The 2025 Polestar 3 is the Swedish brand’s first SUV, that looks a bit more like a tall-riding wagon. Which is not a bad thing. This new electric SUV is based on the same platform as the new Volvo EX90 but with one fewer row of seats. So is this just the same or is it different enough to stand out from its parent company.
Performance
Motors – In Canada, the Polestar 3 is available with only a dual-motor layout. The base long range version produces a healthy 489 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque (365 kW & 840 Nm). But this demo Ploestar 3 is not the standard version. It has the Performance pack which provides a bump in power to 517 hp and 671 lb-ft of torque (385 kW & 910 Nm). Polestar claims the 3 will complete the sprint from 0-100 km/h in just over 4.5 seconds. An impressive feat considering that this is a very heavy SUV with a curb weight that ranges from 2,579 kg to 2,627 kg (5,685 – 5,791 lbs) depending on how it is optioned.
With the Performance option selected in the infotainment system, the Polestar 3 is just like any other EV. It has quick and responsive acceleration. But by default, this option is turned off when starting the car so the accelerator response is not as snappy in the normal drive mode. In fact, it has quite a delay if you stomp your foot on it, almost like a 1980s turbocharged car. But after a delay of 1 or 2 seconds, the computer gradually provides full power.
Charging, Range, & Efficiency – With a sizable 111 kWh battery pack, the 2025 Polestar 3 can be driven for up to 506 km (314 miles) or 449 km (279 miles) if optioned with the Performance pack. A single-motor version should be coming to Canada later in the year with over 560 km of driving range. During my time with the electric SUV, I averaged 20.3 kWh/100km (3.06 Miles/kWh) of efficiency which was a bit more than what I managed with the Volvo EX90.
Recharging the Polestar 3 can be done up to a speed of 250 kW. At that rate from a DC level 3 charger, 10% to 80% takes approximately 30 minutes. From a level 2 charger at 11 kW, Polestar claims the battery can be fully recharged in 11 hours.
Braking – Like many other EVs, the Polestar 3 uses regenerative braking to recoup some electric energy. It has a one-pedal mode with two different functions. “Standard” is like a traditional one-pedal with strong regenerative braking slowing the car down when lifting your foot off the accelerator pedal. This mode brings the car to a complete stop in a smooth manner. The other is a “Low” one-pedal mode where it provides enough regenerative braking to slow the car down but not as much as the full one-pedal mode. Additionally, you can choose to make the car creep or stand still when stopped through the infotainment screen.
As for the physical brakes, they have a smooth and firm feel. They provide plenty of stopping force on this Performance version as they are supplied by Brembo and feature 4-piston front calipers with 400 mm discs.
Handling – With Polestar being a more performance oriented luxury brand, the P3 has a more enthusiastic driving demeanor than the Volvo EX90. The steering effort can be adjusted through the infotainment system for a standard, firm, or light feel. The air suspension too can be changed for standard, nimble, or firm to provide better comfort or more body roll resistance. Coupled with real torque vectoring on the rear axle, the Polestar 3 has impressive handling dynamics. Of course, towards its limits, the hefty weight does start to hamper the driving dynamics but at the end of the day, this is a family SUV. How often will you be pushing it to its limits?
Comfort
Ride Comfort – Despite having 22-inch wheels and low profile tires, the ride of the Polestar 3 is surprisingly good. The air suspension isolates road bumps very effectively in its softest setting. Now, the ride is not as plush as in the Mercedes EQS SUV for example, but it will not tire you out on your long commute to work.
Further aiding to the comfortable ride are the seats. Polestar has always provided some of the most comfortable seats in this segment and the ones in this P3 are no exception. They have just the right amount of adjustments with enough padding. If you option the Polestar 3 with the Nappa upgrade, the front seats have 5 different massage modes to choose from.
Interior Space – Where the Volvo EX90 is a 3-row SUV, this Polestar 3 is only a 2-row SUV. Interior space is roughly the same across both rows of seats as the EX90. For my tall 6’4” stature, there is plenty of space in the front seats. Behind my driving position, there is about two finger widths of space between my knees and the back of the front seats. Headroom in the back is very good as well. Unlike other vehicles, the center position is not raised higher than the outboard seats so headroom is equally good for those that are sitting in the middle.
In the trunk, the Polestar 3 has 484 L (17.1 cu-ft) of cargo space up to the rear seats. However, Polestar also states that there’s 597 L (21.1 cu-ft) of cargo space if measured up to the inner roof as the rear portion of the roof slopes down for better aerodynamics. With the rear seats folded, the Polestar 3 has 1,411 L (49.8 cu-ft) of cargo space. All of these figures include the 90 L storage space under the trunk floor. If equipped, the floor can also double as a grocery bag holder. In the front, there is a 32 L (1.13 cu-ft) storage compartment.
Noise, Vibration, & Harshness – The Polestar 3 has a very quiet cabin. Tire noise is the most prevalent sound that is audible in the cabin on highways but it is a few levels lower than in some other luxury EVs. Wind noise is negligible and there are no fake EV sounds coming from the speakers when accelerating quickly.
