The 2025 Polestar 3 has arrived to shake up the luxury electric SUV market. Positioned as a direct rival to the iconic Porsche Cayenne, this vehicle promises to deliver sports car performance, minimalist Scandinavian design, and cutting-edge technology, all at a more accessible price. But does it really live up to all the promises? Our detailed analysis explores the strengths and weaknesses of the Polestar 3, uncovering whether it is the electric SUV you’ve been waiting for.
The Sporty Soul of the Polestar 3
The heart of the 2025 Polestar 3 lies in its electrifying performance. The numbers speak for themselves: 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds in the tested Performance version. This impressive mark puts it on par with the Porsche Cayenne S Coupe, a remarkable feat considering that the Polestar 3 is an electric SUV and, theoretically, heavier. The original article highlights that Polestar has always aimed at the Cayenne as a dynamic benchmark, and tests confirm that the Swedish brand has come very close, or even surpassed, its goal.
This breathtaking performance is the result of a powerful mechanical setup, delivering 510 hp and a massive torque of 671 lb-ft in the Performance version. This brute force translates into vigorous accelerations and instantaneous speed recoveries, providing an exhilarating driving experience. In addition to acceleration, the Polestar 3 also excels in braking. With a stopping distance of 70-0 mph in 152 feet, it demonstrates braking power consistent with its sporty proposition. The adaptive suspension, equipped with adaptive dampers and dual-chamber air springs, plays a crucial role in balancing comfort and performance. It automatically adjusts to road conditions and driving style, ensuring both a smooth ride on long journeys and precise dynamic handling in curves.
Elevated Scandinavian Aesthetics
The design of the 2025 Polestar 3 is unmistakably Polestar, following the brand’s established visual language. The exterior, described as having a “tall-wagon vibe,” slightly deviates from the traditional SUV stereotype, presenting fluid lines and elegant proportions. Design elements characteristic of Polestar, such as the closed front grille and “Thor’s hammer” shaped headlights, ensure the brand’s visual identity. While it may not be an imposing SUV in the classic sense, the Polestar 3 conveys a sense of modernity and sophistication.
The interior of the 2025 Polestar 3 is a true delight for lovers of minimalist design. The cabin exudes luxury and refinement, using high-quality materials and interesting textures in various touchpoints. The clean instrument panel and central infotainment screen dominate the space, creating a technological and elegant atmosphere. The infotainment screen, considered the best iteration from Polestar so far, promises an intuitive and responsive user experience. The absence of excessive physical buttons reinforces the minimalist philosophy, but as we will see later, this design choice has its consequences in terms of ergonomics.
Questionable Ergonomics and Complex Controls
Not everything is perfect in the 2025 Polestar 3. One of the most criticized points in the original article is the complex and, in some cases, frustrating ergonomics. The driving experience, in certain aspects, requires a learning curve and adaptation, straying a bit from the intuitive familiarity that many drivers expect. The steering wheel, for example, has buttons that require “hovering” to reveal their functions on the digital dashboard. This solution, while visually clean, can be confusing and impractical during driving, requiring the driver to take their eyes off the road to identify commands.
Another critical point is the complexity of the controls, such as activating and deactivating the cruise control, which requires multiple actions and navigating through menus. This lack of direct and intuitive commands can lead to frustration, especially in everyday situations. The absence of individual switches for all windows on the driver’s door is another example of excessive economy in favor of minimalism, compromising practicality. The rear visibility, rated as “iffy,” is also a point to consider, especially during parking maneuvers and urban traffic. While the minimalist design is appealing, Polestar seems to have sacrificed some ergonomics in the name of aesthetics, which could be a concern for potential buyers who prioritize usability and practicality in their daily lives.
Competitive Pricing and Value
Despite ergonomic reservations, the 2025 Polestar 3 stands out for offering performance comparable to the Porsche Cayenne at a significantly more competitive price. This is one of the biggest advantages of the Swedish electric SUV. The price of the tested Launch Edition version, at $93,100, is considerably lower than that of a Mercedes EQE 500 SUV AMG, which, while surpassing the Polestar 3 in some aspects, costs $110,750. This price difference makes the Polestar 3 a much more attractive option for those seeking a high-performance electric SUV without spending a fortune.
The cost-benefit ratio of the 2025 Polestar 3 is a crucial point. It delivers sports car performance, elegant Scandinavian design, a luxurious interior, and advanced technology at a price that puts it in a more accessible market range than its direct competitors. For consumers who value performance and design, and who are willing to adapt to ergonomic peculiarities, the Polestar 3 represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a premium electric SUV with great value. The savings compared to rivals like the Porsche Cayenne and the Mercedes EQE 500 SUV can be a deciding factor for many buyers.
“Nannies Out the Wazoo”: Excess of Driving Assistants?
The original article briefly mentions the point “Nannies out the wazoo,” rated as “LOW,” suggesting that the Polestar 3 may have an excess of driving assistants. While driver assistance systems are becoming increasingly common and desirable, an overload of them can sometimes become intrusive and even interfere with the driving experience. The term “nannies” suggests overly assisted driving, where the vehicle makes too many decisions for the driver, potentially diminishing engagement and enjoyment of driving.
It is important to note that the original article does not specifically detail which driving assistants would be considered excessive in the Polestar 3. However, the mention of this point raises a pertinent question about the balance between safety and driving experience. While assistants like automatic emergency braking, blind spot alerts, and lane keeping assist are valuable for enhancing safety, more intrusive systems, such as overly aggressive adaptive cruise control or constant and unnecessary alerts, can become annoying and diminish the driver’s sense of control. Potential buyers should assess whether the quantity and calibration of the driving assistants in the Polestar 3 align with their preferences and driving style.
2025 Polestar 3 – An Electric SUV with a Strong Personality
The 2025 Polestar 3 establishes itself as an electric SUV with a distinctive personality. It undeniably stands out for its exceptional dynamic performance, rivaling renowned sports cars like the Porsche Cayenne. The minimalist Scandinavian design, both exterior and interior, is an attraction in itself, giving the vehicle an aura of modernity and sophistication. The competitive price, compared to its direct rivals, makes the Polestar 3 an even more interesting option for those seeking a luxury electric SUV with great value.
However, it is crucial to recognize the ergonomic peculiarities and the complexity of some controls. These points can be seen as challenges that require adaptation on the part of the driver. For some, the minimalist design and technological aesthetics may offset these issues, while for others, practicality and intuitive ergonomics may be higher priorities. The final recommendation is that potential buyers carefully evaluate these aspects, ideally taking a test drive to experience firsthand the ergonomics and controls of the 2025 Polestar 3. Despite the reservations, the 2025 Polestar 3 is undoubtedly an exciting and competitive option in the growing luxury electric SUV market, offering a unique combination of performance, design, and value.
