Premium Ride, Right from the Start
Polestar 3 makes a bold first impression with its smooth, composed ride. The adaptive air suspension glides over uneven roads, offering luxury-level comfort for driver and passengers alike. On a long-distance journey, its calm, quiet cabin and refined handling set the tone for a relaxing experience.
Driving Assistance: Capable, Yet Demanding
Pilot Assist brings confident lane-centering and adaptive cruise control, but the system’s sensitivity to driver behavior can be overwhelming. Even brief glances at the center screen may trigger warnings. While some features feel overly cautious, subtle lane-keeping assistance continues to operate in the background, adding gentle steering support when needed.
Range and Charging: Built for Distance
Equipped with a 107 kWh usable battery, Polestar 3 delivers around 275 miles of real-world highway range. The charging curve is impressive, holding speeds over 100 kW well into a 75% state of charge. Total DC fast charging time added up to just 10% of overall driving time—making it highly efficient for long trips.
Charging Costs: Reasonable for a Luxury EV
Fast charging during the road trip came out to roughly $0.14 per mile. That’s equivalent to fueling a 22 MPG gas vehicle at $3.08 per gallon. Public charging was convenient, though some stations offered smoother experiences than others. At-home charging would reduce the cost significantly.
Software Experience: Good, but Needs Work
Polestar 3’s in-car tech shows promise but isn’t without flaws. The integrated A Better Route Planner (ABRP) app proved useful for planning, but it occasionally vanished from the interface or froze during use. CarPlay integration also experienced sporadic audio issues. On the bright side, Polestar’s Journey Log app helped track energy use and driving stats in detail.
Verdict: A Confident Long-Distance Performer
Polestar 3 delivers a high-end, road-trip-ready EV experience. Its blend of long range, fast charging, and luxurious comfort makes it ideal for drivers who cover serious miles. With future software updates, this electric SUV could become one of the best touring vehicles on the road.
