Polestar’s latest over-the-air (OTA) update adds a full-blown sonic experience meticulously shaped by Abbey Road’s own audio engineers, and it’s exclusive to Polestar 3s fitted with the Bowers & Wilkins sound system.

Dubbed the Abbey Road Studios Mode, this update introduces four distinctive sound presets — Intimate, Open, Energised, and Expansive. Each one is a tribute to different spaces and sonic characteristics found within the studio’s hallowed halls.

Intimate simulates the warmth and proximity of sitting right beside the mixing desk. It’s like being that fly on the wall during a late-night jam session.

Open moves the stage into the live room. Here, you’re in the middle of it all, as though the band is playing around you, not to you. It’s raw and captures that elusive magic of music-in-the-making.

Energised brings the punch, inspired by the kinetic vibes of a studio mid-session. Vivid detail, vintage warmth, and that unmistakable crackle of a ‘first take’ energy.

Finally, there’s Expansive. This one’s rich in spatial depth, with cinematic clarity that practically lifts the roof off the cabin. It’s a love letter to live room ambience, tailored for goosebumps.

And if those don’t suit your mood, there’s Producer Mode, where you take the reins. You get to sculpt the sonic atmosphere yourself, altering tonal balance and space using controls inspired by Abbey Road’s own hardware and mixing traditions.

Polestar CEO Michael Lohscheller doesn’t mince words: “This new Abbey Road Studios Mode takes it to another level. You’d swear you were right there in the legendary London building, not driving a performance SUV.”

And he’s not wrong. With 25 speakers, Dolby Atmos, 3D surround sound, and a 1,610-watt amplifier at its disposal, the Bowers & Wilkins setup in the Polestar 3 is already the stuff of audiophile dreams.

And for those with a thing for visual detail, each preset comes with a unique, high-definition image from Abbey Road’s archives, displayed on the Polestar’s 14.5-inch infotainment screen.

Sally Davies, Abbey Road’s MD, called it a proud milestone, noting how it marks the studio’s first foray into shaping an automotive sound experience. “The partnership continues our collaboration with Bowers & Wilkins, and extends our expansion into automotive audio,” she said.

Dan Shepherd, VP of Licensing and Partnerships at Bowers & Wilkins, echoed the sentiment: “We’ve succeeded in our aim to bring to life the distinctive characteristics of the studio experience.”

Perhaps the most remarkable thing is that this is just a free software update straight to your car. Alongside Abbey Road Studios Mode, the latest OTA update also bundles in Stolen Vehicle Tracking and a Smart Schedule for charging.

If the Polestar 3 was already a Swedish sculpture on wheels, it now sings — literally.

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At first glance, you might be hard-pressed to tell this new Polestar 3 apart from its dual-motor siblings. The same sleek Scandinavian silhouette remains, but beneath that familiar skin are welcome changes.

This is the most efficient Polestar 3 yet, delivering up to 706km of range (WLTP), thanks in part to its lighter rear-wheel-drive setup and a hearty 111kWh battery. For context, that figure outpaces even the dual-motor Performance Pack variant by 139km. 

With DC fast charging of up to 250kW, a 10 to 80 per cent charge will take just 30 minutes.

220kW of power and 490Nm of torque is sent exclusively to the rear axle, enough to whisk the SUV from 0 to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds. It’s not the fastest Polestar in the stable, but what it lacks in brute force it makes up for in purity.

The magic lies in the way it rides, thanks to a passive damper system featuring Hydraulic Rebound Stops and Frequency Selective Damping, adapting to erratic road surfaces with refined composure.

And this variant isn’t stripped down either. It retains the same hallmark features that make the Polestar 3 an architectural statement on wheels, including the signature Brembo four-piston front brakes, 579 litres of boot space (expandable to 1,411 litres), and a slick, digital-first cabin layout.

There’s also a newfound level of personalisation. Buyers can choose from six exterior shades, five interior themes, and four wheel designs, including a new 21-inch alloy in the Pro Pack.

