Quick Highlights:
- Impressive Performance: The 2026 Polestar 3 Performance hits 60 mph in under four seconds. With 671 hp and 642 lb-ft of torque, it feels like a sports car wrapped in an SUV body.
- Faster Charging: The new 800V system lets you charge much quicker. Dual-motor models can charge at up to 350 kW, while the Rear Motor tops out at 320 kW, taking about 22 minutes to reach 80%.
- Smart and Practical: The updated electronics help the car run smoothly and make the driving experience feel effortless without complicated tech getting in the way.
- Good Range for Long Trips: The 3’s battery allows for solid driving distances. The Rear Motor model can go up to 375 miles, Dual Motor up to 394 miles, and Performance up to 368 miles, so long drives don’t require constant charging stops.
The 2026 Polestar 3 is a big step forward for the Swedish luxury EV SUV. While the 2025 model introduced the name, the 2026 version brings a completely new 800-volt electrical system, replacing the old 400V setup. Thanks to this, the car can now charge at peak rates of 350 kW (dual-motor trims) and 320 kW for Rear Motor, taking just 22 minutes to go from 10 to 80%. That’s about a 25% faster top-up than before, and the standard 11-kW onboard charger still handles home charging with ease.
Battery technology has also seen an upgrade. Polestar now uses lithium-ion packs from CATL, with 92 kWh for Rear Motor models and 106 kWh for Dual Motor and Performance trims. These new batteries make the SUV more efficient—up to 6% better—and offer trim-specific estimated ranges: Rear Motor 375 miles, Dual Motor 394 miles, Performance 368 miles WLTP.
More Power Across the Lineup
All trims have increased power through a new in-house designed permanent magnet synchronous rear motor, which is combined with an asynchronous front motor on AWD models. The 2026 models will have three trims:
- Rear Motor: 329 hp (245 kW / 333 PS), 354 lb-ft torque (480 Nm), 0–60 mph in 6.3 seconds, top speed 130 mph.
- Dual Motor: 536 hp (400 kW / 544 PS), 546 lb-ft torque (740 Nm), 0–60 mph in 4.5 seconds, top speed 140 mph.
- Performance: 671 hp (500 kW / 671 PS), 642 lb-ft torque (870 Nm), 0–60 mph in 3.8 seconds (3.9 seconds in real-world tests), top speed 140 mph.
AWD variants can automatically disconnect the front motor when not required, improving efficiency and range. Updated anti-roll bars and rear-biased steering make the SUV sharper and more engaging to drive. Active air suspension is standard on Performance and optional on Dual Motor trims.
Smart, Fast and More Interconnected
The 2026 Polestar 3 is not only more powerful, it is smarter than ever before. It now operates on the Drive AGX Orin processor, capable of 254 trillion operations per second, eight times faster than the previous system. This upgrade enables active safety features to react faster, battery operations to be more precise, and all sensors to cooperate seamlessly, providing a more relaxed and confident feeling on the road.
Polestar ensures that existing customers are not left behind. This new processor will be available as a complimentary retrofit for all 2025 Polestar 3 owners starting early 2026, allowing them to experience the same smarter, faster, and more connected technology as the 2026 models.
Interior and Design Updates
Inside, the Polestar 3 features Bio-attributed MicroTech trim in Charcoal with repurposed aluminum accents. Seatbelts denote trim level: plain black for Rear Motor, black with gold stripe for Dual Motor, and full Swedish gold for Performance. A new exterior color, Storm (dark grey metallic), replaces the outgoing Thunder shade.
Optional packages include:
- Climate Pack (£700): Heated rear seats, steering wheel, and wiper blades.
- Plus Pack (£4,600): Bowers & Wilkins audio upgrade, head-up display, soft-close doors.
- Pilot Pack (£2,300): Lane change assist and 360-degree camera.
- Prime Pack (£6,500): Combines all packs with rear privacy glass; standard on Performance.
Other extras include 1.3-megapixel HD LED headlights (£1,600), fully electric tow bar (£1,200), and 22-inch sport wheels (£2,000).
Verdict
The 2026 Polestar 3 is a complete upgrade—faster, smarter, more powerful, and more efficient. With trim-specific improved range, lightning-fast 800V charging, refined driving dynamics, active air suspension, and high-tech computing, it firmly establishes itself as one of the most compelling luxury EV SUVs on the market.
Note: US-specific details and pricing will be announced later; these specifications reflect European WLTP standards.
Source: Polestar
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