2026 Polestar 3 Review: Price, Real Range, Features, Interior, and Driving Experience

2026 Polestar 3 Review front profile of the electric SUV showing LED headlights and bold front design.

2026 Polestar 3 Review

The 2026 Polestar 3 is a premium large SUV built on the same platform as the Volvo EX90. In this review, we explore its performance, range, interior comfort, technology, and driving experience to give you a complete understanding of what this all-electric SUV offers.

Overview

  • Model: Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor

  • Powertrain: Single motor, rear-wheel drive

  • Power Output: 220 kW (295 hp)

  • Battery: 107 kWh usable

  • Charging: Up to 11 kW AC, 250 kW DC fast charging

  • WLTP Range: 706 km (438 mi)

  • Real-World Range: Approximately 500 km (310 mi)

  • 0–100 km/h: 7.8 seconds

  • Top Speed: 180 km/h

The Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor version prioritizes comfort and efficiency with passive suspension and steel springs, while dual-motor variants come with air suspension for enhanced handling.

Exterior Features

The Polestar 3 combines Scandinavian design with functional aerodynamics:

  • Color: Magnesium Grey

  • Wheels: 21” Pro rims

  • Aerodynamics: Aero wings front and rear, aero blades, flush door handles

  • Glass Roof: Large panoramic glass for an open feel

  • Windshield: Heat-blocking

  • Lower Body: Black plastic cladding for rugged looks

  • Mirrors: One-piece frameless side mirrors

  • Lighting:

    • Front: ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED lights

    • Rear: Full-width LED bar

  • Trunk Features: Tow eye, 12V port, bag hooks, elastic bands, eyelets, net pocket

2026 Polestar 3 Review detailed front profile showcasing the grille area and Thor’s Hammer LED lights.
A closer front profile look of the Polestar 3 with signature Thor’s Hammer LED lights.
2026 Polestar 3 Review side profile showing sleek body lines, aero wheels, and long roofline.
Side profile of the Polestar 3 showcasing its aerodynamic shape and premium SUV stance.
2026 Polestar 3 Review side and rear profile with full-width LED bar and sporty stance.
Side and rear view of the Polestar 3 featuring its LED tail bar and sculpted rear design.
2026 Polestar 3 Review rear profile with LED tail bar and clean Scandinavian design.
Rear profile of the Polestar 3 highlighting the LED tail-light bar and wide stance.

Interior and Comfort

Polestar 3 offers a luxurious and tech-forward interior:

  • Cockpit:

    • Heated seats and steering wheel

    • 100% traced wool upholstery

    • Multiple dashboard layouts

    • Head-up display

  • Infotainment:

    • Android Automotive OS

    • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

    • Voice control via Google Assistant

  • Sound System:

    • Bowers & Wilkins surround system

    • 25 speakers with 1610W output

    • Dolby Atmos and active noise cancelling

  • Storage & Cargo:

    • Front trunk (frunk): 32 liters

    • Rear trunk: 484 liters

    • Underfloor storage, ski hatch, 60/40 foldable backrests

    • Maximum cargo space: 1411 liters

  • Rear Seats:

    • Generous legroom and headroom

    • Flat floor for comfort

    • Heated seats, climate control, 2x USB-C ports

    • Middle armrest with cupholders

    • Black seatbelts with Swedish gold stripe

    • ISOFIX anchors

  • Additional Features:

    • Magazine storage, clothing hooks, small bonus windows

    • Optional Pilot Pack includes Lane Change Assist

2026 Polestar 3 Review interior showing steering wheel, instrument cluster, and infotainment screen.
Complete front interior of the Polestar 3 with steering wheel, digital cluster, and large infotainment system.

Driving Experience

The Polestar 3 is designed for smooth, confident driving:

  • Driving Modes: Creep, ESC Sport, Steering Feel, One-Pedal Drive

  • Performance:

    • 0–100 km/h in 7.8 seconds

    • Top speed 180 km/h

  • Handling: Comfortable passive suspension; good on gravel and city roads

  • Charging:

    • 400V architecture (2026 model to have 800V)

    • Fast charging: 49% battery in 10 minutes

    • Average consumption: 21.7 kWh/100 km

  • Driver Assistance:

    • Pilot Assist with adaptive cruise control and active steer assist

    • Active Lane Change Assist (with optional Pilot Pack)

    • Good traffic recognition compared to Polestar 4

  • Extras:

    • Real-time performance monitoring with G meter

    • Launch times and 360° camera views

    • Headrest warning sounds for safety

Technology and Convenience

  • Card Key: Required for access when phone-based key isn’t used

  • Center Console Storage: Compatible with Ekster Cardholder Pro, holds up to 14 cards, and trackable with Apple FindMy

  • Wireless Charging: Limited by card key placement

  • Window Controls: Simplified with just 2 buttons for front and rear

  • Seat Adjustments & Mirrors: Controlled through the center screen

Summary

The 2026 Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor SUV is a compelling choice for buyers seeking a blend of luxury, technology, and efficient electric performance. Its combination of comfort-oriented suspension, large cargo space, high-end sound system, and driver assistance features makes it suitable for families and tech-savvy enthusiasts. While the card key system can be slightly cumbersome, the overall driving and ownership experience is impressive.

2026 Polestar 3 FAQs

What is the 2026 Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor power output and drivetrain?
It produces 220 kW (295 hp) and is rear-wheel drive. The single motor version prioritizes comfort with passive suspension and steel springs.
What battery does it use and how fast can it charge?
It has a 107 kWh usable battery that supports up to 11 kW AC charging and 250 kW DC fast charging. Real-world range is about 500 km, while WLTP range is 706 km.
What are the performance figures of the Polestar 3?
0–100 km/h takes 7.8 seconds, with a top speed of 180 km/h. The car handles city roads and gravel comfortably thanks to its passive suspension.
What exterior features does it have?
Key exterior features include Magnesium Grey paint, 21-inch Pro rims, aero wings front and rear, heat-blocking windshield, large glass roof, frameless side mirrors, flush door handles, and 'Thor’s Hammer' LED lights front and full-width LED bar rear.
What are the cargo and storage capacities?
It has a 32-liter front trunk and a 484-liter rear trunk. The total cargo space with 60/40 foldable rear seats is 1411 liters. Additional storage includes underfloor compartments, ski hatch, bag hooks, elastic bands, and net pockets.
What interior features and tech does it have?
The cabin has heated seats, heated steering wheel, 100% traced wool upholstery, flat rear floor, multiple USB-C ports, Android Automotive OS, wireless Apple CarPlay, Google Assistant, and a Bowers & Wilkins 25-speaker surround sound system with 1610W output, Dolby Atmos, and active noise cancelling.
How does the Pilot Assist system work?
Pilot Assist provides adaptive cruise control and active steer assist. With the optional Pilot Pack, it adds Lane Change Assist. It works well in the Polestar 3 compared to earlier models.
How do you use the card key and center console features?
The card key must be placed on the charge tray to start the car. Standard key allows immediate start. The center storage is compatible with the Ekster Cardholder Pro, which holds up to 14 cards and is trackable with Apple FindMy.
What is the Polestar 3 infotainment and connectivity setup?
It runs Android Automotive OS with Google Assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Voice commands can set navigation destinations, play music, and access information. Some functions require card key placement.
Does the Polestar 3 have front and rear USB ports and charging?
Yes, it has multiple USB-C ports throughout the cabin, a 12V charge port in the trunk, and supports wireless charging if the card key does not block the tray.

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