2025 Polestar 3 aims for effective performance

• Electric SUV with two rows and five seats

• Approximate range: 279 miles (Performance Pack), 315 miles (base)

• Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph: 4.8 seconds (base), 4.5 seconds (Performance Pack)

• Starting price: $80,300, Launch Edition; potentially qualifies for federal incentives

Delays due to software issues have affected Polestar’s introduction of their new electric SUV, and Volvo, the sister company, has reduced its financial support, leaving the emerging EV brand to navigate its future independently.

Despite not leading in efficiency among electric SUVs on the market, the 2025 Polestar 3 stands out with its sleek design and superior ride comfort and interior quality compared to the popular Tesla Model Y.

Polestar envisions the 3 as a competitor to the hybrid-capable Porsche Cayenne, while also sharing similarities with the upcoming Volvo EX90. However, the 3 exudes a similar level of sophistication and improvement as the XC90, showcasing significant advancements in structure and efficiency comparable to code enhancements made over a decade.

If there’s a skeptic of electric cars in your family, this vehicle could be the one to alter their perspective.

How is the performance of the 2025 Polestar 3?

• Equipped with a 111-kwh battery pack (107 kwh usable) and twin 180-kw motors

• Range: 315 miles (base), 279 miles (Performance Pack)

• Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph: 4.5-4.8 seconds (base vs. Performance Pack)

• Estimated real-world efficiency: 2.2-2.6 miles per kwh

During a recent test drive from Madrid to Segovia and back, the Polestar 3 demonstrated impressive driving dynamics, effortlessly navigating highways and tight spaces between hills, leaving a positive impression. Despite its weight contributing to a luxurious driving experience, it maintains precision.

The Polestar 3 features a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive layout with twin 180-kw motors at the axles supporting a 111-kwh battery pack with 107 kwh of usable energy. Generating 489 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque, the SUV accelerates to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds.

Opting for the Performance Pack for an additional $6,000 unlocks an extra 28 hp and 51 lb-ft of torque through enhanced battery and motor performance. Alongside suspension enhancements and minor aesthetic upgrades like gold-painted Brembo brake calipers and gold seatbelts, the primary flaunt is the 4.5-second acceleration from 0-60 mph. The top speed remains capped at 130 mph.

However, this high performance comes at a trade-off. The SUV can disengage its rear electric motor for increased efficiency, providing an estimated range of up to 315 miles according to Polestar, which reduces to 279 miles with the Performance Pack. While these figures align with the standard Model Y, they fall short of the Model Y Performance due to its heavier weight, reaching 5,886 pounds in its heaviest configuration.

Where the Polestar 3 shines is in its superior road grip without sacrificing comfort. Engineered for both agility and comfort, it features quick-response electric steering, a dual-clutch rear axle for simplified power distribution, and, in this model, dual-mode air springs and adaptive damping. Steering is precise with minimal excess motion, ensuring prompt responsiveness, while effectively smoothing out road imperfections, even with 22-inch wheels. In contrast, Tesla’s ride quality often falls short in refinement and it incurs range penalties from its power-hungry air suspension system.

Polestar’s unique one-pedal drive mode replaces the traditional regenerative braking system found in other vehicles. The transition is seamless, perhaps too gradual even in the most aggressive regen setting (offering three options). Complementing this, the friction brakes integrate smoothly, and the contain 15.8-inch ventilated front rotors to bring one substantial vehicle to a stop. Cars equipped with the Performance Pack feature these 4-piston Brembo calipers and a more tightly calibrated suspension, but our experience was brief, and a more extensive drive in the U.S. will provide more detailed insights.

Drivers have the ability to switch between different driving modes in the Polestar 3, allowing them to conserve battery power or prioritize performance over range. Additionally, the 3 offers selectable modes for ride quality and steering responsiveness, although accessing these options requires navigating through an icon on the primary touchscreen interface.

While the firm suspension and steering configuration do not significantly impact the vehicle’s composed demeanor, it can be frustrating to have to stop and switch modes for a more tailored driving experience.

