Polestar 3 Production Starts in China, Will Also Be Made Stateside As of This Summer

According to the automaker, the early production test series has been successfully completed, and the model is slated to kick off assembly this summer in South Carolina, USA. This move will help the company's growth ambitions worldwide, and the 3 is the first Polestar to be made on two continents.

"This stunning car takes a significant step forward with start of production, marking an important milestone on our journey from a one- to three-car company this year," said CEO Thomas Ingenlath. "We have also achieved launch readiness at the factory in Ridgeville, South Carolina, and are well on track with our plans to start manufacturing Polestar 3 in the USA."

Unveiled over a year ago, the 3 is Polestar's largest vehicle. It measures 192.9 inches (4,900 mm) from bumper to bumper, is 83.5 inches (2,120 mm) wide, and 63.5 inches (1,614 mm) tall, with a 117.5 inches (2,985 mm) long wheelbase. This makes it about as big as a Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5, and other premium mid-size crossovers.

Beneath the skin lies the SPA2 platform, which underpins not only the 3 but also the Volvo EX90. Polestar is offering two versions of the car in our market, the Long Range Dual Motor and the Long Range Dual Motor with Performance Pack. Pricing starts at $83,900 and $89,900, respectively, and as their names imply, both feature a bi-motor powertrain.

The base version enjoys a combined 483 hp (489 ps/360 kW) and 620 pound-foot (841 Nm) of torque. The automaker claims it needs 4.9 seconds to 60 mph (97 kph) from zero en route to a 130 mph (209 kph) top speed. The upper spec is punchier, enjoying 509 hp (517 ps/380 kW) and 671 lb-ft (910 Nm). The extra oomph makes it three-tenths quicker to 60 mph. At 130 mph, the top speed is identical.

As for the EPA-estimated range, you're looking at 300 and 270 miles (483-435 km), respectively. Both versions feature the 400-volt tech and pack a 111 kWh battery with 17 modules. They can tow up to 3,500 pounds (1,588 kg), feature all-wheel drive, Brembo brakes, aluminum front and rear axles, active air suspension, and benefit from a lot of gizmos inside.

These include a 14.5-inch infotainment system, a 9-inch driver display, a head-up display, a Bowers & Wilkins for Polestar audio, three-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, over-the-air updates, and so on. There is a plethora of driving assistance gear onboard, such as the pilot assist, lane change assist, adaptive cruise control, night-time collision warning, driver alert control, park assist pilot, road sign information, etc.