SHARP Drives: 2025 Polestar 3, the Next Chapter
In a presentation of the 2025 Polestar 3 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the company described its electric SUV with the line, “Design — Robotic: the kind of sexy a humanoid would appreciate.” If that doesn’t prove the nascent Swedish EV maker marches to its own Nordic beat, we don’t know what does. (And call me a humanoid then, because I find myself thoroughly drawn to whatever the Polestar 3 is.)
Christian Samson, product attributes lead for the Polestar 3, describes it this way: “Pure Scandinavian minimalism design is at the core of our business — progressive design defines the avant-garde and performance.”
Polestar Who?
Before we get into the nuts, bolts, and batteries of Polestar’s first SUV, a quick recap. Polestar started as an independent Swedish tuning firm that made Volvos go faster. Volvo absorbed the firm in 2017, and today, it’s a standalone marque producing premium electric vehicles. Polestar is quickly building a reputation for its chic Scandi style, engaging driver dynamics, and sustainability.
The Polestar 3 is the third offering in the brand’s slowly emerging lineup. It’s the brand’s first SUV and the first to be built in a new factory in South Carolina, alongside the Volvo EX90 three-row SUV — with which it shares its electric platform and wheelbase. But the similarities pretty much end there. The Polestar 3 has shorter overhangs, a lower roofline, and is a two-row five seater with decidedly sportier pretensions.
In the Metal
The Polestar 3 is a lovely thing to behold, and how often do we say that about a midsize SUV? Its svelte coke-bottle shape is finely balanced and sports delightful details like the protruding rear LED light bar, dual-blade headlights, upswept beltline and front aero wing that direct air over the hood. Our test car wore 22-inch forged alloys with Pirelli P Zero summer tires (265/40R22 front, 295/35R22 rear) that come standard with the Performance Package. Otherwise, 20 and 21-inch rollers are standard. A subtle script on both front doors reads Polestar 3, 111kWh/360kW (or 380kW with the Performance model). That’s battery capacity and power output and, hello, über Scandi-cool.
This Polestar 3 Long range Dual motor runs with dual permanent-magnet synchronous motors. The standard car makes 489 horsepower and 620 lb-ft of torque, while the Performance Pack ups that to 517 hp and 671 lb-ft. Self-levelling dual-chamber ZF air suspension with adaptive dampers are standard, as are Brembo brakes — four-piston front and single piston rear.
So, How Does the Polestar 3 Drive?
For our first drive over the winding roads, coursing through the Teton Range, we’re in a loaded Performance Pack model. That means 22-inch forged rims and a more aggressive suspension tune. At this point you may be thinking, “Here we go again. Another blindingly quick electric ‘performance’ SUV with a brutal ride and wanna-be sportscar handling.” Well, you’re right about the blindingly quick part. Within the first few klicks the Polestar 3 shows poise, compliance, fearsome steering and a flowing dynamic harmony that has Christian Samson’s words echoing in my head: “We design cars for drivers. For those who like cars. Keeping the driver in the loop. Body control is core to us. The car should be light, but not too busy. We start with a sportscar setup and then regain the comfort. Analog, I love that word. Yes, it’s all digital now, but we’re having the feeling of an honest and light car.” Tack en miljon.
The Polestar 3 uses 400-volt architecture, and with a 250 kW peak DC charging capacity it will replenish 10-80 percent of its battery charge in just 30 minutes. The 111 kWh battery pack (107 kWh net) provides up to 506 km of range in the standard model; opt for the Performance Pack and range drops to 449 km.
Passengers will appreciate the cabin’s fabulously comfy and supportive front seats, exquisite build and beautifully pure Nordic aesthetic, but drivers may be taken aback by the near complete lack of physical controls. Just about every vehicular function gets crammed into the Google-based 14.5-inch central touchscreen interface. That said, it’s not such a steep learning curve, and the tiles are big, clear and colourful.
Of course, the Polestar 3 is armed with every conceivable safety system and driver’s aid, and the fully spec’d Launch Editions arriving now get head-up display, soft close doors and a 25-speaker Bowers and Wilkins Dolby Atmos that this professional musician rates as one of the best car audio systems he’s heard. Upgrading to Nappa leather from the standard vegan trim, we enjoy massage, front seat ventilation, and real wood trim.
Our only real critique here is a lack of a physical mode or sport button that would instantly call up one’s preferred dynamic cocktail. As it now sits, every performance parameter (power delivery, steering feel, ESC settings, suspension firmness) is accessed individually via way too many screen pokes. It’s hard to do on the fly. I mentioned this to Christian, and he nodded in agreement, with a comment to the effect that nothing is written in stone. Now that’s something you’d never hear from a big legacy automaker.
Worth the Wait?
This is the essence of the Polestar 3. It’s a performance/luxury electric SUV honed by a relatively small team of passionate individuals that has money and blessings from Chinese parent Geely. It’s a good position to be in. The Polestar 3 blends class-leading dynamics with excellent passenger comfort, utility, and uncommon style. It’s money well spent.
Starting price for the 2025 Polestar 3 Long range Dual motor in Canada is $93,200, although it will initially be offered only as the $97,900 Launch Edition. The Performance Pack model asks $100,200, but — unless you need the baddest Polestar 3 — save the $7000; the standard car is still fast, handles like a dream and goes down the road in calm, secure confidence. For us humanoids, that’s all the sexy we need.
