After much anticipation, Polestar’s luxury SUV has arrived in the UK. John Challen finds out if it has been worth the wait.

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WHAT IS IT?  Large premium SUV HOW MUCH?  From £75,900 RANGE:  349-390 miles (WLTP)  CHARGE: 10-80% 30 minutes (250kW)

With the Polestar 1 now firmly consigned to history and the Polestar 2 accounting for 30,000 of the vehicles on UK roads, the next model in the series – the Polestar 3 – has finally come to market. It’s being closely followed by the Polestar 4, which means these are busy – and important – times for the Swedish brand.

In the Polestar 3, drivers are presented with a luxury SUV that has the likes of the BMW iX and Audi’s Q8 e-tron in its sights. Only the ‘3’ isn’t a typical looking SUV. The design and engineering teams decided to get rid of some of the wasted space at the top of the car to create a more streamlined, almost coupé-like appearance. The exterior features Polestar’s trademark coloured callipers (yellow or gold, depending on who you speak to), smooth lines and LED headlights front and back.

Step inside the car and the quality oozes out. Five sumptuous seats await the driver and passengers, with numerous storage areas, extensive use of sustainable materials and plenty of space for all passengers throughout the cabin. There’s a minimalistic feel inside, but not on the levels of, say, a Tesla or Volvo EX30 or EX90. Most settings are altered via the main 14.5-inch central screen – including the glovebox. After an initial concern about this particular option, having been scarred by it in the Volvo EX30, we were relieved that it was actually easy to use and access, via a simple tap of the screen’s main menu.

Elsewhere, the Google-powered UX system is easy to navigate although we did have a few teething issues with the Google-based navigation system – however, these quirks aren’t exclusive to Polestar cars. The brand believes that its customers will be happy with – and favour – the technological approach of using voice inputs to control functions throughout. Failing that, the screen features a prominent home button and shortcuts to enable easy routes to favourite apps, functions or widgets.

There are two models currently available in the Polestar 3 lineup, both using a long-range dual-motor setup; one with performance pack, one without. Other packs include the Pilot Pack (available as a £2,300 option and adding in pilot assist, lane change assist and a 360° camera) and the plus pack. The latter option (available for an additional £5,000) adds in a host of extras, such as the hugely impressive 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, featuring Dolby Atmos technology. We were encouraged to sample the level of aural pleasure offered and it was hugely impressive. Other options here include heated rear seats, steering wheel and wipers, and soft-close doors.

A long-range single-motor version of the Polestar 3 is also available to order now and deliveries are expected in early 2025. With a starting price of £69,900, this model might be the one for a number of drivers who like the look of the car, but are concerned about the costs involved.

Polestar is aiming high with the 3, which translates to performance on the road as well as inside and outside the vehicle. The SUV gets air suspension, but the ride can feel a little firm in places. There are three suspension settings to choose from, which do help.

Likewise there are steering feel options, depending on how light you might like yours set up. The dynamic result is a sporty feel that reflects the car’s zero to 62mph time of 5.0 seconds. Power-wise, the model we tested offers 489hp and 840Nm of torque (the performance pack numbers are 517hp and 910Nm respectively). It’s a lot of power – possibly too much for some – but impressive nonetheless. Refinement is another area that Polestar has worked hard on, no doubt with the German competitors in mind.

Verdict

Polestar is entering a competitive sector but, with the 3, it has the right product to go toe-to-toe with the established products and (typically German) brands that dominate here. The Swedish brand isn’t afraid to be different and believes that it is an approach that many drivers will appreciate and lead to further success to help welcome further Polestar cars in the months and years ahead.

The Lowdown

Polestar 3

Key fleet model: Long-range dual-motor

Thumbs up: Quality, performance, atypical SUV looks

Thumbs down: Firm ride, lack of buttons takes some getting used to

Seven-word summary: Three is the magic number for Polestar

Also consider: Audi Q8 e-tron, BMW iX, Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV