Test-Driving The Polestar3 Electric

Forbes

06-05-2025

The 2025 Polestar 3 is a great-looking luxury electric SUV, a dressed-for-dinner, performance-focused 5-seater spun off from Volvo. Need speed? It can go 0-60 in 4.6 seconds. Need total automation? That's here, too. Let's have a look, based on a recent weeklong test-drive.
Polestar 3 Long range Single motor Polestar
It announces 'electric,' from its minimalist front fascia to its wide, low stance and body-colored Pollstar badge. Its flush side profile gives it gravitas. It's a big guy, and the large panoramic moonroof lends it a romantic flavor - you can park and look up at the stars. My neighbors have seen many a ride in my driveway but this one evoked immediate, positive comments.
2025 Polestar3 Polestar
Inside, the vehicle is reminiscent of Tesla in that 'You sit down and the vehicle is on.' It offers a similarly minimalist cabin with high-quality, sustainable materials. Upholstery options include Nappa leather, wool, and vegan alternatives like MicroTech. It seats five, with heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. Cargo space is 17.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats, with a small frunk for additional storage. It's nice and big inside, as an SUV should be.
2025 Polestar3 Polestar
You've got a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, a 9-inch digital driver display and an optional head-up display for essential driving information. Standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and multiple USB-C ports. An optional 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system is rich and deep and crispy and therefore good.
2025 Polestar3 Polestar
All models feature a 111-kWh battery pack, with DC fast charging capabilities allowing a 10-80% charge in approximately 30 minutes. I had the top-end Performance Pack, delivering 517 hp, 671 lb-ft torque, 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds, and a pretty-good EPA-estimated range of 279 miles. Charging was a simple, routine matter. Driving Experience
As you expect with a vehicle with this much blast power, acceleration is hasty and satisfying. You'll have to remember you are driving a vehicle weighing upwards of 5,550 pounds because it feels light as the proverbial feather. It's composed around corners and regenerative braking allows for one-pedal driving. Brakes are tight-tight. Visibility is satisfactory. It is a smooth, satisfying drive.
Polestar 3 Long range Single motor Polestar Pricing
My Dual motor trip starts at $84,900. With all options and extras, it tops out at $93,100. Available packages include the Plus Pack (soft-close doors, heated steering wheel, upgraded audio), Pilot Pack (advanced driver assistance systems, head-up display), and Performance Pack (enhanced power, sport-tuned suspension, 22-inch wheels) Room for improvement
On my first voyage, I emerged from a store and found myself locked out for about 10 minutes. I thought it was time for the tow truck, maybe. But then, out of the blue, the vehicle relented. It never got itself together with that fob, though - sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't, up until the last 20 minutes I had the vehicle. Also, the tech is complicated and of course learnable, but to open the glove box positioned below the passenger seat, for example, required three separate steps on the touch screen. Safety Features
Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a driver attention monitor. An optional LiDAR system enhances semi-autonomous driving capabilities,
Conclusion: It is a fine start from a fine brand and as soon as the electronics work 100% of the time, it'll be sweet indeed.