The Polestar 3 was introduced nearly a year ago, but the electric crossover is inching closer to production.
While the model was originally slated to be built in mid-2023 with deliveries beginning around now, that isn’t happening as the crossover is still undergoing testing. In particular, Polestar said prototypes recently spent two weeks in the United Arab Emirates for “extreme hot weather testing.”
These tests occurred in August as engineers wanted to “fine-tune the climate system in the hottest of environments.” As such, the Polestar 3 was subjected to temperatures of up to 122° F (50° C).
More: Volvo EX90 And Polestar 3 EV Launches Postponed After Software Bugs
Polestar 3 hot weather testing
Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath didn’t talk about the delay, but he said “The Polestar 3 development and testing program is progressing well, and I expect production to start in Q1 2024.” He went on to say the crossover is “at the start of its journey” and potential customers can visit select Polestar Spaces to check out “Polestar 3 prototype display cars.”
As a refresher, the Polestar 3 has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 483 hp (360 kW / 489 PS) and 620 lb-ft (840 Nm) of torque. This enables the crossover to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in approximately 4.9 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h).
Customers can opt for a Performance Pack, which lowers 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. Besides the improved performance, the package adds a sportier air suspension, ‘Swedish gold’ details, and unique 22-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero tires.
Power is provided by a 111 kWh battery pack, which is slated to provide a range of up to 610 km in the WLTP cycle. This should equate to roughly 300 miles in EPA testing.
In the United States, pricing starts at $83,900 before a $1,400 destination charge.
