Introduction
When Polestar launched the Polestar 2 electric car in 2020, the automotive world took notice. Many enthusiasts and critics believed the brand could become a formidable competitor to Tesla. Now, four years later, Polestar is set to introduce its second model, the Polestar 3 SUV, in the summer of 2024. This new entrant will compete against established players like the Audi Q8 e-tron, Mercedes EQE SUV, and BMW iX. But does it have what it takes to stand out in a crowded market? Let's dive into the details of the Polestar 3 to find out.
Design and Comfort
Exterior
Polestar retains strong ties with Volvo, the brand it originally spun off from, and the Polestar 3 shares a lot in common with the upcoming Volvo EX90. However, while the EX90 is designed as a practical seven-seat family car with a focus on safety and comfort, the Polestar 3 takes a sportier approach. It’s akin to having a Nike store and a John Lewis occupying the same retail space.
The Polestar 3’s sleek design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also enhances its efficiency. Unlike the seven-seat EX90, the Polestar 3 is exclusively a five-seater, featuring sleeker proportions. This design choice ensures that all passengers enjoy ample space, with plenty of room for six-footers to stretch out in the rear. The minimalist cabin creates an expansive and airy feel.
Interior
Light and space are the themes inside the Polestar 3. The minimalist dashboard, while clean and uncluttered, features a dedicated driver display for essential information such as speed. Everything else is controlled through a large, portrait-oriented touchscreen in the center console, running a responsive Google operating system. This system provides access to the Google app store, allowing you to download various apps, from mapping to music streaming services.
Premium materials abound inside the Polestar 3. While Polestar has been a proponent of vegan interiors, the 3 offers an option for buttery-soft Nappa leather. This leather, although not vegan, is a sustainable by-product of the beef industry, appealing to those concerned with lowering their carbon footprint.
The Polestar 3’s interior is beautifully built, with excellent materials and build quality. The plastics feel great to the touch, and the light finishes suit the cabin's ambience perfectly. The seats, available in sustainable Nappa leather, are soft and superbly comfortable, though the lighter finishes may be less durable over time.
Technology and Infotainment
The Polestar 3 features a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen in the center console, which controls everything from the sat-nav and media to safety functions, climate controls, and even door mirror adjustments. While this system is slick and intuitive, some may find the need to navigate through menus for basic functions somewhat frustrating.
All models come with a fantastic Bowers & Wilkins sound system and three-zone climate control as standard. Additionally, there are four USB-C charging ports available, and the front seats are both heated and ventilated. These features are expected in a premium electric SUV and contribute to the overall luxurious experience.
Space and Practicality
Front Seats
The Polestar 3 offers large, comfortable front seats with multiple electrical adjustments. One multifunctional controller on the side of each seat manages all the various movements, allowing drivers of all shapes and sizes to find a comfortable seating position.
In terms of storage, the door bins are large but not massive. You get two big cupholders in the center console behind a wireless phone charging pad. There's a substantial storage area under the center armrest and an even larger one on the floor between the front seats, perfect for a handbag or backpack.
Rear Seats
The rear seats offer plenty of legroom, allowing even very tall passengers to stretch out comfortably. The floor in the rear is set a little high, but the overall space is generous. The full-length sunroof does not impact headroom, which is ample.
The outer two rear seats are very sculpted and comfortable, making the middle seat narrower. Although the middle seat is less comfortable, it is still adequate for shorter journeys. Both outer rear seats have easily accessible ISOFIX points for child seats, and there is ample space for even large rear-facing units.
Boot Space
With 484 liters of boot space, the Polestar 3's boot is smaller than that of the BMW iX (500 liters) and the Mercedes EQE SUV (520 liters). However, it is a clever space with several tricks to maximize what’s available. There’s a deep underfloor storage compartment and a movable floor that folds in half to split the boot in two, ideal for preventing smaller objects from rolling around. When propped upright, the floor creates three hooks for shopping bags, a practical touch for shorter users who might struggle to reach the back of the boot. Additional features include a 12V socket and retaining straps, with the rear seats folding in a 60:40 split and a ski hatch available through the center seat.
