Polestar 3 Review: Luxury Meets Minimalism

Polestar 3 Review: Luxury Meets Minimalism

Written by Kenneth Sawyer, In Cars, Published On
September 9, 2024
, 4 Views

A fascinating newcomer to the high-end SUV market, the Polestar 3 has stunning good looks, a sophisticated yet understated interior, and the latest technology. Even with all these good points, it isn’t a performance electric SUV, so don’t expect the thrilling ride you’d expect.

This comprehensive study will examine the Polestar 3 from every angle, including its exterior, interior, performance, range, and value in the competitive electric car industry.

Polestar 3 Specifications

CategorySpecification
PRICE
BaseLong Range: $75,300
Long Range with Performance Package: $81,300
POWERTRAIN
Front MotorPermanent-magnet AC, 241 hp, 241 or 310 lb-ft
Rear MotorPermanent-magnet AC, 268 hp, 268 or 361 lb-ft
Combined Power483 or 510 hp
Combined Torque620 or 671 lb-ft
Battery PackLiquid-cooled lithium-ion, 107.0 kWh
Onboard Charger11.0 kW
Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate250 kW
Transmissions, F/RDirect-drive
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase117.5 in
Length192.9 in
Width77.5 in
Height64.1 in
Passenger Volume, F/R58/48 ft³
Cargo Volume, behind F/R47/18 ft³
Front-Trunk Volume1 ft³
Curb Weight (C/D est)5750–5950 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph4.2–4.5 sec
100 mph10.0–10.2 sec
1/4-Mile12.3–12.5 sec
Top Speed130 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
Combined/City/Highway90–95/95–100/85–90 MPGe
Range280–310 mi

Polestar 3: A Brief Overview

Polestar 3

Polestar has transformed from a legendary motorsports brand into an innovative power electronics company. The Polestar 3 is the most recent and extensive electric car released by the company after its rebranding in 2017. Rivals such as the BMW iX, Audi Q8 e-tron, Mercedes EQE SUV, and Volvo EX90 are among the many entries in this electric SUV sector.

Efficiency and Safety on the Road

The Polestar 3, in contrast to the Volvo EX90, which prioritizes comfort, is designed to be energetic and driver-focused. The Polestar 3 boasts significant power figures, but the driving experience falls short of its sporting ambitions, coming across as more mature and less exhilarating.

Also Read -   How do the make and model of a car impact the policy premium?

The Science of Driving

The driving characteristics of the Polestar 3 are influenced by its heavy weight of 2,670kg, which is controlled with an adaptive damper system and a self-leveling dual-chamber air suspension. At slower speeds, the suspension dampens road irregularities; yet, when navigating tighter curves, you can feel the vehicle’s weight through perceptible body roll and pitch. There are three different steering settings: Standard, Firm, and Light. The steering is responsive and light but doesn’t provide the communicative input that specific drivers might like.

The Polestar 3 maintains its composure on the highway, with only a whisper of wind and road penetrating the cabin. Although there is no difference between the ‘Standard,’ ‘Nimble,’ and ‘Firm’ modes, the driver can alter the vehicle’s damping. While the Polestar 3’s virtual torque vectoring system and all-wheel drive give plenty of traction, the ride is more comfortable than thrilling.

Maximum Speed and Acceleration

The Polestar 3 has respectable acceleration numbers for an electric SUV. Acceleration from zero to sixty-two miles per hour takes five seconds in the base dual-motor model and four and a half seconds with the Performance Pack. Like most cars in this class, both variants can reach speeds of 130 mph.

Charging Capacity and Range

Although it isn’t the best in its class, the Polestar 3 is excellent in terms of efficiency and range, two of the most essential criteria for electric car purchasers. With the conventional Long Range Dual-Motor version, the vehicle’s 107kWh battery can go up to 390 miles, but with the Performance Pack, the range drops to 349 miles because of the increased power output.

