. It has a lengthy hood which gives it a broad, slender and athletic look even though its measurements are comparable to the huge BMW iX. In this era where almost every EV features overstated design, the Polestar 3 appears to be an invigorating choice.
Altogether, the interior of the Polestar 2 gives a spacious and fresh atmosphere. Beforehand I gave an impression that this vehicle was crafted by Crate & Barrel; yet, it could also be said that the car’s capacity could be considered comparatively so-so. It has a dim area within, where the protruding center console encloses everyone inside and leaves small windows to create a cavernous place like atmosphere.
In regards to its inner space, the Polestar 3 boasts a much finer setup. The freestanding center console clearly goes more into the cabin of the front rider, yet it doesn’t link with the 14.5-inch infotainment monitor. This, tied in with the flattened, unimpeded dashboard and more elevated driving experience typical of a SUV such as the Polestar 3, make up a quite comfortable interior configuration for this crossover that is supposedly the best so far from the brand.
It is justifiable to be sceptical of the interior of a pre-production model of the Polestar 3 due to its costly price tag. Compared to more luxurious examples including the Audi Q8 E-Tron and BMW iX’s interior design, it does appear slightly modest which may put some purchasers off. Nonetheless, judging factors such as material quality and accuracy of workmanship would not be appropriate until the final, market-ready edition is revealed.
In comparison to the Polestar 4, the Polestar 3 runs on the same SPA2 platform as the Volvo EX90. I assume that this 5-passenger frame and optional performance package have taken the car out of the realm of family transport and above the Volvo. The Polestar 3’s main focus is its seamlessly integrated LIDAR technology, with the advertised promise of semi-automated driving capabilities arriving just around the corner. Sadly, we were unable to try this feature out so cannot vouch for its effectiveness.
Our brief journey – lasting only around 10 minutes – proved to be extremely fruitful. It enabled us to experience the ride quality of the car, which overall was very smooth and composed. This included even taking it out onto the busy roads of Santa Monica, where it remained as steady as a rock; there was no hint of any issues such as bounciness or rattling that are often associated with pre-production cars lacking good suspension setups. With two electric motors producing a whopping 487 horsepower under the hood, the car shot off to intense speeds in mere seconds – pretty par for the course for electrically powered cars nowadays. Even though the whole experience left a positive impression on us, an 83k price tag surely does make one think twice.
The question of the Polestar 3, as writers and purchasers will surely find out when they get to take it for a spin, is its true value. For instance, the BMW iX may not be the prettiest auto around, but it is definitely one of the best driving cars that BMW has created, being able to provide a blend of driving pleasure and comfort. At present, the Polestar 3 feels robust and desirable, yet there is doubt whether the other parts of the drive are worth the hefty price tag? Regular buyers really need another approximately $100,000 Electric Vehicle crossover?
We shall shortly discern when the Polestar 3 will become accessible in the year 2024.
