I drove the Polestar 3 for a week, and its beauty-meets-tech approach makes this EV stand out
The EV market is brutal with established auto brands with decades of experience under their belt competing against newcomers. One of those new players in the space is Swedish based EV maker Polestar, which has been exclusively selling electric vehicles.
I drove the 2025 Polestar 3 for a week, which is a striking mid-size luxury crossover SUV that’s big on design and thoughtful features. Despite the tepid sentiments I had after testing the Polestar 2 last year, I feel differently this time as the Polestar 3 ended up impressing me in more ways than one.
When it comes to what EVs should look like and offer, the Polestar 3 undoubtedly has everything I’d want for a best electric car contender — but it does come at a price. The exact trim I tested comes out to about $91,800, though there’s an $18,000 off “Polestar Clean Vehicle Incentive” that brings the cost to $73,800.
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2025 Polestar 5: Specifications
| Row 0 – Cell 0 |
2025 Polestar 5 Long range Single motor |
2025 Polestar 5 Long range Dual motor with Performance pack |
|
Battery |
111 kWh |
111 kWh |
|
Motor |
One 220 kW permanent magnetic motor Liquid cooling (RWD) |
Two 180 kW permanent magnetic motors Liquid cooling (AWD) |
|
0 to 60 mph |
7.5 seconds |
4.5 seconds |
|
Range |
350 miles |
279 miles |
|
Horsepower |
299 hp |
489 hp |
|
Wheels |
20-inches |
22-inches |
|
MSRP |
$67,500 |
$79,400 |
|
Price Tested |
N/A |
$91,800 |
2025 Polestar 5: Testing summary
After driving 229.7 miles with the 2025 Polestar 3 in the Long Range Dual Motor trim with Pilot, Plus, and Performance packs added on, it averaged an efficiency of 3.13 mi/kWh. That’s right about average for a mid-size crossover SUV; the 2026 Subaru Solterra really sets the bar with its class-leading 4.2 mi/kWh efficiency, as it trades power for mileage.
However, the Polestar 3 has a much more powerful 489 hp performance that’s way more responsive and zippy. The Chevrolet Blazer EV SS is a better matchup against the Polestar 3, as it also offers a sportier driving performance, but the Polestar is still slightly more efficient.
When it comes to Level 1 charging, it’s sluggish compared to most things I’ve tested. I averaged a rate of 1.73 mi/hr charging it overnight on a standard 120V outlet. Both the Blazer EV and Subaru Solterra offer faster speeds, but you should know the Polestar 3’s result is skewed because it rounds up its mileage instead of giving me exact numbers. Either way, I would suggest installing a Level 2 charger to ensure it’s fully charged overnight.
| Row 0 – Cell 0 |
2025 Polestar 5 Long range Dual motor with Performance pack |
2026 Subaru Solterra Touring XT |
2025 Chevrolet Blazer SS |
2025 Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra |
|
Price tested |
$91,800 |
$45,555 |
$64,675 |
$48,395 |
|
Total miles driven |
229.7 miles |
373.7 miles |
547.2 miles |
142.7 miles |
|
Average Efficiency |
3.13 mi/kWh |
4.2 mi/kWh |
3 mi/kWh |
3.4 mi/kWh |
|
Best long distance driving efficiency |
2.94 mi/kWh |
4.5 mi/kWh |
3.5 mi/kWh |
3.3 mi/kWh |
|
Best short distance driving efficiency |
2.75 mi/kWh |
6.1 mi/kWh |
3.9 mi/kWh |
3.8 mi/kWh |
|
Level 1 charging rate |
1.73 mi/hr* |
3.82 mi/hr |
2.78 mi/hr |
3.66 mi/hr |
2025 Polestar 5: What I Like
Scandinavian minimalism
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I cannot tell you enough about how I love the design of the Polestar 3, which blends a low, sporty stance with futuristic aesthetics that makes it stand out on the road. It’s a unique blend that gives Polestar its identity over other vehicles on the road — much like how Tesla and Rivian EVs are instantly distinguishable.
