Anthony Fongaro“Is that a Volvo?” You might hear that question when discussing Polestar, but the answer is no. What started as Volvo’s performance sub-brand—akin to AMG for Mercedes-Benz—has evolved into an independent electric car brand under Geely. Polestar has already introduced the hybrid Polestar 1 and the Polestar 2, a Tesla Model 3 rival. Now, they’re entering the SUV market with the Polestar 3—a premium electric SUV competing with the Genesis GV70 Electric and BMW iX.
My Polestar 3 review took me on an unexpected journey. From figuring out how to start the car to dealing with finicky door locks, I found myself torn between admiration for its design and frustration with its execution. Is the Polestar 3 an innovative electric SUV or an overcomplicated tech experiment? Let’s dive in.
Polestar 3 Review: A Digital Learning Curve
Like any car, my first step was turning it on—except, it wasn’t that simple. The Polestar 3 has no start/stop button. Instead, I grabbed the key card and shifted into drive—only for the car to refuse, claiming it couldn’t detect the key. After a few minutes of trial and error, I discovered placing the key card on the wireless charger activated the system.
The minimalistic Polestar 3 interior is stunning, but even adjusting the mirrors required navigating a touchscreen menu—a trend I find unnecessary. While these settings don’t need frequent changes, the lack of physical controls makes simple adjustments frustrating.
Tech-Heavy Steering and Limited Range
On the road, I noticed another quirk: the steering wheel buttons are blank. Hovering a finger over them reveals their functions on a small digital display—a cool concept but unnecessarily complex. Lexus offers a similar feature, but it’s easier to use.
Then there’s the range issue. At 80% charge, the Polestar 3 estimated only 170 miles of range—over 100 miles less than Polestar’s claimed 270+ miles. That’s concerning, especially in colder weather. Fortunately, the heated seats and heated steering wheel work exceptionally well, ensuring comfort even in freezing temperatures.
Polestar 3 Review: Exterior Design, Swedish Aesthetics with a High-Tech Edge
Despite some usability challenges, the Polestar 3’s design is undeniably attractive.
- The front features a “SmartZone” panel housing cameras, radar, and LiDAR for advanced driver assistance.
- Active LED headlights and razor-thin daytime running lights give it a futuristic edge.
- Aerodynamic vents improve efficiency, while frameless door mirrors and flush handles enhance its premium appeal.
- The full-length LED light bar at the rear adds to its modern styling.
However, I couldn’t get the doors to lock with the key card. No matter what I tried, the Polestar 3 refused to recognize my input. This could be a one-off issue, but it’s something to consider.
Inside the Polestar 3: Luxury Meets Digital Overload
Polestar offers several premium packages that enhance the experience:
- Pilot Pack: Includes Pilot Assist, a 360-degree camera, and an excellent head-up display.
- Plus Pack: Adds a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, soft-closing doors, and heated rear seats.
The 14.5-inch infotainment system, powered by Google’s Android OS, offers crisp visuals and deep functionality, including YouTube. While voice controls help compensate for the lack of physical buttons, I still prefer traditional climate controls.
One odd design choice? Only two window switches control all four windows—you must press a button to switch between front and rear controls, a setup similar to Volkswagen’s ID lineup.
Polestar 3 Review: Performance and Driving Dynamics
Equipped with dual electric motors, the Polestar 3 produces 489 horsepower and 620 lb-ft of torque, launching from 0-60 MPH in about 4.5 seconds.
Despite its impressive power, the Polestar 3’s nearly 6,000-pound curb weight is noticeable. Thankfully, active air suspension and torque vectoring provide a smooth and composed ride. The adaptive cruise control (activated via the gear shifter) and one-pedal driving make for an effortless driving experience.
Charging is also competitive:
- 111 kWh battery
- 250 kW DC fast charging
- 11 kW AC home charging
However, the real-world range didn’t match expectations. At 83% charge with climate control off, I saw only 210 miles of range—far less than the promised 270+.
Pricing: Is the Polestar 3 Worth It?
The Polestar 3 price starts at $67,000 for the single-motor version and $73,000 for the dual-motor model. My Launch Edition model, equipped with the Plus Pack, Pilot Pack, and ventilated Nappa leather seats, came in at $82,600, including the $2,300 22-inch wheels and $1,400 destination fee.
A well-equipped dual-motor Polestar 3 can be had for around $76,000, making it a direct competitor to the BMW iX and Tesla Model Y Performance.
Final Verdict: A Great SUV with Frustrating Quirks
At the end of my Polestar 3 review, I had mixed feelings. The stunning design, premium features, and solid performance make it a desirable luxury SUV. However, the complicated touchscreen interface, inconsistent range, and key card issues left me frustrated.
If you can live with its quirks—or use the Polestar app for better access—the Polestar 3 is a stylish and capable EV. But for those who prioritize user-friendliness and long-range reliability, rivals like the Tesla Model Y or BMW iX might be a safer bet.
Photos Courtesy of Polestar
