Polestar 3 electric SUV: New Zealand pricing announced

Swedish electric performance car brand Polestar (Nasdaq: PSNY) has confirmed the New Zealand pricing for its Polestar 3 electric SUV.

The long-range dual motor launch version, complete with standard Pilot and Plus packs, starts at $154,900. The Long range Dual motor with Performance Pack, starts at $169,900.

The Polestar 3 is expected on New Zealand roads in the second half of 2023, with first customer deliveries scheduled for January 2024. It is built in both the US and China, with Kiwi Polestars currently sourced from the latter.

The vehicle features advanced in-car technology through partnerships with Google, NVIDIA, and Qualcomm, along with state-of-the-art safety tech from Luminar, Smart Eye, and Zenseact LiDAR. Pre-orders are now available with enhanced driver assistance functionality.

The SUV offers an extensive list of standard equipment, such as air suspension, a full-length panoramic glass roof, LED lighting, retractable door handles, and 21-inch alloy wheels. Premium features, like a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and head-up display, come standard with the Plus and Pilot packs.

Under the floor, the dual-motor configuration with power bias towards the rear produces a total of 360 kW and 840 Nm of torque. With the optional Performance Pack, total output is increased to 380 kW and 910 Nm. The drivetrain system includes an adjustable one-pedal drive and an electric torque vectoring dual clutch function on the rear axle, an evolution of the technology developed for Polestar 1. A decoupling function is also available for the rear electric motor, allowing the car to run only on the front electric motor to save energy under certain circumstances.

The Polestar 3 boasts a 111kWh battery pack, providing a generous driving range of up to 610km WLTP (preliminary). The lithium-ion battery features a prismatic cell design housed in a protective aluminium case with boron steel reinforcement and liquid cooling. A heat pump comes standard, helping the SUV utilise ambient heat for climate and battery preconditioning. Additionally, the Polestar 3 is equipped for bidirectional charging, enabling future potential for vehicle-to-grid and plug-and-charge capabilities.

In line with Polestar’s commitment to sustainability, the company will utilise blockchain technology to trace cobalt, lithium, mica, nickel, and leather used in the Polestar 3. The vehicle also offers upholstery alternatives, such as animal welfare secured Nappa leather, bio-attributed MicroTech vinyl, and animal welfare certified wool.

With its impressive performance, cutting-edge technology, and commitment to sustainability, the Polestar 3 electric SUV is poised to make a significant impact in the New Zealand market.

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