Odds and Ends
Pricing – The 2025 Polestar 3 starts at $96,000 CAD ($73,400 USD, Long Range Dual Motor) which puts it at around the same price point as other luxury electric SUVs such as the BMW iX or Mercedes EQE. This Performance pack version starts at $103,200 CAD ($79,400 USD).
Gadgets – The standard Polestar 3 has some luxury features but this car is best enjoyed with the addition of the Plus Pack. As standard the Polestar 3 has heated front seats, 8-way power adjustable front seats, Eco-friendly upholstery, 3-zone climate control, wireless phone charging pad, and a power liftgate.
Selecting the Plus Pack adds a head-up display, Bowers & Wilkins audio system with 25 speakers, soft-close doors, power operated steering column, heated rear seats along with a heated steering wheel, and heated front wiper blades. Other convenience gadgets include ventilated front seats along with the massage function I mentioned before, Nappa leather upholstery, surround view cameras, and various 21 or 22-inch wheel options.
The infotainment system is displayed on a 14.5-inch touchscreen and it operates on the Android Automotive OS. It includes Google Assistant and other Google Apps for seamless integration with your Google account but wireless Apple CarPlay is standard. It does take a few taps of the touchscreen to reach certain sub-menus but the icons are large and clear. Up to 6 driver profiles can be programmed which then save various parameters of the car and infotainment system such as seat position, radio stations, and favorite apps. Speaking of which, you can download and play multiple apps on the touchscreen including YouTube but the car does have to be stationary for some of these apps to function.
Interior Design – For being environmentally friendly materials, the cabin has a premium feel. Nearly all of the touch points have soft or real-feeling materials. The only down side is the gloss black plastic on the center console and door controls.
The actual design of the cabin is very minimalist and almost the same as the Volvo EX90 which in turn is the same as a Tesla. From the climate controls, to the mirror controls, to the drive selector, it all mirrors a Tesla. These, and other controls, are very frustrating to use. Much like a Tesla, the Polestar 3 has no physical controls apart from the volume knob on the center console which also integrates the track skip. Furthermore, the window switches are separated by a capacitive touch button. In order to lower the rear windows from the driver’s side, the capacitive button needs to be pressed before using the window switches. On the steering wheel, the capacitive touch controls are not illuminated and instead you have to run your fingers over them before their function is displayed on the small screen in front of the driver. The key fob also does away with buttons. The car recognizes the fob as it is approaching the car and it’ll unlock. However, this key is known to lose its charge quickly and it consistently needs to be placed on the wireless charging pad to recharge. But the lack of key buttons means that you cannot remotely open the car for someone else. You have to hand them the key in order for them to open the car to grab something out of the trunk for example. And finally, the sunroof lets in a lot of light but also a lot of heat in the summer months. It does have some sort of UV protection but it’s not enough. Sadly, it does not have a shade and the accessory shade that Polestar provides is not a very elegant design.
I understand that these simplified controls make for a cleaner design and reduce costs for the company, but those costs are never passed down to consumers and it increases distraction as now the driver needs to take their eyes off the road to make sure they select the item they want in the infotainment system. Additionally, having screens in place of physical controls doesn’t make for a luxurious interior. If screens mean luxury then luxury watch makers like Rolex, Tudor, Richard Mille would just place a screen on their watches. But they don’t.
Exterior Design – Unlike the inside, the exterior styling is fantastic. Although this is an SUV, it looks more like a high riding station wagon. It has a front spoiler and a rear spoiler for better aerodynamics, the 22-inch wheels fill the wheel wells nicely and the gold brake calipers shine behind the wheels. The headlights and taillights also look sleek and modern. It’s an overall eye-catching design.
Safety – Like the Volvo EX90 on which this is based on, the Polestar 3 is a safe vehicle and it can be equipped with a few advanced driver aids. With the Pilot Pack, it adds Pilot Assist and lane change assist. Pilot Assist is not a hands-free driving system but it does a well enough job of keeping the car centered on highways and performing lane changes all while the driver keeps at least one hand on the steering wheel. Unlike the EX90, the Polestar 3 does not have a LiDar system but the forward facing cameras still project an image of what the car “sees” around it which includes other vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.
Warranty – The 2025 Polestar 3 is covered by a 4 year / 80,000 km new vehicle warranty. The battery pack is covered by an 8 year / 160,000 km warranty with Polestar claiming that it will hold up to 70% of its charge capacity during that period, whichever comes first.
Conclusion – Overall, the 2025 Polestar 3 is very similar to the Volvo EX90 on which it is based. It has a spacious and quiet cabin, it is comfortable for commutes, but it provides a slightly better driving experience and I’d say it looks a bit better. However, it also frustrates me in the same way as the Volvo EX90 due to the lack of physical controls and the functionality of others that are blatant copies of Tesla. Just like the EX90, it feels as though the Polestar 3 is slowly losing its Scandinavian heritage in favor of what everyone else is doing.
Thank you to Polestar cars for providing the 3. www.Polestar.com
2025 Polestar 3 Gallery
overall fair review, but you do get used to the touchscreen and I’ve never mistaken the window controls for the door opener. This car is fantastic to drive and handles beautifully on curves due to dual clutch torque vectoring on the rear axle (as opposed to braking on the EX60.) Your iphone in your pocket is all you need to get in and out and drive. Finally, the sound system is out of this world, with and without atmos.