Polestar 3 test drive review 2024

Anthony Hibbs took a test drive of a Polestar 3 111kWh Dual Motor, Plus Pilot.

Anthony was contacted by the Polestar Space Manchester (Trafford Centre) within 1 hour of making his initial enquiry and took his test drive on 8th August 2024.

Please provide an OVERALL RATING for the Polestar 3

Rate the electric car on its exterior

What did you like/dislike like about the exterior?

I like the design of the Polestar 3, the sleek SUV styling looks very different and really stands out on the road. I particularly like the front of the car. EV designers really seem to be finding it difficult not having a grille as the main feature but Polestar have got this absolutely right, in my opinion. Another well-designed feature is the pop-out door handles. They present perfectly, fit the hand well and when flush, integrate really well. No puzzled passengers wondering how to get in with this car. The general design is a winner for me. The car does look big though!

Rate the electric car on its interior

What did you like/dislike like about the interior?

The attention to detail, build quality and varied textures set the Polestar brand apart from many of its plastique competitors. The seats multi-panelled trim adds to the feeling of quality, the dash and inserts look and feel good, even the mats have twin stitched binding.

Seats are comfortable and infinitely adjustable, the model I drove even had massage seats, great for long distance driving. Steering wheel was also well designed, not obstructing the view of displays and with adjuster pads for various functions instead of switches. Gone is the central gear selector of the Polestar 2 in favour of a short stalk with the park button on the end.

The central screen is huge and controls pretty much everything, although the voice activation of the sat nav, radio, climate, phone etc. is faultless. Centre consoles are definitely back despite EVs not really needing them. The one in this car is less intrusive than in the P2 and the armrest is perfect. Also, decent storage underneath it and two proper cup holders under a sliding panel make the console very practical.

I actually like the cockpit feel. The driving position is nice and high, visibility is excellent and this is a very comfortable, quiet car. The rear accommodation is cavernous, easily accommodating 3 adults in comfort.

Rate the electric car for its tech features

What did you like/dislike about the tech features?

I was warned that the software of this test car wasn’t the final iteration so I should expect “glitches”. In the hour I was in the car the only issue that was problematic were the indicators, which on most occasions failed to cancel automatically. The only other noticeable issue was lag when adjusting mirrors and drive settings.

The tech itself, as much as I used it, seemed fine. I really liked the Heads Up Display, I soon stopped looking down at the small one behind the steering wheel. Navigation was excellent, immediately correcting me when I took a wrong turn in central Manchester. The steering feel was perfect for me as was the regen which made for a much smoother, responsive drive than my Polestar 2.

Voice activation was excellent and Google built-in worked well. Lane assist was very gentle, as I like it, and proximity warnings in the mirrors were impressive. The car obviously has loads of other tech which my limited time did not allow me to fully experience but what I did was very good.

Rate the electric car for how it drives

What did you like/dislike like about how it drove?

Polestar have worked some magic with this car, it looks huge but feels like you’re driving a normal-sized vehicle. Steering balance is perfect. The rapid but smooth acceleration makes for a very responsive drive, I suspect even die hard petrolheads will enjoy the experience. Visibility is excellent, mirrors are the perfect size too.

All EVs are quiet but this is exceptionally so, particularly noticeable is the lack of road noise. The air suspension soaks up the potholes and dropped inspection covers which are now endemic on our roads. I found myself seeking out roads in poor condition just to appreciate how good this car is. The test car had huge 22″ inch wheels which maybe helped. The 360° camera really helped when parking, I easily reversed into a very tight parking space using it. All in all a comfortable, quiet yet engaging drive.