2025 Polestar 3 Review: Australia's Premium Electric SUV

Polestar 3: Luxury Electric Contender Down Under

Australian luxury EV shoppers face a critical question: Does the $132,900+ Polestar 3 justify its premium positioning against Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV and Audi Q8 e-tron? After extensive analysis of its real-world performance, I've identified precisely where this Swedish contender excels and where rivals might challenge.

Core Technical Specifications

The 2025 Polestar 3 debuts with two dual-motor configurations:

• Long Range Dual Motor: 360kW/840Nm ($132,900+)
• Performance Pack: 380kW/910Nm ($141,900+)

Both variants share CATL's 111kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery supporting 250kW DC charging (10-80% in 30 minutes). Official WLTP ranges stand at 610km and 560km respectively. Critically, Polestar engineers confirmed the rear torque-vectoring dual-clutch system enhances cornering stability beyond typical AWD EVs.

Key standard features:

• Adaptive air suspension with height adjustment
• 21-inch alloy wheels (22-inch with Performance Pack)
• 14.5-inch Android Automotive OS infotainment + 9-inch digital cluster
• Bowers & Wilkins 25-speaker Dolby Atmos sound system (1610W)
• Heated front seats and soft-close doors

Interior Execution: Sustainable Luxury

The cabin's minimalist design uses traceable sustainable materials, with Polestar publishing CO2-per-square-meter data for transparency. While the 14.5-inch touchscreen runs a new Android OS generation requiring adaptation, its responsiveness surpasses German rivals once mastered.

Practical observations after extended use:

• Piano black console trim shows scratches easily (carry microfiber cloths)
• Steering wheel/mirror adjustments buried in touchscreen menus
• Exceptional second-row legroom despite no third row
• Fixed glass roof increases cabin heat absorption

The 25-speaker audio system delivers exceptional spatial separation, particularly with Dolby Atmos content—audiophiles should bring high-resolution tracks to test drives.

Driving Dynamics Analysis

Behind the wheel of the Performance Pack model (2.6 tonnes), three characteristics dominate:

1. Refinement: Near-silent cabin even at 110km/h
2. Confidence: Dual-chamber air suspension maintains composure on winding Tasmanian roads
3. Efficiency trade-offs: Observed 26-27kWh/100km consumption in 10°C weather

Performance nuances:

• Throttle mapping adjustments (Standard/Sport) significantly alter character
• One-pedal driving has three regeneration levels
• Performance Pack's forged wheels reduce unsprung weight but impact ride harshness

While not engaging as sports sedans, the Polestar 3 exhibits surprising agility for its size. The torque-vectoring rear axle enables precise cornering, though you'll always sense the mass during directional changes.

Competitive Positioning and Value

At $132,900+, the Polestar 3 enters BMW iX and Mercedes EQE SUV territory. Its advantages:

• Distinctive design: Lower roof line and bolder lighting signatures
• Safety: Inherits Volvo's comprehensive ADAS suite
• Sustainability: Material transparency unmatched in segment

However, efficiency trails class leaders. During testing, the Mercedes EQE SUV averaged 21kWh/100km in similar conditions. The upcoming single-motor variant (arriving post-launch editions) may address value concerns.

Ownership Considerations

Critical decision factors:

• Charging flexibility: 250kW peak charging suits highway trips
• Real-world range: Expect 480-520km in mixed conditions
• Tech learning curve: Allow 2 weeks for interface familiarity

Prospective buyers should note the Launch Edition models include the Plus Pack (premium interiors, 21-inch wheels) which becomes optional later.

Is the Polestar 3 Australia's Luxury EV Benchmark?

Polestar's flagship SUV makes a compelling case with its striking design, exquisite audio, and poised dynamics. While efficiency and touchscreen ergonomics need refinement, it delivers a distinctly Scandinavian take on electric luxury. The Performance Pack's $9,000 premium warrants consideration only for driving enthusiasts prioritizing ultimate grip.

Action checklist for serious buyers:

1. Test both suspension settings on rougher roads
2. Verify smartphone integration stability
3. Compare cargo space against Audi Q8 e-tron
4. Negotiate charging package inclusions
5. Assess rear visibility with the sloping roofline

Recommended resources:

• EV Database (real-world efficiency comparisons)
• PlugShare (check charging locations along common routes)
• Polestar's lifecycle assessment reports (material sustainability data)

"After pushing it through Tasmania's hairpins, I'm convinced the Polestar 3's chassis deserves more recognition than its efficiency figures."

Which luxury electric SUV feature matters most to you: cutting-edge tech, driving dynamics, or sustainable credentials? Share your priorities below.