As much as I disliked the Polestar 4 (so much that it ended up among my car flops of 2024), I absolutely loved the Polestar 3 Performance.
I’m not sure if it surpasses the 2—which is still my favorite Polestar—but it’s definitely the best SUV in its class. I’ll tell you more about it in my review here in Denmark.
Polestar 3 Performance: our tops & flops
This is an SUV that doesn’t want to act like an SUV. Its design makes it look visually smaller than it actually is—yet it’s a beast, 4.9 meters long and weighing nearly 2.5 tons. But it doesn’t seem to notice: it’s sleek, with aerodynamic solutions everywhere and even a front spoiler—the first time I’ve ever seen one on an SUV, as far as I can recall.
It’s all enhanced by the Dual Blade headlights that mark the Swedish brand’s new design language, along with sculpted surfaces that amplify the power of this Norse god on four wheels. Still, it’s refined inside, with materials that are—as always—recycled, and minimalist color choices in keeping with the brand’s tradition.
Let me tell you: this is the best SUV you’ll drive. The Performance Pack tested here delivers, like the Dual Motor version, 489 hp as standard—but in the sportiest mode, it climbs to 517 hp, the same as its cousin the Volvo EX90, with which the Polestar 3 shares its platform.
Despite the massive 111 kWh battery being responsible for much of its weight, with more than 570 Nm of torque, a brilliantly tuned suspension setup, precise steering, and once again that aerodynamic shape, this car simply refuses to feel heavy. On the contrary, it’s agile and quick—a real joy to drive.
What we like:
- Drives beautifully
- Doesn’t feel its weight
- As always, excellent build quality
What we don’t like:
- The large vertical tablet-style screen looks out of place
- Mirror and steering wheel adjustments are only via screen
- Steering wheel buttons are not intuitive at all
Prices in Scandinavia
Polestar 3 Performance: size matters – so does shape
At 4.90 meters long and 1.97 meters wide, the Polestar 3 fits squarely into the large SUV segment. However, its height—just 1.61 meters—is where it stands out. That’s notably lower than most rivals, giving the car a more athletic and aerodynamic stance right from the first glance.
Up front, the design is sharp and assertive, anchored by Polestar’s signature dual-blade headlamps and an angular nose with striking detailing. But what really grabs your attention is the aerodynamic wing that sits on the front. Far from a styling gimmick, it channels airflow cleanly over the car’s body, reducing turbulence and improving both efficiency and cabin quietness. Aerodynamics, here, are more than skin deep (they’re integral).
Equally clever is the SmartZone, a panel housing the car’s various driver-assistance sensors. A front-facing camera is clearly visible, and just beneath it lies a radar unit with an integrated heating element—ideal for preventing ice build-up in colder Scandinavian climates.
From the side, the Polestar 3’s ground clearance sits at 200 mm, extendable to 250 mm via optional air suspension—a welcome addition for off-road trails or deep snow. Massive 22-inch wheels fill the arches, with rear tires measuring an impressive 295 mm across. That’s no vanity metric, they’re built to harness serious performance, as we’ll soon discover.
The roofline flows downward gracefully, but Polestar avoids the full “SUV coupe” trope. The rear window remains upright, giving the tail end a strong, planted look without sacrificing practicality. From the rear, a dramatic light bar stretches across the width, folding under at both ends. A rear spoiler, again functional, helps clean up airflow as it exits the vehicle, further reducing drag.
Details matter. Flush-fitting door handles, seamless glass surfaces, aligned window trims, and frameless side mirrors all work together to ensure the body stays as aerodynamically pure as possible.
Minimalism, elegance, high quality
Inside, Polestar stays true to its Scandinavian design ethos: minimalist, elegant, and high-quality. The cabin feels premium, with soft-touch materials throughout and a layout that is clean and functional without ever feeling bare. The door handles operate with a satisfying click, adding to the refined ambiance.
The front seats immediately impress—visually sculpted and supportive, with a full range of adjustments. You can fine-tune seat height, backrest angle, thigh support, and even the side bolsters—all via a central controller and touchscreen interface. Heated and ventilated, they offer genuine luxury for all seasons.
The center console is thoughtfully designed, offering a wireless phone charger (complete with cooling vents), cup holders, and generous storage. Below it, a large open compartment adds even more space, complete with USB-C ports and a clever phone pocket to keep devices from bouncing around.
Tech-wise, the centerpiece is a 14.5-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen powered by Android Automotive. The layout is intuitive: maps take pride of place at the top, followed by media and car function shortcuts, and climate controls at the bottom. Navigation is handled by fully integrated Google Maps—more user-friendly than most built-in alternatives. Spotify comes pre-installed, and the Play Store offers more apps, including YouTube (playable only when parked).
A 9-inch digital instrument cluster behind the wheel lets drivers switch between various views, while a 9.5-inch head-up display projected on the windshield provides speed, navigation turns, and vital driving info—all clearly within your line of sight.
And for audiophiles, the Bowers & Wilkins sound system delivers true theater-grade experience. With 25 speakers and Dolby Atmos surround sound, it offers rich, spatial audio that wraps around you. Whether you’re playing lossless tracks or just streaming Spotify, it sounds incredible.
A speed-and-comfort lover
The real surprise comes once the wheels start turning. In a word? Comfort. From the moment you hit the highway, it’s clear the Polestar 3 is built for serene travel. Sound insulation is exceptional—thanks to both the well-sealed cabin and aerodynamic refinement that minimizes wind noise, even at 120 km/h.
Ride quality is equally impressive. The air suspension, working in tandem with adaptive dampers, delivers a floating sensation over rough surfaces while maintaining control through corners. Three adjustable damping levels allow you to choose your balance between plushness and firmness.
Steering effort is speed-sensitive. In tighter, slower corners, the steering lightens up—perfect for maneuvering—and firms up at speed for more precision. It’s subtle but adds to the car’s sense of ease.
Yet despite its comfort-first setup, the Polestar 3 is far from soft. Dual electric motors—one front, one rear—deliver a combined 489 hp and a staggering 840 Nm of torque. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just over five seconds. And because electric power is delivered instantly, it feels even quicker than the numbers suggest.
Handling is another pleasant surprise. With its low center of gravity (thanks to the floor-mounted 111 kWh battery), the Polestar 3 stays flat and composed in corners. The adaptive suspension tightens up when needed, keeping the body in check without feeling harsh.
Torque vectoring at the rear—enabled by a dual-clutch rear differential—further sharpens handling. In tight turns, it can send more power to the outer wheel, helping the car rotate more naturally. This same system can also disengage the rear motor entirely under steady cruising to reduce energy loss and extend range.
Driving modes let you tailor the experience: Performance mode keeps all motors active for maximum response, while Range mode disengages the rear motor for better efficiency. A short front overhang and forward seating position enhance visibility and control—you always know where the car’s edges are, making it feel smaller and more nimble than its size suggests.
Over a varied 200 km test route—including city streets, suburban stretches up to 120 km/h, and mountain curves—the Polestar 3 returned an average of 21.6 kWh/100 km
