The Polestar 3, in its Long Range Single Motor configuration, is a spacious, comfortable SUV with impressive battery capacity. However, after thousands of miles, it’s clear that the car’s insistence on overly complex technology sometimes undermines the driving experience. Despite the big battery eliminating range anxiety, ride quality could be improved, and the infotainment system demands patience rather than seamless interaction.
Initial Impressions: Familiarity Breeds Tolerance
The Polestar 3 isn’t a “hop-in-and-go” car. It requires time to learn its quirks, and its tech-heavy approach can be overwhelming at first. The biggest initial frustration was the key fob, which drains battery life faster than an old smartphone, forcing a switch to the Apple Wallet integration for reliable unlocking. This simple fix – adding the key to the phone – proved transformative, making the car unlock automatically upon approach.
Tech Updates and Lingering Issues
Polestar has addressed some key usability issues with a core processor update for all 3 owners. This added a sorely missed distance control feature to the adaptive cruise control, but the basic cruise control remains illogical. Other brands offer intuitive set, cancel, and resume functions, yet Polestar insists on burying these controls in the touchscreen menu or using poorly designed steering-wheel buttons.
Despite these flaws, the car’s infotainment system shines in certain areas. The Google-based navigation is superior to Apple CarPlay or standard Google Maps, accurately predicting arrival battery levels and planning charging stops. However, wireless CarPlay remains frustratingly glitchy, taking minutes to recognize a connected phone.
Comfort and Practicality: A Mixed Bag
The Polestar 3 excels in interior space, comfort, and boot capacity. However, the non-adaptive suspension on this entry-level model delivers a less-than-smooth ride. While the official range is 438 miles, real-world testing shows around 300 miles on a full charge. This is sufficient for a 230-mile round trip without excessive speed restrictions or climate control compromises.
Efficiency and Real-World Range
Average efficiency is 3.1 miles per kWh, roughly three-quarters of the official figure. This translates to around 300 miles of usable range, which aligns with experience across petrol, diesel, and electric vehicles where official figures often exceed real-world performance.
Polestar 2: A Brief Interlude
While awaiting processor updates, a Polestar 2 was tested as a temporary replacement. The upgrade process for the 3 includes retrofitting existing models with a faster processor to accommodate future over-the-air updates, as well as new features like auto-folding mirrors.
Long-Term Ownership: The Verdict
The Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor is a capable electric SUV. Despite its tech-driven complexities, the car offers ample space, comfort, and a realistic range of around 300 miles. The biggest improvements would be simplifying the infotainment system and refining the ride quality.
The Polestar 3 requires patience to fully unlock its potential, but the combination of spaciousness, modern tech (when it works), and long-range capability makes it a competitive option in the electric SUV market.