Starting from S$306,000 (before COE), the Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor presents itself as a refreshing antidote to the power-at-all-costs arms race plaguing today’s electric performance cars. It’s not about being the fastest. It’s about being the most sensible, the most refined, and perhaps the most charming in the lineup.

Test drives are already underway at the Polestar Space at 45 Leng Kee Road. If you’re after a luxurious electric SUV that doesn’t shout but still speaks volumes, this might just be the conversation starter you didn’t know you needed.

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When Polestar first made headlines, it was as Volvo’s hip, younger cousin, complete with funky designs and a conscience for sustainability.

Now, with the Polestar 3 and Polestar 4, the brand has taken a bold step into the world of full-size electric SUVs, but in typical Scandinavian style, it’s done so with restraint and elegance. 

Subtle But Striking

At first glance, the Polestar 3 invites attention. With a sleek 1.6-metre roofline, clean lines, and minimalist surfaces, this isn’t a car that’s trying to out-brash a Lamborghini Urus or dominate a Tesla Model X in a game of visual intimidation.

It whispers sophistication.  

Despite its subtlety, there’s a certain presence to the Polestar 3. The low-drag silhouette, complete with clever aerodynamic features like an S-duct in the bonnet, hints at both efficiency and dynamism.

It’s a big car (long, wide, and clearly premium) but it’s refreshingly unpretentious.

A Lot Of Bang For The Battery

For now, the Polestar 3 comes in two flavours – both feature dual motors and a 111kWh battery. The Long Range Dual Motor offers 360kW (483bhp) and 840Nm of torque, while the Performance Pack cranks it up to 380kW (510bhp) and 910Nm, plus gets a sprinkling of “Swedish gold” accents for extra flair.

Unlike some EVs that fizzle out after 100km/h, the Polestar 3 keeps its energy well into higher speeds. The accelerator is responsive without being overly twitchy, allowing for smooth control whether you’re pottering through town or overtaking on highways.  

Both versions will rocket to 100 in around 5 seconds, despite weighing a hefty 2.6 tonnes. The rear torque vectoring system is a standout feature, making the Polestar 3 feel lighter and more agile than its dimensions suggest.

The accurate steering and well-sorted geometry mean it corners with confidence, even on bumpy roads.

Still, the ride does lean towards the firmer side, even with dual-chamber air suspension and adaptive damping.

It’s sporty, yes, but some might wish for a bit more plushness on uneven roads. 

Practical Enough For Most Journeys

The 111kWh battery offers a real-world range of 450km to 560km in the Performance Pack variant, which is respectable for a car this size.

Charging is a mixed bag. On the upside, the Polestar 3 supports 250kW DC fast charging, so you can top up from 10% to 80% in just 32 minutes.

On the downside, 11kW AC charging will take a full 11 hours, so you’ll want to plug it in overnight and dream of a fully charged morning.  

Scandinavian Design Galore  

The Polestar 3 welcomes you with an interior that feels modern and sleek. The 14.5-inch portrait display dominates the dashboard, complemented by a smaller driver’s display and an optional head-up display.

While the big screen might look a bit “stuck on,” its crisp graphics and intuitive layout make up for it.  

What really stands out is the material quality. Polestar has embraced sustainability using a mix of recycled fabrics, PET plastics, and welfare-secured Nappa leather. The panoramic roof floods the cabin with natural light, enhancing the sense of calm that’s quintessentially Scandinavian.

The seats are both comfortable and supportive, perfect for long drives. Rear passengers enjoy generous legroom thanks to the car’s long wheelbase, though the sloping roofline might cramp taller occupants slightly.

Still, it’s a pleasant place to be, whether you’re driving or being driven.  

Tech Is Brilliant But Baffling

The Polestar 3’s tech game is strong but not without quirks. It runs on Android Automotive OS, which means Google integration is seamless. Apple CarPlay is not included at the moment, but Polestar claims it will eventually be provided in a future software update.

Navigation, voice control, and over-the-air updates are all here, powered by a Snapdragon processor for snappy performance.  

The issue is a lack of physical buttons. Adjusting drive modes or disabling certain driver-assist features requires navigating multiple layers of menus. Plus, this feels like an early build of the OS.

