Polestar’s revamped crossover sports new batteries, an upgraded electric motor, an all-new electrical architecture, and a host of other improvements
Volvo introduced the upgraded EX90 last month, so it comes as little surprise that Polestar has taken the wraps off the updated 3. Like its counterpart, the changes are extensive and CEO Michael Lohscheller described it as being “like an entirely new car.”
That’s a bit of a stretch, but the crossover trades its 400V electrical architecture for an all-new 800V setup. This allows for a 350 kW DC fast charging capability, which significantly lowers the time it takes the battery to go from a 10% to 80% charge. Polestar says this can now be accomplished in 22 minutes, which is 25% faster than its predecessor.
New Batteries And Upgraded Electric Motor
Besides an improved charging experience, the model has been equipped with new 92 and 106 kWh battery packs. Polestar also noted the crossover is up to 6% more efficient in the WLTP cycle.
The powertrain upgrades don’t end there as the Polestar 3 has been equipped with a new rear-mounted electric motor that was developed in-house. It produces 329 hp (245 kW / 333 PS) and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm) of torque, which is an increase of 34 hp (25 kW / 34 PS) but a decline of 7 lb-ft (9 Nm).
The dual-motor variant now develops 536 hp (400 kW / 544 PS) and 546 lb-ft (740 Nm) of torque, which compares to the previous rating of 483 hp (360 kW / 489 PS) and 620 lb-ft (840 PS). This lowers the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time from 4.8 to 4.5 seconds.
Lastly, the 3 Performance has a combined output of 671 hp (500 kW / 680 PS) and 642 lb-ft (870 Nm) of torque. This is a huge increase of 154 hp (115 kW / 156 PS), but the torque rating drops 29 lb-ft (39 Nm). Thanks to the extra oomph, the crossover hits 60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.8 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 143 mph (230 km/h).
Furthermore, the front-mounted motor now features an automatic disconnect function. This helps to improve efficiency and range, when extra traction isn’t needed.
Driving dynamics have also been improved thanks to updated anti-roll bars and new steering software. Polestar said the changes result in a “more direct and engaging driving experience across all model variants.”
A New Processor For Customers Old And New
On the tech front, buyers will find a new NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin processor. It replaces the previous Xavier unit and the company said the swap increases processing power from 30 to 254 trillion operations per second. That’s a huge increase and it allows for “faster, more intelligent management of active safety systems, battery performance, and sensor data.”
As with the EX90, current owners won’t miss out on the hardware upgrade as it’s being offered as a “complimentary retrofit.” Starting early next year, existing owners will be able to visit their nearest service center and have the processor replaced for free.
New Names And Revamped Equipment
Polestar announced a handful of other minor updates including a simplified naming structure that consists of Rear Motor, Dual Motor, and Performance variants. That’s a small, but welcome change as “Long range Dual motor with Performance pack” didn’t exactly roll off the tongue.
Buyers will also find updated equipment, including seat belts that reflect the trim level. Rear Motor variants have black belts, while Dual Motor models have black belts with a Swedish gold stripe. The range-topping Performance has full Swedish gold belts, making for an unusual distinguisher.
Polestar also mentioned a new Climate pack with heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel as well as a Prime pack that “bundles together Pilot, Plus, and Climate packs in combination with rear privacy glass.” Additionally, active road noise cancellation and a Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system can now be had as standalone options.
More: New Polestar 5 Doesn’t Need A Rear Window To Put Porsche On Notice
Exterior changes are minor, but Storm replaces Thunder on the color palette. Customers will also find larger “Polestar 3” badging on the doors, which is now accompanied by a trim identifier.
Interior changes are more modest, but the crossover now comes standard with bio-attributed MicroTech upholstery in Charcoal. It’s paired with repurposed aluminum trim, which used to be optional.
The 2026 Polestar 3 will initially be launched in the United Kingdom, where it sold out last year. It will then spread to other markets, although some details may vary slightly.
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