Polestar 3 Performance
Polestar
When a manufacturer releases an updated car, you might expect to see some visual changes, including new headlights, bumpers, and a few interior tweaks. Still, the Polestar 3 looks the same as when it was first released.
What might seem like a mild update, however, is actually a fairly substantial overhaul, affecting everything from Performance and efficiency to usability. In fact, Polestar are so pleased with the design that the only changes for 2026 are a few additional paint colours and alloy wheel designs.
At the heart of the MY26 update is a shift to a cutting-edge 800-volt electrical architecture, bringing the Polestar 3 firmly into the top tier of fast-charging EVs. With peak charging speeds now reaching up to 350kW, a 10–80% top-up can take as little as around 20 minutes — a meaningful leap forward that makes long-distance electric driving far more convenient.
But faster charging is only part of the story. Across the range, the Polestar 3 gains more powerful motors, improved efficiency and upgraded battery technology. At the same time, new trim structures simplify the line-up into rear-wheel drive, dual-motor and performance variants.
Like the exterior, there aren’t any notable interior changes — and that’s both positive and negative. No expense has been spared regarding cabin material; it’s still a high-quality haven. Likewise, there’s more than enough head and legroom in the front and rear for taller folks. There’s a large caveat with this interior, however.
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Polestar 3 MY26
Polestar
A clean, minimalistic interior, such as the one in the Polestar 3, means there are no physical switches. Everything is still controlled via the 14.5-inch touchscreen on the dashboard. Want to adjust the mirrors? There’s a menu for that, somewhere. Meanwhile, something as simple as adjusting the steering wheel position involves accessing a menu, then using blank steering wheel buttons to make adjustments. It’s just a bit too much.
Instead of running to the fast AWD Performance guise, shoving every other journalist out of the way, I started with the 92kWh RWD, which has a peak charging speed of 310kW.
Moreover, power has been increased from 295 bhp to 328 bhp, and Polestar claims this has reduced that all-important 0-62 mph time from 7.5 to 6.3 seconds. On the road, the large RWD SUV feels more than sprightly enough for everyday driving. Mashing the throttle won’t make you sick, but it never feels like it’s lacking.
Polestar has retuned the steering, softened the anti-roll bars, and revised various elements of the car’s chassis, making it a more driver-focused EV. It handles well, too. It’s keen to turn in and feels much lighter than its 2.5-tonne weight suggests. However, if you want to adjust suspension and steering settings, you’ll need to faff around with the touchscreen.
Polestar 3 MY26
Polestar
After carving through the Scottish countryside in the RWD, it was time to give the full-fat AWD Performance a go. Again, Polestar has increased the power from 517 bhp to 680 bhp, dropping the 0-60 mph sprint from 4.5 to 3.8 seconds.
At first, I couldn’t understand why you’d pay for a car that would dislodge mobile phones from wireless charging bays every time you overtook a slower car. But the ride is significantly better than the RWD's, because it has air suspension; the RWD car felt fidgety over uneven surfaces and often crashed around. Sadly, air suspension is available only on AWD and Dual Motor cars.
As you’d expect from such large power figures, stomping the throttle, which is more of a hyperspeed button, shoves you back in your seat, and any loose items get thrown to the back of the car. It’s mighty, but such power feels unnecessary at times.
The Polestar 3 RWD is priced from £71,540, rising to £79,540 for the Dual Motor and £87,040 for the Performance.
You get a lot of your cash, with standard features including 20-inch alloy wheels, an electric boot, a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and plenty of driver-assistance technology. This said, the price can rack up quickly when you start adding options.
Similarly, there are few physical buttons, despite Polestar’s attempts at adding steering wheel controls.
Polestar 3
Polestar
My press car also had a slight malfunction during the drive, shutting off most of its systems. This meant I had to pull over, exit the car, lock it, unlock it and get back inside to reset everything. We were told, however, that this would be looked at, and can likely be resolved via a software update.
Compared with its rivals, there’s a lot on offer here. It’s also a fine BMW iX alternative, and it’s miles better than the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. For peace of mind, the Polestar 3 comes with an eight-year battery, a 12-year corrosion warranty, and a three-year vehicle warranty.
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