The Polestar 3 enters a crowded midsize electric SUV market with premium aspirations and a price tag to match. Starting around $67,000 for the single-motor version and climbing into the $80,000s for the performance trim, it competes directly with established players. We analyzed reviews from AUTO BILD (German) and Auto Focus (1.1M+ views) to find out if this Swedish-American-built EV delivers on its promises.
Key Specifications
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Battery | 111 kWh |
| Power (Standard) | 490 PS / ~480 hp |
| Power (Performance Pack) | 517 PS / 510 hp, 910 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) | 4.7-5.0 seconds |
| WLTP Range | ~600 km (~373 miles) |
| EPA Range (Dual Motor) | ~270 miles |
| DC Fast Charging | 250 kW max |
| Voltage Architecture | 400V |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h (130 mph) |
| Cargo Volume | 480-1,411 liters |
| Towing Capacity | 2,200 kg (4,850 lbs) |
| Air Suspension | Standard |
| Ground Clearance (Raised) | 27 cm |
What Reviewers Agree On
Reading this article: Numbers like [2/2 reviewers] indicate how many of the 2 reviewers mentioned each point. ★ marks near-unanimous consensus (80%+).
Premium Build Quality
- [2/2 reviewers] ★ The Polestar 3 feels substantially more premium than the Polestar 4. AUTO BILD notes it “feels much more like a Volvo” with a “more valuable” driving experience. Auto Focus praises the “nice materials” and “black and white contrast” with quality stitching throughout.
Exceptional Audio System
- [2/2 reviewers] ★ The Bowers & Wilkins speaker system impresses both reviewers. Auto Focus calls it “either the second best or the best speaker system I have ever heard in a car,” comparing it favorably to systems in cars costing far more. The system includes Dolby Atmos support and speakers integrated into the headrests.
Air Suspension Excellence
- [2/2 reviewers] ★ The standard air suspension delivers excellent ride quality. AUTO BILD demonstrates the system can raise the car to 27 cm ground clearance for light off-road use. Auto Focus confirms it “totally makes up for the huge wheels and rides really well.”
SUV Practicality
- [2/2 reviewers] ★ Both praise the sub-trunk storage compartment. AUTO BILD confirms “a carry-on trolley fits in here without any problems.” Auto Focus highlights this as “an advantage over something like the ZDX” because it’s a ground-up EV platform with better packaging.
Touchscreen Frustrations
- [2/2 reviewers] ★ The glove box only opens via touchscreen—no physical handle exists. Both reviewers specifically criticize this decision. Auto Focus states “the glove box is the touchscreen button—I think that says a lot about what they’re doing with the software.”
Where Opinions Differ
Interior Design Philosophy
- Positive [1/2]: Auto Focus appreciates the minimalist aesthetic: “This is how I would have designed it… if I was designing a car, this is what I would have done.”
- Critical [1/2]: AUTO BILD takes a neutral stance, noting the 14.5-inch vertical screen is “essentially an improved version of what we know from the Polestar 2” without strong praise.
The difference reflects personal taste—one reviewer embraces bold minimalism while the other prefers conventional layouts.
Range Assessment
- Accepting [1/2]: AUTO BILD reports the WLTP range of approximately 600 km and plans to verify it in standardized testing.
- Critical [1/2]: Auto Focus expresses disappointment: “Unfortunately this car does not have that much range… about 270 miles… wish it was more.”
The gap stems from testing standards—WLTP (European) is more optimistic than EPA (American) ratings. Both figures are accurate for their respective markets.
Pros
- [2/2 reviewers] ★ Outstanding Bowers & Wilkins audio rivals systems in far more expensive vehicles
- [2/2 reviewers] ★ Standard air suspension with adjustable ride height up to 27 cm
- [2/2 reviewers] ★ Premium interior materials with excellent build quality
- [2/2 reviewers] ★ Useful sub-trunk storage for extra cargo versatility
- [2/2 reviewers] ★ Strong acceleration at 4.7-5.0 seconds to 100 km/h
- [1/2 reviewers] 2,200 kg towing capacity unusual for an EV (AUTO BILD)
- [1/2 reviewers] Natural steering feel compared to Polestar 4 (AUTO BILD)
- [1/2 reviewers] US manufacturing qualifies for tax incentives (AUTO BILD)
- [1/2 reviewers] Distinctive yellow accents on seat belts and brake calipers (Auto Focus)
- [1/2 reviewers] Functional aerodynamic elements including front wing and rear spoiler (Auto Focus)
- [1/2 reviewers] Ample rear headroom despite sloping roofline (Auto Focus)
Cons
- [2/2 reviewers] ★ Touchscreen-only glove box with no physical release
- [2/2 reviewers] ★ Excessive touchscreen dependency for basic controls
- [1/2 reviewers] Unlabeled steering wheel buttons require learning curve (Auto Focus)
- [1/2 reviewers] Single window switch set requires button press for rear windows (Auto Focus)
- [1/2 reviewers] Gloss black trim attracts fingerprints (Auto Focus)
- [1/2 reviewers] Disappointing EPA range at ~270 miles for dual motor (Auto Focus)
- [1/2 reviewers] Small pass-through to trunk from rear seats (Auto Focus)
- [1/2 reviewers] Smaller cargo volume than the Polestar 4 despite larger exterior (AUTO BILD)
- [1/2 reviewers] Performance settings buried in menus instead of physical switches (Auto Focus)
Verdict
The Polestar 3 delivers genuine premium quality that justifies its €20,000+ price premium over the Polestar 4. The Volvo-derived platform brings a substantial, refined driving experience with class-leading audio and clever engineering like the adjustable air suspension.
But the obsessive touchscreen integration undermines daily usability. When a glove box requires navigating a screen to open, functionality has been sacrificed for minimalism.
Auto Focus summarizes it perfectly: “I have a crush on this car, but I know it’s not for me.” The Polestar 3 suits buyers who prioritize design and audio quality over range and intuitive controls. For those wanting SUV capability with 2,200 kg towing, the Polestar 3 offers something rare in the EV world—just be prepared to learn its quirks.