Polestar 3 SUV review: EV that doesn’t care what you think of it

Few car brands or models are as sure of their identity as this new head turning EV, with a difference.

Few brands are as sure of their identity as Polestar.

Known for its Scandinavian design, luxury, sustainability and innovation, the brand has delivered something special in the Polestar 3.

Available in two key configurations, the Long Range Dual Motor (Launch Edition) offers 360kW and 840Nm of power and up to 628 km range.

That sort of performance isn’t cheap – it will set you back $132,900 plus on-road costs.

A more powerful performance pack model offers more punch (380kW, 910Nm) but less range (up to 561km) for $144,420 plus on roads.

A cheaper model with two-wheel-drive traction and 700 kilometres of range arrives next year for $118,420 plus on-road costs.

The vehicle’s 4.9 metre length and low roofline give it a sporty look. Picture: Supplied

With strong brand values in sustainability, cutting-edge technology and impressive driving dynamics, this vehicle should be a serious contender in the luxury electric SUV segment.

From the exterior, you’re greeted with an SUV that exudes sleek and Scandinavian aesthetics.

The vehicle’s 4.9 metre length and low roofline give it a sporty look, however its design is deceiving at first look – it appears slightly compact from the outside but incredibly spacious within.

Aerodynamic features, such as the integrated front aero wing and rear aero blades, improve efficiency and give the Polestar 3 a futuristic look.

Stepping inside, the Polestar offers sophistication and luxury with ethically sourced materials such as ethically sourced leather and bio-attributed MicroTech.

All Polestar 3 models come with a 14.5 inch touchscreen with Google integration. Picture: Supplied

Impressively, the commitment to sustainability is evident in a lower carbon footprint than the smaller and less capable Polestar 2.

You’ll find the carbon footprint imprinted into the seats – a subtle reminder of Polestar’s goal to become climate-neutral by 2030.

The Polestar 3 launch edition offers a full-length panoramic glass roof, LED lighting inside and out, retractable door handles with proximity sensing and 21-inch alloy wheels.

The Plus Pack and Pilot Pack are included as standard in the launch edition and include a raft of premium, luxury and convenience features like a 25-speaker audio system from Bowers & Wilkins surround sound and Dolby Atmos capability, soft-closing doors, a head-up display and

Pilot Assist.

All Polestar models come standard with a 14.5 inch touchscreen, featuring Google and smartphone integration.

The 2024 Polestar 3 has a lower carbon footprint than the Polestar 2 and is imprinted into the seats as a nice reminder. Picture: Supplied

The infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use with Polestar designing their own animated graphics to help drivers understand technical features like suspension, settings and one-pedal drive.

The attention to detail in design really does enhance the overall driving experience.

The Bowers and Wilkins 25-speaker sound system with Dolby Atmos is very impressive, delivering a truly immersive experience.

However, I did notice some minor cabin noise at high speed, overall the sound quality and noise isolation were impressive.

Driving the Polestar 3 was one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had behind the wheel.

The rear of the Polestar 3 is spacious with a full panel roof that makes it feel even more spacious. Picture: Supplied

The acceleration is responsive and sharp, with the Performance Pack model reaching 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds.

I’m not usually a fan of the one-pedal drive system in EVs, but the Polestar 3 allows you to select your preference between off, firm and standard.

I found myself using standard for the drive from Launceston to Hobart and noticed it was extremely smooth and easy to use.

The SUV glided through the winding roads of Hobart and offered performance when asked.

Incredibly, you can also adjust the suspension and steering via the touchscreen, which is extremely convenient.

Despite its size, the SUV handled itself well on the roads and particularly around corners.

The Polestar’s 3 50:50 weight distribution adds to its stability.

Easily, a standout feature of the Polestar 3 is the range, the long-range dual-motor variant offers 628 km on WLTP test cycle.

2024 Polestar 3 mid-size SUV offers approximately 628 km of range. Picture: Supplied

I did notice a slightly reduced range than Polestar’s claim, but not enough to cause concern.

Impressively, the battery can also be charged in 10-80 per cent in approximately 30 minutes on a 250 kw DC fast charger.

The Polestar 3 is packed with the latest safety features including advanced driver assistance systems from industry leaders Luminar and Zenseact.

Including adaptive cruise control, pilot assist, collision avoidance system and blind spot monitoring, plus cross-traffic alert.

2024 Polestar 3 offers a sleek digital and comes with heads-up display. Picture: Supplied

The driver monitoring system monitors the driver’s eyes and assesses their level of alertness, the system is not intrusive but a nice reminder to keep your eyes on the road.

Packed with advanced sensors, the SUV features five radar modules, five cameras and twelve ultrasonic sensors.

The brand also offers over-the-air (OTA) update capabilities allowing the brand to update with the latest technology directly into the vehicle.

4 out of 5

Polestar have delivered on the Polestar 3, offering impressive technology, design and sustainability.

They know their consumer and I think anyone looking to purchase a Polestar won’t be disappointed.

Originally published as Polestar 3 SUV review: EV that doesn’t care what you think of it