Intelligent connectivity company Qualcomm Technologies has provided its next-generation Snapdragon Cockpit Platform to power the latest infotainment system in the Polestar 3 – the first car released on a new all-electric architecture developed by and shared with Volvo Cars.
Centralized computing will be provided by the Nvidia Drive core computer which runs software from Volvo Cars, and Android Automotive is used for the in-car operating system which has been co-developed with Google and is displayed via a ‘floating’ 14.5in vertical center display. In addition to navigation and music streaming functions, occupants can access an array of vehicle performance and safety settings though the display. Over-the-air updates ensure the vehicle’s software systems improve over time without needing to visit a service center.
For the driver, a 9in display sits behind the steering wheel with preconfigured modes to deliver required information such as vehicle speed, battery status, navigation, or driver assistance information.
Three different interior themes can be selected, each with a varying color palette and material choice. Polestar selected the materials for their sustainability credentials and include bio-attributed MicroTech, animal welfare-certified leather and fully traceable wool upholsteries. For example, and available as an upgrade, customers can select Nappa leather sourced and produced by the Bridge of Weir in Scotland as a chrome-free, traceable option.
Polestar 3’s front seats have a memory function and can remember the seating position for each individual driver. Upon opening the door, the seat and steering wheel move away from each other to make entering the vehicle easier. Drivers can then depress the brake pedal to move each component back to the driving position, based on the memory function. In the rear of the vehicle, there are three seats matching the comfort and support of the front seats.
Also available as an upgrade, black ash deco can be selected for the dashboard area. This uses the physical structure in the wood and provides sustainable interior details which reduces waste by making use of the available veneer.
The Polestar 3 also benefits from Volvo Cars’ next-generation of advanced active and passive safety features. This includes new interior radar sensors which can detect sub-millimeter movements in the car’s cabin to protect against leaving children or pets inside. The system is also linked to the vehicle’s climate control system to stop passengers from getting heatstroke or hypothermia.
A secure 5G wireless internet connection also gives the Polestar access to the web, enabling real-time traffic updates and downloadable apps, and there is a Bowers & Wilkins sound system.
