In this Polestar 3 interior review, we dive deep into the luxury EV’s cabin to evaluate its design philosophy, materials, and functionality. Often compared to a designer handbag in terms of style and subtle elegance, the Polestar 3’s interior blends high-end simplicity with practical engineering—an approach that will intrigue automotive engineers, EV enthusiasts, and design purists alike.
Minimalism Meets Premium Materials
One of the most striking impressions upon entering the Polestar 3 is its understated, minimalist aesthetic. The design doesn’t shout for attention—instead, it draws you in like a Hermès or Louis Vuitton bag: quiet, confident, and meticulously crafted.
The door panels are a showcase of this philosophy. High-quality soft-touch materials merge seamlessly with precise plastic transitions, avoiding the visual clutter seen in more “tech-forward” designs. The decorative lighting isn’t just ambient fluff—it doubles as a task light, emphasizing both beauty and utility.
A $5,000 Seat Decision
The Nappa leather seat upgrade is a $5,000 option, and while it elevates the tactile experience, it raises the classic EV question: is the price justified? These seats are both ventilated and heated, with stylized perforations and subtle metallic trim that evoke a sense of retro craftsmanship—calling back to mid-century sun visor end clips.
Interestingly, the fixed, low-profile headrests mirror Tesla’s approach, but with one key distinction: Polestar might be achieving cost or weight savings through redesigned internal structures. Without a teardown, it’s hard to say for sure, but it signals a decision rooted in lean manufacturing logic—stripping out complexity without sacrificing user comfort.
Environmental Impact: Leather vs. Vegan Debate
Polestar’s use of leather invites a discussion relevant to sustainability-conscious consumers. Leather in this case is described as a byproduct of the beef industry, and Polestar attempts to minimize its environmental impact through eco-friendly tanning processes.
The alternative—vegan leather—is petroleum-based. While it avoids animal products, it increases reliance on oil. For many, the decision comes down to values: reducing waste from existing industries versus eliminating animal-derived products. Polestar offers transparency, letting consumers make informed tradeoffs.
Center Console: Elegance Over Storage
The center console continues the minimalist motif. It offers wireless charging and just a handful of buttons, framed in high-gloss black trim with understated chrome edging. The design looks premium but leans more toward form than function.
A tambour door conceals the cupholders, and the armrest opens to a fairly shallow storage bin. One oddly placed elastic-covered pocket sits vertically, accessible only from the side—limiting its usefulness. While beautifully executed, the storage ergonomics here leave something to be desired for everyday practicality.
Air Vents and HVAC Design
Unlike Tesla’s hidden airflow systems with opposing fans, the Polestar 3 opts for a traditional air vent design—window-to-window in style but functionally adjustable through classic mechanical components. It’s a smart blend of modern looks with proven HVAC engineering. For those wary of over-engineered ventilation systems, this will be a welcome choice.
Rear Passenger Comfort
Rear seating excels in comfort and space. Even with the front seats set for a tall driver, there’s generous head and legroom. Rear passengers get dedicated A/C controls, USB ports, and a clever child-seat anchor system integrated into the seatback.
However, the child-seat cap design presents a small flaw. These covers are fully removable and easily lost—a known issue for long-term owners or resale. Fixed tethers or integrated caps might have been a more durable solution.
Practical Add-Ons: Armrest, Pass-Through, and Cupholders
The fold-down rear armrest includes perforated leather, integrated cupholders, and a pass-through flap. The latter allows long items to extend from the trunk into the cabin. But the hole is narrow, and placing heavy items over premium leather upholstery defeats the purpose. It’s a functional checkbox, but likely underutilized by real-world users.
Rear Cargo Layout and Frunk Observations
The cargo floor design poses a minor ergonomic issue. The rear load floor hinges the “wrong” way—from the back toward the front—making it difficult to load heavier objects or stack gear while accessing the underfloor compartment. A front-hinged design would have maintained easier access and usable surface area simultaneously.
The Polestar 3 includes a modest frunk (front trunk), accessible via mechanical latches rather than the powered releases seen on competitors. It’s basic—just enough for charge cables—but it maintains the EV standard of using every inch of available space.
Final Thoughts: Worth the Price?
With a sticker price reaching $95,000 in the reviewed configuration, the Polestar 3 is positioned in premium EV territory. And yet, its restrained luxury and thoughtful ergonomics differentiate it from louder, more gimmick-laden competitors.
The interior feels purpose-built for those who value simplicity, quality, and Scandinavian design language. Unlike some competitors that add features for the sake of appearing modern, the Polestar 3 emphasizes what matters: materials, comfort, and design harmony. The tactile sensations—leather-wrapped armrests, soft headliners, finely integrated lighting—evoke a product more curated than engineered.
While some features (like storage design and the load floor hinge) feel like oversights, overall the vehicle delivers a premium interior experience that aligns well with its price point. For customers seeking an electric SUV that feels like a designer handbag rather than a tech lab on wheels, the Polestar 3 delivers.
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