See the $84,000 Polestar 3, the high-tech, minimalist electric SUV taking on BMW and Tesla

The Polestar 3.Polestar

• Polestar finally took the wraps off its long-awaited third vehicle: the Polestar 3.
• The high-end electric SUV promises 300 miles of range, loads of technology, and a minimalist interior.

Electric-car startup Polestar just unveiled its third vehicle: a high-end SUV that takes aim at Tesla, BMW, and Mercedes.

The Polestar 3.      Polestar

The long-teased Polestar 3 will start at $83,900.

The Polestar 3.      Polestar

Read more: The $45,900 Polestar 2 is the coolest new electric car you've never heard of

It promises to be a high-tech, high-performance, and long-range competitor to luxury electric vehicles like the Rivian R1S, Mercedes EQS SUV, Tesla Model X, and Audi E-Tron.

The Polestar 3.      Polestar

The Polestar 3 definitely exudes some Volvo vibes (it's jointly owned by Volvo and Volvo's parent company, Geely.)

The Polestar 3.      Polestar

But it also has a look all its own, characterized by chiseled edges, pointy headlights, and an overall clean and Scandinavian aesthetic.

The Polestar 3.      Polestar

It also has a rear spoiler.

The Polestar 3.      Polestar

Adding to Polestar's mystique, the only places you'll see the brand's name are small stickers on the SUV's front doors.

The Polestar 3.      Polestar

Read more: I drove sporty electric SUVs from Tesla and Kia: Why I'd buy the $41,000 EV6 over the $66,000 Model Y

The 3's interior is just as simple and uncluttered.

The Polestar 3.      Polestar

Read more: The 8 cheapest electric cars with at least 250 miles of range

A sleek air vent spans the width of the SUV's dashboard, flanked by wood trim.

The Polestar 3.      Polestar

In the center there's a portrait-oriented, 14.5 inch touchscreen that controls most vehicle functions.

The Polestar 3.      Polestar

As you'll notice, Polestar took a page out of Tesla's playbook by removing practically all physical buttons.

The Polestar 3.      Polestar

There are some traditional controls on the steering wheel, though.

The Polestar 3.      Polestar

The driver gets a 9-inch display that provides vital information like driving range and speed.

The Polestar 3.      Polestar

Polestar makes a point of building cars that aren't just fueled sustainably, but are built sustainably too. The cabin features materials like animal-welfare certified leather and wool.

The Polestar 3.      Polestar

Read more: I drove Mercedes-Benz's $141,000 electric car and was blown away by its luxurious interior and comfy ride — see inside the EQS

The all-wheel-drive SUV produces 489 horsepower and 620 pound-feet of torque from two motors.

The Polestar 3.      Polestar

It'll hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, Polestar says. A performance package boosts power and quickness.

The Polestar 3.      Polestar

Polestar promises a healthy range of 300 miles as standard and 270 miles with the Performance Pack.

The Polestar 3.      Polestar

The 3 comes equipped with lots of safety and driver-assistance tech, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping.

The Polestar 3.      Polestar

Next year, buyers will be able to order an upgraded Pilot Pack, which adds extra sensors, cameras, and computing power for semi-automated driving.

The Polestar 3.      Polestar

The upgraded Pilot Pack includes LiDAR technology that creates a 3D map of a vehicle's surroundings. Many experts say LiDAR, which isn't widely available in cars, is essential for true autonomous driving in the future.

The Polestar 3.      Polestar

Polestar will build the Polestar 3 in China and South Carolina.

The Polestar 3.      Polestar

The first deliveries should come toward the end of 2023.

The Polestar 3.      Polestar