Polestar, the Swedish electric performance brand, has unveiled a more affordable version of its 2025 Polestar 3. They’ve added a single-motor rear-wheel-drive (RWD) model to the lineup. This move not only reduces the base price of the popular electric SUV but also enhances its driving range.
Pricing and Model Overview
The 2025 Polestar 3 RWD is now available for $68,900, a significant reduction from its previous starting price of $74,800 for the dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) version. The RWD variant includes a $1,400 destination charge, making it a more accessible choice.
This new single-motor version is an important step toward making electric vehicles (EVs) more affordable without compromising on quality, features, or performance.
The key difference between the RWD model and its AWD counterpart is the powertrain. The RWD Polestar 3 features a 299-horsepower electric motor, which provides less power than the dual-motor model’s 489 hp and 517 hp with the optional Performance Pack. However, the trade-off comes in the form of increased range, with the RWD model offering an impressive EPA-estimated 350 miles on a full charge. In comparison, the dual-motor version delivers 315 miles, while the Performance Pack-equipped variant offers 279 miles.
Both versions of the Polestar 3 utilize a 111-kWh battery pack, ensuring consistent battery capacity across the lineup. The increased range of the single-motor version is a key selling point, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize efficiency and longer trips over the added performance of dual-motor power.
2025 Polestar 3 Premium Features
Despite the lower price point, the 2025 Polestar 3 RWD retains the luxury features and high-tech equipment that define the brand. Standard equipment includes 20-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, LED headlights, heated side mirrors, and a power tailgate. The vehicle also comes with Polestar’s Pilot Pack, a suite of advanced driver-assist features that includes a surround-view camera system, cross-traffic warnings, and the Pilot Assist highway driver-assist system, which aids in hands-free driving on highways.
Polestar 3 production is at the company’s U.S. plant in South Carolina, alongside the Volvo EX90, which shares the same platform. However, the Polestar 3 differentiates itself with a more sport-oriented design, featuring a two-row seating configuration, compared to the EX90’s three-row layout. This makes the Polestar 3 an appealing choice for those seeking a high-performance SUV with a sleeker design.
Polestar started deliveries of the Polestar 3 earlier this month, after addressing software-related delays. The vehicle’s arrival in U.S. markets marks an important milestone for the brand, as it expands its presence in the electric vehicle segment.
Polestar’s Evolving U.S. Lineup: While the 2025 Polestar 3 offers a more affordable and efficient option, Polestar is also making adjustments to its other models in the U.S. The 2025 Polestar 2 will no longer offer a single-motor variant, with the remaining model being a fully-loaded grade priced at $66,200, up from the previous base price of $51,300. This change signals a shift in the brand’s strategy as it focuses on offering more premium configurations for the U.S. market.
Polestar remains committed to a three-model lineup in the U.S., with the Polestar 2, 3, and the upcoming Polestar 4 SUV, which is expected to have a coupe-like design and further expand the brand’s presence in the luxury electric market.
Why Is It Crucial?
The 2025 Polestar 3’s introduction of a more affordable rear-wheel-drive option is a major step in the brand’s strategy to expand its electric vehicle offerings while maintaining its reputation for high performance and premium features. With an improved range of 350 miles, advanced safety features, and a lower price point, the Polestar 3 RWD is set to attract more buyers looking to make the switch to an electric vehicle without sacrificing luxury or performance.
This move not only strengthens Polestar’s position in the competitive electric SUV market but also highlights the brand’s commitment to delivering sustainable, high-performance vehicles that cater to a broad range of consumers. As more automakers transition to electric, Polestar’s ability to offer both performance and affordability positions it as a strong player in the future of electric mobility.
