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 in and out.

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 fall 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, 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 in regards to 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 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 beneath).

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

On paper, the Polestar 3’s specs are greater than satisfactory however not at all blow you away. Nonetheless, if you happen to’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 automobiles on the market immediately.

That’s partly resulting from 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 additionally 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 lovely vistas across the Tetons regardless of the rain (and a bit of 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 occasions as you learn on, is how clean of a trip 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 identification, alongside different necessary elements resembling vary, effectivity, sustainability, U/X, and ADAS.

The design group put loads of effort into the considerable and refined physique management within the Polestar 3 SUV to ship a playful however balanced trip it hopes will propel the younger(ish) model to standing as the primary selection for correct drivers resulting from its precision and distinct street 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 trip as clean and as comfy as the three, whether or not I used to be behind the wheel or driving shotgun with my driving associate.

In the event you’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 a number of the greatest I’ve encountered up to now. It’s completely calibrated and stiff as hell while you need it to be, but its deceleration is so totally clean 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 data 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 method.

On the best way again within the Polestar 3 with the Efficiency Pack, we encountered one software program error by which the motive force show malfunctioned (see error message beneath). The car saved working completely, together with Pilot Help ADAS, though there have been no indications it was on. Different metrics like velocity went darkish as effectively. The HUD nonetheless projected however didn’t present any data.

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 every thing booted up simply superb. It was a minor bug with a fast resolution, however it’s price mentioning.

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

One other characteristic 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 change 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 offer credit score to how effectively the EVs have been tuned as a result of you cannot solely simply overtake a automotive everytime you need, however you additionally really feel in full management all the 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 associate and I had been in a position to get the Polestar 3’s velocity 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 clean and calm as if you happen to had been going 55 mph. It’s unreal.

The general aesthetic of the Polestar 3 SUV is one in every of cleanliness and high quality. The textiles, a lot of that are recycled supplies, are comfy and produce an feeling of premium high quality to the car. I most well-liked 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 really perceive what I’m speaking about after I describe how effectively it has been tuned. Whereas I completely loved each variants, I personally would go for the Launch Version Twin Motor model with the Plus and Pilot Packs.

The Efficiency Pack does supply some further oomph, however I don’t suppose it’s important sufficient to herald the upper price ticket until 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 if you happen to purchase one, it’s best to get one of many early Polestar SUVs constructed right here within the US.