Granted, with time I’m sure over-the-air updates can solve these teething issues, but it’s a point to bear in mind if you’re one of the early adopters.

That said, the Bowers & Wilkins stereo system, with 25 speakers and Dolby Atmos, turns the Polestar 3 into a rolling concert hall. If you love your music, this is a must-have feature.  

Plenty of Space, Plus a Frunk

For a sporty SUV, the Polestar 3 is surprisingly practical. The 484-litre boot (expandable to 1,411 litres with the rear seats down) is plenty for most families.

There’s also a 32-litre frunk, perfect for stashing charging cables or smaller items.  

A Balanced, Stylish Contender 

The Polestar 3 is a fresh take on the luxury electric SUV. It’s not trying to out-Tesla Tesla or out-BMW BMW. Instead, it carves its own niche with a focus on understated design, thoughtful engineering, and eco-conscious manufacturing.  

Yes, the tech interface could be more intuitive, and the ride might feel firm for those used to cushier SUVs. But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise impressive package.

If you’re tired of the usual suspects in the premium EV space and want something that stands out without shouting, the Polestar 3 deserves a spot on your shortlist.

Technical Specifications

Polestar 3 (Long Range Dual Motor Performance Pack)

Powertrain: Dual Electric Motors, All-Wheel Drive
Power: 380 kW (510 bhp)
Torque: 910 Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 4.7 seconds
Top Speed: 210 km/h
Battery Capacity: 111 kWh
Drive Range: 560 km (WLTP)
Energy Consumption: 4.4 km/kWh (WLTP)

Price: S$471,000 (LRDM), S$525,000 (Performance Pack), both with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Polestar Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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The new Polestar 3 and 4 electric SUVs join the Polestar 2, but the true star of the show is the Polestar Concept BST, making its global debut. The Polestar 6 Concept, a sleek roadster, has also made its debut at the festival.

Polestar’s CEO, Thomas Ingenlath, added: “Now we are a brand with three models in production, and it’s great to see them here together for the first time at a global event. Goodwood Festival of Speed is full of the most exciting cars and the most enthusiastic crowds, so it’s the perfect place for us to tease our Polestar Concept BST.”

The Polestar Concept BST boasts bespoke bodywork finished in classic motorsport silver. Its muscular flared arches, extra-wide track, and 22-inch forged alloy wheels scream performance.

The aerodynamically optimised bonnet, with its unique vented design, is framed by an aggressive front splitter. The motorsport theme continues at the rear with an extreme rear wing and a design completed by bespoke racing-livery-inspired graphics.

Not to be outdone, the Polestar 6 Concept will thrill the crowds as it tackles the 1.2-mile-long hill climb. Engineered alongside the Polestar 5 and utilising the bespoke bonded aluminium Polestar Performance Architecture (PPA) platform, the Polestar 6 represents the pinnacle of the current lineup.

This year, Electric Avenue hosts the Polestar 4, giving consumers the chance to experience Polestar’s models firsthand with test drives along Molecomb Drive within the famous Goodwood estate. Interested parties can sign up for test drives at the stand.

For those in Singapore, the Polestar 4 is now available for viewing at the local showroom, located at 45 Leng Kee Road.

Reservations for allocation are now open, with test drives available by Q3 2024. Visit their website for more information.

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Polestar Singapore has just given us a sneak peek into the future, and it’s coming in the form of the Polestar 3 SUV.

Now, this isn’t just any run-of-the-mill SUV; it’s Polestar’s very first foray into the realm of high-performance luxury SUVs. I had my first glimpse of this back at the Goodwood Festival Of Speed, and here’s the exciting part – you can now feast your eyes on the show car right at the Polestar Space in Singapore, nestled comfortably at 45 Leng Kee Road.

First things first, let’s talk dimensions. The Polestar 3 is no shrinking violet; it measures a robust 4,900mm in length and sprawls out to 2,120mm in width, which puts it squarely in the same league as the BMW X5 and the Porsche Cayenne.

But here’s where things get interesting – it stands at a mere 1,627mm in height, and that sharply raked roofline adds a touch of aggression to its stance. If you opt for the Performance Pack model, you’ll be rolling on those imposing 22-inch rims that only amplify its presence.

