The Polestar 3 is the Swedish-Chinese brand’s first true SUV, built on Volvo’s platform and manufactured in South Carolina. With a 111 kWh battery, up to 517 PS, and a starting price around €85,590 (or $67,000 in the US for single motor), it competes directly with premium electric SUVs. Two reviewers—AUTO BILD (German) and Auto Focus (US)—put it through its paces.
Key Specifications
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Battery | 111 kWh |
| Power | 490 PS (517 PS with Performance Pack) |
| Torque | 910 Nm (Performance Pack) |
| 0-100 km/h | 5.0 sec (4.7 sec Performance Pack) |
| WLTP Range | ~600 km |
| US EPA Range | ~270 miles (dual motor) |
| DC Fast Charging | 250 kW max |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h |
| Towing Capacity | 2,200 kg |
| Cargo Volume | 480-1,411 liters |
| Air Suspension | Standard |
| Ground Clearance | Up to 27 cm (raised) |
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%+).
Design Excellence
- [2/2 reviewers] ★ Exterior design impresses with aerodynamic elements. Auto Focus called out the functional front wing and rear spoiler: “If I was designing an EV that had to be aerodynamic but still has angular elements, this has got it.”
- [2/2 reviewers] ★ Lower roof line than competitors creates a sportier silhouette without sacrificing headroom.
Build Quality & Materials
- [2/2 reviewers] ★ Premium feel throughout the cabin. AUTO BILD noted the Polestar 3 “feels much more like a Volvo” with a “more premium and substantial” character than the Polestar 4.
- [2/2 reviewers] ★ Nice material mix including dry wood trim and quality finishes.
Air Suspension Performance
- [2/2 reviewers] ★ Standard air suspension praised for comfort and versatility. AUTO BILD demonstrated raising it to 27 cm for light off-road use. Auto Focus noted it “totally makes up for the huge wheels and rides really well.”
Audio System
- [2/2 reviewers] ★ Bowers & Wilkins speaker system delivers exceptional sound. Auto Focus was emphatic: “This is either the second best or the best speaker system I have ever heard in a car, period.” The system includes headrest speakers and Dolby Atmos support.
SUV Practicality
- [2/2 reviewers] ★ Sub-trunk (frunk) storage praised. AUTO BILD confirmed “a carry-on trolley fits in here easily.”
- [2/2 reviewers] ★ Rear seat headroom is surprisingly good despite the sloping roof.
Where Opinions Differ
Range Assessment
- Concerned [1/2]: Auto Focus expressed disappointment: “The range in this car is not that great… about 270 miles of range on 100% charge. Wish it was more.”
- Neutral [1/2]: AUTO BILD cited the WLTP claim of ~600 km but reserved judgment: “We will verify this ourselves in our standard consumption and range test.”
The difference reflects testing standards—WLTP (European) tends to show higher numbers than EPA (US), and real-world results often fall short of both.
Touchscreen-Only Controls
- Critical [1/2]: Auto Focus repeatedly flagged the UI as problematic. Changing suspension settings requires “three clicks away instead of just a single mode switch.” The glove box only opens via touchscreen: “There’s no handle, there’s no way to open it other than a button on the touch screen.”
- Accepting [1/2]: AUTO BILD acknowledged that “everything except volume goes through this touchscreen” but didn’t frame it as a major negative.
Auto Focus evaluated the car for daily usability while driving; AUTO BILD focused more on objective specs and driving character.
Overall Character
- Premium SUV [1/2]: AUTO BILD emphasized its Volvo DNA—“massive and substantial,” “the €20,000 price difference [over Polestar 4] is noticeable when driving.”
- Flawed gem [1/2]: Auto Focus struggled with contradictions: “It’s kind of amazing how far the highest highs and the lowest lows are from each other in this thing.”
Pros
- [2/2 reviewers] ★ Striking exterior design with functional aerodynamic elements
- [2/2 reviewers] ★ Exceptional Bowers & Wilkins audio possibly best-in-class
- [2/2 reviewers] ★ Standard air suspension provides comfort and off-road capability
- [2/2 reviewers] ★ Premium interior materials with quality finishes throughout
- [2/2 reviewers] ★ Good rear headroom despite sloping roof line
- [2/2 reviewers] ★ Useful sub-trunk storage for extra cargo
- [1/2 reviewers] Strong acceleration at 4.7 seconds 0-100 km/h (Performance Pack)
- [1/2 reviewers] 2,200 kg towing capacity unusually high for an EV
- [1/2 reviewers] Natural steering feel more engaging than Polestar 4
- [1/2 reviewers] US manufacturing qualifies for Inflation Reduction Act benefits
- [1/2 reviewers] Yellow seat belts and accents create distinctive interior aesthetic
Cons
- [2/2 reviewers] ★ Touchscreen controls for basic functions including glove box
- [1/2 reviewers] Disappointing real-world range around 270 miles (dual motor, US)
- [1/2 reviewers] Unlabeled steering wheel buttons require learning curve
- [1/2 reviewers] Single set of window controls with button to access rear windows
- [1/2 reviewers] Gloss black trim attracts fingerprints
- [1/2 reviewers] Tiny pass-through to trunk limits cargo flexibility
- [1/2 reviewers] High price starting at €85,590 (Germany) / $67,000+ (US)
- [1/2 reviewers] 400V system rather than 800V like some competitors
- [1/2 reviewers] Cargo volume smaller than Polestar 4 despite being a larger vehicle
Verdict
The Polestar 3 delivers premium SUV qualities that justify its Volvo heritage. Build quality, ride comfort, and audio performance genuinely impress. Both reviewers came away respecting the car’s design and engineering.
But the touchscreen-dependent interface frustrates, and range may concern buyers planning long trips. As Auto Focus summarized: “I have a crush on this car but I know it’s not for me.”
Best for: Buyers prioritizing design, audio quality, and premium feel over maximum range. Those who want a Volvo-engineered EV with distinctive styling and don’t mind touchscreen controls.
Look elsewhere if: You need 300+ mile range, prefer physical buttons for daily controls, or want the best efficiency in this price bracket.