Polestar’s First Devoted EV Platform Delivers
Polestar has launched three fashions in America, with variants, starting with the corporate’s final gasoline engine propelled automobile, the restricted manufacturing elegant 2021 Polestar 1 plug-in hybrid. Subsequent was the environment friendly all-electric 2022 Polestar 2 Single Motor Rear Wheel Drive EV, adopted by the 2023 Polestar 2 Twin Motor EV Efficiency Plus with all-wheel drive. Then in 2024, got here the Polestar 2 with a bigger single electrical motor after which firm’s first SUV, the midsize 2025 Polestar 3 Twin Motor AWD. Now, right here, we’re reviewing the rear-wheel drive 2025 Polestar 3 Single Motor.
Easy naming apart, all Polestar fashions provide extremely developed electrical expertise and efficiency. The 2025 Polestar 3 Single Motor is above common in every little thing that counts—dealing with, energy supply, experience effectivity and practicality.
What’s Polestar?
Polestar and Volvo had been acquired by Geeley, a significant Chinese language vehicle firm, in 2010. Polestar was based in 1995 for the aim of performance-tuning Volvos. Volvo introduced them in-house in 2015 when Polestar badging appeared on Volvos, designating efficiency was awaiting the driving force. A number of years later Polestar turned its personal stand-alone automobile firm, rapidly turning into an EV-only model.
So what’s a Polestar 3? Polestar says it’s an “SUV that drives like a sports activities automobile.” What we discovered was this all-electric five-passenger midsize SUV with eye-catching seems to be was comfy and satisfying to drive, delivering a sense early-on that it was going to be good week.
Energy and Vary
The 2025 Polestar 3 is available in three variants: Lengthy Vary Twin Motor, Lengthy Vary Twin Motor Efficiency and the Lengthy Vary Single Motor, which Clear Fleet Report drove. The 220 kW single motor drives the rear wheels with 299 horsepower and 361 pound-feet of torque. In a couple of 0-60 mph runs we averaged a decent 7.5 seconds, which felt fast and merged us onto the freeway with a whoosh. For comparability, the Polestar 3 Twin Motor is rated at 4.8 seconds whereas the Polestar 3 Twin Motor Efficiency takes about 4.5 seconds.
The EPA charges the Polestar 3 Lengthy Vary Single Motor at 350 all-electric miles (AER) with an effectivity of 35 kWh per 100 miles. We took supply with 300 AER, however after 259 miles of mixture freeway and freeway driving, we had solely 70 miles left on the sprint read-out. Within the 486 whole miles we drove throughout our week we averaged 33.5 kWh per 100 miles. One other means to have a look at the effectivity for this automobile is 3.5 miles per kWh of battery. We take into account 3.5 miles per kWh to be very environment friendly contemplating we spent a few of our time at 70+ mph, which an EV’s battery doesn’t like.
Battery and Charging
When slowing or stopping, regenerative braking converts kinetic vitality into electrical vitality and shops it within the battery. The extent of regeneration will be set on the touchscreen, opting between Gentle, Customary and Agency. We chosen the latter together with the Customary setting for One Pedal Driving with the Creep Mode turned off. I just like the regen to be sturdy, and regardless that the Agency mode was not as sturdy as I prefer it. The mixture resulted in predictable recharge really feel and a enjoyable method to drive with restricted contact of the brake pedal.
The 111 kWh, liquid cooled lithium-ion battery is charged by way of an 11.0 kW onboard charger. These are the estimated charging occasions.
- 240V (Degree 2) 0-100% in 11 hours
- 480V DC Quick Charging 10-80% in half-hour (at 250 kW)
Out on the Highway
Practically 500 miles behind the wheel offered a real really feel for the Polestar 3. One thing completely different is not any begin button, because the Polestar 3 turns itself on when coming into when the secret’s within the cabin. All you do is press the brake pedal, choose the gear on the appropriate aspect steering wheel stalk and off you go. The seats are comfy for lengthy journeys and maintain the driving force tight when cornering. The digital energy steering, with three modes (normal, agency and lightweight) is agile and has sufficient welcomed energy to deal with the 5,445-pound SUV.
The automobile had clean and even energy, with a fast throttle response. The efficiency was precisely what the Polestar 3 has been designed to do—be an environment friendly midsize SUV that gives room for 4 and their gear on a weekender or longer street journey. Or, lay down the 60:40 rear seat and the cargo house goes from 40 inches to a really useable 74 inches.
