Polestar 3 2024 News

Many so-called “all-new” models aren’t all that new. In fact, a sizeable chunk are reskinned versions of what came before, with fresh sheetmetal over the same general hard points.

At the recent Australian launch of the Polestar 3, CarsGuide spoke to Scott Maynard for one of his first media engagements as the head of Polestar Australia to see what the present and the near future looks like for the Swedish brand.

From next year, starting at $118,420 before on-road costs, the Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor will join the existing Long Range Dual Motor and will boast the longest driving range of the model’s line-up.

Polestar has announced a new entry-level variant of its 3 large SUV.It will pack a single rear-mounted motor developing 220kW/490Nm to complement the 910Nm twin-motor variants.The new Single Motor has been confirmed for Australia but pricing is yet to be locked in. Expect less than the current $132,720, before on-road costs, entry price.That should aid the new Polestar 3 against luxury rivals including the Audi Q8 e-tron, BMW iX, Lexus RZ and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV.The Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor uses the same 111 kWh battery pack. It is able to take on 250kW DC electricity, rushing from 10-80 per cent charge in 30 minutes.The additional efficiency of a single motor means the base Polestar 3 boasts 650km WLTP driving range from a full charge.It gets the same level of equipment as the dual motor such as a full panoramic glass roof, LED ambient lighting, retractable exterior door handles and 21-inch alloy wheels.The typically high-take up 'Plus Pack' adds a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, soft-closing doors and a head-up display.The Dual Motor models are faster to 100km/h with a claimed 5.0 second sprint (non Performance Pack) compared to the new Single Motor's 7.8-second claim.Polestar notes the Single Motor uses hydraulic bump stops and frequency selective passive dampers but does not specify if the Dual Motor's air suspension is fitted.Six paint colours, five interior trims, four wheel designs, the semi-autonomous 'Pilot Pack' and style-oriented 'Pro Pack' are all available.Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar said, “With the Long range Single Motor Polestar 3 we offer consumers a new entry-point for our flagship electric SUV."The rear-wheel drive configuration fits with our performance-focused driving dynamics that make the car stand out in the luxury SUV sector.”Originally slated for 2023 arrival, the Polestar 3's Australian release date has been pushed back to August this year.