Polestar has left no stone unturned in ensuring that this SUV slices through the air like a stealthy ninja. With a drag coefficient of just Cd 0.29, the Polestar 3 is as slippery as it gets. You can thank the clever aerodynamic elements on the front fascia, the flush door handles, the tailgate spoiler, and the rear bumper mouldings for that impressive figure.

Inside, it’s the epitome of Scandi-cool minimalism, a trademark of the brand. Say goodbye to clutter; this interior is all about clean lines and serene surfaces. Up top on the steering column sits a 9-inch digital cluster, while the centrepiece of the dash is a striking 14.5-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen, powered by none other than Google Android and NVIDIA processors.

There’s no gear selector on the centre console. Polestar decided to mount it on the steering column. And much like the Polestar 2, there’s no need for a start button either. The cabin exudes a sense of zen-like calm, with minimal physical buttons – even the wing mirror controls are conspicuously absent.

But it’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about sustainability too. The Polestar 3 pampers you with sustainably sourced Nappa leather or 100% traced wool and recycled fabrics. And if you’re an audiophile, you’re in for a treat because you can opt for a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins 1,610W sound system. Trust me; your ears will thank you.

When the Polestar 3 finally hits the streets, it’ll be available with a Long Range Dual Motor powertrain in two different flavours. Both will come with a 111kWh battery pack (with 107kWh of usable energy), capable of sipping power at rates of up to 250kW under DC charging or 11kW under AC charging.

The standard LRDM model packs a punch with 489bhp and 840Nm of torque. It’ll rock the century sprint in just 5 seconds and max out at 210km/h. Throw in the Performance Pack, and this beast churns out 517bhp (that’s 380kW, folks) and a colossal 910Nm of torque. 0-100km/h? Just 4.7 seconds. And yes, the top speed remains an exhilarating 210km/h.

But there’s more to the Performance Pack than just raw power; it’s got the hardware to match. Think of a meticulously retuned chassis by Polestar Engineering, those striking 22-inch forged rims, grippy Pirelli P-Zero tires, and those golden accents sprinkled tastefully throughout the vehicle. It’s a performance EV enthusiast’s dream come true.

Now, here’s the scoop on the production timeline. Since its global debut in 2022, the Polestar 3 has faced its fair share of challenges, mostly stemming from software development and testing hurdles. But fret not; production is finally on the horizon, slated for Q1 to Q2 in 2024.

So, for all you Singaporeans out there eagerly awaiting this automotive masterpiece, mark your calendars for H2 in 2024. The estimated starting price? S$350,000, and that’s before you factor in COE.

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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And what an exhibition they have put on. In the main Polestar booth, the new Polestar 3 stands tall and proud, beckoning festivalgoers to stop by and ogle.

Polestar has updated the Polestar 3 in the looks department, with the front facade now portraying a more futuristic look. The practical SUV body doesn’t compromise on performance either, with the rear apron showcasing thin slats that help channel negative pressure rearwards, decreasing the car’s overall drag.

The inside remains quintessentially Polestar, with the exception of a new central Bowens & Wilkens speaker unit. New seats provide additional comfort for drivers on long journeys.

The Polestar 3 isn’t a slouch either, with 380 kW (517hp) to boot. It’s Polestar 5 prototype sibling is even more imposing with 650 kW (884 hp). Both cars were demonstrated on the Goodwood hill climb.

“We love showing our latest prototypes to the public at Goodwood. With production now starting in the first quarter of 2024, it’s time for Polestar 3 to take its first-ever run up the famous Hill. The SUV for the electric age looks fantastic and will be an exceptional car to own. The latest Polestar 5 verification prototype is here, too. Developed in the UK, Goodwood is like home turf for our electric 4-door GT,” comments Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO.

The Polestar 3 is already available for pre-orders in certain territories, with Singapore speculated to open its door come Q4 of 2023. Deliveries are expected in late 2024.

Meanwhile, the Polestar 5 prototype, the production evolution of the Polestar Precept, is planned for its official launch in 2024.

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Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)