2025 Polestar 3 review

The Polestar 3 is an ambitious new electric SUV that pushes motoring further into the future. It blends elegant exterior styling with thoughtful interior design and sustainable materials, offering a compelling package for EV buyers. It’s also a refined and capable driving machine - 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?

How much does the Polestar 3 cost?

The MY25 Polestar 3 is priced higher than the initial models introduced in late 2024. The launch edition of the long-range dual-motor variant started at $132,900 plus on-road costs and included an extensive suite of premium equipment and advanced technology.

A Performance Pack is available for those seeking greater performance. To broaden appeal, a more affordable long-range single-motor variant will launch in early 2025 from $118,420 plus on-road costs.

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

• 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
• Pilot pack with LiDAR - $7500
• Plus pack - $9000
• Pro pack (not applicable with Performance pack) - $3200 
• Metallic paint - $2000
• Premium paint - $2300

Polestar 3 exterior design

While the Polestar 3's pricing and options matrix is complex, its exterior design is simple, combining Scandi minimalism with aerodynamic efficiency. Clever design tricks have resulted in a car that’s nearly five metres long—similar in size to a Porsche Cayenne- yet sleek and aerodynamic, thanks to its low roofline and panoramic glass roof.

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 others range from $2,000 to $2,300.

What is the Polestar 3 like inside?

The cabin is crafted with a focus on sustainability, comfort, and technology. Available materials include bio-attributed MicroTech, ethically sourced leather, and a premium wool blend. These finishes feel refined while reflecting Polestar’s strong stance on ethical sourcing - though the eco-labels on the seats may strike some as overkill.

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.

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 test loop from Launceston to Hobart via Freycinet highlighted the Polestar 3’s excellent road manners. Its dual-motor setup and adaptive suspension make it a true long-distance cruiser. However, spirited driving reduced range to around 530km, with consumption averaging 23kWh/100km.

The Polestar 3 battery is capable of charging at a maximum 250kW DC on Chargefox rapid chargers and can be charged at home via an AC home charger. 

The 21-inch wheels and tyres of the Polestar Plus pack are more than adequate for the Polestar 3. Note: the staggered tyre setup means front and rear tyres aren’t interchangeable. High-mileage drivers may want to avoid the 22-inch option, as rear Pirelli P Zero tyres (295/35/22) cost around $985 each.

How the Polestar 3 would ride on bumpy Victorian roads 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 the car's tyre repair kit.

How safe is the Polestar 3?

The Polestar 3 has not been tested by ANCAP, so it does not have a current safety 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 car that's five metres long 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 is priced and positioned to compete with electric SUVs like the BMW iX, Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, and Audi Q8 e-tron. While the Porsche Macan EV may carry more badge appeal, the Polestar’s value equation - particularly its five years of free servicing - may sway buyers familiar with premium European brands.

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.