The eagerly anticipated Polestar 3 electric crossover, which made waves with its initial announcement nearly a year ago, is facing a delay in production. Originally scheduled for mid-2023 production and delivery, the vehicle is still undergoing rigorous testing, including recent trials in the scorching hot deserts of the United Arab Emirates.
In a bid to fine-tune the climate system for extreme conditions, Polestar subjected its upcoming model to temperatures soaring up to a blistering 122° F (50° C). While Polestar’s CEO, Thomas Ingenlath, didn’t explicitly discuss the delay, he did express confidence in the development and testing program, hinting at a production start date in the first quarter of 2024.
“The Polestar 3 development and testing program is progressing well, and I expect production to start in Q1 2024,” commented Ingenlath. He further encouraged potential customers to visit select Polestar Spaces, where prototype display cars of the Polestar 3 are available for viewing.
As a quick reminder, the Polestar 3 boasts a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system generating an impressive 483 hp (360 kW / 489 PS) and a substantial 620 lb-ft (840 Nm) of torque. This power enables the crossover to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in approximately 4.9 seconds, ultimately reaching a top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h).
For those seeking an even more exhilarating experience, an optional Performance Pack is on offer. This package shaves the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time to 4.6 seconds while increasing the output to 510 hp (380 kW / 517 PS) and 671 lb-ft (909 Nm) of torque. In addition to the performance enhancements, the package includes a sportier air suspension, ‘Swedish gold’ accents, and distinctive 22-inch wheels equipped with Pirelli P-Zero tires.
See also: 2024 Polestar 2 Offers Up to 320 Miles on U.S. Roads
Powering the Polestar 3 is a substantial 111 kWh battery pack, promising an estimated range of up to 610 km in the WLTP cycle, translating to roughly 300 miles in EPA testing.
For interested buyers in the United States, the Polestar 3 is priced starting at $83,900 before the addition of a $1,400 destination charge. As the Polestar 3 continues its journey toward production, automotive enthusiasts and electric vehicle aficionados will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on its progress.