Electric Range and Charging
Polestar claims that the 3 will manage up to 379 miles from a single charge, although versions equipped with the Performance pack offer only 347 miles. This is an impressive range, more than what the Mercedes EQE SUV can manage and on par with the BMW iX.
The 111kWh battery is one of the largest on the market, but this means that home charging from a standard 7.4kW wallbox will take over 15 hours from completely empty to full. However, the Polestar 3 supports 250kW fast charging, enabling rapid top-ups from suitably powerful public chargers. From 10-80%, the Polestar 3 can charge in around 30 minutes, though such fast chargers are still rare and expensive in the UK.
For more details on electric vehicle charging, check out this comprehensive guide on electric cars and their benefits.
Performance
The Polestar 3 will be available in two versions: the standard model and the Performance Pack. The standard version starts at £75,900, offering a good balance between performance and range. The Performance Pack, priced at £81,500, reduces the electric range by about 30 miles but provides a more sporty experience with firmer suspension and larger alloy wheels.
The Performance Pack enhances the driving dynamics of the Polestar 3, making it faster and more engaging to drive. This pack includes a firmer suspension setup and bigger alloy wheels, appealing to those who prioritize a more spirited driving experience.
For more insights on high-performance electric cars, read this review of the MG Cyberster.
Safety and Security
Polestar has strong ties to Volvo, and the Polestar 3 is heavily based on the Volvo EX90, which is great news for its safety credentials. Volvo is renowned for making some of the safest cars on the market. Although the Polestar 3 has not yet been tested by Euro NCAP, it is expected to achieve a full five-star rating.
The Polestar 3 comes equipped with nine airbags to protect the driver and passengers, a full radar array for sensors and automated emergency braking, and two infrared eye-tracking cameras to ensure the driver is always focused on the road. While the all-touchscreen interior may require you to take your eyes off the road more than traditional controls, you can at least disable most intrusive safety systems with just two presses from the home screen.
Pricing
Polestar has announced pricing for the Polestar 3, starting at £75,900. The Performance Pack adds £5,600 to the starting price, while the Pilot Pack, which includes a LiDar sensor for automated driving, will be available in 2025 for an additional £4,300. This pricing positions the Polestar 3 between base models of the BMW iX and the Mercedes EQE SUV. It is also comparable to conventionally-fueled luxury SUVs such as the Range Rover Sport.
Popular Versions
The most popular versions of the Polestar 3 are:
- 360kW 111kWh Long Range Dual Motor 5dr Auto: £75,900
- 380kW 111kWh Long Range Dual Motor Performance 5dr: £81,500
These prices could change before the official launch, but they offer a good indication of where the Polestar 3 stands in the market.
Reliability and Warranty
As the Polestar 3 has not been released yet, it is too early to determine its reliability. However, the Polestar 2 and the electric Volvos to which the Polestar 3 is related have not had many reported problems. Electric cars generally require less maintenance than their petrol or diesel counterparts due to fewer moving parts.
The Polestar 3 does feature a lot of software and electronics, which means there is more potential for issues. However, there is no indication that these will be problematic. Polestar’s standard warranty covers three years or 60,000 miles, which is similar to most of its premium competitors.
For more information on electric vehicle reliability, check out this review of the Abarth 500e.
Conclusion
The Polestar 3 is an exciting addition to the electric SUV market. With its sleek design, luxurious interior, and impressive range, it stands out among competitors like the Audi Q8 e-tron, Mercedes EQE SUV, and BMW iX. Its strong ties to Volvo ensure top-notch safety features, and its minimalist design and premium materials create a comfortable and stylish cabin.
While the Polestar 3 may have a few drawbacks, such as a smaller boot space and a reliance on touchscreen controls, its overall package is compelling. Whether you opt for the standard model or the sportier Performance Pack, the Polestar 3 promises to deliver a high-quality driving experience.
As Polestar continues to evolve and expand its lineup, the Polestar 3 is poised to make a significant impact on the electric vehicle market. If you're in the market for a premium electric SUV, the Polestar 3 is definitely worth considering.
For more information and to compare offers, you can check out the latest Polestar 3 deals.