The Swedish electrified performance vehicle manufacturer, Polestar, is adjusting the entry prices for several models in the U.S., lowering costs for some while increasing them for others.
The Polestar 3 midsize SUV, constructed in the U.S. and introduced last summer as a 2025 model, has already seen a price reduction.
The introduction of a new single-motor, rear-wheel-drive configuration has led to a new base price of $68,900 for the 3, down from $74,800, which was the cost for the previous entry-level dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system. Both prices include a $1,400 destination fee.
Power output is also lowered as a result of the change in motor configuration, with the rear-wheel-drive 3 generating 299 horsepower compared to the 489 hp standard and 517 hp available with the Performance Pack on the all-wheel-drive 3.
However, the vehicle’s range has improved. The EPA estimate for the rear-wheel-drive 3 is now at 350 miles, compared to 315 miles for the all-wheel-drive version and 279 miles for the AWD 3 equipped with the Performance Pack. All models use the same 111-kwh battery.
Despite the reduced price, the rear-wheel-drive 3 retains most of the key standard features found in the AWD version. This includes 20-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, heated side mirrors, LED headlights, a powered tailgate, and Polestar’s Pilot Pack suite of electronic driver-assistance features. Among these are a surround-view camera, cross traffic alerts, and an automated driving system designed for single-lane highway travel.
In contrast, there is disappointing news for enthusiasts of the Polestar 2. The Chinese-manufactured compact liftback for 2025 will only be available with an all-wheel-drive system that comes with a Performance Pack, raising its starting price to $66,200, including delivery fees. The 2024 version of the 2 could also be purchased with a rear-wheel-drive option starting at $51,300, or a standard all-wheel-drive option for $56,700, but those versions are no longer available.
The all-wheel-drive 2 with the Performance Pack had an EPA range estimate of 247 miles for 2024, while the rear-wheel-drive and standard AWD models had ranges of 320 and 276 miles, respectively. The AWD setup uses a 78-kwh battery, whereas the rear-wheel-drive configuration includes a distinct 82-kwh battery.
When queried by Motor Authority regarding the simplified Polestar 2 lineup, a spokesperson for the brand stated that Polestar is currently focused on maintaining a three-model range, with particular emphasis on the 3 and 4 in North America. The 4, which features coupe-like styling, is new for the 2025 model year. While initial production of the 4 will occur in China, Polestar plans to eventually shift some of its manufacturing to South Korea to sidestep U.S. tariffs imposed on EVs from China. However, Polestar has not revealed any similar strategies for sourcing the 2 from locations outside China.
The 2025 Polestar 4 starts at a price of $56,300 in the U.S. with a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive setup, while the all-wheel-drive version raises the starting cost to $64,300. Both prices include destination fees.
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