If you’re looking for a powerful, all-electric SUV loaded with super high-tech features, the Polestar 3 could be for you. Rivalling the BMW iX, Tesla Model X and Audi Q8 e-tron, this car from the Volvo imprint comes with stacks of Scandi style, top-notch eco-credentials and high-performance specs to boot.

Overview

Variants: Long range Dual motor and Long range Dual motor with Performance pack

Range: LRDM 610 km and LRDMPP 560 km

Charging time and ports:

Using a 250 kW DC charger, the Polestar 3 can reach 10-80% in 30 minutes. Using an 11 kW AC charger, it will go from 0-100% in 11 hours. A 10A, 7m, Mode 2, Type 2 cable for charging at home is included.

Battery: 400V lithium-ion battery, 111 kWh capacity

Power: LRDM 360 kW and LRDMPP 380 kW

Efficiency: LRDM 175 Wh/km, LRDMP 191 Wh/km

Acceleration: LRDM 0-100km/h in 5s and LRDMPP 0-100km/h in 4.7s

Top Speed: 210 km/h

Torque: LRDM 840 Nm and LRDMPP 910 Nm

Weight: 1,800–2,055kg

Dimensions: L 4,900 mm, W 1,968 mm, H 1,614-1,627 mm

Design & look

As you’d expect from the Swedish EV brand, the Polestar 3 looks smart and stylish while being elegantly understated. The car’s chunky-yet-sculpted design is complemented by its low, wide stance. Its generous body has smooth curves and lines, with a floating roof and a sloping rear window. By lowering and extending the roofline, Polestar 3 has a distinctive silhouette compared to other SUVs, but without compromising on interior space.

Let’s talk aerodynamics. Front and rear aero wings make for a more streamlined drive, while flush side windows and door handles keep airflow smooth. When it comes to paintwork, you can choose from an array of chic exterior colour options, from Magnesium grey to Midnight blue. Of course, classic Volvo codes remain, like the Y-shaped ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED headlights.

Features and interior

What’s not to love about the Polestar 3 interior? For a start, its minimalist, tech-heavy cabin is beautifully lit by an epic panoramic sunroof. Resembling a humungous iPad, at your fingertips is a large 14.5” touchscreen centre display and infotainment system powered by Android Automotive OS. Aside from this, the dashboard is clutter-free, which creates a rather serene ambience inside.

The front and back seats are spacious, comfortably fitting five adults, and (since Polestar takes sustainability seriously) are all upholstered in mindful materials. Think; animal welfare traced leathers, renewable vinyl and recycled polyester textiles. A relatively spacious 484L boot is enough but could benefit from being larger, especially for family use.

The Polestar 3’s in-car audio tech is tip-top, thanks to a 25 speaker, 3D Surround Sound and Dolby Atmos system by Bowers & Wilkins. You even get speakers in the headrest for a full-on cinematic experience.

Performance

Polestar 3 comes in two powertrain variants. A standard Long range Dual motor and Long range Dual motor with Performance pack. The Long-range Dual motor Polestar 3 offers an attractive 610 km range on a hefty 111kWh lithium-ion battery with a maximum total power and torque of 360 kW / 840 Nm. If you’re wondering what the added Performance pack gets you, it’s an extra 20 kW power and 70 Nm torque at the cost of 5km of range. Oh, and you’ll hit 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds rather than 5.

Other added Performance pack extras include a Polestar Engineered performance chassis, 22″ 4-Multi spoke black polished forged wheels and gold ambient lighting inside.

At 111kWh, Polestar 3’s batteries are large, but charge remarkably quickly. A 10A, 7m, Mode 2, Type 2 cable comes with the car as standard. Using a rapid 250 kW DC charger, you can expect to be juiced up from 10-80% in about 30 minutes.

Safety and warranty

The Polestar 3 has yet to receive an ANCAP rating, however it does come kitted out with premium preventative and protective safety features. Comprising 12 ultrasonic sensors, five radars, five cameras, two driver-monitoring sensors, and four interior radars, a complex onboard safety system will intervene or signal warnings when needed.

You’re being watched, too – by a Driver Monitoring System that monitors your eyelids and head movement in case you get drowsy. Other Polestar 3 safety tech features include a Blind Spot Information System, Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure prevention, Parking sensors and assistance, and Adaptive Cruise Control with steering assistance.

The Polestar 3 features nine airbags and a Boron steel safety cage. For babies and young children, the Polestar 3 has two ISOFIX attachments in the rear.

The Polestar 3 is backed by a five-year unlimited kilometre manufacturer warranty, while its battery is supported by an eight-year or 160,000km manufacturer warranty. In addition, a 12-year corrosion warranty exists for the exterior.

Summary

There’s no denying the Polestar 3’s attention to detail is second to none, from the frameless side mirrors to the Scottish-sourced upholstery leather. Performance-wise, it’s agile, smooth and responsive. Pricewise it sits on par with the excellent BMW iX and above the powerful Tesla Model X. Will the Polestar 3 become the leading premium all-electric SUV? Time will tell.

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