2025 Polestar 3 is the SUV the Young Brand Needs
About this episode
The Polestar 3 emerges as a crucial SUV for the young brand, showcasing impressive range, charging capabilities, and driving dynamics. Built in South Carolina, it features a sleek design and a powerful dual-motor setup delivering 517 horsepower. The episode dives into its performance metrics, including a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds with the performance pack. While it boasts a luxurious interior and advanced tech, the host notes a need for more physical controls and some software tweaks. Comparisons with competitors like the Audi Q6 e-tron and Tesla Model Y highlight its market positioning.
Fast, nimble and sleek, Polestar 3 is a much-needed addition to the 2 that's been Polestar's only real offering since 2020. Pricing starts at $68,900 for a rear-drive model with 350 miles of E.P.A.-rated range. Tom Voelk checks out a top spec dual-motor AWD Long Range version with the Plus and Performance Packs, retailing for $91,800 before any government tax incentives or Polestar spiffs (keep an eye out for generous enticements from Polestar). Thinking of an Acura ZDX, Audi Q6 e-tron, BMW iX, Cadillac Lyriq, Genesis GV60, Lexus RZ, Mercedes EQE or Porsche Macan EV? Put the 3 on your test drive list. Just make sure you're comfortable with the interface.
Polestar 3
"I'm here to tell you all about the Polestar 3, range, charging speed, driving dynamics."
The Polestar 3 is an electric SUV made by Polestar, a company that specializes in electric cars. It is designed to be efficient and fun to drive.
The Polestar 3 is an all-electric SUV from Polestar, a brand that focuses on performance electric vehicles. It emphasizes range, charging speed, and driving dynamics, making it a competitive option in the EV market.
Polestar 4
"That would be the Polestar 4."
The Polestar 4 is a different electric car from Polestar that has a unique design feature where it doesn't have a back window, making it stand out.
The Polestar 4 is another model from Polestar, which is noted for eliminating the back window, showcasing the brand's innovative design approach. This model adds to Polestar's lineup of electric vehicles.
Performance Division of Volvo
"Polestar wasn't even its own brand 10 years ago, just the Performance Division of Volvo."
Polestar used to be a part of Volvo that made their cars perform better. Now, it's its own brand that makes electric cars.
Polestar started as the Performance Division of Volvo, focusing on enhancing the performance of Volvo vehicles before becoming its own brand dedicated to electric vehicles. This transition reflects the broader shift in the automotive industry towards electrification.
Polestar 2
"Since 2020, the dedicated EV brand has had only one mainstream model, the two."
The Polestar 2 is the first popular electric car made by Polestar, showing their focus on making good electric vehicles.
The Polestar 2 is the first mainstream model from Polestar, representing the brand's entry into the electric vehicle market. It showcases the brand's commitment to performance and sustainability.
Porsche Macan EV
"There's a surprising amount of competition for the Polestar 3, Acura ZDX, Audi Q6 e-tron, BMW iX, Cadillac Lyric, Genesis GV60, and Electrified GV70, plus Porsche Macon EV."
The Porsche Macan EV is an electric SUV made by Porsche, known for its performance and luxury.
The Porsche Macan EV is an electric version of Porsche's popular Macan SUV, designed to deliver the performance and luxury expected from the brand.
Cadillac Lyric
"There's a surprising amount of competition for the Polestar 3, Acura ZDX, Audi Q6 e-tron, BMW iX, Cadillac Lyric, Genesis GV60, and Electrified GV70, plus Porsche Macon EV."
The Cadillac Lyric is a luxury electric SUV made by Cadillac, known for its stylish design and high-tech features.
The Cadillac Lyric is an electric luxury SUV that represents Cadillac's entry into the electric vehicle market, featuring a stylish design and advanced technology.
Audi Q6 e-tron
"There's a surprising amount of competition for the Polestar 3, Acura ZDX, Audi Q6 e-tron, BMW iX, Cadillac Lyric, Genesis GV60, and Electrified GV70, plus Porsche Macon EV."
The Audi Q6 e-tron is an electric SUV from Audi, designed to be luxurious and high-performing.
The Audi Q6 e-tron is an electric SUV that represents Audi's commitment to electrification, featuring a blend of luxury, performance, and advanced technology.
Acura Zdx
"There's a surprising amount of competition for the Polestar 3, Acura ZDX, Audi Q6 e-tron, BMW iX, Cadillac Lyric, Genesis GV60, and Electrified GV70, plus Porsche Macon EV."
The Acura ZDX is a luxury SUV made by Acura, known for its stylish looks and comfortable features.
The Acura ZDX is a luxury crossover SUV that combines sporty design with advanced technology. It aims to provide a premium experience for drivers and passengers alike.
Bmw Ix
"...on for the Polestar 3, Acura ZDX, Audi Q6 e-tron, BMW iX, Cadillac Lyric, Genesis GV60, and Electrified GV..."
