Words: Andrew Sluys
Published 14 July 2026
Polestar New Zealand has announced the arrival of the updated 3, which lands with improved hardware and better performance.
Priced from $149,900 for the Rear motor variant, the range also consists of the Dual motor model at $159,900, and the Performance at $174,900.
Arguably the biggest change for the Polestar 3 is the new 800-volt architecture that it uses. It’s now rated to a maximum DC charging speed of 350kW, which will replenish from 10 to 80 per cent in around 22 minutes.
This update also brings with it more power to the Performance variant, which now packs a hefty 500kW and 870Nm.This allows the SUV to hit 100km/h from a standing start in 3.9-seconds.
Adding to this performance is a revised chassis tune featuring updated suspension and anti-roll bars at the front.
There’s also a new permanent magnet synchronous motor on the rear axle, which reportedly improves electric driving range.
Speaking of range, the Dual motor variant is able to cover up to 647km (WLTP) off a single charge.
Processing power in the Polestar 3 is now handled by the NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin, which replaces the old Xavier unit.
This means the SUV can process functions eight times faster, or at 254 trillion operations per second.
Options offered on the Polestar 3 include an electrochromic glass roof, HD LED headlights, active air suspension, a towbar, and a choice of interior and exterior finishes.
Bruce Fowler, Brand Manager for Polestar New Zealand, says: “The upgraded Polestar 3 is a major step
forward for our brand in New Zealand. It combines the design, performance and technology expected of a flagship SUV with meaningful improvements in charging speed, computing power, and day-to-day usability. For customers seeking a premium electric SUV without compromise, Polestar 3 sets a new
benchmark.”
Orders are now open for this new SUV, with deliveries expected to start from mid-August.
