The Polestar 3 is a luxury SUV that, as the Swedish manufacturer claims, "drives like a sports car." We explored the interior and exterior of this model back in 2022, and now we’ve had the chance to take it on the road for a full review.

Performance

The Polestar 3 features a single powertrain option: a dual-motor setup powered by a robust 111kWh battery that sits within the new SPA2 architecture that’ll also feature in the new Volvo EX90. The standard model delivers 489bhp and 840Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just five seconds. Opting for the Performance Pack boosts these figures to 517bhp and 910Nm of torque, cutting the 0-100km/h time to 4.7 seconds. Both versions share a top speed of 210 km/h.

The Polestar 3’s regenerative braking offers three easily adjustable modes: completely off, medium-level, and very heavy for one-pedal driving. While steering wheel paddle control would be a convenient addition, Polestar’s infotainment system is intuitive and user-friendly once you get accustomed to it.

Even with the large 22-inch wheels and firmer suspension, the ride remains well-controlled, with initial bumps being nicely absorbed. However, there's a noticeable patter on rough surfaces, making the regular Dual Motor variant a more comfortable and relaxed choice.

Range and Charging

Polestar claims the 3 can achieve up to 631 km on a single charge, versions with the Performance Pack offer a slightly lower range, albeit still impressive, 561 km. This surpasses the Mercedes EQE SUV and is comparable to the BMW iX, thanks to its enormous 111kWh battery, one of the largest available.

Polestar has equipped the 3 with 250kW fast charging, allowing you to top up quickly at a sufficiently powerful public charger. This enables the battery to go from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes. However, home charging from a standard 7.4kW Wallbox will take significantly longer—over 15 hours to go from completely empty to fully charged.

Design and Interior

The interior of the Polestar 3 showcases abundant Scandinavian minimalism. Aside from the column stalks and steering wheel, the only button on the dash is a volume dial located next to the cupholders. All other functions are managed through the 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen in the centre, which, like a Tesla, handles navigation, media, safety features, climate controls, and door mirror adjustments. It’s a very sleek system, although navigating through menus every time you drive might not be to everyone’s taste.

The materials and build quality are excellent. All the plastics have a premium feel, and Polestar uses sustainable, welfare-certified Nappa leather for the seats, which are soft and exceptionally comfortable. While the light finishes enhance the cabin's ambiance more than the dark ones, they may be less durable over time. All models come with a fantastic Bowers & Wilkins sound system and standard three-zone climate control. You’ll find four USB-C charging ports, and the front seats are both heated and ventilated.

The Polestar 3 will be the largest vehicle in the Swedish firm’s range, measuring 4.9 meters in length, 1,614 mm in height, and 2,120 mm in width (including mirrors). The Polestar 3’s boot offers 484 litres of space and it makes clever use of the available space with various features to maximise storage. The smart roofline design provides ample headroom for tall passengers, despite the relatively low roofline and standard glass roof. Overall, it’s a comfortable and luxurious interior.

Cost Considerations

The 3’s luxurious features and driving experience is reflected in the pricing, with a start point from €99,900 for the Long Range Dual Motor version. For an extra €7,000 you can get yourself the ‘Performance Pack’ which adds more power and some exterior tweaks, putting it in the same price range as the Volvo EX90, Jaguar I–Pace, or just slightly above the Porsche Macan.

When it comes to the warranty, every Polestar 3 comes with a 3-year vehicle warranty, an 8-year battery warranty or 160,000 km, as well as a 12-year corrosion warranty.

Conclusion

Overall, the Polestar 3 is a standout luxury SUV. Its unique design and feel set it apart in a class where many cars look a little similar. It also offers good value for money with its long range and extensive standard features. As well as that, it strikes a great balance of comfort, performance, and handling.