2026 Polestar 3 Review: They Fixed It

The 2026 Polestar 3 has had a major technical overhaul. It now runs on a new 800-volt electrical architecture, replacing the old 400V system. That matters, because it enables much faster charging speeds of up to 350kW and can take the battery from 10–80% in as little as 22 minutes. But this isn’t just about charging. The updated platform also brings improved efficiency and new battery tech, helping the Polestar 3 go further on a charge despite changes under the skin. Here’s the interesting bit though: some versions now use a smaller battery. The new rear-motor model drops to around 92kWh, while dual-motor versions sit at roughly 106kWh. So the big question is this: can smarter engineering (better efficiency, faster charging, improved energy management) offset a reduction in battery size? Because rivals are moving fast. The BMW iX3, for example, is targeting up to 500 miles of range from a similarly sized battery pack. In this review, we test whether the Polestar 3’s new 800V architecture and efficiency gains are enough to keep it competitive. Does it deliver the range and usability you’d expect from a premium electric SUV? Or do rivals still have the edge when it comes to outright distance? This is the real story behind the 2026 Polestar 3. Want to know more? Read what our experts have to say here 👉https://www.autotrader.co.uk/cars/polestar/3 Looking for a new car? It’s time for Autotrader: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/?utm_source=youtube_organic&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=youtube_organic_brandplatform&utm_content=its_time_for Watch expert car reviews and recommendations on our official YouTube channel to help make finding your next car easier than ever. Check back for the latest new car reviews, plus: ✅ car advice and explainers ✅ used and new car guides ✅ head-to-heads Subscribe for more from Autotrader UK ➡️ http://bit.ly/1AqiIny Want to be the first to see our new videos? Enable notifications 🔔 Chapters 📖 0:00 Polestar 2024 Model Updates and New Features 1:50 Powertrain Specs and Electric Motor Performance 3:08 Driving Dynamics and Handling 4:23 Fast Charging and Battery 5:14 Exterior Styling 5:39 Practicality 6:38 Front Cabin Layout and Infotainment System 8:40 Range and Efficiency 10:11 Final Verdict