Polestar 3

Introduction

The Polestar 3 is the Swedish brand’s flagship electric SUV, positioned as a premium alternative to the Porsche Macan Electric and BMW iX. Built on Volvo’s SPA2 platform and manufactured in South Carolina, it promises luxury, performance, and Scandinavian design. Four YouTube reviewers put it through its paces—from German Autobahn runs to American winter driving. Here’s what they found.

Key Specifications

Spec	Details
Battery	111 kWh (107 kWh usable)
Power (Dual Motor Performance)	517 PS / 380 kW
Torque	910 Nm
0-100 km/h	4.7 seconds (Performance)
Top Speed	210 km/h
WLTP Range	Up to 567-600 km
DC Fast Charging	Up to 250 kW
AC Charging	11 kW
Towing Capacity	2,200 kg
Price (Germany)	From €78,500 (Single Motor) to €110,000+ (Performance, loaded)

What Reviewers Agree On

Reading this article: Numbers like [4/4 reviewers] indicate how many of the 4 reviewers mentioned each point. ★ marks near-unanimous consensus (80%+).

Design Excellence

• [4/4 reviewers] ★ Exterior design stands out from competitors. The functional front wing, sloping roofline, and rear spoiler create a distinctive, sporty look that reviewers consistently praised.
• [4/4 reviewers] ★ Interior materials feel genuinely premium. Soft-touch surfaces, quality stitching, and sustainable materials throughout.
• [3/4 reviewers] The contrast design (white/black, yellow accents) creates a striking aesthetic. Auto Focus called it “how I would have designed it.”

Driving Experience

• [4/4 reviewers] ★ Standard air suspension delivers excellent ride comfort. All testers praised how it absorbs road imperfections despite large wheels (up to 22 inches).
• [4/4 reviewers] ★ Acceleration is effortless. The Performance variant’s 517 PS provides “souveräne Fahrleistung” (commanding performance) according to AUTO BILD.
• [3/4 reviewers] Steering feels direct and natural—better than the Polestar 4. German reviewers specifically noted the Volvo DNA in how it drives.

Technology Strengths

• [4/4 reviewers] ★ Google Automotive OS works excellently. Navigation with integrated charging stops, fast response times, and reliable operation.
• [4/4 reviewers] ★ Bowers & Wilkins sound system is exceptional. Auto Focus rated it “either the second best or the best speaker system I have ever heard in a car.” The 25-speaker Dolby Atmos setup received universal praise.
• [3/4 reviewers] Apple CarPlay integration works seamlessly alongside the native Google system.

Space and Practicality

• [4/4 reviewers] ★ Rear seat space is generous despite the sloping roofline. Even tall passengers fit comfortably.
• [3/4 reviewers] The sub-trunk storage area adds useful hidden space. Move Electric confirmed a carry-on suitcase fits easily.
• [3/4 reviewers] 2,200 kg towing capacity is impressive for an EV.

Where Opinions Differ

Range and Efficiency

• Positive [1/4]: die-autotester achieved 20.5-23.3 kWh/100km in mixed driving—close to WLTP figures
• Critical [2/4]: Move Electric recorded 26.8-28 kWh/100km on highway runs at 135 km/h in cold weather, estimating real range around 400 km
• Mixed [1/4]: Auto Focus noted the ~435 km range (270 miles) as disappointing but acceptable

Results varied dramatically based on conditions. Winter testing with rain and headwind produced significantly worse efficiency than moderate-weather tests.

Value for Money

• Positive [2/4]: German reviewers felt the premium feel justifies the €20,000 premium over Polestar 4. “The price difference is noticeable when driving” (AUTO BILD)
• Critical [2/4]: At €110,000 fully loaded, reviewers questioned whether it competes with Porsche Macan at similar prices

The value perception depends heavily on whether buyers prioritize interior quality and driving feel over brand prestige.

Touchscreen-Heavy Controls

• Critical [3/4]: Unlabeled steering wheel buttons, touchscreen-only glove box, and buried settings frustrated testers
• Accepting [1/4]: die-autotester found the system “well-solved” despite deep menu structures

Most reviewers acknowledged the clean aesthetic but wished for more physical controls for frequently-used functions.

Pros

• [4/4 reviewers] ★ Outstanding design that differentiates from competitors
• [4/4 reviewers] ★ Premium interior quality with sustainable materials
• [4/4 reviewers] ★ Excellent air suspension delivers comfort and adjustability
• [4/4 reviewers] ★ Bowers & Wilkins audio is class-leading (optional)
• [4/4 reviewers] ★ Google Automotive OS works fast and reliably
• [4/4 reviewers] ★ Strong acceleration in Performance trim
• [4/4 reviewers] ★ Generous rear legroom despite coupe-like silhouette
• [3/4 reviewers] Direct, natural steering feel
• [3/4 reviewers] Useful sub-trunk storage compartment
• [3/4 reviewers] High towing capacity at 2,200 kg
• [2/4 reviewers] Electric fold-out tow hitch available
• [2/4 reviewers] Driver assistance (Pilot Assist) works smoothly on highways

Cons

• [4/4 reviewers] ★ Piano black surfaces throughout attract dust and fingerprints
• [3/4 reviewers] Unlabeled steering wheel buttons require memorization
• [3/4 reviewers] Touchscreen-dependent functions (glove box, mirrors, seat adjustments) frustrate daily use
• [3/4 reviewers] Highway range below expectations given the large battery
• [2/4 reviewers] High price especially in Performance trim
• [2/4 reviewers] Only two front window switches for four windows
• [2/4 reviewers] 400V architecture limits charging speed at most CCS stations (800V upgrade coming)
• [1/4 reviewers] Small trunk pass-through to rear seats
• [1/4 reviewers] Center lock steering position feels overly stiff

Verdict

The Polestar 3 earns praise for what matters in a luxury SUV: design, interior quality, ride comfort, and technology integration. The Bowers & Wilkins audio system alone could justify a test drive. However, the touchscreen-heavy interface and real-world range that falls short of the 111 kWh battery’s potential are legitimate concerns.

As Auto Focus summarized: “I have a crush on this car, but I know it’s not for me.” The Polestar 3 suits buyers who prioritize Scandinavian design and interior refinement over maximum range or intuitive controls. It’s genuinely premium—but at €90,000+, so is the price of admission.

For long-distance drivers in cold climates, wait for the upcoming 800V variant. For everyone else seeking a distinctive alternative to German luxury EVs, the Polestar 3 delivers where it counts most.