2025 Polestar 3: A Sports SUV with Scandinavian Design

What do you get when you combine Volvo’s SPA2 platform with Polestar’s purist EV mindset? The 2025 Polestar 3 is a two-row luxury SUV that marries sleek aerodynamic styling with dynamic performance. We spent a week exploring its capabilities, from urban slow-speed maneuvers to high-speed curves.

Platform and Production

The Polestar 3 shares Volvo’s SPA2 Scalable Platform Architecture chassis, built extensively at Volvo’s Ridgeville, South Carolina plant since late 2024. SPA2 supports large-format battery packs and dual-motor configurations with a structural battery pack design for enhanced torsional rigidity. Early 2025 models still came from Polestar’s Chengdu facility, but now most North American units benefit from local assembly, sidestepping tariffs and strengthening resilience amid global semiconductor shortages.

Powertrain and Performance

In its Long Range dual-motor specification, the Polestar 3 features two identical 241 hp (180 kW) permanent magnet synchronous motors, each delivering 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) peak torque. At the rear axle, bi-directional clutches allow full torque vectoring, improving cornering grip and dynamic responsiveness. In Performance mode, 0–60 mph arrives in 4.8 seconds, rivaling entry-level variants of the Porsche Macan EV. Brembo four-piston calipers and 16.1-inch ventilated discs, paired with up to 0.5 g of peak regenerative braking, ensure controlled deceleration.

Battery, Charging, and Range

Under the floor lies a 111 kWh lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt pouch-cell battery operating at 400 V. With 19 modules and advanced cell balancing, the pack achieves an EPA-rated 315 miles (506 km) on 19-inch wheels. Our 22-inch wheel test car saw a 280-mile real-world range in 75°F conditions. Polestar’s 250 kW peak DC fast charging via CCS1 gets you from 10%–80% in about 30 minutes. Over-the-air updates now refine battery management algorithms, improving low-state-of-charge performance and cold-weather efficiency.

Software and User Experience

The Polestar 3 runs Android Automotive OS with a custom Polestar HMI. Recent OTA updates have smoothed animations and reduced boot times by 20%. The 14.5-inch portrait touchscreen integrates navigation, audio, and climate, while a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster runs at 60 fps. Standard ADAS includes Pilot Assist 2.5 adaptive cruise with lane centering and 360° surround-view cameras. Optional LiDAR-based highway assist, co-developed with Luminar Technologies, promises SAE Level 2+ autonomy later this year.

Handling at Low Speeds: A Caveat

Despite its strong high-speed manners, the Polestar 3 can be jittery at 20–30 mph when using standard regenerative braking. Enhanced Range mode softens torque transitions, but some drivers may notice abrupt starts or false collision warnings from the intersection-turn assist radar. Polestar’s engineers note that upcoming firmware will add adjustable regen levels to the drive-mode menu.

Interior Design and Comfort

• Techwear-inspired seats with 10-point air-cell massage and ventilated surfaces
• Panoramic glass roof with electrochromic privacy screen—beware of midday glare off chrome door trim
• 49.8 cu ft cargo space with underfloor storage and modular tie-down rails

Expert Opinion and Competitive Landscape

“The Polestar 3’s torque vectoring system is class-leading,” says EV consultant Dr. Maria Reynolds of the EV Performance Institute. “It delivers neutral handling rarely seen in SUVs this size.” Compared to the BMW iX xDrive50 and the upcoming Audi Q8 e-tron, Polestar’s EV places greater emphasis on driver engagement. Porsche’s Macan EV, due late 2025, will be a direct rival, though it adopts an 800 V architecture for 350 kW charging speeds—Polestar is evaluating an 800 V upgrade for 2026.

Sustainability and Supply Chain

Polestar aims for climate neutrality by 2030, using recycled plastics in interior panels and reclaimed aluminum in the chassis. The battery pack’s NMC chemistry now includes 10% recycled nickel. Over 50% of parts by weight are locally sourced for the US market, reducing CO2 emissions from transportation.

Market Outlook

1. Polestar forecasts a 15% year-on-year sales growth in North America for 2025
2. Incentives: up to $7,500 federal tax credit and state rebates, bringing the Long Range model’s effective price below $66,000
3. Rival launches: Porsche Macan EV Q4-2025, Audi Q7 e-tron refresh, and Ford Mustang Mach-E GT AWD

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Polestar 3 stands out with its blend of performance, range, and Scandinavian aesthetics. While its low-speed behavior and key fob ergonomics could be improved, this EV SUV proves that Polestar’s new-recipe approach can yield a world-class product. For drivers seeking engagement and a forward-looking tech stack, the Polestar 3 deserves serious consideration.