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 quite a bit 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’s going to 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 Vehicles and the EX90.

In February, nonetheless, Volvo introduced it could 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 “fundamental” mannequin throughout 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 beneath).

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 yr, so we are going to concentrate on the 2 variations I drove. Right here’s how the specs stack up:

On paper, the Polestar 3’s specs are greater than enough however under no circumstances blow you away. Nonetheless, for those who’ve ever pushed the Polestar 2 BST or the RWD model, you possibly can perceive that these EVs are merely constructed in a different way and drive higher than most autos on the market at this time.

That’s partly attributable to Polestar’s mechanical engineer Christian Samson and his group on the design heart 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 below are my ideas.

This SUV is wonderful, even with out the Efficiency Pack

Throughout my day of driving up and round Wyoming and thru Idaho, I took in some stunning vistas across the Tetons regardless of the rain (and a little bit little bit of snow). Throughout that trek, I obtained 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 beneath.

My first impression, and one thing I’ll most likely revisit a number of instances as you learn on, is how easy of a journey this SUV delivers. Because the Polestar group shared with us throughout a presentation earlier than, the drive, dealing with, steering, and efficiency are on the core of its product id, alongside different essential components equivalent to vary, effectivity, sustainability, U/X, and ADAS.

The design group put plenty of effort into the considerable and refined physique management within the Polestar 3 SUV to ship a playful however balanced journey it hopes will propel the younger(ish) model to standing as the primary alternative 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 journey as easy and as snug as the three, whether or not I used to be behind the wheel or driving shotgun with my driving associate.

For those who’ve examine my drive experiences up to now, you’ll know I’m a stickler for regen and love one-pedal driving, and the Polestar 3 is among the finest I’ve encountered to this point. It’s completely calibrated and stiff as hell once 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 must 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 purposeful design strategy.

On the best way again within the Polestar 3 with the Efficiency Pack, we encountered one software program error wherein the motive force show malfunctioned (see error message beneath). The automobile saved working completely, together with Pilot Help ADAS, though there have been no indications it was on. Different metrics like velocity went darkish as nicely. 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 might restart it, and every part booted up simply high quality. It was a minor bug with a fast resolution, however it’s price mentioning.

I additionally discovered the HUD to be fully enough throughout my drive time. It was nothing particular because it solely shows the velocity restrict and your present velocity, but it surely was simple to see, even by way of all the weather outdoors.

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’ll swap between completely 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 could not blow you away on paper, don’t get it twisted; this SUV is sneaky quick. Once more, I’ve to offer credit score to how nicely 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 the whole time and all the time have a wonderful really feel for the place the entrance wheels are.

I don’t wish to incriminate myself right here, however on the empty nation roads in Wyoming, my driving associate and I have been capable of get the Polestar 3’s velocity nicely into the triple digits, typically 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 for those who have been going 55 mph. It’s unreal.

The general aesthetic of the Polestar 3 SUV is certainly 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 stated and executed, I feel the common olf Twin Motor model is the place it’s at

Last ideas, pricing, and availability of the Polestar 3

Total, I used to be fairly impressed with the Polestar 3 and extremely advocate taking the SUV for a take a look at drive your self to actually perceive what I’m speaking about after I describe how nicely 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 additional oomph, however I don’t assume it’s vital sufficient to herald the upper price ticket until you simply must 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 for those who purchase one, you need to get one of many early Polestar SUVs constructed right here within the US.