Polestar’s Upmarket Flagship Crossover Is Sustainably Outfitted
Polestar has been the topic of corporate drama lately, as Volvo announced its intentions to split away from the brand just last month.
Even so, the Swedish spinoff is forging ahead with the launch of its new flagship crossover model, the Polestar 3.
Now with pricing figures announced, the 2025 Polestar 3 will come in four trim levels with a low end of $74,800 and a high end of $86,300.
Polestar has been in the news a lot lately. With an impending financial breakup, revised ownership structures, and new models on the horizon, Polestar is going through changes, but these changes aren't bad at all, actually. In fact, this shakeup may actually help Polestar in the long run.
But first, Polestar is finally releasing pricing for its impending flagship crossover, the Polestar 3. Sharing a platform with the Volvo EX90, Polestar's version is focused on minimalist design and performance, while the Volvo skews more toward luxury buyers.
Four different variants of the Polestar 3 will be available come spring 2024, though the 111-kWh battery pack will be standard across the entire lineup. Similarly, a maxed-out charging speed of 250 kW is common across the lineup, though power figures and range will vary depending on trim level.
Officially offered as a 2025 model, the low end of Polestar pricing will start at $74,800 for the Polestar 3 long-range, dual-motor, Pilot Pack-equipped version, including a $1400 destination charge. From there, adding the Plus Pack brings the total to $80,300.
Both of these models (which lack the Performance Pack) make 480 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque, allowing for a 0-60 mph sprint of five seconds flat. Every trim level of the Polestar 3 will be equipped with the long-range, dual-motor setup for 2025, though the less sporty versions boast a preliminary range figure of 315 miles.
Equipping your Polestar 3 with the Performance Pack will garner a power bump to 517 hp and 671 lb-ft of torque, though the range decreases to 279 miles. Sold with the Performance Pack and Pilot Pack, prospective buyers can expect a starting price of $80,800. Fully loaded with the Performance, Pilot, and Plus Pack, the sticker price rises to $86,300.
Offered as a $5500 option, the Plus Pack includes a 1610-watt Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system with 25 speakers and a "fresh air subwoofer." Additionally, the Plus Pack includes bio-attributed MicroTech or animal-welfare wool seats, 21-inch Plus wheels, and heated rear seats.
The Performance Pack offers a standard-style upsizing across the board: 22-inch Performance forged wheels are equipped as standard, joining undisclosed chassis tuning changes and a software performance upgrade that accounts for the 28-hp, 51-lb-ft power bump. Performance Pack-equipped models shave 0.4 seconds off the 0-60 mph sprint, too.
All Polestar 3 models will receive a slew of standard luxuries, too. Notably, Pilot Assist driver-assistance aids, Park Assist Pilot, Lane Change Assist, and a head-up display are included on all Polestar 3 models.
Production of the Polestar 3 has already begun in Chengdu, China, though an additional production line at Volvo's South Carolina plant is set to start in the middle of 2024. Polestar says an initial production test series has already been completed, meaning deliveries are set to begin shortly.
As a result of Polestar's overseas manufacturing processes, the Swedish-based, Chinese-owned company admits the Polestar 3 won't qualify for any direct-to-consumer tax credit in the US. Instead, the company claims lessees will benefit from a $7500 clean vehicle credit applied to Polestar and passed onto the customer in capitalized cost reduction.
This announcement largely fulfills Polestar's production timeline promises, too. Last year, Volvo and Polestar both announced slight delays in the production processes, largely as a result of software issues. Quoting a Q1 2024 production start last May, Polestar has technically made good on its promise, so long as the electric crossovers start to be delivered soon.
From a design perspective, do you like the Polestar 3 or Volvo EX90 more? Please share your thoughts below.
