Summary
- Polestar has introduced rally-ready versions of its electric vehicles for driving on snow and ice
- The Arctic Circle collection includes modified versions of the Polestar 2, 3, and 4 SUVs with raised ride heights and specialized features
- These vehicles were developed with input from a veteran rally driver and feature additions like roof racks and skid plates for wintry conditions
- Polestar’s lineup for the 2025 model year now includes the Polestar 2, 3, and 4 SUVs, with the 2 dropping its least-expensive and highest-range configurations
- The Arctic Circle concepts will make their public debut at the 2025 F.A.T. Ice Race in Austria, alongside Audi’s Q6 E-Tron Offroad concept
Article
Polestar, an automaker known for its electric vehicles, is expanding its lineup with rally-ready versions of its current models. The company first ventured into this territory in 2022 with the Polestar 2 Arctic Circle concept, specially designed for snow and ice driving. This concept has now been joined by Arctic Circle versions of the Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 SUVs, all of which were showcased together for the first time. These vehicles have been developed with input from Polestar’s head of driving dynamics, Joakim Rydholm, who has experience in Swedish rally racing.
The Arctic Circle concepts feature several modifications to enhance their performance in wintry conditions. These include raised ride heights, three-way-adjustable Öhlins dampers, OZ Racing wheels, Pirelli studded tires, Recaro bucket seats, and Steed driving lights. Additional accessories like roof racks, show shovels, skid plates, and snow ladders on the Polestar 3 have been added to make driving in extreme conditions easier. While Polestar has not confirmed plans to offer an Arctic Circle option package on its production vehicles, some of these enhancements may be available through the automaker’s accessory catalog.
The introduction of the Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 SUVs for the 2025 model year expands Polestar’s lineup, which previously consisted only of the Polestar 2. The Polestar 2, manufactured in China, continues for 2025 but will no longer offer its least expensive and highest-range configurations. The U.S.-made Polestar 3 aims for efficient performance to differentiate itself from the Volvo EX90 on which it is based, while the Polestar 4 features a unique design and is set to be manufactured in South Korea later this year.
The Polestar Arctic Circle concepts will be formally unveiled at the 2025 F.A.T. Ice Race in Zell am See, Austria on February 1. Here, they will be showcased alongside Audi’s Q6 E-Tron Offroad concept, a rugged version of the recently-launched Q6 E-Tron electric crossover. The Polestar Arctic Circle collection demonstrates the brand’s commitment to innovation and performance in challenging driving conditions, expanding its appeal to consumers looking for capable and versatile electric vehicles. With their rally-inspired features and enhancements, these vehicles represent an exciting new direction for Polestar in the electric vehicle market.
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