Updated Polestar 3 gets faster charging and boosted power
On sale Early 2026 Price from £69,990
The new year ushers in a fresh start for everyone, and it’s no different for the Polestar 3. The Swedish firm’s electric SUV has undergone a hefty update to improve its charging speeds, power output and software as it enters the 2026 model year.
Indeed, the Polestar 3 now benefits from 800-volt architecture, which means its maximum charging speed has increased from 250kW to 350kW (310kW in entry-level models). As a result, a 10-80% charge should take just 22 minutes – rather than the half hour of outgoing models.
Two new batteries also feature: a 92kWh (total capacity) unit for the rear-wheel-drive model and a larger 106kWh unit for the four-wheel-drive and Performance models. The new batteries are smaller than what was previously available in the Polestar 3. As a result, the entry-level model now has a smaller official range of 375 miles (compared with 438 miles previously). However, the dual-motor and Performance models can now officially travel 394 miles and 368 miles respectively, thanks to improved efficiency from the 800-volt architecture.
Also new is an improved power output for the rear electric motor. In the single-motor variant, it pumps out 329bhp – up 34bhp on the previous version. Power in the dual-motor variant has improved to 536bhp, while the Performance variant has an impressively punchy output of 670bhp, allowing it to complete a 0-62mph sprint in just 3.9sec – just marginally slower than the BMW iX M70 xDrive.
The Polestar 3’s software is now underpinned by a more powerful computer processor, which allows the car to complete more than eight times as many operations in a second. In layman’s terms, the Polestar 3’s safety systems should act even faster than before, and battery performance should be managed more efficiently.
Existing customers of the Polestar 3 will be able to have this new computer processor retrofitted from the start of next year for free.
The newly upgraded Polestar 3 will arrive early next year. Prices will start at £69,990 for the entry-level rear-motor variant, jumping to £77,990 for the dual-motor variant and £91,990 for the Performance variant. That’s a marginal increase on the outgoing model, but it’s still cheaper to buy an entry-level Polestar 3 than equivalent versions of the BMW iX and Mercedes EQE.
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here