The suspension makes use of BWI passive dampers and coil springs designed to enhance experience, dealing with and luxury. Traction management and staggered 21-inch wheels ($1,200 possibility) shod with Michelin Primacy Tour all-season 265/45 on the fronts and 295/40 on the rears had been a great mixture for experience consolation, low noise and cornering grip. The turning radius was a tidy 38.8 ft.
Polestar continues to name on its heritage as a efficiency model with a passive suspension stiff sufficient to regulate physique roll round corners, however not so stiff to forestall a cushty experience. Polestar discovered a contented medium of steadiness between the 2.
A small tenting or bicycle trailer will be towed if underneath 2,000 kilos. There may be even a trick optionally available retractable semi-electric tow bar hitch that, with the push of button, drops from underneath the rear bumper.
Exterior: Acquainted for an SUV, However With a Totally different Wing
The Polestar 3 entrance wing defines the design theme because it combines the weather and helps create a smooth silhouette. It balances the rear wing, sitting excessive atop the glass on the facility hands-free elevate gate, and drops the nostril to extend aerodynamics. You don’t see the entrance wing at first; it takes inspecting the hood to appreciate the way it will enhance downforce and be part of the low 0.29 coefficient of drag.
We respect the clear design that’s void of cladding, has minimal chrome accents and no design gimmicks. Nothing radical is occurring. The Polestar 3 has the reassuring feeling of a tasteful, sensible SUV that may change into a favourite as a day by day driver. My solely suggestion is to take the subsequent step from premium to luxurious—tuck the rear wiper underneath the spoiler.
The Polestar 3 has 5 exterior colours: Area (black), Thunder (mild grey), Magnesium (silver), Jupiter (bronze), and Midnight (metallic blue) and Snow (white) which is what we drove.
The pixel LED head lights have energetic excessive beam detection, automated leveling and nook illumination that flip the lights as much as 15 levels, at speeds to 25 mph. The LED lighting design continues within the flip indicators, tail and brake lights. When the brakes are utilized rapidly and laborious the brake lights will flash a warning sequence 4 occasions per second to alert any following drivers. The puddle lamps are a pleasant contact.
The Polestar 3, like all EVs, has a mandated audible warning system at low speeds. Utilizing three exterior audio system, the system generates distinctive sounds that alert pedestrians and cyclists to know there’s a two-ton automobile approaching. When you have ever been strolling in a parking zone or ready to cross a road, the distinctive sound coming for an electrical automobile is appreciated.
Inside: Scandinavian Minimalism
The seats are trimmed in certainly one of three choices.
- Customary is a vegan upholstery created from renewable vinyl and recycled polyester textile.
- Elective is animal-welfare licensed yarn upholstery, a totally traceable cloth, which means each step of the material’s manufacturing course of is tracked, from the uncooked supplies to the ultimate product.
- Elective is Nappa leather-based, in Zinc (mild grey), Charcoal and Jupiter (bronze). It’s animal-welfare traced and adheres to the ASPCA’s 5 Freedoms. Word: This final upholstery comes at a $1,100 extra price.
Entrance passengers get energy changes, together with lumbar, and heated seats. The rear outbound passengers additionally get warmth with particular person controls.
Entry was good by way of with the entrance (mushy closing) and wide-opening rear doorways, however the tallest entrance occupants have to duck only a bit because of the raked windshield design. The rear seat comfortably accommodates two adults and has a ski pass-through. With out an engine up entrance there’s a 1.1 cubic foot entrance trunk (frunk) for stashing small objects, such because the charging cable.
There are three screens to occupy and inform the driving force. The graphical head-up show tasks onto the windshield, and the 9-inch driver show is configurable with automobile and street situation info. The vast, floating heart console intersects the low slung sprint on the 14.5-inch coloration LCD touchscreen that has LCF (Gentle Management Movie), which is an anti-reflective, easy-to-clean coating.
This display screen is the place the guts of the Polestar 3 lives: the Google Android Automotive working system with navigation, apps and Google Assistant. Please be aware that is not Android Auto. What it does do is permit the driving force to function many features by way of voice instructions, which is an effective factor since, apart from the few controls on the steering wheel, there are not any buttons or knobs on the sprint. The clear Scandinavian design theme thrives within the cockpit.
Our Polestar 3 got here with the Plus Pack that included the 25-speaker, 1,610-watt Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system that features Dolby Atmos, 3D encompass, entrance seat headrest audio system and energetic street noise cancellation. This simply turns into the most effective audio system you’ll personal so don’t really feel dangerous sitting within the driveway engulfed within the deep wealthy tones of your favourite artists.
SiriusXM and FM HD radio are included together with native apps of Vivaldi browser, Tidal and Spotify for streaming by way of Bluetooth and the 5G community. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and wi-fi telephone charging are normal.
