Polestar 3 previewed without any camo

The 2023 Polestar 3 large electric SUV has been previewed undisguised ahead of its global reveal in October and its Australian release in 2023.

On first impressions at least, Polestar’s first SUV looks reasonably similar to the battery-powered Volvo C40 Recharge small SUV, albeit with bigger proportions.

This may come as a surprise to some people given the Polestar 3 will be underpinned by a completely different platform architecture to the C40, which like the Polestar 2 rides on Volvo's CMA platform for B- and C-segment (small) vehicles, but rather one that’s been designed as a dedicated EV from the outset.

Believed to be the SPA2 (Scalable Platform Architecture) for large dedicated EVs -- not the Geely Group’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) for small dedicated EVs -- including sister brand Volvo’s XC90 replacement, which is expected to be called the Volvo Embla, the Polestar 3's bespoke underpinnings will play host to a pair of powerful electric motors and a sizeable battery pack – one anticipated by Polestar to be capable of more than 600km on a single charge.

While no specifics have been published yet, Polestar is already describing the 3 as an “electric performance SUV”, which means the final power and torque figures will likely exceed the Polestar 2’s already healthy 350kW/680Nm brand benchmark and throw it into the thick of the action against the Tesla Model Y.

Cosmetically, the Polestar 3’s most eye-catching attributes are its elevated hip lines and tapered roofline; providing the world with yet another coupe-themed SUV.

The sloping roofline is met by a rising window line which combine to gift the Polestar 3 muscular rear haunches and a chunky rear-end, while the front-end looks like it will be a reasonably close match to the existing Polestar 2 fastback, albeit taller.

Spoilers front and rear, subtle air-vents and integrated door-handles should help maximise the Polestar 3’s aerodynamic potential, while rolling duties will be taken care of by a set of busy two-tone 22-inch alloy wheels.

On this particular vehicle, the large-diameter hoops are shod with sticky 265/40-profile Pirelli P Zero tyres – a subtle pointer towards this car’s “performance” intentions.

Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath described the 3 as an “SUV for the electric age” that puts “the ‘sport’ back to the SUV” class and stays true to the Chinese-owned, Swedish-based EV brand’s “performance roots”.

“This is a major milestone for our company, one that boosts our growth trajectory and takes us into our next phase,” he said.

Orders for the Polestar 3 will open on the day of the global reveal in selected markets, but it remains to be seen if this includes Australia.

Australian cars will be sourced out of China while North American vehicle will be produced in the US, with production in both countries set to start early next year.

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