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Review
2024 Polestar 3 review
Andrea Matthews
December 02, 2024
The Polestar 3 has an eye-catching design and comes loaded with performance, technology, and interior space. Does the Polestar 3's total package have what it takes to match the upcoming electric Porsche Macan?
The Polestar 3 is an exciting new electric car that propels motoring into the future. It combines elegant exterior design with considered interior details and sustainable material finishes to present as an exceptional offering for EV buyers. It’s also an accomplished driving machine and it is clever from top to toe.
Launching as a dual motor model, the Polestar 3 has a total range of up to 632km (WLTP) from its 111kWh battery, and lines up with the established Polestar 2 sedan and upcoming Polestar 4, to round out the brand’s line up in Australia.
With more luxury electric cars on the horizon including the new Porsche Macan and Cadillac Lyriq, what does Polestar bring to the road for buyers with a $100k+ budget?
The Polestar 3 cabin is dominated by a large touchscreen integrating Google software.
How much does the Polestar 3 cost?
The Polestar 3 long range dual motor launch edition starts at $132,900 plus on-road costs. For a limited time, it offers a comprehensive suite of standard equipment and cutting-edge technology. It’s plenty powerful too with 360kW/840Nm delivered by its pair of electric motors translating to a claimed acceleration time to 100km/h of 5 seconds.
For those seeking even greater performance, a Performance Pack is available as an addition to the Polestar 3 launch edition, starts at $141,900 and boosts power and torque to 380kW/910Nm, shaving 0.3 seconds off the acceleration time.
In a bid to make the Polestar 3 more accessible to a wider audience, a single-motor long-range model has been confirmed for release in early 2025 and will start at $118,420 plus on-road costs.
For a limited time, Polestar is selling Launch Edition 2024 cars which include its Pilot pack and Plus pack alongside MY25 cars where the Plus packs will cost an additional $9000.
MY24 Polestar 3 pricing (plus on-road costs and luxury car tax where applicable)
MY24 Long range Dual Motor (Launch Edition) - $132,900
MY24 Long range Dual motor with Performance Pack (Launch Edition) - $141,900
Polestar 3 Pilot pack includes pilot assist, lane change assist and 360 degree camera with 3D view.
Polestar 3 Plus pack includes head up display, Bowers and Wilkins audio, soft close doors, powered steering column, Air quality sensor and filter, upgraded windscreen and lower windscreen, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, heated front wiper blades and foldable rear storage compartment.
MY24/25 Polestar 3 options pricing
Metallic paint - $2000
1.3-Megapixel HD LED headlights - $3000 (Requires Plus pack)
22-inch Sport Wheel - $1800 (Requires Pro pack)
21-inch Plus Wheel - Included (Not on Pro pack or Performance pack)
Bio attributed MicroTech interior - included
Nappa upgrade - (requires Plus pack) - $7500
Animal welfare wool interior - $1700
Power foldable towbar - $2900
Privacy glass on rear windows - included on all variants
MY25 Polestar 3 pricing (plus on-road costs and luxury car tax where applicable)
MY25 Long range Single Motor with Pilot Pack - $118,420
MY25 Long range Dual Motor with Pilot Pack - $132,720
MY25 Long range Dual motor with Pilot and Performance Pack - $144,420
MY25 Polestar 3 options pricing
Pilot pack with LiDAR - $7500 (MY25 only)
Plus pack (contents per above) - $9000
Pro pack (not applicable with Performance pack) - $3200
Metallic paint - $2000
Premium paint - $2300
The Polestar 3 is a luxury electric car with a price tag to match, but it's seriously impressive.
Polestar 3 Exterior Design
While the Polestar 3's pricing and options matrix is complex, thankfully, its exterior design is simple, combining Scandi minimalism with aerodynamic efficiency. Clever design tricks have delivered a car which is almost 5 metres long (about the same size as a Porsche Cayenne), but with a reduced roofline dominated by a panoramic glass roof - giving the car a sleek side profile belying its interior space.
The front fascia of the Polestar 3 is dominated by the signature Polestar "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights and a distinctive front aero wing, which Polestar’s design team says enhances downforce and reduces drag.
The rear of the Polestar 3 is characterised by full-width LED taillights, a subtle rear spoiler, and integrated rear aero blades that further optimize airflow.
Six paint colour options are available for Polestar 3. One paint colour, Magnesium is standard while other paints cost between $2000 and $2300 extra.
The rear seat of the Polestar 3 cossets passengers and offers plenty of amenity
What is the Polestar 3 like inside?
Stepping inside the Polestar 3 reveals a well considered and carefully crafted cabin that prioritises sustainability, comfort, and innovation. The interior can be optioned with a range of premium materials, including bio-attributed MicroTech, animal welfare-certified leather, and a delightful wool upholstery. These materials are not only luxurious, but also reflect Polestar's commitment to ethical and sustainable sourcing - although the seat labelling that lets you and your passengers know just how eco-conscious you are could be too much for some buyers.
