When news broke that Polestar would be introducing a more budget-friendly version of its Polestar 3, enthusiasts and industry watchers alike were intrigued. Fast-forward a month and the Swedish automaker has dropped all the details about its latest variant, the Long Range Single Motor. Scheduled to land in North American showrooms in late 2024, this new rear-wheel-drive offering comes with a WLTP-estimated driving range of 404 miles. While EPA testing is pending, expectations are high that the figures will come close to matching this range, especially as the dual-motor version already boasts an EPA range of 315 miles.
- Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor offers 404 WLTP miles, 295 hp, and 361 lb-ft of torque.
- Affordable, rear-wheel-drive model with 111 kWh battery and 30-minute 10-80% charging.
- US pricing is unconfirmed, but will likely qualify for $7,500 tax credit due to US manufacturing.
Performance: Still Punchy, With Very Few Compromises
The Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor is more than just a cheaper alternative; it packs a solid punch with its electric motor located on the rear axle. This setup produces a commendable 295 horsepower and 361 lb-ft of torque, translating to a 0-62 mph sprint time of 7.8 seconds. Don’t let the lower numbers fool you; Polestar hasn’t skimped on the essentials. The 111 kWh battery remains unchanged, offering a quick charge time of 30 minutes to go from 10-80% SOC. The braking system retains its Brembo pedigree, and the passive damper system is identical to that of more powerful versions, featuring Hydraulic Rebound Stops (HRS) and Frequency Selective Damping (FSD).
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Polestar 3 Model Comparison |
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|---|---|---|
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Long Range Single Motor |
Long Range Dual Motor |
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Powertrain |
Single-motor RWD |
Dual-motor AWD |
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Battery Capacity |
111 kWh |
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Charge Time (10-80%) |
30 mins |
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Power |
295 hp |
489 hp (517 hp optional) |
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Torque |
361 lb-ft |
620 lb-ft (671 lb-ft optional) |
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0-60 mph |
<7.8 seconds |
4.5-4.8 seconds |
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Range |
404 miles (WLTP) |
315 miles (EPA) |
Pricing: Unconfirmed, But Bound To Be Affordable
U.S. pricing is yet to be confirmed, but in Europe, it starts at €79,890 ($85,500 at the time of writing). However, don't let those numbers deter you; American pricing is often lower. For example, the current dual-motor Polestar 3 has a base price of $73,400 in the U.S. Considering that the new Long Range Single Motor version will be produced in the USA, it may qualify for up to $7,500 in federal tax credits, further driving down the effective cost.
"With the Long Range Single Motor Polestar 3, we offer consumers a new entry-point for our flagship electric SUV," says Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath. "The rear-wheel-drive configuration aligns well with our performance-focused driving dynamics, making the car stand out in the luxury SUV sector."
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