Polestar 3: Drive TV Episode Wrap-Up

Yesterday at 12:00 AM

Escaping the hustle and bustle in the Polestar 3

When you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a couple of days, there are a few things you need to think about. Number one, where are you going? Because if you've only got a few days up your sleeve, it'll have to be a relatively short distance, all while still feeling like you're escaping the rat race. 

Number two, how are you getting there? Even a short flight eats significantly into your downtime and requires a lot more planning than just jumping into the car. 

So a road trip then. But have you considered fuel stops? 

If you're in an electric or hybrid vehicle, you may have just reduced travel time even further by eliminating the need to stop and refuel. 

I recently got the chance to head to the Blue Mountains in the Polestar 3, for a few days away from Sydney CBD. 

The Blue Mountains is just over 100 kilometres away from Sydney CBD, so a perfectly reasonable distance to do as a day trip, but given the amount of things to see and do there, you're probably going to want to spend a couple of nights.

Surrounded by incredible flora and fauna, not to mention enriched with a wealth of spiritual and indigenous history, the Blue Mountains may only be a couple of short hours away from the big city, but when you're there, you feel like you're part of another magical world.

Whether challenging hikes and bushwalks are your thing or you'd prefer to just soak up the serenity of nature at one of the many gorgeous boutique coffee shops and cafes, there is something for everyone in the Blue Mountains, and believe me, I'm going to try and fit it all in. Better get on the road then!

Polestar 3 – The key details

The entry-level Polestar 3 comes with 706km of driving range, so a 200-kilometre round road trip is easily manageable, with plenty of range left over. But I'm actually in the top-spec model, the long-range dual-motor car, which slightly adjusts that range to 567km and increases the power and torque outputs to 380kW and 910Nm. 

My test model also comes with the Plus pack and Performance pack included, which means the car comes with 22-inch wheels, heated front and rear seats, a head-up display and 360–degree camera.

As standard, the car also comes with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google integration, a panoramic glass roof and integrated automatic LED headlights and tail-lights. All of this is to say, I've got myself a pretty luxury vehicle to travel up to the Blue Mountains in. 

Interior details

It's comfortable too; it's nearly five metres long but has just two rows, meaning that passengers in both rows have plenty of space. The boot is a decent size as well at 484 litres, which means that you don't have to travel light. 

As you'd probably expect from a Scandinavian manufacturer, the interior design is all about sophisticated minimalism. The only physical button you can touch in the whole dashboard is the volume dial, everything else is controlled through the large infotainment screen.

Because Polestar is integrated with the latest Google technology, users can directly download apps into their infotainment system rather than relying on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, although the car supports both.  

Lincoln’s Rock

So it's a very nice experience getting to the Blue Mountains – where first? Well, I can't really go to the Blue Mountains and not visit the famous Lincoln's Rock. 

With incredible views out across the Jamison Valley, it is a tourist favourite, with the colours of the rock changing throughout the day with the sun patterns. In fact, it's become such a prolific backdrop for photoshoots that it has even gained the nickname of Wedding Rock, as newlyweds have been known to flock to the area for their wedding photoshoots.

The spot was officially named Lincoln's Rock in 2012 after Australian mountaineer Lincoln Hall, who miraculously survived a fall on a different mountainscape a few years prior.

But before talk of falling worries you, Lincoln's Rock is actually relatively family-friendly thanks to a hidden ledge about 10 metres below the famous photo spot. Having said that, it should go without saying that you always need to exercise caution when around these areas. 

After getting my obligatory photos at Lincoln's Rock, it's time for me to head to my accommodation for the night, which is both luxurious and sustainable – so couldn't be a better fit for the Polestar 3. 

Chalets at Blackheath Resort

Nestled amongst 17 acres of bushland and right next to the heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, you'll find four luxury eco-chalets, part of the Chalets at Blackheath Resort.

From a wood-burning fireplace, deep-soaking tub, a native edible garden and the offer of breakfast in the library, discreet luxuries are infused everywhere you look here. 

I meet with the founder of the business, Angela O'Connell, in the beautiful library (complete with a fully stocked champagne fridge might I add), who talks to me about how she has managed to incorporate sustainability into this luxury resort.

All the materials used throughout the chalets are either recycled or sustainably sourced and are meant to reflect the environment around us in the Blue Mountains. Even the earthy colour palette is designed with the valleys and gorges around the area.

After my conversation with Angela regarding the importance she places on sustainability, I feel particularly content that I've driven up to the Chalets at Blackheath in the all-electric Polestar 3. And not that the Polestar 3 needs it, but there is also an EV charger on site.

Polestar’s sustainability

The Polestar 3 is sustainable at its core. Everything from the carpets to the storage compartments can be traced back to some kind of recyclable material. 

The carpets, for example, are derived from recycled fishing nets and plastic waste. The inner door and storage compartments are made from flax fibres. This uses 50 per cent less plastic than the conventional alternative and can be re-used afterwards to revitalise farmland.

The leather upholstery, which is an available option, is sought from countries that have the highest global rating from the animal protection index. 

The battery cell modules used in the Polestar 3 are manufactured using renewable energy electricity, lowering the CO2e emissions per kWh by 41 per cent compared to the previous Polestar 2. 

I do a little more exploring of the area; it's time to properly rest and recharge my own batteries with a good night's sleep, with no alarm clocks to wake me up – just the sound of nature. 

Time to head home…

After a continental breakfast in the library at the Chalets at Blackheath, it's time for me to make my way home again. The drive back towards Sydney can feel a little bit arduous, especially as I've left during the morning rush hour, but the Polestar 3 comes brimming with plenty of safety technology to aid me. 

And to add to that, there are a lot of really fine details about this car that make it a cut above when it comes to long-distance driving. For example, it's well insulated, so road noise and wind noise are both kept to a minimum even when I'm driving at high speeds. 

And the large, clear interface of the infotainment screen makes any cabin adjustments a doddle, as I'm barely having to take my eyes off the road. 

I get home feeling rejuvenated thanks to a couple of days in nature – and my trusty Polestar 3 has been a great way to get around – and I've still got enough battery in the car to get me to and from work tomorrow. That certainly makes the commute a bit more palatable!

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