The 2026 Polestar 3 is not a cosmetic refresh. The large electric SUV moves to an 800V electrical architecture, gains new battery and motor combinations, charges materially faster and now carries more standard equipment. For Australian buyers looking beyond a traditional luxury badge, it is a serious alternative to the BMW iX and the Audi Q6 e-tron.
Polestar has simplified the local line-up to Rear Motor, Dual Motor and Performance. All three are five-seat battery-electric SUVs, and each now includes the Plus pack as standard. The key decision is whether to prioritise the entry model’s efficiency, the Dual Motor’s long-distance range or the Performance’s remarkable output.
2026 Polestar 3 price in Australia
Polestar has reduced the starting price for the revised range while also making the previously optional Plus pack standard. Prices below are before on-road costs. Each model includes a 14.5-inch portrait touchscreen, 9-inch driver display, panoramic roof, head-up display, Bowers & Wilkins audio, soft-close doors, three-zone climate control and a 360-degree camera system.
| Variant | Battery | Drive | Price before on-roads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Motor | 92kWh | Rear-wheel drive | $116,700 |
| Dual Motor | 106kWh | All-wheel drive | $131,100 |
| Performance | 106kWh | All-wheel drive | $146,700 |
800V charging and up to 635km of range
The revised Polestar 3 is built around an 800V system. That matters on a long trip: Dual Motor and Performance versions can accept up to 350kW at a suitable DC charger, while the Rear Motor can accept up to 310kW. Polestar quotes a 10–80 per cent rapid-charge time of 22 minutes in the right conditions.
The Dual Motor has the longest quoted WLTP range at 635km, making it the sensible choice for drivers who regularly cover interstate or regional kilometres. The Rear Motor is rated at 604km, while the heavier and more powerful Performance is rated at 593km. As ever, temperature, speed, elevation, wheel choice and climate use will affect the distance achievable between charges. For planning longer journeys, evee’s guide to the Australian EV charging network is a useful starting point.
| Variant | Power / torque | 0–100km/h | WLTP range | Maximum DC charging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Motor | 245kW / 480Nm | 6.5 seconds | 604km | 310kW |
| Dual Motor | 400kW / 740Nm | 4.7 seconds | 635km | 350kW |
| Performance | 500kW / 870Nm | 3.9 seconds | 593km | 350kW |
Powertrain choices and the driving experience
The revised line-up makes the Polestar 3 easier to understand. The Rear Motor supplies 245kW and is the lighter, efficiency-focused option. The Dual Motor raises output to 400kW and adds all-wheel drive, while the Performance delivers 500kW and 870Nm for a claimed 3.9-second sprint to 100km/h.
Dual-motor variants use an automatic front-motor disconnect when extra traction is not required, helping efficiency during steady driving. The Performance includes active air suspension as standard; it remains optional on the Dual Motor and is not offered on the Rear Motor. The result is a large electric SUV that is designed for quiet long-distance travel but has more than enough performance for confident overtaking.
Cabin space, technology and practicality
Polestar’s minimalist cabin puts most controls in the portrait touchscreen, but the interface is complemented by a digital driver display, head-up display and steering-wheel controls. Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, digital radio and the 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system are standard across the range.
Its 2,985mm wheelbase makes the second row notably roomy for adults, and the flat floor helps the middle seat feel less compromised than in many large SUVs. Boot space is 597L to the roof with the rear seats in use, including underfloor storage, and 1,411L with them folded. A 23.8L front compartment gives cables a place to live away from luggage.
Polestar backs the 3 with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year or 160,000km battery warranty. Its closest sibling in the evee blog is the Polestar 4, but the 3 is the larger, more conventional SUV with a rear window, a bigger luggage area and a different long-distance brief.
Is the Polestar 3 right for Australian EV buyers?
The 2026 Polestar 3 makes its case through fast charging, long-distance range and a generous standard equipment list rather than bargain pricing. The Rear Motor offers the most accessible entry, the Dual Motor is the broadest all-rounder and the Performance is aimed at buyers who want flagship acceleration without leaving the SUV format.
If you want to see how a premium EV fits your own routines before committing, rent an EV through evee to experience electric driving on the roads and charging stops you use most.
