UK drive: Polestar 3 combines understated luxury with impressive performance

What is it?

Over recent years, Polestar has grown in confidence, with a range of larger, more ambitious electric models. Last year, the brand announced its biggest model offensive yet, with the Swedish outfit setting its sights firmly on the premium SUV segment. This updated version of its already impressive 3 sits very much at the heart of that push. The model follows the tried-and-tested Polestar template of being big, luxurious, and stylish, blending minimalist Scandinavian design with serious tech and blistering performance.

Built to take on the likes of the BMW iX, Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, and Audi Q8 e-tron, the 3 faces stiff competition from some of the biggest names in the business but does it have what it takes? We have been driving it to find out.

What’s new?

While the changes to the 3 are nominally a light refresh, the Swedish brand’s attention to detail means the car feels more like a mid-life reinvention. The car has been given a new 800-volt electrical architecture, with power also rising compared to the original model, to the point that the most powerful ‘Performance’ car now throws out a whopping 670bhp,

One area where the 3 has previously been criticised was its tech and Polestar has moved to address the issue now. The fresh model has a vastly more powerful core computer which makes systems feel sharper and more responsive, while some revised trims, options and design tweaks give the car a significant edge over what came before.

What’s under the bonnet?

As mentioned, the 3 now adopts a cutting-edge 800-volt electrical system, which has been paired with lithium-ion battery packs of up to 106kWh, depending on which version of the car you go for. As a result of that upgraded electrical system, a 10–80% top-up can take as little as 22 minutes on an ultra-rapid charger. Meanwhile, the most efficient Dual motor version of the car has a claimed range of up to 394 miles.

In terms of setups, the 3 is available in three main configurations – Rear motor, Dual motor and Performance. Every option features Polestar’s new specially developed rear motor, with outputs ranging from 329 bhp all the way up to 670 in the most powerful versions.

What’s it like to drive?

This has always been a strength of Polestar and the 3 is certainly no different. For a big SUV, the 3 feels incredibly nimble and light on its feet. The Performance car in particular offers blistering straight line speed – with a 0-60mph time of just 3.8 seconds – while remaining smooth and comfortable throughout. It is worth playing around with the suspension settings to find which you like best, as the softest option can feel a little on the ‘wallowy’ side through the bends. This can be addressed by firming things up, which makes the car feel much more focused, without losing much of the comfort.

While the car may look like a big SUV, it is worth noting that it is by far the most comfortable on the road. While it performed reasonably well on the gravel track provided as part of our test route, it did come unstuck when faced with a particularly slippery and muddy patch of grass. Thankfully, no damage was done to the car or drivers, other than a severe dent in my pride at having to ask for a tow!

How does it look?

Polestar has always been a brand which puts design at the heart of its offerings and the 3 certainly lives up to the family name. Its minimalist approach could easily become boring, but it is something that the firm has handled brilliantly. There are just enough subtle angles to keep the car looking classy and interesting.

It’s a proper SUV in stance, but the proportions are clean and controlled, with a low-sloping roofline that helps the car look less bulky than many of its rivals. The lighting signature, including the split ‘Thor’s Hammer’ front design, does give the 3 presence but overall it all looks understatedly classy in a way that feels wonderfully Scandinavian.

What’s it like inside?

The 3 is firmly aimed at the premium end of the market, and as a result, no corners have been cut when it comes to the interior. The cabin is crammed full of high-quality materials which feel upmarket and well put together. Even down low, there are no scratchy plastics to be found and overall, the 3 is a genuinely lovely place to be. While the Scandinavian ‘less is more’ approach is plain to see, the gold seat belts in the Performance car are a rare but brilliant show of exuberance.

In terms of controls, it is all very minimalist, with the vast majority of the car’s functions controlled by the huge 14.5-inch portrait touchscreen, which has been upgraded to feel far more responsive than what came before. While this is great, we still can’t help but feel that a few more physical buttons would help the overall experience no end!

What’s the spec like?

Prices for the Polestar 3 get underway at £69,990 for the Rear motor version, rising to well over £90,000 for the Performance model. Our car, with a few optional extras, would set you back a hefty £97,540.

Standard equipment includes a 14.5-inch touchscreen, digital driver display, head-up display, wireless smartphone charging with full 5G connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Comfort features include heated seats and a panoramic glass roof.

Verdict

Polestar has got some very bold ambitions going forward and having driven the 3, it is easy to see why. As a driver’s car, it is outstanding and as good as any big electric SUV on the market. It also looks great, has a wonderful interior and offers a good level of space and practicality.

Yes, a few extra buttons would be nice and if you’re looking for an SUV with off-road ability, then maybe look elsewhere, but the truth is that for the vast majority of buyers, the 3 is all the car you could ever want.