Overview
The Polestar 3 stands as the electric Swedish brand's flagship luxury crossover. Sharing the dedicated SPA2 platform with the Volvo EX90, the Polestar 3 trades a third row of seating for a sleeker profile and a direct emphasis on driving dynamics. It operates in the competitive premium large EV SUV segment, positioning itself against rivals such as the BMW iX5, Audi Q6 e-tron, and Lucid Gravity.
Design
The exterior highlights Scandinavian minimalism infused with aggressive aerodynamic features. The front replaces the traditional radiator grille with the SmartZone, a cluster housing radar, ultrasonic sensors, and cameras in the front grille. Up front, an integrated front aero wing on the bonnet channels airflow over the body, complimented by a smooth roofline and a rear spoiler wing to minimize drag. Signature Smart Blade LED headlights, flush pop-out door handles, wide rear haunches, and a continuous rear light bar complete its modern stance.
Interior
The cabin features a clean layout constructed from sustainable materials, including animal-welfare-certified wool, MicroTech bio-attributed vinyl, and fully traceable leather options. Driver interaction is centered around a 14.5-inch portrait touchscreen powered by Android Automotive OS with built-in Google services, alongside a floating 9-inch digital instrument display behind the steering wheel. Physical switchgear is almost non-existent, with functions like climate control, side mirror adjustments, and glovebox release integrated into the screen. Standard acoustic lamination and a full-length panoramic glass roof maintain low ambient noise levels and an airy cabin feel.
Performance & Powertrains
The Polestar 3 lineup uses a 800V architecture, capable of peak DC fast-charging rates up to 250 kW for a 10-80% top-up in 30 minutes. The RWD model features a rear-mounted electric motor delivering 329 bhp and 480 Nm of torque, yielding a range of up to 374 miles from a 92 kWh battery. The Dual Motor features an AWD dual-motor setup producing 536 bhp and 740 Nm of torque, taking the SUV from 0-62 mph in 4.5 seconds with a range of up to 402 miles from a 106 kWh battery. The Performance Pack increases outputs to 670 bhp and 870 Nm, lowering the 0-62 mph sprint to 3.8 seconds while offering a range of up to 373 miles. Dual-motor variants come equipped with active air suspension with continuous damper control and a torque-vectoring dual-clutch system on the rear axle to sharpen turn-in response and power delivery.
Practicality
Despite sharing dimensions with 7-seater platforms, the Polestar 3 exclusively seats 5 occupants to maximize rear legroom. The flat interior floor allows generous room for 3 adult rear passengers, though the low-slung roofline slightly lowers the seating position relative to the floor. Boot space measures 484 litres with the rear seats raised, expanding to 1,411 litres with the 60/40 split-folding rear bench collapsed. Up front, a small 32-litre frunk offers dedicated storage for charging cables.
Buying
Prices for the Polestar 3 start at £76,540 for the RWD model, rising to £84,540 for the Dual Motor and £92,040 when equipped with the Performance Pack. Standard equipment levels across the range are high, including 20-inch alloy wheels, Pilot Assist driver aids, matrix LED headlights, and a 3-zone climate control system. The EV Hub recommended configuration is the Long Range Dual Motor without the Performance Pack as strikes the optimal balance for most buyers. It provides the all-weather capability of the AWD system, the standard air suspension system for refined ride comfort, and 536 bhp performance, while giving the longest 402-mile range.