Polestar

Polestar 3

The Polestar 3 is a premium quality powerhouse of an SUV. It oozes class, is fully electrified with an impressive range and is a practical, family-friendly model that has a definite adventurous streak.

Test Drive

Polestar 3 Long range Dual motor Launch Edition (2024)

Polestar has branched out into the SUV sector with its dynamically styled and dramatically proportioned 3 model that is set to challenge high-end competitors.

At launch, the Polestar 3 is available in a single trim, aptly called the Launch Edition, with two dual-motor all-wheel-drive variants. Both are powered by a 111kWh battery (107kWh usable), with prices starting from £75,900 for the Long range Dual motor version, while the Performance Pack model costs £81,500.

Guaranteed to turn heads, Polestar 3 boasts a commanding road presence with design cues that look quite futuristic and are probably very close to the designer’s concept car sketches. It oozes class and elegance with signature Thor’s Hammer LED lights (a nod to its Volvo roots), privacy glass, flush door handles, a panoramic sunroof, and distinctive rear tail lights with a connecting light bar. The bold stance is complemented by large 22-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the premium-styled cabin there is definitely a minimalist approach, with high-quality materials like Bridge of Weir leather or animal-welfare friendly leather along with sustainable wool upholstery which aligns with Polestar’s eco-friendly ethos.

The seats are fully powered for easy adjustments, although controls for the steering wheel and mirrors are accessed via the touchscreen, a choice that may frustrate those who prefer physical controls (myself included). Shortcuts can be customised on the screen, but some users might wish for extra buttons, especially for more frequently used functions.

The main focal point and the car’s nerve centre is a 14.5-inch portrait infotainment screen. This offers access to the many on-board features, including Google services, Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. There is a pitch perfect 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins 3D sound system, Bluetooth, and smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Behind the steering wheel is a clear, yet compact nine-inch digital driver screen as well as a head-up display showing essential driving figures.

Built on the same SPA2 platform as the Volvo EX90, the Polestar 3 includes a number of innovative cabin-based radar sensors. These can detect small movements within the vehicle, preventing accidentally leaving behind pets or even children. There is also an Animal Modeinforming passers-by that the climate control is on, ensuring any pets left inside are safe and comfortable.

We experienced some technical glitches with the sat nav, similar to the ones we recently encountered while testing the Volvo EX90, but these should be eradicated swiftly via over-the-air software updates.

So, the Polestar 3 certainly looks the part and is packed with technology, but how does it handle when put to the test? The answer is exceptionally well. We were testing the slightly less powerful version but it still delivered 483bhp and a whopping 840Nm of torque, propelling the 2.5-tonne SUV from 0-60mph in 4.8 seconds (or 4.5 seconds with the Performance Pack). The top speed is electronically-limited to 130mph, and the vehicle boasts a 390-mile WLTP-tested range. While real-world numbers may be slightly lower, drivers can still expect a range in the high 200s under normal driving conditions.

The acceleration through the single-speed transmission is smooth and very quick offering plenty of zip to overtake slower moving vehicles or joining a motorway from a slip road.

When faced with twisting country roads, the Polestar 3 handles with ease with its 50:50 weight distribution and low centre of gravity contributing to confident cornering and excellent grip.

On faster motorways, the vehicle cruises effortlessly at 70mph, while in busier towns, it proved agile and easy to park, thanks to a range of parking aids.

The car also features three levels of regenerative braking, including one-pedal driving, which is particularly useful in stop-and-go traffic. You can also select from drive modes called Performance and Range, as well as settings to fine-tune the dampers and steering feel to suit your preference.

Despite sitting on large 22-inch wheels, the ride quality proved smooth in general, although road noise does become more noticeable at higher speeds.

Comfort levels are excellent and the Polestar 3 covers all the practicality bases well too. It measures 4,900mm in length and 2,120mm across, yet its 1,614mm height gives it a sporty, low-profile stance. The 2,985mm wheelbase results in a spacious interior which is a ‘must’ on any family SUV.

Front and rear occupants enjoy ample room, with six-footers easily fitting one behind the other. Add a third in the back and it gets a little cosy, but it would be ideal for three youngsters with the sloping seats providing excellent levels of comfort.

The boot is accessed via a powered tailgate and can accommodate 484 litres of luggage, a limit that increases to a generous 1,411 litres with the rear seats folded down. There’s also a small 32-litre frunk (front trunk) for additional storage. Elsewhere, throughout the cabin is a glovebox (opened via the touchscreen), central cubby, door bins, seat back pockets, front and rear cup holders and trays.

Charging the Polestar 3 is a simple process, especially if you can find a 250kW fast charger. Plug into one of those and the battery will boost from 10 to 80 percent in just 30 minutes. It takes about eight hours using a home wallbox.

And with active family getaways in mind, the Polestar 3 can also tow up to 2.2 tonnes, making it an ideal choice for road trips and weekend adventures.

Our test car was priced at £75,900 and featured Plus and Pilot Packs as standard. The Plus Pack adds the amazing 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins with Dolby Atmos 3D Surround Sound system, along with heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, soft-close doors and active road noise cancellation. The Pilot Pack assists with semi-autonomous driving by positioning the car in the centre of the lane while making automatic steering and speed adjustments when needed. It can help with parking and also change lanes automatically. This pack includes the head-up display.

There were options added to our car, such as 22-inch alloy wheels and a fully electric towbar that resulted in a price increase to £79,200. For anyone on a slightly tighter budget who is happy with two-wheel drive, there will be single motor Polestar 3 versions introduced shortly and these will have a cheaper price-tag.

All in all, the Polestar 3 is a stylish, premium electric SUV that perfectly combines performance, practicality and cutting-edge technology making it a strong contender in the luxury EV market. The reliance on touchscreen controls might not appeal to everyone, but the Polestar 3 is an excellent choice for those seeking a powerful, eco-friendly SUV with a touch of class.