Skip to content 
At Munro & Associates, we pride ourselves on bringing engineering clarity to the EV landscape. When it comes to the Polestar 3, this luxury EV deserves far more attention than it’s currently getting. With roots in Volvo‘s legacy of safety and refinement, the Polestar 3 combines performance engineering, clean design, and advanced EV tech in a way that makes it stand out—even among today’s crowded field of premium electric SUVs.
In this review, we’ll break down why the Polestar 3 might just be the most underrated luxury EV on the market today.
Striking Design Meets Smart Architecture
The Polestar 3 is visually compelling from the moment you see it. A full-sized SUV with sleek lines and minimalist Scandinavian aesthetics, it sits on bold 22-inch rims that enhance both presence and performance.
Underneath, it’s built with a 111 kWh battery pack. This gives the vehicle a range of up to 279 miles—adequate, though not industry-leading. Where the Polestar 3 truly shines is in how it balances that battery mass with road feel and performance, making it a compelling driver’s EV, not just a commuter’s car.
Performance EV Credibility
Polestar offers multiple variants of the 3, but the performance pack takes things to a new level. With 380 kW (over 500 horsepower) delivered through dual motors, the acceleration is immediate and smooth—everything you expect from a high-performance electric vehicle.
Torque vectoring is also on board, giving the Polestar 3 the kind of intelligent traction distribution you usually find in premium sports cars. Unlike traditional differentials, which distribute torque based on wheel speed (and often fail when one wheel loses grip), torque vectoring actively sends power to the wheel with the most traction. Whether you’re taking corners at speed or dealing with slippery road conditions, this EV sticks to the road like glue.
Smooth Ride, Stiff Frame, Sporty Feel
Thanks to air suspension and a low center of gravity, the Polestar 3 rides like a dream. There’s a level of precision in its handling that feels more akin to a sports sedan than a full-sized SUV. Despite its weight, the 50/50 weight distribution and stiff chassis give it an unexpectedly light and agile feel.
This is the kind of EV that inspires confidence in every turn. Whether you’re accelerating on a freeway on-ramp or gliding through tight urban corners, the ride remains composed and refined.
Safety and Intuitiveness by Design
Coming from Volvo’s DNA, the Polestar 3 emphasizes safety and user-centered design. Inside the cabin, drivers are met with logical, intuitive controls—a welcome change from overly complex infotainment systems that require YouTube tutorials just to set the mirrors.
The inclusion of a heads-up display keeps your eyes on the road while still delivering important information like speed and navigation prompts. It’s small touches like these that show how Polestar balances modern tech with user experience, prioritizing safety without sacrificing style.
Best-in-Class Cabin Acoustics
If there’s one feature that truly sets the Polestar 3 apart, it’s how quiet the ride is. Even under full acceleration, cabin noise is virtually nonexistent. There’s no electric motor whine, no wind turbulence—just a peaceful, luxurious ride.
Only the Cadillac Lyriq compares when it comes to acoustic engineering. And that’s no small compliment: at highway speeds, it feels like you’re relaxing in your living room with music streaming seamlessly from the high-performance sound system.
The Polestar 3 achieves a similar serenity, giving it a best-in-class feel for driver and passenger comfort alike.
Technology Suite: Thoughtful, Not Overwhelming
Inside, you’ll find a 9-inch digital driver display paired with a 14.5-inch center touchscreen. While many EVs pack in features to the point of overload, the Polestar 3 keeps things streamlined and responsive. It includes:
- Wireless phone charging
- Panoramic glass roof
- Four USB-C ports (two front, two rear)
- Power-operated hands-free liftgate
- Bluetooth streaming with premium audio
Everything you need for long trips or daily driving is built-in, with minimal clutter and maximum elegance.
Where It Falls Short: Efficiency
No vehicle is perfect, and the Polestar 3 has one notable tradeoff—efficiency. With an EPA-rated 77 MPGe, it lags behind competitors like the Lucid Air or even the Cadillac Lyriq, which delivers over 300 miles on a smaller 100 kWh pack.
Compared to the Rivian R1S, the Polestar 3 holds its own, but it’s still not a range leader. That said, the 250 kW DC fast charging helps make up for it. With well-placed charging stops, you can get back on the road in about 30 minutes.
For those who plan their road trips with realistic charging expectations, the Polestar 3’s range is more than adequate—and the ride quality makes every mile enjoyable.
Interior Comfort and Road Trip Readiness
Rear passengers aren’t an afterthought here. The Polestar 3 delivers equal comfort in the back row as it does in the front. Seat design, legroom, and lighting all feel premium—ideal for long drives or business-class commuting.
Thanks to its fast-charging capability and thoughtful ergonomics, the Polestar 3 excels as a road trip vehicle. For many drivers, 279 miles between breaks is plenty. And when you do stop, 30 minutes is just enough for a meal or coffee recharge before hitting the road again.
The Verdict: Underrated Excellence
Polestar may not carry the brand recognition of Tesla or Mercedes in the EV space, but the Polestar 3 proves it belongs in the conversation. With standout features like torque vectoring, near-silent cabin acoustics, and Volvo-grade safety, this luxury SUV is more than capable—it’s exceptional.
It may not top the range charts, but it nails the ride, tech, and feel that discerning drivers look for in a high-end EV.
Explore More with Munro
At Munro & Associates, we specialize in teardown insights, lean design, and cost analysis across the EV market. If you’re interested in deeper engineering breakdowns or want to see what’s under the skin of vehicles like the Polestar 3, follow us at Munro for future teardown updates.
Stay tuned, stay informed—and let engineering guide your EV investment.