Polestar might not be a widely known car brand in the U.S. but the Swedish brand with Chinese multinational backing is planting its flag in America. On Wednesday, the electric vehicle maker began production of the 2025 Polestar 3 crossover SUV at Volvo’s Charleston, South Carolina, factory that also makes the Volvo EX90 electric three-row crossover SUV.
The domestic launch of the Polestar 3 helps the electric vehicle automaker dodge EV tariffs and become a more familiar site on U.S. roadways with a more popular body style than the Polestar 2 hatchback and the limited-run Polestar 1 plug-in hybrid that’s already been discontinued. That’s all according to plan, as Polestar distances itself from its origins as the performance arm of Volvo and ramps up its ambitious product portfolio, with a new EV launched each year from 2022 through 2027.
As history has proven, expanding a new car company is not easy, even with backing from Geely’s deep pockets and platforms and facilities shared with Volvo. Polestar hasn’t gained much traction here or in the 26 other global markets it operates in, with total sales barely eclipsing 20,000 units globally in the first half of 2024. In the U.S., monthly sales hover at around 1,000 units.
Despite supply chain issues, low sales volume, layoffs, and launch delays due to software problems shared with Volvo, Polestar appears undeterred as it welcomes 2025 with seven new market launches. It will begin production in South Korean of the Polestar 4, a hatchback-like SUV that is the first model to step out of Volvo’s shadow with a distinct platform and sporty styling that’s come to define the nascent brand.
The Polestar 5 sedan aims to unseat luxury electric sedans ranging from the Tesla Model S to the Porsche Taycan and Lucid Air when it arrives next year as a 2026 model. It will be followed by the low-volume 2026 Polestar 6 two-seat roadster, stunning in concept form but questionable in market appeal.
A Polestar 7 hatchback expected for 2027 will replace the current Polestar 2. But automaker plans, like fuel economy and range estimates, may vary. For now, and for 2025, here’s what’s new for Polestar.
2025 Polestar 4
2025 Polestar 4
2025 Polestar 4
2025 Polestar 4
2025 Polestar 4
The 2025 Polestar 4 boasts a coupe-like roofline, pretends to be a crossover SUV, but it’s really a hatchback sized between the Polestar 2 hatchback and the larger Polestar 3 midsize crossover. Expected later this year, it’ll be sold in Pilot, Pro, Plus, and Performance Packs. Standard features include a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and 15.4-inch touchscreen powered by Google built-in, a glass roof, a heat pump, a power tailgate (or hatch, natch), power front seats, a wireless smartphone charger, a surround-view camera system with a 3D view, and adaptive cruise control.
- A 102-kwh battery feeds a single-motor rear-wheel-drive model or dual-motor all-wheel drive.
- The single-motor Polestar 4 makes 272 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque’ 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds; 300-mile estimated range; $56,300, including a $1,400 destination fee (included on all prices listed here)
- Dual-motor all-wheel drive turns it up to 544 hp and 506 lb-ft; 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds; 270-mile range; $64,300
2025 Polestar 3
2025 Polestar 3
2025 Polestar 3 Performance Pack, test drive, Madrid
2025 Polestar 3 Performance Pack, test drive, Madrid
2025 Polestar 3
The 2025 Polestar 3 carries over for its second model year as a stylish, performance-oriented five-seat crossover. It has a 111-kwh battery pack and a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain that makes 489 hp or 517 hp with the Performance Pack. With that pack, it will go 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Its air suspension and adaptive dampers offset its 6,000-pound weight, resulting in spirited handling and athletic prowess.
- 315 miles of range of 279 miles with the Performance Pack
- The loaded Launch Edition costs $80,300, but it’s eligible for the $7,500 federal EV tax rebate
- The forthcoming base model costs $74,300, while the fully loaded Polestar 3 with Performance Pack exceeds $90,000
2024 Polestar 2 single motor
2024 Polestar 2
2024 Polestar 2
2025 Polestar 2
The first mass-produced Polestar is its most limited, sharing a flexible multi-energy platform with the Volvo C40 and XC40 Recharge. The interior isn’t optimized for space as in other electric vehicles with a flat floor holding the battery pack. Instead it has a T-shaped pack that fits where a drive shaft tunnel would be in a gas car, running through the center from front to back. The Polestar 2 is part-sedan, part-hatchback, but fully electric with an 82-kwh battery pack.
- Single-motor rear-wheel-drive models make 299 hp; 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds; 320 miles of range; estimated $52,000 price
- Dual-motor all-wheel-drive models make 421 hp; 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds; 276 miles of range; estimated $57,000 price
- Dual-motor AWD Performance Pack models make 455 hp; 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds; 247 miles of range; estimated $63,000 price