Volvo's electric arm Polestar has quickly risen to become Tesla's fiercest competitor. And it's no surprise that this is the case, given their sharp and minimal design and use of cutting-edge electric powertrain technology. The Gothenburg-based all-electric manufacturer has already pushed the boundaries of practicality with functionality in the Polestar 1 and 2 models.

Attention to detail has set the brand apart from the rest. As a fully electric brand, Polestar's offerings so far have been quality over quantity. The one thing missing in their arsenal was an SUV, a car suitable for the family that had enough range to not worry about and still had the same striking Scandinavian looks. This year we will see the Polestar 3, what the brand calls, "the SUV for the electric age."

But what makes the Polestar 3 float in the flood of all-electric SUVs hitting the market? And why should you wait to buy it instead of taking your money elsewhere? Well, here are some reasons why the Polestar 3 is the electric SUV to have in 2023.

RELATED: How A Simple OTA Update Gives The Polestar 2 More Power

Volvo Backing Promises Great Build Quality

Polestar 3 Interior
Via: Polestar

One thing that can you can bet on is that when Volvo set out to build a product, it will be tight, precise, and fit for purpose. No excessive buttons, no pointless aero, just pure function done properly. With a long-standing reputation for safety and build quality guarantee, Polestar has so far followed strongly in the Volvo ethos of building products whose design and built are set to stand the test of time. Among its direct rivals, Tesla Y, BMW iX, and Mercedes EQS SUV, it's safe to say that the Polestar 3 will safely take a shot at the top spot for build quality.

For the first time ever, Polestar will build the 3 in Volvo's new factory in South Carolina. It will accompany the builds of the S60 sedan and also the next-gen XC90 SUV. So confident are the Swedes with their build quality that Polestar’s limited warranty sticks to the industry standard, on par with that of Tesla. Their limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles and electrical components have cover for eight years or 100,000 miles.

The Polestar 3's All-Electric Powertrain

Polestar 3 Front Quarter View Up Close On Road
Polestar

Standard on the Polestar 3 is a dual motor powertrain, coming with two power options. The base model puts out 489 horsepower with the Performance trim getting boosted to 517. Polestar claims the powertrain is rear-biased even though all-wheel drive is a standard feature on the 3. Polestar says the performance model will tackle the 0-60mph sprint in 4.6 seconds. Standard is an adaptive suspension system with active dampers, with the Performance package including a sport-tuned set of suspension components.

The same 107-kWh comes as standard throughout, capable of taking charge at up to 250kW on a DC fast charging connection. 10 to 80 percent in as little as 30 minutes is the charging time claimed by polestar. Once fully juiced, the standard model is set to be good for about 300 miles of driving before needing a charge; the Performance model’s estimated range takes a knock topping out at 270 miles per charge.

RELATED: Why We Hope The Polestar 6 Will Actually Go Into Production

Polestar's Beautiful Design Language Continued

Polestar-3 front 3/4 view
Via: Polestar

Polestar so far has exceeded expectations with the designs on the Polestar 2 and Polestar 1. While they are still unmistakable Swedish, it's more futuristic and sharp than parent company Volvo. And the Polestar 3 with its streamlined roof line, prominent fenders, and dramatic wheel arches is no exception. It's safe to say that the Polestar 3 is better looking than any Tesla product we have seen. Its proportions are balanced and details add to the fact that this is the coolest SUV EV of 2023.

Polestar's first SUV model is filled with plenty of convenience and luxury features. A panoramic sunroof that bears an illuminated Polestar logo is standard on all models. A power tailgate is standard too, along with heated power front seats, a three-zone climate control system, and an onboard air purification system. The interior design is minimalist and modern, and it features high-end materials that Polestar says are also eco-friendly and sustainable. All launch models will come with the Plus package, which includes luxuries such as a power-adjustable heated steering wheel and even soft-close doors.

Not Long To Wait For The Polestar 3

white Polestar 3 side profile
Via Polestar

The standard Dual Motor will retail at $83,900, while the Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor with Performance Pack costs $89,900. Polestar has started taking reservations for the 3 with a fully refundable deposit of $1,000. The company expects to begin deliveries in Q4 2023. This is not long to wait for polestars most complete product. With 4 new EVs on the way, the Polestar 3 will be a breakthrough product that paves the way for the brand to skyrocket into the mainstream.

Sources: Polestar Global, Polestar USA.