The updated Polestar 3 Performance (£91,975) pairs striking style with major under-the-skin upgrades. What does Al Suttie make of the changes?

Polestar 3 Performance

List price (BiK): £91,975 (4%)  Economy: 373 miles  Test efficiency: 297 miles

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Monday

There is a classy appeal to the Polestar 3 that has struck a chord with me since it was launched [see original test here] so the chance to drive the recently revised model was too tempting to pass up. The improvements are all under the skin, including faster charging, a new rear motor and better infotainment. Quicker charging could be handy when it’s the Performance version being driven here.

Tuesday

Some will tell you the new rear motor for the Polestar 3 isn’t as sophisticated as the one it replaces. Frankly, unless you’re on a track or one of the current crop of F1 drivers, you ain’t going to tell the difference. It’s still a whoppingly quick car off the mark, taking just 3.8 seconds for 0-62mph in Performance trim, and it just hitches up and goes – no wheel scrabble here.

Wednesday

Across some very challenging country roads, the Polestar 3 demonstrates a poise that few large electric SUVs manage. The 3 simply manages its weight and body control better, disguising its 2.5-tonne weight to feel lithe and fleet of foot. Sure, you do become aware of this heft when braking hard, but the stoppers are equal to the job and come painted in Polestar’s tell-tale gold to let you know which model this is.

Thursday

When not honing and making the most of the 3’s impressive potential for cross-country antics, it just as easily settles into its wider role as luxury SUV. The occasional bump in the road can be felt, but mostly the Polestar soothes away these aberrations to leave the cabin feeling tranquil. It also means this is a car well suited to the distances it’s capable of on a single charge.

Friday

Firing in some electrons to the 3’s battery doesn’t take long, and the company says this updated model can hoover it up swiftly enough to go from 10 to 80% charge in 22 minutes when using a 350kW charger. When that means more than 200 miles of driving, it opens up realistic far-flung travel without any concerns over range or delayed arrival times. Even driving hard, we saw 170 miles of real range with plenty in reserve.

Saturday

It’s taken me a while to adapt to the Polestar design of cabin with the minimalist approach and everything worked through the touchscreen. I’m still not convinced that steering wheel or door mirror adjustments are as easy done this way rather than by simple levers or switches. However, once set and stored, they are dealt with and the many other functions can be operated from the steering wheel or voice control.

Sunday

There are plenty of upscale EV SUVs vying for your company business nowadays. The Polestar 3 certainly warrants your attention as it performs both the luxury and sporting elements just as ably as it does the practical stuff. In Performance trim, it isn’t the cheapest to fund, but it is a hoot to drive or you can opt for more affordable versions of this sleek Scandi machine.