Polestar ceaselessly sends out over-the-air updates (OTA) to improve or add software program that may have an effect on automobile techniques akin to touchscreen interplay, driving vary, efficiency and regenerative braking. The OTAs makes it so the Polestar 3 doesn’t have to be taken to a vendor for enhancements to options, security and efficiency.
Comfort options embrace Polestar Join (in case of an emergency, it supplies a stay consultant who will be reached by urgent a button), a 360-degree digital camera, rain sensing windshield wipers, alarm, keyless entry, digital key, Homelink, 4 USB-C ports, heated wiper nozzles, heated steering wheel, cabin air filtration, adjustable inside illumination, three zone local weather management, ambient lighting, and a panoramic glass roof. The glass roof, whereas tinted, nonetheless permits in a substantial quantity of sunshine and heat, so a shade could be a pleasant addition.
Security
The 2025 Polestar 3 has not been security rated by the NHTSA or the IIHS. Superior driver help techniques (ADAS), a few of which are available packages, embrace a number of airbags, ABS braking, Pilot Help and adaptive cruise management, blind spot warning with steering wheel help, cross visitors alert, high and low pace collision mitigation with automated braking. Plus many extra.
The rear collision warning senses a quick approaching automobile from behind, and flashes the brake lights quickly and tightens the seatbelt rigidity. Submit-collision automated braking locks the brakes so the automobile comes to an entire cease.
Pricing
The 2025 Polestar 3 Single Motor we drove had a base worth of $73,000. Add in $1,300 in choices and the $1,400 vacation spot price, the whole got here to $76,700.
It’s unknown, on the time this story was written (June 2025) if the federal tax incentives will probably be prolonged by Congress and the Trump administration. Particular person states and native electrical utilities might have buy incentive applications that may not be affected by any federal actions. Communicate together with your vendor and CPA to see if there are any out there federal or state tax credit that might scale back the value you pay. The Polestar 3 may additionally qualify for an HOV sticker in some states, which permits solely the driving force to make use of the carpool lanes.
Tariffs are an actual factor for the Polestar 3 as it’s really a world automobile, with elements from a number of international locations: US/Canada 20%; China 46%; Mexico 25%; the engine and transmission are from Sweden and the ultimate meeting is in Ridgeville, South Carolina. Whew!
Guarantee
- Primary – 4 years/50,000 miles
- Battery – Eight years/100,000 miles
- Motors – Eight years/100,000 miles
- Roadside Help – 4 years/Limitless miles
- Corrosion Safety – 12 years/Limitless miles
- Scheduled Upkeep – Three years/30,000 miles
Observations: 2025 Polestar 3 Single Motor
Electrical automobiles and SUVs are getting extra subtle and stay my favourite driving expertise. EVs provide efficiency, effectivity and, oh yeah, don’t overlook the torque that few gasoline engines can match.
The ability supply, clean freeway experience and above-average dealing with are all one thing to treasure, whereas by no means forgetting an EV just like the 2025 Polestar 3 can be environment friendly and sensible. The cargo space is massive sufficient to deal with all of the gear for 2 on an extended street journey. Charging will take minutes earlier than you might be off once more. The Polestar 3 Single Motor is constructed and designed to fulfill the driving wants of quite a lot of existence.
When on the lookout for a premium all-electric SUV, the 2025 Polestar 3 ought to be in your buying checklist. In case you don’t want the loopy energy and efficiency of the Polestar 3 Efficiency trims or all-wheel drive, the value with all of the options and security techniques make the Polestar 3 Single Motor a logical consideration.
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Story and images by John Faulkner.
Disclosure
Clear Fleet Report is loaned free check automobiles from automakers to guage, sometimes for per week at a time. Our street exams are based mostly on this one-week drive of a brand new automobile. Due to this we don’t tackle points akin to long-term reliability or whole value of possession. As well as, we are sometimes invited to producer occasions highlighting new automobiles or expertise. As a part of these occasions we could also be supplied free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our greatest to current our unvarnished evaluations of automobiles and information irrespective of those inducements.
Our focus is on automobiles that provide the most effective gasoline economic system of their class, which leads us to emphasise electrical automobiles, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and different environment friendly powertrains. We additionally characteristic these environment friendly gas-powered automobiles which might be among the many high mpg automobiles of their class. As well as, we goal to supply evaluations and information on superior expertise and the choice gasoline automobile market. We welcome any suggestions from automobile house owners and are devoted to offering a discussion board for different viewpoints. Please tell us your views at writer@ cleanfleetreport.com.
The submit Highway Check: 2025 Polestar 3 Single Motor first appeared on Clear Fleet Report.
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