The 2025 Polestar 3 might be the Volvo subsidiary’s best-looking offering to date, and it packs an e-performance punch to boot. However, it can feel like certain technologies have been implemented for technology’s sake, and the innovation somewhat takes away from the user experience.
“Polestar 3 is a powerful electric SUV that appeals to the senses with a distinct, Scandinavian design and excellent driving dynamics,” says Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath in a news release when the model was initially announced. “It takes our manufacturing footprint to the next level, bringing Polestar production to the United States. We are proud and excited to expand our portfolio as we continue our rapid growth.”
One of the most striking details of the P3 is the design of the headlamp, where the housing itself is shaped like the signature Thor’s hammer LED daytime running light motif. Compared to the P2, the vehicle is also larger overall with a traditional crossover-like silhouette and athletic-looking body panels, a cool tailgate spoiler, and polished 22-inch split-four-spoke forged aluminum wheels wrapped in sticky Pirelli P-Zero rubber.
While the flush door handles appear sleek, having them actually deploy to gain entry proved tricky. Rather than a conventional key fob, Polestar supplies a digital key on a mobile device, an access card, and a buttonless fob. When any of the three are detected and the user puts his or her hand in the recess, the handle is supposed to extend. However, more times than not, doing so did nothing, and I had to resort to trying multiple attempts.
I eventually resorted to activating the software feature that automatically unlocks/locks the doors upon driver approach/departure. This mostly solved the issue—hopefully the above bug will be solved in a future update.
Once inside, the cabin is minimalistic and beautifully appointed as Volvo/Polestar products often are. Our tester had the gorgeous $7,000 animal-welfare-secured Zinc Nappa leather upholstery with black ash trim.
There is an obvious absence of tactile controls—most functions are handled via the nine-inch portrait infotainment display powered by Android Automotive OS (sorry, no Android Auto or Apple CarPlay). There are still physical window switches, but inexplicably only two on each front door. To lower and raise the rears, a toggle panel must first be pressed. The windshield wiper operation is not of the usual sort either. Cycling through on/off and intermittent settings is done by tapping on the end of the left steering wheel stalk.
Being the Long Range Dual Motor Performance Launch Edition variant (a single-motor version is currently not available in Canada), DARPAN’s P3 was blistering quick, pushing 517 horsepower and 671 lb-ft of torque to both axles. Though tipping the scales at 5,000-plus pounds, the standard auto-dampening dual-chamber air suspension—sport-tuned on Performance grades—and low center of gravity minimize body roll and allow for some sharp handling characteristics.
A massive 111-kilowatt-hour battery provides 500-plus kilometers on a single charge. DC fast charging is supported up to 250 kilowatts, and when connected to a compatible source, the energy level can get from 10 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes.
The 2025 Polestar 3 starts at $96,000.
Highlights:
MSRP: $107,100 (as tested)
Motor: Dual electric
Horsepower: 517 (net)
Torque (lb-ft): 671 (net)
Gearbox: Single-speed automatic
Layout: Front/rear motors, All-wheel drive
Fuel economy: 21.1 kWh/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)