Everything You Need To Know About Polestar’s New Family-Friendly SUV

2 months ago

The Scandinavian firm’s cool five-seater is spacious, relaxing and a thrilling drive

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Everything You Need To Know About Polestar's New Family-Friendly SUV

Polestar’s new model is a family-friendly SUV that happens to perform like a sports car, says Jeremy Taylor. Here’s the rundown.

Car Review: Polestar 3

Polestar’s first new model in four years has finally arrived. In a world of faceless SUVs, seemingly styled on the same drawing board, Polestar 3 is a sparkling example of a contemporary car design that dares to be different.

The long-serving Polestar 2 was launched in 2020 yet still looks as fresh as ever. An all-electric hatchback capable of 408 miles on a single charge, the popular EV has helped drive progress towards an emission-free future.

Now Polestar 3 is taking up the sustainable challenge – a light and spacious SUV with a genuine feel-good factor missing from so many rivals. The sculpted bodywork is unmistakable on the road, aerodynamically profiled to optimise airflow, even the paint colours have been specially curated to accentuate the design.

Inside, the cabin features a minimalist dashboard equipped with a large, portrait-orientated touchscreen that drives much of the technology. Premium-feel materials include sustainable leather and animal-welfare certified wool, while an acoustic laminated glass roof adds to the sense of space, despite a low-profile roofline that doesn’t leave headroom wanting.

Polestar 3 is available in standard form, or as the Performance pack model I drove around Herefordshire. With sporty handling and larger, 22-inch alloy wheels, this is the most dynamic version in the range. From 2025, a Pilot Pack model with roof-mounted sensors is designed to aid autonomous driving.

The Polestar is genuinely great fun to drive on a country road. All launch models feature a twin motor, all-wheel drive set-up to aid grip and also runs on pothole-munching air suspension. So, despite measuring 4.9-metres and weighing 2.5 tons, the 3 still handles like a dream.

A standard model 3 will churn out 483bhp from a 111kWh battery pack, with masses of torque for overtaking. Up that by 27bhp for the Performance pack, reducing the 0-60mph time to just 4.5 seconds.

Regenerative braking helps top up the battery while on the move and in some instances, negates the need to use the brake pedal. The 3 has three different levels of regen, choose medium for the best driving experience.

The dual motor version returns 392 miles on one charge, or 348 with the Performance pack. A forthcoming single motor option will increase that to 403 miles. Hooked up to a rapid 250kWh charger, the 3 will charge from 10 to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes.

A 14.5-inch touchscreen is the nerve centre of the Polestar 3, receiving digital updates remotely – with no need to visit a service centre. Cabin sensors also monitor the interior, warning drivers if they are about to leave a pet or child in the car, while the climate control can be set up top keep animals cool in the cabin.

A state-of-the-art infotainment system has Google built in, allowing drivers to connect to their digital ecosystem. Connected to Google Home, it’s possible to set the cabin temperature or check the battery level before leaving the house.

Sound is provided by a 300w system, pumped through ten speakers. Upgrade to a Bowers & Wilkins unit for a massive 1,610w of power, 3D surround sound and the very latest Dolby Atmos experience.

The Polestar 3 is a sprightly yet relaxed driving experience, enhanced by a spacious and refined cabin. Prices start at just under £70,000, which seems like great value for a classy car with so much standard equipment and high levels of driving pleasure.

The Highlights

The all-new Polestar 3 is perfect for town and country, capable of towing up to a class-leading 2,200kg.
Plug in to an 11kWh home charger overnight and the Scandi SUV takes just 11 hours to charge from 0 to 100 per cent.
Polestar 3 can store and remember the settings for up to six drivers. Sensors automatically recognise a driver on approach and adjust the seat, mirror and other settings accordingly.