Polestar 3 Long range Dual motor Launch Edition (2022 - )

The dynamically and somewhat dramatically-styled Polestar 3 is the company’s first SUV with an excellent driving range and powerful performance.

The interior is minimalist to the extent there are virtually no physical controls making occupants overly dependent on the large touchscreen, but there is a wealth of high-end tech to explore.

At launch, there is just one trim aptly named Launch Edition with two variants both of which feature dual motors for all-wheel drive. They have a 111kWh (107kWh usable) battery with the entry-level Long range Dual motor Polestar 3 costing £75,900 while the car with a Performance Pack costs £81,500. So, not a cheap vehicle by any means, but this is a premium model with intentions of staking its claim against high-end rivals from the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

Just in case anyone is unfamiliar with Polestar as a brand, it has a racing background very much linked to Volvo, but was introduced as a standalone brand in 2017 (although still partly under Volvo ownership) with only electric models in its current and upcoming portfolio.

The car’s emblem and the Polestar name refer to the North Star which is seen as a guiding light for travellers. The translation of North Star from Swedish is close to Pole Star and so the name was born.

Polestar 3 is the first SUV-styled model to be launched by the Swedish carmaker. It’s very easy on the eye with smooth curves and aerodynamic lines, Thor’s Hammer signature lights (as seen on Volvo cars), a tapering roofline, privacy glass, flush door handles, distinctive tail lights with connecting light bar and massive 22-inch alloys. It boasts a wide, powerful stance and has the look of a car that has been kept as close as possible to its original concept sketches.
Moving inside, everything is very minimalistic but of a high quality with the choice of Bridge of Weir leather upholstery or an animal-welfare based leather and carefully sourced wool upholsteries. The latter featured on our test car and looked really chic while still being kind to the planet.
The seats are powered so it’s easy to find a comfortable driving position, although the steering wheel and mirror adjustments are controlled via the touchscreen along with steering wheel buttons. There are ways to set favourite icons for short-cuts on the touchscreen, but we would prefer some more physical controls.
On-board technology is plentiful with everything accessed via the 14.5-inch portrait infotainment screen, including the superb 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins 3D sound system complete with headrest speakers. There is built-in Google with sat nav, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and plenty more besides.

A compact nine-inch digital driver display behind the steering wheel can be personalised, and there is a head-up display showing all the vital data.
The Polestar 3 is built on Volvo’s latest SPA2 platform and therefore shares many underpinnings with the all-new EX90 seven-seater. That means it has the same cabin-based radar sensors that can trace the slightest movement within the car and warn the driver if they have forgotten their pet or child. There is even an Animal mode to let passers-by know that the car’s climate control is at a suitable setting for any pets left in the vehicle.
There were some technical glitches with the touchscreen, namely the navigation system having its own agenda for us. This was something we also experienced when we tested the Volvo EX90. However, both the Volvo and Polestar were very early production models and these issues should be easily resolved via over-the-air software updates.
 

Powering the Polestar 3 Long range Dual motor Launch Edition is a huge 111kWh battery (107kWh usable) with two motors – one on each axle – for all-wheel drive. It has 483bhp and 840Nm of torque which means this powerhouse of a car can sprint from 0-60mph in 4.8 seconds (reduced to 4.5 seconds with the increased power of the Performance Pack model) and onto a top speed of 130mph.
The driving range between charges impresses too with a WLTP-tested combined 390 miles. To be honest, you would rarely get close to the official figure, but expect around the high-200s mark.
From a standing start, the turn of speed is outstanding with smooth, responsive acceleration through the single-speed gearbox. There is a constant stream of power on tap to make light work of overtaking holidaying caravanners, and the grip through twisting lanes is confident and grounded thanks to the 50:50 weight distribution and low centre of gravity.
While the acceleration is quick, it doesn’t feel uncontrolled and the steering weight also impresses. On motorways, the Polestar 3 will sit effortlessly at 70mph and then in busier city centres, it proved agile and easy to manoeuvre with the added assurance of additional parking aids to make you look like a pro when squeezing into tight spaces.
There are three levels of regenerative braking, again controlled via the touchscreen, with a one-pedal driving setting which is superb in stop, start traffic. There is a Performance or Range mode and, in addition, it’s possible to control the dampers and the steering feel settings.
Our car was sitting on 22-inch wheels which looked amazing and their size didn’t seem detrimental to the ride quality, although there was elevated road noise at higher speeds.
 

The Polestar 3 is a spacious fully electrified SUV that covers practicality bases really well. It certainly boasts a strong road presence stretching 4,900mm in length and 2,120mm across (including mirrors). It is just 1,614mm tall which gives the car a truly dynamic stance and the wheelbase is 2,985mm.
The cabin is exceptionally spacious with ample room up front for six-foot plus occupants to sit comfortably and with the rear seats sloping backwards there is ample leg, head and shoulder space for two more six-footers in the back too (or three at a squeeze). Light floods through the fixed panoramic sunroof giving the cabin a bright and airy feel.
The boot is accessed via a powered tailgate and can swallow 484 litres of luggage with all five seats upright. If you drop the split-folding rear seats, this limit increases to 1,411 litres and there is extra storage thanks to a 32-litre frunk beneath the bonnet. 
In addition, there are plenty of storage compartments scattered throughout the cabin, including a glovebox that is opened via the touchscreen, door bins, seat back pockets, front and rear cup holders and some practical trays.
When it comes to charging the 111kWh battery, a 10 to 80 per cent boost via a 250kW fast charger takes about 30 minutes, while using a home wallbox will take about eight hours. 
The Polestar 3 can tow a caravan or trailer weighing up to 2.2 tonnes with all-wheel drive for added grip. 
 

The Polestar 3 at launch is only available with dual motor models boasting all-wheel drive. The entry level car, as tested, costs £75,900, but the version with a Performance Pack sees the price rise to £81,500. And, as is the premium sector’s way, there are a number of packs and options that can be added for a fee.
Our test car featured Plus and Pilot Packs as standard. The Plus Pack introduced the likes of a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins with Dolby Atmos 3D Surround Sound system, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, soft-close doors and active road noise cancellation. The Pilot Pack will help with semi-autonomous driving by positioning the vehicle in the centre of the lane while making automatic steering and speed adjustments. It can assist with parking and also to change lanes automatically. This pack also adds the head-up display.
There were options added to our car, such as a fully electric towbar and 22-inch alloy wheels, that saw the prise rise to £79,200.
For anyone on a slightly tighter budget, there will be single motor Polestar 3 versions introduced a little later down the line and these will have a cheaper price-tag.
With zero carbon emissions, Polestar 3 owners can reap a number of financial rewards, including being free from road tax and exempt from Congestion Charge and Ultra Low Emission Zone fees. And unlike owners of ICE cars, there’s no surcharge for purchasing a vehicle costing in excess of £40k. We should point out that many incentives will be disappearing or cut right back in 2025.
Polestar 3 does make for an attractive company car though with a Benefit in Kind tax rating of just two per cent and the vehicle comes with a standard three-year, 60,000-mile warranty, increased to eight-years or 100,000-miles for the battery.
 

The Polestar 3 is a beautifully designed and very practical five-seat SUV that’s big on style, space and performance.
The build quality is exceptionally high and there is a generous array of technology to explore. The only downside for me was the lack of physical buttons with everything from adjusting the mirrors and steering wheel, changing the climate settings and even opening the glovebox, operated via the touchscreen.
For now we just have Launch Edition models that are dual motor with all-wheel drive, but there will be a single motor model introduced soon with a price-tag just shy of £70k.