Volvo’s Polestar 3 is a high-tech SUV
VOLVO’S all-electric Polestar brand has pulled the covers off of its first SUV, and it takes the Swedish carmaker’s green efforts to the next level, with “sustainable” interior materials, hightech electronics and advanced new safety features.
The Polestar 3 launches with a dual-motor electric powertrain, but with a power bias towards the rear axle. The standard model offers a perky 360kw and 840Nm, but those opting for the Performance Pack will get to enjoy 380kw and 910Nm. This also brings the 0-100km/h sprint time down from five seconds to 4.7 seconds.
It does have a large 111 kwh lithiumion battery to lug around, but the upside of that is a claimed driving range of up to 610km on the WLTP cycle. The vehicle has a fast-charging capacity of up to 250kw.
Dual-chamber air suspension is in place for a cushy ride, and a slew of advanced driving aids are enabled by 12 ultrasonic sensors, five radar modules and five external cameras.
Polestar will also be offering an optional Pilot Pack with LIDAR from Luminar, which will add an additional control unit from NVIDIA, three cameras, four ultrasonic sensors and cleaning for the front- and rear-view cameras. According to the carmaker, this system enables enhanced 3D scanning of the car’s surroundings in greater detail and helps prepare the car for autonomous driving.
The Polestar 3 also has a pair of advanced interior cameras that can detect sub-millimetre movements in the cabin, which could help to prevent owners from leaving children or pets in the car. The Polestar 3 also has two closed-loop cameras that monitor the driver’s eyes. These can trigger warning messages, sounds and even an emergency stop function when they detect that the driver is distracted, drowsy or passed out.
The Polestar 3 has a built-in Android OS operating system developed in conjunction with Google. The system, fronted by a Tesla-style 14.5inch
vertical infotainment screen, is compatible with over-the-air updates.
All models produced in the first year will have Plus Pack and Pilot Pack specifications fitted as standard.
At this stage, there is no word on whether the Polestar brand will be introduced to South Africa.