Polestar 3 updates give more of the good stuff

Following an update, Polestar 3 gets 350kW charging capability and adds a 500kW Performance model. There’s also a leap in onboard processing power.

Polestar has undertaken a major hardware overhaul of its top SUV, the Polestar 3. 

Read our review of the 2024 Polestar 3.

Polestar CEO Michael Lohscheller says it is effectively “an entirely new car”. The Polestar 3 gets changes that centre on a switch to an 800v electrical architecture, a major step up overall.

It means significantly improved DC charging speeds, a 10-80 per cent charge now taking 22 minutes. That’s 25 per cent less than before. It also delivers an efficiency improvement of up to 6 per cent on WLTP energy use tests. 

The update pairs with new CATL lithium-ion battery packs (92kWh for the single motor model, and 106kWh for Dual motor/Performance variants). In combination, these upgrades substantially improve the Polestar 3’s long-distance driving capability.

Upgraded Polestar 3 is faster

All versions of the 3 now feature a new permanent magnet synchronous rear motor that delivers more power. Paired with an updated front motor that automatically disconnects when appropriate, the Polestar 3 Performance evidently sprints to 100km/h in 3.9sec.

There’s also a greater rear-wheel drive bias which, along with updated antiroll bars and steering software, is said to provide a more engaging and direct driving experience.

Technology update

The Polestar 3 also receives a significant computing upgrade, with its onboard processing power boosted from 30 to 254 trillion operations per second (TOPS). That means faster and more intelligent management of active safety systems, battery performance, and sensor data. 

Polestar has also committed to offering this hardware upgrade as a complimentary retrofit to all existing Polestar 3 customers. Conversions will begin early next year.

New equipment

With the announcement of  these changes, Polestar has taken the opportunity to simplify the Model 3 line-up to Rear motor, Dual motor, and Performance variants. 

There’s also a revised equipment pack structure that should make customisation simpler. Figure on a new Climate pack (heated rear seats, steering wheel, and front wipers). And there’s also a revised Prime pack (bundling Pilot, Plus, and Climate packs with privacy glass).

Moreover, standard upholstery is upgraded to Bio-attributed MicroTech in Charcoal, while there’s a new Storm dark grey metallic paint option.