Gridly
Overview
The Polestar 3 is the brand’s first SUV - a large electric vehicle on the platform shared with the Volvo EX90. It brings Polestar’s design language and material philosophy to the family SUV segment: the interior uses sustainable Nordico materials (made from recycled PET bottles, cork, and Mycelium), and the exterior reflects the flat, horizontal lighting elements that define the brand’s identity.
The Long Range Single Motor uses a 111 kWh battery with a single rear motor producing 235 kW. At 706 km WLTP (per the vehicle data), the Polestar 3 SM delivers the longest range in Polestar’s Australian lineup and one of the stronger results in the premium SUV category broadly.
The Polestar 3 shares its underpinnings with the Volvo EX90, inheriting that vehicle’s passive safety architecture and ADAS capability. For buyers who want a premium EV SUV that is genuinely distinctive from the German alternatives while maintaining European engineering standards, the 3 SM occupies a coherent position.
Pricing & Variants
| Variant | Battery | WLTP Range | Drive | Towing | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Long Range SM | 111 kWh | ~706 km | RWD | 2,000 kg | ~$127,782 |
| 3 Long Range AWD | 111 kWh | ~620 km | AWD | 2,000 kg | ~$140,000+ |
Performance
Single rear motor: 235 kW. 0-100 km/h: approximately 7.8 seconds. Top speed: 210 km/h. The single motor configuration prioritises efficiency and range over acceleration; the Long Range AWD variant with dual motors offers significantly quicker acceleration for buyers who require it.
The RWD layout and large battery give the Polestar 3 SM a balanced, composed character - the suspension tuning reflects Polestar’s performance heritage without compromising ride comfort for everyday use.
Range and Charging
WLTP range: 706 km (from vehicle data). Real-world highway range at 110 km/h: approximately 570–610 km. Urban and mixed driving: 620–660 km. The large 111 kWh battery provides genuine long-distance confidence - Sydney to Melbourne is achievable with one charge stop.
DC fast charging: 200 kW peak (per vehicle data). 10–80%: approximately 35–38 minutes. AC: 11 kW three-phase. Full charge on 11 kW AC: approximately 11 hours.
Running cost at $0.30/kWh: (111 / 706) × 100 × 0.30 = $4.72/100 km.
Interior and Technology
The Polestar 3’s cabin is built around horizontal surfaces and minimalist design - similar philosophical DNA to the Polestar 2 but scaled to large SUV proportions. Nordico sustainable fabric is available for the seats and door trims; the material quality is genuinely premium at the price point.
A 14.5-inch Google Automotive infotainment screen and a 9-inch driver display replace conventional instrument clusters. Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Play Store are native. Over-the-air updates are supported. Panoramic fixed glass roof is standard.
Premium Bowers & Wilkins audio is available. Head-up display standard. Pilot Assist adaptive cruise and lane centring standard.
Practicality
Five seats. Boot: approximately 484 L. Frunk available. Towing capacity: 2,000 kg braked - among the highest towing ratings in the premium EV SUV segment, suitable for caravans and boat trailers.
No V2L or V2H capability. The panoramic roof does not open.
Safety
Five-star Euro NCAP (anticipated, based on Volvo EX90 platform). Standard ADAS: Pilot Assist, City Safety with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Information, Run-off Road Protection, and Oncoming Lane Mitigation. The EX90 platform has been designed with redundant braking and steering systems for Level 3 autonomy readiness.
Running Costs and Ownership
Running cost: approximately $4.72/100 km at $0.30/kWh. Warranty: 5 years / unlimited km (per vehicle data). Polestar’s service network operates via Volvo dealer partners in Australia - metropolitan coverage is comprehensive; regional areas are less well served. Over-the-air updates support ongoing software improvement.
Verdict
The Polestar 3 SM is for premium EV SUV buyers who prioritise Scandinavian design identity, sustainable materials, and long-range capability. At over $127,000, it positions against the BMW iX and Audi Q8 e-tron rather than the Korean mainstream. The 706 km WLTP range and 2,000 kg towing capacity are genuine differentiators at this price. The absence of V2L and the developing service network are the practical concessions to acknowledge before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Polestar 3 SM compare to the Kia EV9?
The Kia EV9 (~$105,000) offers seven seats, V2L, and Kia’s 7-year unlimited warranty at a lower price. The Polestar 3 offers a more premium interior, greater WLTP range, and the Scandinavian design positioning. The EV9 wins on practicality and warranty; the Polestar 3 wins on refinement and range.
Can the Polestar 3 tow a full-size caravan?
Yes. The 2,000 kg braked towing capacity is sufficient for most Australian caravans. EV range when towing will be reduced by 35–45%, so route planning around charging infrastructure is required for caravanning journeys.
What makes the Nordico interior material special?
Nordico is a Polestar-developed material made from recycled PET bottles, cork from wine stoppers, and bio-attributed materials. It replaces leather while providing a premium texture and finish. Polestar offers it as part of their commitment to reducing animal-derived materials in their vehicles.