Power Generation Options

With the 250kW DC fast charging capability of the Polestar 3, you can get your battery charged up to 80% in around 30 minutes. On the other hand, some of its rivals use 800V systems, allowing quicker charging periods, whereas this one falls behind with 400V. Charging a battery from empty with a standard 7kW wall box charger at home takes about 17 hours.

Also Read -   2015 Infiniti Q50S Review: A Personal Journey into the World of Luxury Sedans

Real-world ratings for the Polestar 3’s economy of 2.9 miles per kWh are lower than some of its competitors. The car was tested to have a range of 256 miles, or 2.4 miles per kWh, based on how much of the battery could be used.

Modernity, space, and style

Polestar 3

The Polestar 3’s cabin is one of its most striking features. Its simple but elegant design pays homage to the brand’s Scandinavian roots. The cabin has a lot of space and is equipped with high-quality materials. Modern technology improves the simple design, but some design choices, like using the main touchscreen for most controls, can cause some disputes.

Everything is clean and simple inside the Polestar 3, made with high-quality materials. A 14.5-inch tablet in the middle of the dashboard controls most of the car’s settings, such as the climate control and driving modes. The driver’s display is a 9-inch digital screen with high clarity and easy navigation.

As an option, you can get Nappa leather padding, which makes the seats more supportive and airy, and the front seats can be heated and massaged. The car feels high-end because the parts are well-screwed together, and the materials are soft.

Information, fun, and making connections

Google powers the Polestar 3’s infotainment system and has a simple interface with famous Google services like Maps, Assistant, and the Play Store. Even though it’s simple to use, the fact that the system relies on a tablet instead of buttons might be annoying to some drivers.

The arrangement felt a little front-heavy during tests, but the sound quality is good thanks to a Dolby Atmos and Bowers & Wilkins system. A panoramic roof and an auto-dimming rearview mirror are also excellent features inside. The panoramic roof makes the inside feel bigger.

Space and Reality in Boots

Although it has a roomy exterior, the Polestar 3’s trunk is on the small side for an SUV, with only 484 liters of storage space (which may be increased to 1,411 liters when the rear seats are folded). To make loading big things more accessible, the rear suspension can be lowered by 50 mm, and the boot floor may be removed, providing a flat platform. Large door bins and a 32-liter storage container in the center console give even more storage space in the vehicle.

Also Read -   From Workhorse to Luxury Cruiser: The Many Faces of the 2022 Ford F-150

Trustworthiness and Protection

Polestar prioritizes safety, and the Polestar 3 has a full range of safety features. Polestar is known for its dedication to safety, so we still expect it to do well even though Euro NCAP hasn’t tested the Polestar 3. Adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, road sign recognition, and many other safety technologies are standard on the Polestar 3. Two infrared cameras with eye-tracking are available as an optional Pilot Pack feature for driver monitoring, and the car also has a suite of sensors and cameras.

Maintenance and Repairs

Standard in the industry, the Polestar 3’s warranty lasts three or 60,000 miles, and the battery is covered for eight years or 100,000 miles. During the first three years or 31,250 miles, whichever comes first, Polestar will cover the cost of planned maintenance at no extra cost. There are ninety-three Polestar service locations in the United Kingdom; maintenance is required every two years or twenty thousand kilometers.

Finally, How Good Is the Polestar 3?

Those in the market for a high-end electric car will find a lot to love in the Polestar 3, a premium SUV that is both fashionable and technologically sophisticated. Its sophisticated safety systems, premium materials, and spare inside stand out in the competitive electric SUV market.

The Polestar 3’s handling is adequate but falls short of the brand’s lofty sporting goals. Driving fans could be disappointed by the vehicle’s lackluster performance and heavy weight. Its charging capabilities and efficiency are decent, although they aren’t first-rate. If you value style, convenience, and technology more than raw speed, the Polestar 3 is a great pick. If you want a Polestar 3, hold off until the cheaper single-motor version comes out. It will have all the features you love at a lower price point.

Related articles
Join the discussion!