Activating the Off-road mode increases the Polestar 3’s ground clearance by an additional two inches beyond the standard 8.3 inches. With the assistance of self-leveling air springs, the vehicle can achieve a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

2025 Polestar 3 outshines the Model Y

• 192.9 inches in length

• 117.5-inch wheelbase

• 1.1 cubic-foot storage area in front

• 17.1 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats

• 49.8 cubic feet of space behind the front seats

The Polestar 3 adorns its versatile EV platform with passenger accommodations styled in premium Scandinavian fashion. This translates to discreet elegance and a minimalist approach—though some may find it slightly too understated.

The sleek body design exudes a distinct SUV aesthetic that leans more towards a sport wagon profile. Engineered with streamlined seams to reduce aerodynamic drag, the 3 features a unique aerodynamic element on its front end: a wing split beneath the emblem into three sections, guiding airflow over the body towards the rear, where another wing directs it downwards. In Polestar’s design ethos, why conform when you can innovate?

Internally, the cabin adheres closely to Swedish design principles, reimagined to set a new standard. A seamless line traverses most of the dashboard, dividing soft surfaces from wood or metal accents, interrupted only by concealed air vents near the 14.5-inch vertical touchscreen. A 9.0-inch display mounted on the steering column relays essential information, complemented by a heads-up display projecting additional data onto the windshield.

Configuring these displays, along with adjusting the seats, mirrors, and other settings, can be cumbersome. Polestar incorporates most functions within the touchscreen interface and employs delicate, faint typography for its icons. Need to reposition a side mirror? It necessitates a series of taps, followed by steering wheel inputs to fine-tune its angle. While this process may seem intricate presently, future drivers may see it as second nature. The overall cabin ambiance remains subdued, especially when adorned in shades of gray and black. On a positive note, the materials elevate the interior quality several notches above the industry standard, and subtle accents—like the golden seatbelts in the Performance Pack variant—add a touch of personality in the midst of refinement.

Polestar’s counterpart from Volvo has long been lauded for having some of the finest seats in the automotive sphere, and the Polestar 3 upholds this reputation with a multitude of adjustments available for the side, back, and bottom support. The rear seats benefit from generous door apertures and a deep, correctly inclined seat base. The upholstery ranges from faux leather in base models to premium nappa leather or wool. Folding down the rear seatbacks transforms the Polestar 3 into a nearly camp-ready space, offering over 70 inches of internal length. This practicality may seem excessive for a vehicle that shuts its doors silently and emits minimal sound from its propulsion system. Perhaps we should refer to it as car “glamping.”

What is the cost of the Polestar 3 in 2025?

The Polestar 3 Launch Edition, priced at $80,300, recently underwent a price reduction to position it below the threshold required to qualify for the federal EV tax credit of $7,500, but its eligibility remains uncertain. The initial units will be manufactured in China, with production shifting to South Carolina by August 1. Updates on whether it will qualify for the tax incentive are forthcoming.

The Launch Edition includes features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, 20-inch wheels, a surround-view camera system, and synthetic leather upholstery. Additionally, this edition comes equipped with features that will later be available in the Plus Pack and Pilot Pack on subsequent 2025 models—features including a head-up display, air suspension, and a Bowers & Wilkins audio system with 25 speakers. The Polestar’s Android interface does not support Apple CarPlay, but it does offer native apps for Spotify and Tidal.

The Pilot Pack, featuring lidar technology, includes additional sensors that will enhance its hands-free driver assistance capabilities through over-the-air updates as they become accessible. All Polestar 3 SUVs are backed by a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty, including three years or 30,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance services.

When the base Polestar 3 SUVs roll out later this year, they will be priced at $74,300 . With all the options, it’s anticipated that a fully loaded model will cost just under $100,000.

In addition to the existing 2 sedan, Polestar has more models in the works. Details about the Polestar 4 hatchback will be shared soon, with the Polestar 5 and 6 to follow, built on a new proprietary platform and manufactured at the company’s own facility. Polestar is also planning a 7 model that will eventually succeed the Polestar 2, though the naming convention remains uncertain. While the current lineup may not set new records in terms of charging, efficiency, or speed, they excel in luxury and electric vehicle performance. With a 1, 2, and now a 3, Polestar’s lineup is steadily expanding.

Polestar sponsored our trip to Spain for the purpose of conducting this test drive review.