Test review Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor AWD

General - Volvo SPA2 platform

The Polestar 3 uses the SPA2 platform. The Volvo SPA2 (Scalable Product Architecture 2) is a flexible vehicle structure designed specifically for Volvo and Polestar's latest electric models. This new version of the original SPA platform (launched in 2014) is adapted for pure electric propulsion and serves as a foundation for cars such as the Volvo EX90, Volvo ES90 and Polestar 3. This is in contrast to the Polestar 2 and Polestar 4. The Polestar 2 is based on a Volvo/Geely platform (CMA), while the Polestar 4 utilises a purely electric, Geely-developed platform architecture (SEA).

Available versions:

All three use the same 111 kWh battery pack, of which 107 kWh is usable.

• Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor (RWD): as the name suggests, this version has a single permanent magnet engine of 220 kW (299 hp). Torque is 490 Nm and it is rear-wheel-drive. It is also the version with the greatest range of 706 km (WLTP).
• Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor (AWD): this version has 2 permanent magnet engines of 180 kW each resulting in 360 kW (489 hp). Four-wheel drive with 840 Nm of torque. Range is 636 km (WLTP).
• Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor with Performance Pack (AWD): the most powerful version. Four-wheel drive and thanks to the performance software upgrade, it increases power by 20 kW and torque by 70 Nm. This version thus boasts 360 kW (517 hp) and 910 Nm of torque. The range is less but still sufficient for 567 km (WLTP).

Driving modes, or power delivery

You have a choice between two driving modes:

• Driving range (Range): focused on driving as economically as possible to get the maximum distance out of your battery.
• Performance: focused on maximum performance and dynamics, with a sportier driving experience.

Braking energy recuperation

You choose your braking energy recuperation via the central screen: low-normal-off. The Polestar 3 offers a flexible braking energy recuperation system. You can choose comfortable single-pedal operation in the city, or coasting on the motorway for maximum efficiency. The system automatically provides a smooth transition between regenerative and mechanical braking, depending on your driving style and situation. You can always "play around" with the 3 levels yourself. Levers on the handlebars are more practical, of course.

More information on the Polestar 3 can be found here: Polestar 3 | Polestar België

Test consumption Polestar 3: How far do you really drive with this electric SUV?

The Polestar 3, the new flagship of the Swedish EV brand, was subjected to an extensive practical test over 784 kilometres, spread over 18 trips. The aim: to chart actual consumption under a variety of driving conditions and compare it with the official WLTP figures.

Reality versus WLTP

According to the Certificate of Conformity (CoC), the Polestar 3's official WLTP consumption is 21.1 kWh/100 km, good for a theoretical driving range of 589 km. During the practical test, the average consumption was noticeably lower: 18.5 kWh/100 km. That means a practical advantage of about 12% over the WLTP standard - remarkably positive for a heavy SUV.

Consumption varies greatly by type of trip

The test confirms what many EV drivers already know: the consumption of an electric car depends heavily on the type of journey.

• On motorways (with 9 trips in total) the average consumption came out at 18.7 kWh/100 km. If you can keep to this consumption, you end up with a (theoretical) driving range of 572 km.
• In city traffic (1 trip) it remains surprisingly low: 15.8 kWh/100 km. This gets you 677 km.
• Out-of-town consumption was 18.7 kWh/100 km and on mixed trips, 17.8 kWh/100 km was recorded. This gives a range of 572 km and 601 km respectively .

Driving style makes the difference

We tested the Polestar 3 mainly in "Range" mode, focusing on efficiency. Only one drive was done in the more performance driving mode. Not surprisingly, consumption in this "Performance" mode was immediately a lot higher (18.9 kWh/100 km) compared to 18.5 kWh/100 km in the standard setting.

Dagile use and conditions

The test was spread over several days with an average outside temperature of 19 degrees Celsius - ideal conditions for electric drives. Most of the trips (50%) took place on the motorway, followed by out of town (39%). Only one trip took place entirely in town, which somewhat nuances the representativeness of urban consumption.

Conclusion

The Polestar 3 proves that its hefty stature and premium positioning do not necessarily mean it is greedy with power. On the contrary: with a test average of 18.5 kWh/100 km, it outperforms its official WLTP figure. In practice, those who stick to a calm driving style and are conscious of driving mode can expect a usable driving range of well over 500 km

*The quoted driving range is a theoretical calculation based on the usable battery capacity. This is always a snapshot. All sorts of factors such as weather conditions, use of air conditioning, topography, traffic density and your own driving style can influence it.

