Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor 2025 Review

The Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor is the most affordable variant in the current Polestar 3 line-up, priced from $118,420 plus on-road costs (ORCs). However, the example tested here includes a number of extras that push its as-tested price to $131,640 plus ORCs. That includes the $9000 Plus Pack (bringing premium touches like a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, head-up display, heated rear seats, and soft-close doors), as well as 1.3 Megapixel HD LED headlights ($3000), premium MicroTech upholstery with repurposed aluminium inlays ($700), and privacy glass ($700).

In terms of competitors in the premium large SUV EV pool, you’re looking at the BMW iX ($136,900 plus ORCs), Audi Q8 e-tron ($140,090 plus ORCs) and Mercedes-Benz EQE ($136,600 plus ORCs), although if you compare these vehicles side by side the proportions do differ.

Still, even in standard trim, the Polestar 3 Single Motor delivers decent value when considering its premium fit-out, tech-forward cabin, and long list of included safety features.

Standard equipment includes 20-inch Aero wheels, a three-zone electronic climate control system with a rear touchscreen interface, a large 14.5-inch portrait infotainment screen running Google’s Android Automotive OS, and a 15-watt wireless charging pad tucked into the front of the centre console. There are four USB-C ports split between the front and rear, a DAB+ digital radio, and a decent amount of cargo flexibility: 484 litres behind the rear seat backs, 597L to the roof, and 1411L with the rear seats folded flat. A ski hatch and 60/40-split rear seat backs add practicality.

In terms of connectivity and convenience, while lacking Android Auto the Polestar 3’s native Android Automotive OS system is slick and intuitive and features built-in Google integration, while the car also has wireless Apple CarPlay.

Charging tech is also strong, with DC fast charging at up to 250kW (10 to 80 per cent in around 30 minutes), or 11kW AC for a full charge in approximately 11 hours.

The Polestar 3 comes packed with active safety and driver-assist features. These include adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring with steer assist, lane keep assist, driver monitoring, traffic sign recognition, and more. The optional Pilot Pack adds lane change assist (which worked seamlessly on the highways during my drive) and a full 360-degree camera with a 3D view.

There are nine airbags (including inner-side and knee airbags) and a rearview camera with an automatic cleaning function. Passive safety is also well thought out, but there’s no spare wheel – just a tyre repair kit.

The single-motor variant drives the rear wheels via a 220kW/490Nm electric motor that is powered by a 111kWh lithium-ion battery pack. It’s not particularly punchy compared to the dual-motor Performance version (which produces a thumping 380kW/910Nm), but it does a respectable job of moving this hefty 2400kg SUV around relatively effortlessly, aided by the 176kg weight saving over its dual-motor sibling. Power is routed through a single-speed transmission.

Interestingly, this variant also swaps the more complex air suspension of dual-motor models for a passive suspension setup with Frequency Selective Dampers and steel springs. Combined with a rear-biased 47/53 weight distribution, it gives the Long Range Single Motor a slightly different driving character compared to its more athletic dual-motor compatriot.

Complimentary scheduled servicing (for the first five years or 100,000km, whichever comes first), a five-year/unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty, five years of roadside assistance and an eight-year battery warranty round out the ownership promise.

The Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor delivers a driving experience that’s impressively polished and surprisingly nimble for such a large SUV. Its steering is sharp and nicely weighted, with a turning circle that makes light work of tight city laneways and suburban streets. It’s a car that feels right at home in urban environments – a rare trait for a vehicle of this size – and that ease of use carries over into day-to-day living.

Unsurprisingly, a big selling point of this vehicle is its big battery. At 111kWh, it is very much at the top end of what’s available these days and, while I never got the claimed 700km-plus combined cycle range, the car consistently returned a range of over 550km across a mix of freeways, the suburbs, and bumper-to-bumper city traffic.

Even without engaging one-pedal driving for aggressive regeneration, the prospect of 700km around town looked entirely realistic. Average energy consumption stayed low at around 17 to 19kWh, adding confidence and practicality to the Polestar 3’s long-range credentials.

Another strong point is the Google-based infotainment system. Integration is seamless, and the real-time navigation with battery-use estimates is intuitive and smart. On the 700km drive to Canberra from Melbourne, I only stopped once for about 40 minutes to top up the battery, which dropped from about 90 per cent to 40 per cent between Melbourne and Albury. Unlike a previous drive on this route in an EV with a smaller battery, where battery charge dropped from 100 per cent to under 20 per cent, range anxiety was not a factor on this drive.

