Volvo introduced the upgraded EX90 last month, so it comes as little surprise that Polestar has taken the wraps off the updated 3. Like its counterpart, the changes are extensive and CEO Michael Lohscheller described it as being “like an entirely new car.”

That’s a bit of a stretch, but the crossover trades its 400V electrical architecture for an all-new 800V setup. This allows for a 350 kW DC fast charging capability, which significantly lowers the time it takes the battery to go from a 10% to 80% charge. Polestar says this can now be accomplished in 22 minutes, which is 25% faster than its predecessor.

New Batteries And Upgraded Electric Motor

Besides an improved charging experience, the model has been equipped with new 92 and 106 kWh battery packs. Polestar also noted the crossover is up to 6% more efficient in the WLTP cycle.

The powertrain upgrades don’t end there as the Polestar 3 has been equipped with a new rear-mounted electric motor that was developed in-house. It produces 329 hp (245 kW / 333 PS) and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm) of torque, which is an increase of 34 hp (25 kW / 34 PS) but a decline of 7 lb-ft (9 Nm).

The dual-motor variant now develops 536 hp (400 kW / 544 PS) and 546 lb-ft (740 Nm) of torque, which compares to the previous rating of 483 hp (360 kW / 489 PS) and 620 lb-ft (840 PS). This lowers the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time from 4.8 to 4.5 seconds.

Lastly, the 3 Performance has a combined output of 671 hp (500 kW / 680 PS) and 642 lb-ft (870 Nm) of torque. This is a huge increase of 154 hp (115 kW / 156 PS), but the torque rating drops 29 lb-ft (39 Nm). Thanks to the extra oomph, the crossover hits 60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.8 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 143 mph (230 km/h).

Furthermore, the front-mounted motor now features an automatic disconnect function. This helps to improve efficiency and range, when extra traction isn’t needed.

Driving dynamics have also been improved thanks to updated anti-roll bars and new steering software. Polestar said the changes result in a “more direct and engaging driving experience across all model variants.”

A New Processor For Customers Old And New

On the tech front, buyers will find a new NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin processor. It replaces the previous Xavier unit and the company said the swap increases processing power from 30 to 254 trillion operations per second. That’s a huge increase and it allows for “faster, more intelligent management of active safety systems, battery performance, and sensor data.”

As with the EX90, current owners won’t miss out on the hardware upgrade as it’s being offered as a “complimentary retrofit.” Starting early next year, existing owners will be able to visit their nearest service center and have the processor replaced for free.

New Names And Revamped Equipment

Polestar announced a handful of other minor updates including a simplified naming structure that consists of Rear Motor, Dual Motor, and Performance variants. That’s a small, but welcome change as “Long range Dual motor with Performance pack” didn’t exactly roll off the tongue.

Buyers will also find updated equipment, including seat belts that reflect the trim level. Rear Motor variants have black belts, while Dual Motor models have black belts with a Swedish gold stripe. The range-topping Performance has full Swedish gold belts, making for an unusual distinguisher.

Polestar also mentioned a new Climate pack with heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel as well as a Prime pack that “bundles together Pilot, Plus, and Climate packs in combination with rear privacy glass.” Additionally, active road noise cancellation and a Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system can now be had as standalone options.

More: New Polestar 5 Doesn’t Need A Rear Window To Put Porsche On Notice

Exterior changes are minor, but Storm replaces Thunder on the color palette. Customers will also find larger “Polestar 3” badging on the doors, which is now accompanied by a trim identifier.

Interior changes are more modest, but the crossover now comes standard with bio-attributed MicroTech upholstery in Charcoal. It’s paired with repurposed aluminum trim, which used to be optional.

The 2026 Polestar 3 will initially be launched in the United Kingdom, where it sold out last year. It will then spread to other markets, although some details may vary slightly.

It’s been about three years since Polestar confirmed it would turn the O2 Roadster Concept into a production model called the Polestar 6. The sexy convertible was expected to share its powertrain with the Polestar 5 that was introduced in Munich, serving as a stylish halo car for the brand. That plan, however, has been pushed aside. For now, the EV maker is prioritizing vehicles it believes can move in far greater numbers.

Read: Polestar Teases Next Electric SUV To Be Built Alongside A Mysterious New Volvo

The most important of these is the new Polestar 7. A teaser released a few months back previewed a compact crossover that will be built at Volvo’s plant in Kosice, Slovakia.

Priorities Shift

Polestar chief executive Michael Lohscheller has confirmed that the 7, as well as a second-generation version of the best-selling Polestar 2, will take priority over the all-electric convertible. There’s no word on how far the Polestar 6 has been pushed back, but the marque’s boss confirmed that it still intends to build it.

A Compact Crossover With Broad Appeal

Speaking with Autocar, Lohscheller noted the Polestar 7’s design will adopt a more familiar SUV shape to other vehicles from the brand, “but at the same time, it will be distinguished and really stand out.”

He is also confident that the smaller 7 will attract more females to the Polestar brand, noting that currently it has “many, many more male” customers than females.

We know that the Polestar 7 will use a technology base from Volvo and be powered by electric motors that have been developed in-house. Working closely with Volvo on the model will help Polestar ensure its new compact crossover is perfect for the European market, which currently accounts for 75 percent of its total sales.

“It will have all the Polestar DNA with the right driving characteristics, chassis tuning, and we will bring all these ideas together in a sustainable way,” Lohscheller added.

What Comes Next For The 2

Details about the second-generation Polestar 2 remain sparse. The current version just received updates for the 2026 model year, but aside from incremental changes, it’s essentially the same car that first arrived in 2019.

Update: The Polestar 5 has officially hit the stage in Munich, and we’ve added live photos from its world premiere.