Consumption - general

On the test track, the Polestar 3 achieved a combined consumption of 17.4 kWh/100 km over a total of 107.5 km. This is a reasonably efficient consumption, especially considering the average outside temperature of 17°C.

Consumption and range:
With this consumption, the Polestar 3 could theoretically achieve a driving range of 615 km* on a full charge, taking into account the usable battery capacity of 107 kWh. Without along a handsome result, courtesy of the weather.

Consumption by road type

• the non-urban (secondary roads) section of 43.4 km yields a consumption of 15.7 kWh/100 km. This results in a driving range of 682 km*.
• on the motorway section of 43.3 km, we arrive at a consumption of 20.8 kWh/100 km which is good for a driving range of 514 km*.
• the city trip of 20.6 km is good for a consumption of 15.8 kWh/100 km, which gets you 677 km* on a charge.

Driving range evolution

The driving range and State of Charge (SoC) of the battery declined well during the drive, providing insight into energy consumption in different driving conditions. Here is a summary of the data:

• Start:
  • Start driving range: 290 km
  • Starting SoC: 62%
• After non-urban trip:
  • Driving range: 270 km
  • SoC: 55%
  • Loss: 20 km driving range, 7% SoC
• After motorway trip:
  • Driving range: 240 km
  • SoC: 47%
  • Loss: 30 km driving range, 8% SoC
• After city trip:
  • Driving range: 230 km
  • SoC: 44%
  • Loss: 10 km driving range, 3% SoC
• Total trip:
  • Total loss in driving range: 60 km
  • Total loss in SoC: 18%

Consistent performance, with predictable variations
During test drives, driving range decreased by 60 kilometres, while State of Charge (SoC) decreased by 18%. This indicates fairly consistent consumption across trips. However, clear differences are visible depending on the type of journey: on the motorway, the loss of driving range was most noticeable, which can be explained by the higher speeds and thus increased energy consumption. In the city, on the other hand, the Polestar 3 proved the most efficient: consumption was lowest there, with only a limited drop in both SoC and estimated driving range.

*The stated driving range is a theoretical calculation based on the usable battery capacity. This is always a snapshot. All kinds of factors such as weather conditions, use of air conditioning, topography, traffic density and your own driving style can influence this.
We strive to drive as efficiently as possible by making maximum use of cruise control (constant speed) and by anticipating traffic situations as much as possible. The speed on motorways is 110 km/h. Energy consumers (such as air conditioning) are switched off when weather conditions permit. In addition, we choose the most efficient driving mode (Eco), if available.

Charging systems of the Polestar 3

• Internal on-board charger: The Polestar 3 is equipped with an internal on-board charger offering 11 kW for AC (alternating current) charging. You can expand this to 22 kW with the Plus package.
• DC fast charging: The maximum charging capacity via DC charging is 250 kW. This enables fast battery charging at a compatible fast charger.

Charging port

• The charging port is located at the left rear of the car and is opened via the central touchscreen instead of a physical button.

Charging sessions

• Number of charging sessions: we hooked up the Polestar to the charging station 2 times, depending on the number of kilometres travelled.
  • Charging sessions AC: 2
  • Charging sessions DC: 0

Information about the charging process

• As a driver, you are well informed about the progress of the charging process via the central screen in the car. The following data are visible:
  • Estimated charging time (hours:minutes)
  • Charging power (kW)
  • Driving range while charging (km)
  • Current charge percentage (SoC, State of Charge)
  • Set state of charge (SoC)

Charge percentage adjustable

Polestar recommends limiting the charge percentage to 90% to improve battery health. This is a common practice for electric vehicles to extend battery life.

Smart navigation with Google Maps
The Polestar 3 comes standard with an integrated version of Google Maps that works seamlessly with the vehicle electronics. This allows the system to monitor the battery level in real time and automatically calculate the most efficient route based on it. Suitable charging stations are suggested en route, so you always arrive at your destination worry-free and well-planned.

Energy-saving heat pump

Residual heat need not be lost heat. Using thermal energy from the electric motors, battery and ambient air, the heat pump can heat the interior and helps get more mileage out of a charge by reducing the need for air conditioning.

