Polestar 3 vs. Polestar 2

The new Polestar 3 had world premiere in October, and with its beauty, intelligence and power, we're excited for what this sustainable SUV brings to the world of EVs. It's built on Polestar's earlier models and is ready to challenge its older siblings. But can it compete with one of the most complete EVs on market, the Polestar 2?

Polestar 2

Long Range, Dual Motor

Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
Power: 300 kW (408 hp)
Torque: 660 Nm
0-100 km/h: 4.7 s
Top speed: 205 km/h
Battery: 78 kWh lithium-ion
WLTP range: 487 km
DC fast charge time: 10-80% in 35 mins
Seats: 5

Polestar 3

Long Range, Dual Motor with Performance pack

Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
Power: 380 kW (517 hp)
Torque: 910 Nm
0-100 km/h: 4.7 s
Top speed: 210 km/h
Battery: 111 kWh lithium-ion
WLTP range: 560 km
DC fast charge time: 10-80% in 30 mins
Seats: 5

Aerodynamics and sustainability

Polestar 3 is a sporty, tech-forward SUV with lots of Scandinavian heritage. The designers have put up with the fake grill by bringing more focus on the T-shaped front lights and added a new Smart-Zone function on the front. The model has aerofoil-wings in front and back, which enhances its aerodynamics, and with its impressive 22-inch tyres, it drives like a dream. The interior comes with animal well fare certified leather.

Polestar 2 has like the other models a Scandinavian look. Especially through its futuristic rear lights and its vegan interior. Sustainability is prioritized in the Polestar 2, but they haven’t compromised with performance and aerodynamics. Already after three years, it has seen the latest updates on design, selection, and sustainability for 2023.

The tech test

Both cars are equipped with lots of functions that will excite every fan of high-tech. Polestar 2 was the first car to use Android Auto, and its infotainmentsystem is a step upwards compared to Volvo’s setup. Voice recognition, integration of information on charging points, and the opportunity to connect your Smartphone has given Polestar a lot of fans.

The Polestar 3, by contrast, is ready for autonomous driving and is packed with up-to-the-minute tech advances. The SmartZone below the front aero wing features forward sensors, a heated radar module and camera, raising the bar on tech for this and upcoming new Polestar models. These input points feed the Polestar 3’s centralised artificial intelligence “brain” – courtesy NVIDIA DRIVE – for ultimate safety and driver monitoring. In addition to its older sibling’s tech characteristics, there’s immersive entertainment thanks to the Snapdragon Cockpit Platform. Both now feature over-the-air updates, saving you time and money while prioritising your safety.

Performance compared

The Polestar 2 is Volvo’s first battery EV with serious range. With a full 78-kwh battery, the Long Range variant delivers a WLTP-certified 540km. Under perfect conditions, that could take you from Copenhagen to Frederikshavn before you’d need to fuel up again. The Polestar 3 raises the bar with an impressive WLTP range of 610km on an 111kWh battery.

Both models go from 0-100km in 4.7 seconds at the top end. At the lower end, however, the Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor accelerates to 100km in 5 seconds, while the Polestar 2 goes the distance in 7.4 seconds on both the Standard Range and the Long Range single motor variants. The Polestar 3 wins in terms of torque: with the Long Range Performance Pack, you’d be looking at a staggering horsepower equivalent of 517PS and 910Nm of torque. An SUV for the electric age, indeed.

The verdict: Polestar 2 or Polestar 3?

The Polestar 2 has won friends and fans on range and performance. Their Scandinavian design, values and sustainability talks into the mind of the consumers. Polestar has raised the bar for electric vehicles and their popularity is increasing. Their design language and future-focused tech aimed at autonomous driving enthusiasts are examples on the riveting electric development. Whether you chose a Polestar 2 or Polestar 3, you get an increased driving experience, new standards of electric vehicles, and cars ready for the future.