The BMW iX is a fancy electric SUV that doesn't use gas, which means it's better for the environment. It has a lot of cool tech features and is designed to be comfortable and spacious for passengers.
The BMW iX is an all-electric SUV that represents BMW's commitment to sustainable mobility while maintaining luxury and performance. Launched in 2021, it features advanced technology, a spacious interior, and impressive electric range, making it a significant player in the growing electric vehicle market.
Genesis GV70
"...iX, Cadillac Lyric, Genesis GV60, and Electrified GV70, plus Porsche Macon EV. Ah, I left out Lexus RZ."
Genesis GV60
"..., Audi Q6 e-tron, BMW iX, Cadillac Lyric, Genesis GV60, and Electrified GV70, plus Porsche Macon EV. Ah,..."
Lexus RZ
"Ah, I left out Lexus RZ. The Tesla Model Y, but arguably it lacks the premium ambiance of the others."
The Lexus RZ is a luxury electric SUV made by Lexus, focusing on comfort and advanced features.
The Lexus RZ is an electric SUV that embodies Lexus's luxury and technology, designed to compete in the growing electric vehicle segment.
Tesla Model
"The Tesla Model Y, but arguably it lacks the premium ambiance of the others."
The Tesla Model Y is a compact electric SUV made by Tesla, known for its long range and high-tech features.
The Tesla Model Y is a compact electric SUV that offers impressive range and performance, known for its minimalist design and advanced technology.
dual-motor all-wheel-drive
"I'm driving the top-spec dual-motor all-wheel-drive long-range version with a plus and performance pack retailing for $91,800 before any government tax or Polestar incentives."
Dual-motor all-wheel-drive means the car has two electric motors, one for the front and one for the back. This helps the car grip the road better and perform well in different weather.
A dual-motor all-wheel-drive system uses two electric motors, one for the front wheels and one for the rear wheels, providing better traction and performance in various driving conditions.
horsepower
"Polestar 3's dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup with performance pack software makes 517 horsepower and 671 lb-ft of torque."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful a car's engine is, showing how fast it can go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the power output of engines and motors, indicating how quickly a vehicle can accelerate.
torque
"Polestar 3's dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup with performance pack software makes 517 horsepower and 671 lb-ft of torque."
Torque is a measure of how strong the engine is at turning and pulling, which helps a car speed up quickly.
Torque is a measure of rotational force, which in vehicles translates to how much pulling power an engine has, affecting acceleration and towing capacity.
lithium-ion battery
"The battery is a 17-module lithium-ion pack with a 111 kWh capacity floor-mounted naturally for the low center of gravity we all crave."
A lithium-ion battery is a type of battery used in many electric cars that can store a lot of energy and can be recharged many times.
Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in electric vehicles due to their high energy density and ability to be recharged multiple times without significant loss of capacity.
single-speed transmission
"...the transmission is single-speed, adaptive air suspension is standard on all-wheel-drive."
A single-speed transmission means the car only has one gear, which is typical for electric cars, making it easier to drive.
A single-speed transmission is a type of transmission that has only one gear ratio, commonly used in electric vehicles for simplicity and efficiency.
adaptive air suspension
"...the transmission is single-speed, adaptive air suspension is standard on all-wheel-drive."
Adaptive air suspension is a system that changes how the car rides based on the road and driving style, making it more comfortable and stable.
Adaptive air suspension is a type of suspension system that automatically adjusts the vehicle's ride height and stiffness based on driving conditions, providing better comfort and handling.
Pirelli P Zero
"The $6,000 performance pack adds these lovely 22-inch wheels wearing Pirelli P0 rubber."
Pirelli P Zero tires are special tires made for fast cars. They help the car grip the road better, especially when going around corners.
Pirelli P Zero is a high-performance tire designed for sports cars and luxury vehicles, offering excellent grip and handling in various conditions.
Brembo
"The Swedish gold calipers are by Brembo, it's a brake-by-wire system."
Brembo is a company that makes really good brakes for cars. Their brakes are often found on fast sports cars because they work really well.
Brembo is a leading manufacturer of high-performance braking systems, known for their advanced technology and quality, often used in sports cars and racing applications.
brake-by-wire system
"The Swedish gold calipers are by Brembo, it's a brake-by-wire system."
In a brake-by-wire system, the brakes are controlled electronically instead of using physical parts. This can make braking more responsive and allow for extra features.
A brake-by-wire system replaces traditional mechanical linkages with electronic controls, allowing for more precise braking and the ability to integrate advanced features like regenerative braking.
regenerative braking
"Like all EVs, that reduces range significantly. In its most aggressive regen setting, this is pretty easy to drive without touching the brake pedal."
Regenerative braking is a way for electric cars to save energy when they slow down. Instead of wasting energy, the car uses it to recharge its battery.
