As a disgruntled Tesla owner, I’m always searching for my next upgrade. This is particularly true when I hear that a car may be a proper “performance” EV. Being familiar with Polestar’s history as the performance arm of Volvo, I’ve been intrigued by the company’s first SUV, the Polestar 3. Now that I’ve driven both the single-motor and dual-motor Polestar 3, I can tell you they are both lots of fun to drive, but they are very different vehicles. So let’s figure out which one is right for you!
The Polestar 3 Overview
If Polestar sounds familiar to you but you’re not sure why, that’s because it was Volvo’s performance arm. Then Volvo purchased the company outright, making it an EV-only brand emphasizing design and technology. The first vehicle was the Polestar 1 in 2017, which was limited to 1500 units.
If you’re wondering if it looks that sick in person, why yes, yes, it does. Then came the Polestar 2, a sedan. I drove it and liked it, but it didn’t blow my socks off. See my video review here. Now there’s the Polestar 3, the company’s first SUV.
The Dual Motor Polestar 3
Speaking of blowing my socks off, check out my Polestar 3 video review here:
If you’ve ever wondered if an EV SUV can be a fun, driver-engaged, thrilling vehicle, here’s your proof. Wow, I honestly would never kick this car out of my driveway.
The only thing I don’t love about the dual motor Polestar 3 is the price. The dual motor comes in two variants: the Long Range ($73,400 MSRP) and the Performance Pack ($79,400 MSRP). At almost $80,000, it borders on Porsche territory. Is it worth it? I’m afraid it is, guys. But wait. There’s good news coming.
The Single Motor Polestar 3
As luck would have it, just after I drove the dual-motor Polestar 3, they released a single-motor option. The cynic in me drove to the event in my stupid Tesla, thinking, “Who wants less motor? Not me!” But I may have been very wrong. The single motor has less power (299 hp vs. 517 hp and 362 ft-lb of torque vs. 671 ft-lb in the dual motor performance), which generally upsets me.
Did I notice it? You bet I did! But I also know that I have an addiction to speed (admitting it is the first step, right?) and word on the street is not all of you share my penchant for pricey speeding tickets.
So, as I drove the single motor option, I thought of you, dear reader—a more sane, rational, less impulsive human being. During this process, I concluded that many of you will love this car and not miss the extra horsepower, torque, or even the true torque vectoring on the rear axle. In fact, the single motor Polestar 3 has other factors that may even make you like it more!
The Single Motor Isn’t The Only Difference
Okay, so maybe you don’t want one less motor. But how about significantly more range? As its name implies, the single-motor version is considered a “long range” vehicle with an EPA estimated range of 350 miles. Reminder: the Tesla Model Y’s “long range” vehicle has a measly 310-mile range.
Also, with the single motor, you’re not getting all-wheel drive or the air suspension that comes standard on the dual motor (see full spec comparison here). That’s ok, not everyone needs AWD, and some like the “connectivity” of steel springs. So essentially, performance people will like the performance trim..duh. In terms of the exterior, the only visible difference between the two motor options is the badging.
Either Way, Here’s What You’ll Get
Regardless of the motors, you’ll always have the following options in the Polestar 3:
- 25 speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio (I mention this first because it’s AMAZING!!)
- 20″, 21″ or 22″ wheels
- massage, heated, and ventilated seats
- Google connectivity
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Over The Air Updates
- Some of the best cameras and sensors I’ve ever seen
- a vehicle that is made in the USA (South Carolina)
- a great drive
The Tesla Conquest Deal
If you haven’t received the email or the ad yet, just say “Polestar” three times out loud and the Internet spies will send you this deal before you can take your next breath. But listen, it’s a brilliant move on Polestar’s part. Seeing that so many Tesla Model Y owners are looking to switch, Polestar is offering a “conquest” deal.
Basically, if you trade in your Tesla, they’ll give you a better deal, which could be worth up to $20,000. Whether that’s a smart move for you depends on your numbers (how upside down you are on the Tesla, your tax bracket, state, etc). But I can tell you, you’re a lot more likely enjoy the driving the Polestar than the Tesla.
Final Thoughts
You may want to sit down for this one: The truth is, sometimes reviewing cars gets boring. Honestly, it’s because most cars these days are inherently good, often excellent. So when a vehicle comes along and truly excites me, it makes me fall in love with this job all over again–especially when it’s an EV. That happened with the IONIQ5 XRT, The Lucid Air, and now Polestar 3. I sincerely loved it.