Polestar 3 Performance Review: Swedish Rally Car with Room for Improvement

The Polestar 3 represents an exciting new chapter for the Swedish electric vehicle brand. As a performance-oriented SUV, it aims to blend practicality with driving excitement. After extensive testing on varied roads in Wyoming, including some rally-inspired driving, the Polestar 3 proves to be an impressive machine in many ways, though not without room for improvement.

Design and Build Quality

The Polestar 3 makes a strong first impression with its sleek Scandinavian design. The exterior styling is understated yet eye-catching, with clean lines and distinctive lighting elements. Inside, the cabin exudes a premium feel with high-quality materials and an uncluttered layout. The seats are particularly comfortable, offering good support during spirited driving.

However, there are some concerns about long-term durability. The synthetic leather upholstery on the seats showed signs of creasing after just 200 miles, which could be worrying for its appearance after extended use. Additionally, some plastic elements in the interior don't quite match the premium feel of other surfaces.

Performance and Handling

The Polestar 3 truly shines when it comes to driving dynamics. The chassis tuning is excellent, providing a great balance between comfort and sportiness. Even the non-performance version exhibits impressive handling characteristics, with good body control and responsive steering.

The performance pack version takes things up a notch, offering even sharper responses and more aggressive tuning. On twisty back roads and even loose surfaces, the Polestar 3 demonstrates remarkable poise and agility for a vehicle of its size and weight. The torque vectoring system works well to help rotate the car through corners, though it does require a specific driving style to maximize its effectiveness.

Power delivery is generally smooth and responsive, especially in performance mode. However, there is a noticeable lag when accelerating from a stop in the standard driving mode due to the rear motor disconnect feature. This can be mitigated by using the performance mode, which keeps both motors engaged at all times.

Powertrain and Efficiency

The Polestar 3 utilizes a dual-motor setup with a large 111 kWh battery pack (107-108 kWh usable). While this should theoretically provide excellent range, the EPA ratings are somewhat disappointing, especially for the performance version. Real-world efficiency also seems to be lower than expected, though more testing in varied conditions is needed for a definitive assessment.

Charging capabilities are good but not class-leading. The 250 kW peak charging rate is impressive, but the 400V architecture means it requires very high amperage to achieve this. In practice, most public charging stations will limit the Polestar 3 to around 200 kW.

Technology and Driver Assistance

The infotainment system is powered by Android Automotive and generally works well, with responsive performance and useful features like Google Maps integration. The digital instrument cluster is clear and customizable.

Driver assistance features are comprehensive but can be overly intrusive at times. The lane-keeping system, in particular, could benefit from further refinement. The lack of adjustable following distance for adaptive cruise control is an odd omission.

Areas for Improvement

While the Polestar 3 impresses in many areas, there are several aspects that could use further refinement:

1. Software stability: Some minor glitches were encountered during testing, indicating that further software optimization is needed.

2. Powertrain tuning: The lag in standard mode and some inconsistencies in power delivery during performance driving could be addressed through software updates.

3. Driver assistance calibration: Fine-tuning the sensitivity and intervention thresholds of systems like lane-keeping assist would improve the overall experience.

4. Interior controls: Adding volume and track controls to the steering wheel would enhance usability.

5. Efficiency: Given the large battery pack, the range and efficiency figures should be more competitive with class leaders.

Conclusion

The Polestar 3 is a compelling entry in the premium electric SUV segment. It offers a unique blend of Scandinavian design, impressive driving dynamics, and advanced technology. For driving enthusiasts who prioritize handling and performance over outright straight-line speed, the Polestar 3 presents an attractive option.

However, at its price point (especially for the performance version), it faces stiff competition from established luxury brands and other high-performance electric SUVs. The areas needing refinement, while not deal-breakers, do hold it back from being a clear class leader.

Ultimately, the Polestar 3 feels like it's very close to greatness. With some software updates and fine-tuning, it could become a standout option in its segment. For now, it remains a compelling choice for those drawn to its unique character and willing to accept some minor quirks in exchange for its many strengths.

Polestar has demonstrated their ability to create a true driver's car in SUV form. If they can address the remaining rough edges, the Polestar 3 could become a formidable contender in the premium electric SUV market.

Article created from: https://youtu.be/z73-zpDqDhc?feature=shared