This SUV is masterfully tuned and sneaky quick

The Polestar 3 has lengthy been promised to be the primary true branded BEV from the Volvo- and Geely-owned automaker, and it has loads driving on its success. After taking a visit out to Jackson Gap, Wyoming, to check drive each variants of the Polestar 3, I feel this SUV is one thing fairly particular inside and outside.

A fast background on the Polestar 3 SUV

The Polestar 3 is a brand new SUV from the EV model that’s majority-owned by China’s Geely Holding. It was initially introduced in October 2022. Along with being the primary SUV from Polestar ($PSNY), it would even be the primary mannequin constructed on US soil in South Carolina.

The SUV was initially scheduled to launch in This autumn 2023, however Polestar delayed its arrival to Q1 2024, citing the necessity for extra time to develop the software program utilized in its platform shared with Volvo Automobiles and the EX90.

In February, nevertheless, Volvo introduced it might promote most of its stake in Polestar. Regardless, the model has pushed forward in China with Geely as preliminary manufacturing started abroad that very same month.

The primary deliveries of the all-electric SUV started in late June earlier than the US builds commenced final month. My journey was a uncommon occasion of test-driving an EV for the primary time that’s already in the marketplace, however I’ve been giddy concerning the alternative to take action nonetheless and share my ideas with you, so let’s dig in.

Specs of the primary two Polestar 3 variants

At its preliminary US launch, the Polestar 3 SUV arrived in two dual-motor variants, together with a Lengthy Vary model we known as the “primary” mannequin through the drives and a Lengthy Vary 3 with Polestar’s Efficiency Pack, providing extra horsepower and acceleration (plus candy gold seatbelts you possibly can peep under).

Polestar has since shared plans for a 3rd, extra inexpensive SUV variant, full with a single RWD powertrain. Nonetheless, that’s not coming to North America till later this 12 months, so we’ll give attention to the 2 variations I drove. Right here’s how the specs stack up:

On paper, the Polestar 3’s specs are greater than sufficient however certainly not blow you away. Nonetheless, when you’ve ever pushed the Polestar 2 BST or the RWD model, you possibly can perceive that these EVs are merely constructed otherwise and drive higher than most autos on the market as we speak.

That’s partly attributable to Polestar’s mechanical engineer Christian Samson and his staff on the design middle in Gothenburg, who’ve as soon as once more put their tuning experience into Polestar’s newest mannequin. The result’s noticeable but in addition fairly unmatched. Listed here are my ideas.

This SUV is superb, even with out the Efficiency Pack

Throughout my day of driving up and round Wyoming and thru Idaho, I took in some lovely vistas across the Tetons regardless of the rain (and a bit little bit of snow). Throughout that trek, I received time behind the wheel of each Launch Editions of the Polestar 3 SUV, together with the Twin Motor model, which incorporates Polestar’s Plus and Pilot Packs (within the “Snow” exterior seen above), in addition to the Efficiency Pack Model in “Thunder” down under.

My first impression, and one thing I’ll in all probability revisit a number of occasions as you learn on, is how easy of a experience this SUV delivers. Because the Polestar staff shared with us throughout a presentation earlier than, the drive, dealing with, steering, and efficiency are on the core of its product identification, alongside different necessary elements reminiscent of vary, effectivity, sustainability, U/X, and ADAS.

The design staff put plenty of effort into the considerable and refined physique management within the Polestar 3 SUV to ship a playful however balanced experience it hopes will propel the younger(ish) model to standing as the primary selection for correct drivers attributable to its precision and distinct highway contact.

After driving each these variants, I’ve to say Polestar knocked it out of the park. I don’t know if I’ve skilled a experience as easy and as snug as the three, whether or not I used to be behind the wheel or driving shotgun with my driving companion.

In case you’ve examine my drive experiences prior to now, you’ll know I’m a stickler for regen and love one-pedal driving, and the Polestar 3 is a number of the finest I’ve encountered to this point. It’s completely calibrated and stiff as hell while you need it to be, but its deceleration is so completely easy that you’re by no means jerked ahead. That is what one-pedal driving ought to be—Chef’s kiss.

I used to be an enormous fan of the small driver’s show above the steering wheel. It remained in clear sight and completely displayed all of the pertinent info proper the place I wanted it and is an ideal instance of Polestar’s nod to its Scandinavian roots with a minimalist but useful design strategy.

On the way in which again within the Polestar 3 with the Efficiency Pack, we encountered one software program error through which the driving force show malfunctioned (see error message under). The automobile stored working completely, together with Pilot Help ADAS, though there have been no indications it was on. Different metrics like pace went darkish as effectively. The HUD nonetheless projected however didn’t present any info.

As soon as I pulled over and turned the SUV off (which required a fast Google search since this mannequin doesn’t have a begin/cease button), I may restart it, and all the pieces booted up simply advantageous. It was a minor bug with a fast resolution, however it’s value mentioning.

I additionally discovered the HUD to be utterly sufficient throughout my drive time. It was nothing particular because it solely shows the pace restrict and your present pace, nevertheless it was straightforward to see, even by all the weather exterior.

One other function I loved was the 25-speaker system with Dolby Atmos from Bowers & Wilkins, which comes with the Plus Pack improve. The sound high quality was unbelievable, and you may swap between totally different simulated environments, together with “Stage” and “Room.” Darkish Facet of the Moon by no means sounded higher.

Whereas the Polestar 3’s acceleration specs might not blow you away on paper, don’t get it twisted; this SUV is sneaky quick. Once more, I’ve to provide credit score to how effectively the EVs have been tuned as a result of you cannot solely simply overtake a automobile everytime you need, however you additionally really feel in full management your complete time and at all times have a superb really feel for the place the entrance wheels are.

I don’t need to incriminate myself right here, however on the empty nation roads in Wyoming, my driving companion and I had been in a position to get the Polestar 3’s pace effectively into the triple digits, generally with out even noticing. I skilled this sensation as each a passenger and a driver – you possibly can simply be going 118 mph, and it feels as easy and calm as when you had been going 55 mph. It’s unreal.

The general aesthetic of the Polestar 3 SUV is considered one of cleanliness and high quality. The textiles, a lot of that are recycled supplies, are snug and produce an feeling of premium high quality to the automobile. I most popular the inside of then Efficiency Pack model personally, however when it’s all mentioned and performed, I feel the common olf Twin Motor model is the place it’s at

Remaining ideas, pricing, and availability of the Polestar 3

Total, I used to be fairly impressed with the Polestar 3 and extremely suggest taking the SUV for a check drive your self to actually perceive what I’m speaking about once I describe how effectively it has been tuned. Whereas I totally loved each variants, I personally would go for the Launch Version Twin Motor model with the Plus and Pilot Packs.

The Efficiency Pack does provide some further oomph, however I don’t suppose it’s vital sufficient to herald the upper price ticket except you simply should have these gold seatbelts (comprehensible).

The Launch Version Polestar 3 begins at an MSRP of $73,400 and prices $79,400 with the Efficiency Pack. Each choices are on sale now, and when you purchase one, you need to get one of many early Polestar SUVs constructed right here within the US.