Polestar 3 Dual Motor Performance (2022 - )

Polestar has revamped its 3 model for 2026 with improved range, faster charging and quicker performance, but it still maintains its SUV practicality and driver-focused handling.

At launch back in 2024, the Polestar 3 was the Swedish company’s first SUV and now the appeal has been enhanced further thanks to some mid-life upgrades. At the forefront of these improvements is the new 800-volt electrical system that results in quicker charging, something consumers always appreciate, plus new batteries, motors and more advanced technology.

The previous model was sold with a single 111kWh battery across all versions. But now customers can choose an entry-level rear-wheel drive version, called the Rear Motor, with a 92kWh battery which can achieve a WLTP-tested 375 miles on a single charge. Alternatively, there are Dual Motor and Dual Motor Performance options, both all-wheel drive, that gain a larger 106kWh battery and can deliver 394 and 368 miles respectively. You will notice that the outgoing model had a larger capacity battery unit, but thanks to the upgraded technology, the latest car is more efficient and can go further.

Cosmetically, the Polestar 3 remains unchanged, so it really is all about the powertrain and technology. But, to be fair, the car was always quite the head-turner anyway, so as they say: ”if it ain’t broke…”

We opted for the high-end Dual Motor Performance model for our test drive across the Cotswolds, which involved some motorway, twisting country lanes and busier town centre driving for a complete insight into this premium SUV. 

As we mentioned the designers at Polestar were very happy with the styling of the car so this mid-life refresh sees the Scandinavian appearance left untouched. And that’s not a bad thing as this high-end SUV certainly boasts plenty of kerb appeal with a powerful stance that was kept as close to the original concept sketches as possible.

It’s just shy of five metres in length and design cues include gorgeous smooth streamlining with muscular haunches plus protected wheel arch mouldings. Similarly to Volvo, Polestar 3 features the striking Thor’s Hammer signature lights, along with rear privacy glass, a panoramic sunroof with UV protection and extensive soundproofing, flush door handles that are opened and closed via a keycard, a tapering roofline and  22-inch black forged alloy wheels with gold brake calipers. 

The interior is typically Scandi so expect a minimalist, clutter-free cabin with high-end fixtures and fittings throughout. The seats are crafted from animal-welfare-certified wool and the charcoal shade is complemented by the gold-coloured seatbelts. These seats can be heated or ventilated for added convenience. There are some piano black coverings that result in a little reflective glare at times, but that was our only gripe.

The main focal point is the 14.5-inch portrait infotainment screen which really is the car’s nerve centre. From here, you open the glovebox, adjust the mirrors, alter the climate settings and also access various driving and performance features via quick keys along the bottom of the screen.

Creature comforts are plentiful and include Google navigation, full smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a pitch-perfect 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system that includes front headrest speakers, Bluetooth, 5G and lots more besides.

Additionally, there is a compact nine-inch driver display where the speed, battery charge, range and navigational directions can be viewed, along with a head-up display.

Powering the Polestar 3 Dual Motor Performance model is the larger 106kWh battery with electric motors on each axle for all-wheel drive. With 680hp and 870Nm of torque, this Polestar is very quick out the starting blocks and can sprint to 62mph from a standing start in just 3.8 seconds and onto a top speed of 140mph.

The acceleration through the single-speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive. Although there are no steering wheel paddles, certain aspects such as the steering and suspension, can be adjusted via the touchscreen. Additionally, there are Range or Performance modes that alter the handling, along with a single-pedal setting which is really handy in busier stop, start traffic.

The Polestar 3 Performance is a confident motorway cruiser, although keep a watchful eye on the speed as the acceleration is rapid and the power supply seems almost limitless. Then on twisting country roads, it’s deceptively nimble with impressive grip and perfectly weighted steering.

Body control through long sweeping bends is well contained and the 50:50 weight distribution, along with a low centre of gravity, help deliver a confident, yet engaging driving experience.

The air suspension results in a nicely cushioned ride even on larger 22-inch wheels. This means that despite that raw firepower, the car maintains its refined composure at all times.

In busier towns and cities, the all-round driver visibility impresses and, despite its size, the Polestar 3 is agile, easy to manoeuvre and has every parking aid imaginable to make squeezing into a tight space that much simpler.

With its billing as a family SUV, the Polestar 3 needs to cover all practicality demands well and it does just that. Stretching 4.9 metres in length, 2.12 metres across and 1.61 metres in height, it boasts a strong road presence, and the wheelbase that’s just shy of three metres results in a spacious cabin with room for all the family.

A couple of tall adults will find ample space up front and two more six footers will sit in the back without any complaints with plenty of room for feet beneath the front seats. Add a third and it gets a little cosy, but a trio of youngsters will be fine. Rear seat passengers have their own climate settings, along with heated seats and two USB-C ports.

The boot, accessed via a powered tailgate, can hold 484 litres of kit, increased to 597 litres up to the roof line. There is a large underfloor compartment which is ideal for storing charging cables, and by lowering the 60:40 split-folding rear seats, the capacity increases to 1,411 litres. Additionally, there is a compact frunk beneath the bonnet with a 32-litre capacity.

Throughout the cabin there are a number of handy storage compartments too, such as a glovebox (opened via the touchscreen), front and rear cup holders, door bins, a deep central cubby, seat back pockets, two additional front USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad.

The improved 800-volt architecture results in faster 350kW charging speeds and that means a 10 to 80 per cent battery boost can be achieved in as little as 22 minutes.

And with ventures further afield in mind, the Polestar 3 can tow a braked trailer or caravan weighing up to 2.2 tonnes.

The Polestar 3 line-up costs from £76,540 for the entry-level Rear Motor version with the smaller battery. The Dual Motor model costs from £84,540, while our test car – the Dual Motor Performance, costs £92,040.

However, Polestar is currently running some seasonal offers which sees quite a significant price-drop. All cars are offered with a £5k discount meaning the line-up costs from £71,540 and rises to £87,040.

Our top-of-the-tree Polestar 3 featured a number of packs as standard, such as the Plus Pack that introduced the upgraded audio along with heated and ventilated seats, and soft-close doors amongst other features. There was also a Pilot Pack as a no-charge option that added upgrades to the Pilot assist, Park assist, Lane Change Assist as well as introducing a head-up display.

But there were a few optional extras on our car, such as metallic paint at £1,000, HD LED headlights costing £1,600 and the stunning upholstery was a £700 add-on.

EV owners pay a reduced first-year road tax charge of just £10, but this does increase to the standard fee of £200 after 12 months. And, as the Polestar 3 exceeds the Government’s Expensive Car Supplement threshold of £50,000 there will be an extra surcharge of £440 from years two to six added the annual tax bill.

However, the Polestar 3 is an attractive option for business drivers with its Benefit in Kind tax rating of just four per cent and, for added peace of mind, it comes with a standard three-year, 60,000-mile warranty that is increased to eight-years or 100,000-miles for the battery.

With a perfect blend of luxury, technology, comfort and performance, the latest Polestar 3 is a compelling all-round package. It will deliver dynamic performance, but the refinement and comfort levels remain sublime. 

In addition, it delivers on the practicality front too meeting all the demands expected from a SUV and its all-wheel drive capability and 2.2-tonne towing limit, make it ideal for family adventures. 

The improvements to the battery and architecture have resulted in faster charging times, along with extra driving range, which is always good news on any EV. 

Yes, we would like a few more physical controls and the touchscreen was a little clunky at times (on the hottest day of the year), but generally everything worked perfectly well.