Polestar app: always connected to your car
With the Polestar app, you always stay in touch with your Polestar 3, wherever you are. It allows you to preset the climate control, check the battery level, lock or unlock the doors and look up the location of your car. The app also offers smart notifications, updates on charging sessions (handy) and access to digital key functions. So you always have control and comfort at your fingertips. Unfortunately, we were not able to try this one out

Stylish statement with space and character
The Polestar 3 is an SUV that clearly positions itself in the premium segment - and you feel it from the moment you get in. With its futuristic lines, high-quality materials and thoughtful technology, it exudes Scandinavian design with a functional slant. The interior combines a minimalist, soothing atmosphere with enough space and comfort for everyday use. The Polestar 3 is not only an eye-catcher, but also a thoughtful mode of transport for those who appreciate style and convenience.

Versatile cargo space
The Polestar 3 proves to be a practical companion for those often on the move with family or luggage. In the rear, it offers 597 litres of cargo volume up to the roof, and 484 litres up to the top of the rear seats. Folding down the rear seats gives you a whopping 1,411 litres of space - including the handy storage space under the load floor. Thanks to the wide opening and low loading sill, loading and unloading is effortless.

In the front, there is also a 32-litre frunk, perfect for storing charging cables or smaller items. In short: the Polestar 3 combines electric performance with thoughtful functionality.

And in the back?

Don't forget passengers in the back. There is plenty of space and comfort in the back seat, with plenty of legroom for adult passengers, and between the front seats, there is a second touchscreen that can be used to control the emperatuur, seat heating and media. Not only is it practical, it is beautifully integrated into the design. Everything from the material to the interface feels high quality.

Interior: minimalist yet pleasant

Inside, we recognise the typical Polestar atmosphere, an atmosphere of tranquillity. The interior is sleek and modern, with a minimalist aesthetic that does not, however, come across as chilly. Minimalist is a trend we see more and more of today. The front seats offer excellent support, even on longer journeys.

Infotainment

At the centre of the Polestar 3's dashboard is a upright 14.5-inch touchscreen running on Google's Android Automotive platform. The infotainment system is responsive and intuitive to use, with familiar apps like Google Maps, Google Assistant and Spotify integrated. Thanks to its close coupling with vehicle electronics, you get real-time information on driving range and charging infrastructure, among other things. The interface is clear and minimalist in design, in line with the interior, while offering all the functionality you would expect in a premium SUV. Over-the-air updates ensure that the system is always up-to-date.

Connectivity in top form
The Polestar 3 is equipped with Android Automotive as standard, with Google Maps, Assistant and other apps seamlessly integrated into the infotainment system. As an Android user, you enjoy a native experience without smartphone pairing, while Apple CarPlay is also available wirelessly. Bluetooth works quickly and reliably, and wireless charging is provided as standard. Thanks to the built-in 4G connection, the car stays permanently online, including for live navigation, streaming services and over-the-air updates. Via the Polestar app, drivers can remotely control functions such as climate control and charging sessions.

The Polestar 3 features a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems that make driving not only more comfortable but also safer. Here, the Polestar 3 uses 12 ultrasonic sensors and 1 front radar.

• Adaptive cruise control
• Road Sign Information
• Traction control when cornering (via torque vectoring) on all dual engine variants
• Driver Monitoring System
• Driver Steering Recommendation
• Electronic Stability Control
• Intelligent Speed Assist with
  • :Speed limit information
  • Speed limit warnings
  • Automatic Speed Limiter
• Lane Keeping Aid
• Night-time Collision Warning
• Run-off Road Mitigation
• Pilot Assist (with Pilot package)
• Lane Change Assist (with Pilot package)
• Regenerative Stability Control
• Park Assist Pilot
• Lane Departure Warning
• Traction Control
• Trailer Stability Assist
• Understeer Control Logic

Based on trip consumption and usable battery capacity, we can simulate the (theoretical) driving range. Although this is always a snapshot, it gives a clear picture of how far you could theoretically drive at a given consumption. Of course, various factors can influence these results. 

Polestar 3 convinces with practical efficiency
During a week of testing in June, the Polestar 3 showed that its promised efficiency holds up even in realistic conditions. Over a route of 784 kilometres, we recorded an average consumption of 18.5 kWh/100 km, representing a deviation of -12.3% from the official WLTP value of 21.1 kWh/100 km. On a fixed test track, that figure even dropped to 17.4 kWh/100 km(-17.5% vs WLTP). Converted, this gives an estimated practical driving range of 578 km (test period) and 615 km (test course) - both remarkably close to the stated WLTP range of 589 km. This proves the Polestar 3 to be a highly efficient electric SUV that also delivers on its promises outside the lab.

It is important to point out that the figures obtained are always a snapshot in time. Numerous factors can influence these results.