Polestar’s Scandinavian design roots shine through in the Polestar 3’s minimalist approach to both the cabin and drive settings. The interior is clean, uncluttered, and unmistakably Swedish – functional without feeling sparse, and premium without being flashy. The use of sustainable materials, soft-touch surfaces, and subtle ambient lighting creates a calming, contemporary space.

Rather than overwhelming you with endless menus and drive configuration options, the Polestar 3 offers just what you need, and nothing more. Steering feel? Three settings of light, medium and heavy. Interior lighting? White, yellow or off. It’s all been thoughtfully curated to keep the experience simple, streamlined and focused on the driving. That kind of restraint is rare in modern cars, and it makes the Polestar 3 feel refreshingly uncomplicated. A car you can just get in and go without worrying about anything.

Cabin refinement is another highlight. Wind and road noise are impressively muted, even at freeway speeds. At lower speeds, there’s only a subtle electric whir to remind you and those around you that it’s moving – making those moments stuck in peak-hour traffic surprisingly serene. It’s genuinely peaceful, with a level of insulation that rivals luxury ICE SUVs. The only loud noise I heard on a commute home one day in when sitting in traffic was a person in the car next to me talking loudly on their hands-free car phone. Why so loud?!?

Overall, the Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor feels built for real-world driving. You don’t need a tech background to operate it, nor do you need to adapt your life around it. The adaptive cruise control and lane keeping should also be commended for their subtly and smoothness. And the fact the driver attention monitor can be turned off and stays off is a blessing.

While the Polestar 3 nails many fundamentals, it’s not without its compromises – starting with its ride. The suspension errs on the firmer side, which is understandable given the SUV’s sporty leanings, large wheels and overall mass. Up front, it’s well controlled and never harsh, but rear-seat passengers may find it a little less forgiving, especially over rougher city streets or patched-up regional highways.

Speaking of the back seat, it’s a mixed bag. While outer positions are supportive and the second row is generally roomy, the centre seat is genuinely uncomfortable – hard, with an oddly contoured seat back, and not really suited for adults on anything but short hops.

There were also some hiccups with the tech. While generally an excellent unit, the infotainment system suffered a glitch that scrambled the display and required a full hard reset to resolve. At one point, the alarm system activated repeatedly without cause, demanding a workaround to reset and lock the vehicle properly. It’s a reminder that with so much riding on software in modern cars, occasional bugs can really affect the experience. Mind you, issues like these aren’t exclusive to Polestar – they’re becoming common across all tech-heavy cars.

Practicality in the Polestar 3 isn’t a deal-breaker but it’s also not a standout. It’s a long vehicle, so you’d expect a truly cavernous boot, but the reality is a bit more modest. The split-level floor setup is clever and adds usable depth, but if you’re loading bulky gear – bikes, tall suitcases, or camping kit – you might find yourself wishing for a bit more vertical space, particularly with the rear seats upright.

Also of note are the chunky A-pillars, which significantly reduce front-three-quarter vision at intersections or when navigating tight corners. In contrast, the view to the rear is aided by the Polestar’s excellent mirrors and the blind spot monitoring system.

And while performance is solid, it won’t blow your socks off. The Single Motor version is responsive and brisk enough for daily use, but it lacks the instant, chest-punch acceleration some buyers may expect from a premium EV. If you’re chasing that EV wow factor, the Dual Motor variant is likely more your speed. Still, the Long Range Single Motor’s performance feels balanced, which might ultimately suit more buyers.

If you’re after a premium electric SUV that nails the fundamentals of everyday driving, the Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor is a compelling option. It combines smart, minimalist Scandinavian design with strong real-world range, excellent urban drivability, and the kind of intuitive tech that makes it feel future-ready without being overwhelming.

It’s not the fastest EV in the segment, nor is it the plushest-riding – especially for rear passengers – but it’s exceptionally refined, impressively quiet, and delivers a genuinely enjoyable driving experience. The Google-based infotainment system is arguably one of the best in the business, and the cabin’s simplicity is refreshingly stress-free.

That said, there are some caveats, but these flaws don’t overshadow the core strengths – particularly if you value a clean, calm, and well-thought-out approach to electric mobility.

If you want a premium EV that prioritises design, ease of use and genuine long-distance capability, the Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor makes a strong case as a daily driver that’s a pleasure to live with.

2025 Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor at a glance:
Price: $118,420 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: Single permanent magnet synchronous motor
Output: 220kW/490Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 111kWh lithium-ion
Range: 706km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 17.6 to 20.3kWh/100km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Not tested

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