What’s even just as good is the minimalist style of the interior, complete with a sprawling panoramic glass roof and massive 14.5-inch vertical main display. The Scandinavian minimalism is highlighted by the breathable seats and vast legroom for both the front and rear passengers.
Just like the Volvo EX30, this attention to minimalism is what makes the Polestar 3 design so impressive.
Frameless side mirrors
Frameless side mirrors are another specific aesthetic feature frequently found in Polestar EVs, and they certainly continue to make a statement here. At first, it looks almost weird to see a frameless side mirror, but it’s made better by how bright and visible the light indicators get. This is a safety component that ensures that I know there’s a vehicle in my blind spot.
Intelligent headlights
In true futuristic fashion, the 2025 Polestar 3 offers intelligent lighting thanks to the LED headlights with Active High Beam. Not only do the high beams automatically kick on when the vehicle senses it’s clear, but small touches like the breathing animation of the lights show attention to detail. If that’s not enough, the headlights will also move in the same directions as where I’m steering — much like the dynamic headlights on the Ford F-150 Lightning.
Drives confidently with Pilot Assist
Polestar’s Pilot Assist makes driving on the highway a breeze because it adapts to the ongoing road conditions with its Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). Not only does it maintain my speed by braking and accelerating on its own, but it also manages to react reasonably whenever cars enter or leave my lane. Plus, it’s nice seeing those cars detected by the Polestar 3 directly on the driver’s display.
Stunning sound system
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With its hefty sticker price, it’s nice knowing that Polestar doesn’t skimp out with the sound system. In fact, it features Bowers & Wilkins premium audio that bathes the entire interior with a surround sound experience — much like other sound systems on the Rivian R1T and Mini Cooper Countryman EV.
It supports Dolby Atmos for spatial audio, which, when combined with the 25mm Double-Dome Nautilus tweeter on the dashboard, delivers outstanding audio throughout the interior. It also helps that the sound proofing is exceptional, so none of the distracting noise while driving on the highway interferes with your music.
Extra premium features
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Since you’re paying a significant amount for this exact trim, it’s accompanied by a lot of extra premium features. I’ve already mentioned Pilot Assist, but it also offers a key card system for entry and startup, head-up display for better navigation, sharp 360-degree cameras that help with parking assistance, subtle interior ambient lights, and native Google Maps.
2025 Polestar 5: What I Don’t Like
No roof cover
As much as I love glass roofs, it’s always annoying whenever there’s no cover for them. Even though it’s not much of a problem now it’s cooler out, it can certainly be a nagging issue during the height of the summer when the sun’s relentless. There’s no shade whatsoever, which also is a safety issue.
No way to adjust distance control
Another weird quirk I have about the 2025 Polestar 3 is that there’s no way to adjust the distance control with its adaptive cruise control. Other EVs usually offer three levels: near, far, and farther. Unfortunately there’s none of that whatsoever, so I’m just left to the Polestar 3’s radar detection system to keep a safe distance.
It is a bit pricey
If you’re serious about buying the 2025 Polestar 3, you better hurry because the $18,000 off Polestar Clean Vehicle Incentive lasts until January 2, 2026. Once it’s over, you’re looking at roughly $91,800 to pay for this exact trim I drove for a week — versus the $73,800 cost right now.
You could pay about the same price for a Rivian R1S base trim, which is a way bigger SUV that offers 3-row seating. Additionally, there’s also the BMW ix xDrive45 that costs just about the same and offers a much sportier drive with premium features.
2025 Polestar 5: Bottom Line
Few EVs manage to command attention on the road for their designs, but the 2025 Polestar 3’s futuristic-meets-minimalist design language says a lot about how electric cars should stand out. Looks aside, it’s rich in all of the premium features that makes owning a pricey vehicle so satisfying.
However, it’s not without its compromises — like its shorter range and average efficiency. I would certainly recommend it at its discounted rate right now, but it makes for a tougher argument without the incentive.
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