Regenerative braking is a technology used in electric and hybrid vehicles that captures energy normally lost during braking and uses it to recharge the battery.
active air suspension
"the dual-chamber active air suspension that monitors road and vehicle dynamics 500 times a second gets pole-star tuning when the performance box is checked 500 times a second."
Active air suspension helps make the ride smoother by adjusting how the car's suspension works while you drive. It can make the car feel more comfortable or sporty depending on the situation.
Active air suspension is a type of suspension system that uses air-filled chambers and electronic controls to adjust the ride height and firmness of the suspension in real-time. This allows for improved handling and comfort based on driving conditions.
Jaguar Ipace
"The integrated wing, something Jaguar I-Pace and Dodge Charger do as well, gets a lot of attention."
The Jaguar I-Pace is a fancy electric SUV that offers a lot of space and modern technology. It's designed to be both fun to drive and environmentally friendly.
The Jaguar I-Pace is an all-electric luxury SUV known for its performance, design, and advanced technology. It features a spacious interior, cutting-edge infotainment system, and impressive electric range.
Dodge Charger
"...ntegrated wing, something Jaguar I-Pace and Dodge Charger do as well, gets a lot of attention."
level-2 semi-autonomous driving
"...for level-2 semi-autonomous driving similar to GM Supercruise."
Level-2 semi-autonomous driving means the car can help with driving, like steering and speeding up or slowing down, but you still have to pay attention and be ready to take over if needed.
Level-2 semi-autonomous driving refers to systems that can control both steering and acceleration/deceleration, but require the driver to remain engaged and monitor the driving environment at all times. Examples include Tesla's Autopilot and GM's Supercruise.
EPA rated range
"...the standard dual-motor pole-star 3 is EPA rated at 315 miles of range, with a performance pack it drops to 279."
EPA rated range is how far an electric car can go on one charge, according to tests done by the government. It helps you know if the car can get you where you need to go without running out of battery.
EPA rated range refers to the estimated distance an electric vehicle can travel on a single charge, as determined by the Environmental Protection Agency. This rating helps consumers understand the vehicle's efficiency and range capabilities.
Tesla superchargers
"...Also, this has access to Tesla superchargers. Search for magic dock terminals or bring an adapter."
Tesla superchargers are special charging stations made for Tesla cars. They help you charge your car quickly, so you can keep driving without waiting too long.
Tesla superchargers are a network of fast-charging stations specifically designed for Tesla vehicles. They allow Tesla owners to quickly recharge their cars, typically providing a significant charge in a short amount of time, making long-distance travel more feasible.
commercial charging
"...Commercial charging is great when you're traveling, but really, for the best electric vehicle ownership experience..."
Commercial charging is when you charge your electric car at public charging stations instead of at home. You can find these stations in places like shopping centers or along highways, but they can sometimes be more expensive.
Commercial charging refers to public charging stations that are available for electric vehicles, often found in parking lots, shopping centers, and along highways. These stations can vary in charging speed and cost, providing a convenient option for EV owners while traveling.
level 2 charging
"...you need to be able to charge where you sleep using level 2 to 40 volt current. For starters, it's a lot more convenient."
Level 2 charging is a way to charge electric cars faster than regular home outlets. It uses a special 240-volt outlet, which means you can fill up your car's battery more quickly while you sleep.
Level 2 charging refers to a type of electric vehicle charging that uses a 240-volt outlet, allowing for faster charging compared to standard household outlets. It's commonly used for home charging setups, providing a more efficient way to recharge EVs overnight.
open-pore ash trim
"...Shades of Volvo include open-pore ash trim and arguably the best seats in the land. Covered in perforated Napa leather..."
Open-pore ash trim is a style of wood used inside cars that looks natural and has a textured feel. It's different from shiny wood because it shows the wood grain more clearly, making it look more elegant.
Open-pore ash trim is a type of wood finish used in car interiors that retains a natural texture and appearance. Unlike high-gloss finishes, open-pore wood allows the grain to show through, giving a more organic and upscale look.
Napa leather
"...covered in perforated Napa leather, they're heated, vented, infinitely adjustable and offer up a solid massage. Probably not Swedish, though."
Napa leather is a type of soft and high-quality leather used in fancy cars. It's smooth and comfortable, making it a popular choice for car interiors.
Napa leather is a high-quality, soft leather that is often used in luxury vehicles for its durability and comfort. It is known for its smooth texture and is typically treated to enhance its appearance and feel.
Porsche Macan
"...it, especially the one that just bought a Porsche Macan EV, and doesn't feel like that has enough leg roo..."
The Porsche Macan is a small luxury SUV that drives like a sports car, making it fun to drive while still being useful for everyday tasks. It's known for its stylish design and comfortable interior, which is why many people love it.
The Porsche Macan is a compact luxury SUV that combines sporty performance with practicality, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts and families alike. Known for its agile handling and high-quality interior, the Macan has been a key model in Porsche's lineup since its introduction in 2014.
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