Polestar 3 2026 Review

The updated 2026 Polestar 3 range starts from $116,700 before on-road costs for the Rear Motor, rising to $131,100 for the Dual Motor and $146,700 for the flagship Performance. While prices have only shifted modestly, Polestar says the changes are significant enough to consider it "like an entirely new car".

The biggest win for Australian buyers is value. The Plus Pack, previously a $9000 option, is now standard across the range, bringing a long list of premium equipment including a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system with Dolby Atmos, soft-close doors, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable steering column and an infrared windscreen.

Combined with a slightly lower starting price, the entry-level Polestar 3 now offers considerably more equipment than the model it replaces.

That entry-level model has changed considerably, too. The new Rear Motor replaces the previous Long Range Single Motor, swapping its 111kWh battery and 700km WLTP driving range for a 92kWh battery and a claimed 604km.

While that's a sizable reduction on paper, it also introduces Polestar's new 800-volt electrical architecture, increasing maximum DC charging speed from 250kW to 350kW while lowering the cost of entry into the range. Power remains unchanged at 220kW/490Nm, delivered exclusively to the rear wheels.

The Dual Motor is arguably the biggest beneficiary of the update. It pairs a larger 106kWh battery with all-wheel drive, while the claimed WLTP range climbs from 567km to 635km.

Above that sits the Performance, which now produces 500kW, cuts the 0-100km/h sprint to around 3.5 seconds, and still manages to improve its claimed range from 561km to 567km.

Standard features across all variants include adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic roof, powered and heated front seats, a 14.5-inch Google-based infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charging, a head-up display and over-the-air software updates.

Servicing isn't scheduled for the first two years/30,000km. Instead, the Polestar 3 uses condition-based servicing, notifying owners via the infotainment system when maintenance is required.

Buyers can choose from six exterior paint colours, with five premium finishes costing an additional $2000 or $3200 depending on the colour. There are also five optional interior trim packages, priced between $900 and $7200 depending on the material and finish.

Every Polestar 3 is fitted with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, Pilot Assist, a 360-degree camera and driver monitoring technology, contributing to its five-star ANCAP safety rating.

The Polestar 3 excels where a luxury SUV should. The ride quality is exceptional, with the suspension soaking up poor roads without ever feeling floaty, while the steering strikes an excellent balance between precision and comfort.

Despite tipping the scales at close to three tonnes, it disguises its weight remarkably well, feeling composed and surprisingly agile through corners.

Performance is strong regardless of variant, but it's the way the 3 delivers its speed in its most powerful form that's most impressive. Rather than the abrupt surge common to many electric vehicles, acceleration is smooth, progressive and easy to modulate, making it relaxing to drive around town as well as effortless on the open road.

The adaptive cruise control is also among the best in the business, inspiring confidence without feeling intrusive.

At speed, road and wind noise are exceptionally well suppressed, creating one of the quietest interiors in the segment.

Combined with high-quality materials, soft-touch surfaces almost everywhere you look and thoughtfully minimalist Scandinavian design, the Polestar 3 feels premium without relying on excessive chrome or flashy gimmicks.

Technology is largely well executed, too. The driver-focused touchscreen is angled subtly towards the driver for easier operation, while the optional 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system with Abbey Road Studios Mode delivers one of the most immersive sound experiences available in any new car. Unlike many branded audio systems, this one feels like a meaningful upgrade rather than a box-ticking exercise.

The MY27 update also makes a compelling value argument. By making the previously optional Plus Pack standard across the range, Polestar has substantially increased the amount of equipment buyers receive without dramatically increasing the asking price.

Safety is another highlight, with the 3 earning a particularly impressive 94 per cent Child Occupant Protection score in ANCAP testing, making it one of the strongest performers across the board.

Like many modern cars, the Polestar 3 asks drivers to rely heavily on its touchscreen. Adjusting the steering wheel, side mirrors and several other commonly used functions require digging through menus, which isn't as intuitive as physical controls.

Thankfully, these are mostly one-time adjustments, although climate controls mounted low on the portrait display can still be distracting while driving.

The infotainment system is slick overall, but Apple CarPlay integration could be better. Returning to the CarPlay home screen isn't as straightforward as it should be, often requiring several taps through menus rather than a single dedicated shortcut.

Rear passenger space is undeniably generous, with heaps of legroom and plenty of headroom beneath the panoramic roof. However, it almost feels as though the cabin has been prioritised at the expense of practicality.

Sharing its underpinnings with the seven-seat Volvo EX90, you'd expect the Polestar 3 to offer a similarly generous cargo area (700L), yet its 484L space is surprisingly modest for such a large SUV.

The raised load floor and deep reach into the cargo area make loading heavier items slightly awkward, although thoughtful touches such as integrated shopping bag hooks help make everyday use a little easier.

If I have one hesitation, it's the decision to reduce the headline range of the entry-level model. I completely understand the trade-off – you get the new 800-volt architecture, much faster charging, a better-equipped car at a slightly lower price.

In reality, I don't think there's a huge practical difference between 604km and 700km for most people. But range is still one of the first numbers buyers compare, so seeing it drop by almost 100km is a tough sell on paper, even if the overall package is arguably stronger.

Finally, while the larger wheel options certainly look the part, at 22-inches they're arguably a size too large.

They don't noticeably compromise ride comfort thanks to the excellent active air-suspension tuning, but smaller wheels would likely offer a better balance between aesthetics, efficiency and everyday usability.

The 2026 Polestar 3 is one of those cars that quietly grows on you. It doesn't try to impress with oversized grilles, flashy lighting signatures or an interior that looks like a nightclub. Instead, it feels confident enough to let the quality of its engineering, materials and design do the talking.

And that's what I like most about it. There's something genuinely distinctive about a Polestar.

From the subtle Swedish gold accents to the clean exterior design and beautifully minimalist cabin, it feels sophisticated without ever becoming ostentatious. It's refreshing in a segment where some luxury brands seem to be chasing attention rather than refinement.

The latest updates only strengthen its appeal. Standardising the Plus Pack adds a significant amount of equipment, while improvements to charging and the all-wheel- rive variants make the range more compelling than before.

The Performance is undeniably impressive, but unless you'll genuinely use its 500kW, I'd struggle to justify the extra spend.

The Polestar 3 is at its best when you're simply covering kilometres. The cabin is exceptionally quiet, the ride is beautifully judged and, by the end of a long drive, you step out feeling noticeably more relaxed than you do in most rivals.

And with the chaos of everyday life, can you ask for much more?

2027 Polestar 3 at a glance:
Price: $116,700 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: Single permanent magnet synchronous electric motor
Output: 220kW/490Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 92kWh lithium-ion
Range: 604km WLTP
Energy consumption: 16.8kWh/100km
Safety rating: 5-star (ANCAP 2025)

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