The centrepiece of the Polestar 3's interior is the 14.5-inch portrait colour touchscreen, powered by Android Automotive OS with Google built-in. This intuitive and responsive system provides access to a wide range of features, including navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. A quirk of keeping the cabin simplified is that the steering column adjustment is managed through the screen instead of the column itself. You'll need to use the driver personalisation settings to avoid having to reset the car if you switch frequently between drivers.
A streamlined 9-inch driver display complements the centre screen, providing essential driving information and customisable layouts.
Music fans will appreciate the available 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system which delivers an immersive and concert-like listening experience, although the front passenger misses out on a grab handle as it is replaced by one of the many speakers.
The Polestar 3's interior also boasts ample space for rear seat passengers and cavernous cargo space (597L), making it a practical SUV for grown families and long journeys. It's so big it leaves you wondering whether the Polestar 3 could have been imagined as a three row SUV (or if a three row Polestar 3 is on the cards).
The Polestar 3 is available with a range of ethical upholstery options
The Performance pack translates to sporty interior finishes
Rear seat leg and headroom is expansive for rear seat passengers
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Is the Polestar 3 good to drive?
The Polestar 3 delivers an extremely rewarding driving experience, thanks to its powerful dual-motor powertrain.
The Polestar 3's handling is equally impressive, with its adaptive air suspension and advanced chassis control systems providing a smooth and composed ride, even on challenging roads. Drivers seeking a sports-orientated ride will not be disappointed, with the Polestar 3 featuring an advanced torque vectoring system with dual clutch that enhances progression through corners.
Our road trip from Launceston to Hobart via Freycinet took in some of Tasmania’s best roads. The smooth ribbons of tarmac perfectly showcased the Polestar 3’s driving dynamics – it is a consummate tourer and road trip companion, with its long range 111kWh battery sufficient charge to cover up to 632km on a single charge. In practice, spirited driving with little opportunity for regen braking saw the Polestar consume 23kWh/100km, so expect to see 100km shaved off the range on a similar extended drive.
The 21-inch wheels and tyres of the Polestar Plus pack are more than adequate for the Polestar 3. However prospective buyers should keep in mind this car has staggered fitment tyres, so front and rear tyres will not be able to be swapped front to rear. High mileage drivers may want to avoid the 22-inch wheel option as the PIrelli P Zero tyres fitted to the rear (295/35/22) will cost around $985 per tyre when it comes time to replace them.
How the Polestar 3 would ride on bumpy Victoria is unclear but drivers should choose the comfort settings in place of sportier characteristics for country driving. Savvy owners would also be wise to choose the smallest wheel option and regular wheel alignments too, to maximise tyre life. Like the majority of electric vehicles, the Polestar 3 does not include a spare wheel, instead you will need to familiarise yourself with how a tyre repair kit works.
The Polestar 3 is a confident and capable tourer on freeways.
What safety features does the Polestar 3 have?
The Polestar 3 has not been tested by ANCAP so does not have a current star rating.
It is fitted with 9 airbags and an excellent advanced driver assistance system which is effective and limited in its reliance on audible alerts, so is supportive rather than annoying.
Polestar's Pilot Pack, also fitted to Volvos, includes lane centering, lane change assist and 360 degree camera with 3D view. On road the system works well, while parking this 5 metre machine is easy thanks to the camera.
The Polestar 3 benefits from connected car technologies which include emergency call functionality in the event of an accident and an included 5 year subscription.
Two ISOFIX points are fitted in the rear seat row with top tethers to install child car seats.
How does the Polestar 3 compare?
The Polestar 3's closest competitor is likely to be the new Porsche Macan electric SUV - which carries the more desirable badge but is more expensive once options are added in. The Polestar 3 is also comparable in price and appeal to electric vehicles such as the BMW iX, Mercedes EQE or Audi Q8 e-tron. Polestar's included five years complimentary servicing might help its appeal for drivers used to servicing at Euro brand dealerships.
The China-sourced Polestar 3 is at home with many Euro brand electric vehicles.
Should I buy a Polestar 3?
The Polestar 3 is a sophisticated driving machine that successfully achieves Polestar’s design and engineering goals. Like the Polestar 2, it stands out in its segment as a considered choice and will appeal to those that appreciate the car's standout style.
The Polestar 3 excels in its roominess – two second row passengers practically wallow in the space afforded to them (though three across the back is a lot tighter) and the capacious boot space makes it a legitimate replacement for family wagons of yesteryear.
Its unique styling and brand promise are likely to appeal to a design focused cohort of customers, and on this sampling, we think the Polestar 3 hits its mark as both a car to gaze at and drive.
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