Polestar 3

Model Overview

The Polestar 3 is the brand's first mid-to-large luxury all-electric SUV, making its global debut in Copenhagen, Denmark, in October 2022. Serving as a strategic model for Polestar's push into the premium SUV segment, the Polestar 3 is built on the SPA2 platform shared with the Volvo EX90 and is positioned as a high-performance flagship electric SUV. The 2026 Polestar 3 was officially unveiled in October 2025 as a major facelift—described by Polestar's CEO as being "like a brand-new car". In terms of dimensions, it measures 4,900 mm in length, 2,120 mm in width, and 1,627 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,985 mm and a drag coefficient of Cd 0.29. The 2026 model starts from €78,900 in overseas markets, A$116,700 in Australia, and has an indicative domestic starting price of around RM880,000.

Design Language

The 2026 Polestar 3 retains the brand's signature Scandinavian minimalist aesthetic. Up front, it features a closed-off grille flanked by sharp, tech-forward "Dual Blade" split LED headlights. In profile, an elongated bonnet and a gently tapered roofline define the athletic, elegant stance of a performance SUV. At the rear, full-width LED taillights deliver exceptional nighttime visibility. Exterior updates focus primarily on the details, including two new metallic exterior shades: Storm (dark grey) and Krypton (green), alongside larger "Polestar 3" door badging that now incorporates trim-level designations. Inside, the cabin retains its minimalist theme, centred around a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display as standard. For 2026, MicroTech eco-friendly upholstery and aluminium deco are standard, alongside optional "Nebula" diamond-patterned trim, recycled aluminium accents, and "Dune" Nappa leather paired with black ash deco.

Powertrain and Performance

The most significant upgrade for the 2026 Polestar 3 is the comprehensive transition from a 400V electrical architecture to an 800V high-voltage system. The EV also receives Polestar's newly developed rear permanent magnet synchronous motor, while the lineup naming has been streamlined into three distinct variants: Rear Motor (RWD), Dual Motor, and Performance.

The Rear Motor variant features a single rear-mounted motor pushing out 245 kW (approx. 329 hp) and 480 Nm of torque, completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in 6.5 seconds with a WLTP range of 604 km. The Dual Motor variant delivers a combined output of 400 kW (approx. 536 hp) and 700 Nm, hitting 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and offering a WLTP range of 635 km. The range-topping Performance variant develops a potent 500 kW (approx. 671 hp) and 870 Nm of torque, completing 0-100 km/h in just 3.8 to 3.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 230 km/h. Battery capacities come in 92 kWh (Rear Motor) and 106 kWh (Dual Motor and Performance).

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the Polestar 3 rides on a high-spec setup featuring front double wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension. Dual-chamber active air suspension paired with Continuous Damping Control (CDC) dampers comes standard across the range. The air suspension adjusts sensor inputs 500 times per second, offering Standard, Nimble, and Firm modes while automatically adjusting ride height to optimise aerodynamics. The 2026 model also gains revised anti-roll bars and retuned steering software for a sharper, more communicative driving feel. In terms of drivetrain, the entry variant is rear-wheel drive, whereas the Dual Motor versions feature electric all-wheel drive with a front-axle disconnect function to maximise efficiency under low load.

Cabin and Features

The cabin is anchored by a portrait-oriented 14.5-inch centre touchscreen running native Android Automotive OS developed with Google, complete with built-in Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play Store, alongside OTA software updates. The biggest tech upgrade for 2026 is the transition to the NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin processor from the previous Xavier unit, boosting computing power by more than eight times from 30 TOPS to 254 TOPS. Audiophiles are treated to a standard 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system with Dolby Atmos and integrated front headrest speakers. On the comfort front, the Plus Pack is now standard across the range, adding a head-up display (HUD), power-adjustable steering column, soft-close doors, and active noise cancellation.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety-wise, the Polestar 3 is equipped with 9 airbags as standard across the range (including driver and front passenger knee airbags). Its advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) suite utilises 12 ultrasonic sensors, 5 radar units, 5 cameras, and 2 driver monitoring sensors. Key ADAS features include Pilot Assist (lane centring at speeds of up to 150 km/h), Lane Change Assist, Curve Speed Assist, a 360-degree 3D surround-view camera, and Park Assist. Additionally, interior radar sensors and Smart Eye eye-tracking technology monitor driver attentiveness. The system delivers Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capability.

Market Performance and Reception

The Polestar 3 has experienced varied reception across global markets. In the UK, 2025 sales significantly outpaced expectations, with the entire allocation selling out. In Q1 2026, Polestar delivered 13,126 vehicles globally, marking a 7% year-on-year growth. In Australia, Polestar registered a 38.5% year-on-year sales increase in 2025. In contrast, the Chinese market saw just 2 units delivered in March 2026. In May 2026, Polestar announced a starting price of €78,900 for the Polestar 3. Automotive media reviews describe the 2026 Polestar 3 as "a spacious, comfortable, five-seater large SUV". Its primary strengths lie in its 800V architecture enabling a 22-minute ultra-fast charge, the blistering 671 hp output of the Performance variant, the immense processing power of the NVIDIA Orin chip, and distinct Scandinavian design; while its main drawbacks remain a limited market presence in China and premium pricing. As the brand's flagship SUV, the refreshed 2026 Polestar 3 leverages comprehensive technical upgrades to solidify its unique competitive edge in the premium electric SUV segment.