Polestar’s third electric offering, priced significantly higher than the Polestar 2, is its first American-built SUV and offers plenty of range, power and advanced safety features

Sweden’s Polestar has announced its latest electric SUV — Polestar 3 — is available for order in Canada, with a $97,400 price tag. However, deliveries aren’t due to start until late next year.

The Polestar 3 is the automaker’s third electric vehicle offering, the first to be manufactured in the United States and is a significant jump in price from the more economical Polestar 2, which arrived in Canada earlier this year.

“Polestar 3 is a powerful electric SUV that appeals to the senses with a distinct, Scandinavian design and excellent driving dynamics,” said Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar in a press release.

“It also takes our manufacturing footprint to the next level, bringing Polestar production to the United States. We are proud and excited to expand our portfolio as we continue our rapid growth.”

The Polestar 3 will not be eligible for any Canadian purchase rebates and the higher-end models priced over $100,000 will be subject to Canada’s luxury vehicle tax.

Luxury features and performance

The Polestar 3 will be the automaker’s first vehicle to feature a Nvidia Drive core computer — running software from Polestar’s parent company, Volvo.

“Serving as the AI brain, NVIDIA’s high-performance automotive platform
processes data from the car’s multiple sensors and cameras to enable
advanced driver-assistance safety features and driver monitoring,” reads the company press release.

Safety features include interior radar sensors to help protect against accidentally leaving children or pets inside.

The Polestar 3 features a 111 kWh battery pack and a EPA range rating of 482 kilometres. It has a maximum charging speed of 250 kW. A mechanical heat pump is standard. It is also equipped for bi-directional charging.

Buyers have two options when it comes to the car’s dual-motor configuration powertrain. The base model produces 489 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque. The car is also available with an option Performance Pack that boosts output to 517 hp and 671 lb-ft. It also adds $7,000 to the purchase price.

For the first model year, Polestar is including at no extra charge two option packages. The Plus Pack includes features like a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, soft-closing doors and an electric steering column. The Pilot Pack includes a heads-up display, park assist and an advanced driver assistance system.