Review by Veeno Dewan
The Polestar 3 is the brands first full-size pure electric SUV from Polestar – a brand owned by the Chinese Geely Group that also owns Volvo and Lotus. The Polestar 3 shares its electric platform with the three-row Volvo EX90 SUV , although there’s only seating for four (or five) in the Polestar. Looks wise, the Polestar is lithe and well-proportioned with a low roofline, a rear LED light bar, dual-blade headlights, a swooping beltline, and a cool front aero wing that directs air over the hood. Overall, the sporty lines belie its EX90 roots. Highlights include a spacious – minimalist interior, quick acceleration, impressive handling, and a long list of standard features.
In terms of powertrain options, the all-electric Polestar 3 comes with dual permanent magnet synchronous motors with a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system offering either 483 hp or 510 horsepower depending on the model. The Long-Range version features a 111kWh battery with an EV driving range of up to 507 km. The Polestar 3, dual-motor model with the Performance package boosts output to 510 horsepower with 671 pound-feet of torque, with a decreased range of 449 kilometers on a single charge. Speaking of charging- the Polestar 3 uses 400-volt architecture. The 250-kW peak DC fast-charging capacity will fully recharge the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in 30 minutes.
The Polestar 3 SUV has a starting price of around $96,100 – $116,200 for Canada. As standard equipment includes – the highest-grade technology, full connectivity, ultra-modern minimalist interior cabin design and the use of sustainably sourced materials. Safety systems are of course top notch. Options include: Nappa leather seating surfaces, front massaging seats with ventilation, Bowers & Wilkins front headrest speakers, and black ash wood trim. Performance models also have more power as well as sport chassis tuning and a gold paint-colored accents, including the brake calipers and seatbelts. The Performance pack has Brembo brakes all around.
We evaluated the top of the range Launch Edition version priced at $107,100. This features the Long-Range Dual motor set-up, with the $7,000 optional Animal welfare Nappa leather Zinc seating and the black Ash trim package. High value and special equipment included the Pilot and Plus trim packages and 24 -inch multi- polished black wheels. Transportation was $2,800 for a total price of $116,900.
The Polestar 3’s interior is elegant, beautifully constructed and finished. Open pore ash wood trim and high -quality textiles dominate. Recyclability is baked in with vegan upholstery and available welfare-traced wool and Nappa leather trim. Creature comforts include fabulously comfortable massaging and ventilated front seats.
The rest of the cabin wonderful – superb cabin ambience and quality everywhere. An audiophile Bowers & Wilkins sound system delivers 1,610 watts of power with multiple sound stage configurations for concert hall or auditorium -like listening experiences. Rear leg- and headroom are both generous. Cargo capacity behind the second-row measures 597 L, and it expands to 1,411 L (including the clever 90-L underfloor compartment). There’s also a 32-L frunk. (Front trunk.)
On the road – the Polestar 3’s power delivery is instant and proliferate with an impressive zero to 100 km/h acceleration time of a quick four seconds. Overall: The Polestar 3 is a strong contender in the electric SUV market, offering a blend of performance, technology and sustainability. To sum up, this is a premium electric SUV par excellence.
2025 Polestar 3 Priced from: $96,100 – $116,200.
Price as tested – with transportation, $116,900.
More info at www.polestar.ca.