Polestar unveiled the Precept concept over five years ago and it’s finally morphed into a production vehicle. While the car is roughly a year behind schedule, the Polestar 5 looks fantastic and is ready to tackle the Porsche Taycan.

Photos Stefan Baldauf & Guido ten Brink

Billed as a four-door performance grand tourer, the car follows in the footsteps of the original concept and features dual blade headlights with Pixel LED technology. They’re joined by taut bodywork, retractable door handles, and frameless windows.

Buyers will also find 20- to 22-inch wheels as well as a rakish windscreen that flows into a long, sloping roof. The latter ends at a Kamm-style tail, but the car is more notable for eschewing a rear window.

An Elegant And Minimalist Interior

Photos Stefan Baldauf & Guido ten Brink

The interior is minimalist and high-tech as owners will find a 9-inch digital instrument cluster, a 9.5-inch head-up display, and a 14.5-inch infotainment system with a portrait orientation. The latter runs a Polestar-specific version of Android Automotive and features Google integration.

The front seats were designed in collaboration with Recaro and can be wrapped in MicroTech or Bridge of Weir Nappa leather upholstery. They also offer heating, ventilation, and massage functions.

More: Polestar Teases Next Electric SUV To Be Built Alongside A Mysterious New Volvo

Polestar says the car was designed primarily as a four-seater and the rear center armrest folds down to reveal controls for the four-zone climate control system as well as the heated, ventilated, and massaging rear seats. The seats also recline and the company noted passengers will find a “foot garage behind the front seats,” which “gives occupants extra foot space and a more natural seating position.”

Elsewhere, there’s a digital rearview mirror, Econyl carpeting, and flax-based trim instead of carbon fiber. A ten-speaker audio system is standard, while a 21-speaker Bowers & Wilkins setup is optional. Buyers will also find a massive panoramic glass roof that measures over six feet long.

If you’re more concerned about cargo, the 5 offers 12.9 cubic feet (365 liters) of rear luggage space. There’s also a frunk that provides 2.2 cubic feet (62 liters) of room.

A Bespoke Platform And Powerful Motors

The 5 rides on a bespoke hot-cured bonded aluminum platform, which is known as the Polestar Performance Architecture. The model also sports a Brembo braking system as well as 11 exterior cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and one mid-range radar. These enable a host of driver assistance systems including available Pilot Assist.

Power comes from a 112 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which feeds a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 738 hp (550 kW / 748 PS) and 599 lb-ft (812 Nm) of torque. This enables the car to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.9 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). Drivers can also expect a WLTP range of up to 416 miles (670 km).

When the battery is low, owners will be thankful for a DC fast charging capability of 350 kW. It takes the battery from 10-80% in as little as 22 minutes. At home, the AC charging capacity tops out at 19 kW. Speaking of charging, there’s an indicator on the C-pillar, which tells you the battery status at a glance.

Customers can also get a Performance variant, which features an upgraded dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 872 hp (650 kW / 884 PS) and 749 lb-ft (1,015 Nm) of torque. This lowers the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time to 3.2 seconds, but the range also drops to 351 miles (565 km).

Besides being more powerful, the Polestar 5 Performance has a sportier suspension with adaptive dampers that can react to road conditions within three milliseconds. Buyers will also find gloss black accents as well as Swedish Gold brake calipers, seat belts, and valve caps.

Now Available To Order

The Polestar 5 is currently available to order and German pricing starts at €119,900 for the entry-level model and €142,900 for the Performance variant. In the UK, pricing starts at £89,500 and £104,900.

The initial launch will be focused on 24 markets, but North America isn’t included. While that’s unfortunate, the company said pricing and availability for Canada and the United States will be announced at a later date.

We haven’t heard much about the Polestar 5 lately, but it appears detailed specifications have leaked ahead of the car’s launch later this year. On top of that, it sounds like we can expect two Launch Editions.

While everything should be taken with a grain of salt, the Polestar 5 Long Range Dual-Motor Launch Edition will apparently start under £90,000 ($120,995) in the United Kingdom. It will reportedly come nicely equipped with adaptive pixel LED headlights, frameless windows, and rain-sensing wipers. Customers can also expect digital side mirrors, soft-close doors, and 20-inch wheels.

More: Polestar 5 Spied Testing As Porsche Taycan Rival With Nearly 900 HP

Once inside, drivers will reportedly find a 9-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.5-inch infotainment system, and a 9.3-inch heads up display. They’ll be joined by heated front seats wrapped in bio-attributed MicroTech upholstery. The luxury car is also slated to have a four-zone climate control system, a 15 watt wireless smartphone charger, aluminum or black ash wood trim, and a trunk that holds 12.9 cubic feet (365 liters) of luggage.

If the standard model isn’t fancy enough, there will be a handful of options. These are said to include Nappa leather, a microsuede headliner, and a Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system.

A 112 kWh battery pack will reportedly feed a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 738 hp (550 kW / 748 PS) and  599 lb-ft (812 Nm) of torque. This setup could enable the model to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.9 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). Customers can also expect a 350 kW DC fast charging capability as well as a WLTP combined range of 416 miles (669 km).

Baldauf

If that’s too slow, a £104,835 ($140,938) Performance Launch Edition could up the ante with an upgraded dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 872 hp (650 kW / 884 PS) and 749 lb-ft (1,015 Nm) of torque. If the latter figure is correct, it would be a significant improvement over Polestar’s original estimate of 664 lb-ft (900 Nm).

Thanks to the extra oomph, the dash from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) could fall to 3.2 seconds. Unfortunately, the range could also drop to 351 miles (565 km).

Besides being faster and more powerful, the Performance variant is slated to have a sport-tuned suspension with semi-active dampers. They could be joined by larger 21-inch wheels as well as additional equipment including the aforementioned microsuede headliner and Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system.

Thanks to MM for the tip!