The 2025 Polestar 3 marks a pivotal moment for the Swedish electric vehicle (EV) brand, which has transitioned from its roots as Volvo’s performance arm to a standalone marque under the Geely umbrella. As Polestar’s first SUV, the Polestar 3 combines Scandinavian minimalism, cutting-edge technology, and sporty dynamics to compete in the luxury electric SUV segment. The introduction of the Long Range Single Motor variant, priced at $68,900, lowers the entry point by $5,900 compared to the Dual Motor model, offering an EPA-estimated 350 miles of range but with compromises in performance. I recently drove the Polestar 3 Single Motor in the scenic hills above Malibu, California, to evaluate whether this rear-wheel-drive (RWD) model delivers the brand’s promised blend of efficiency, style, and driving pleasure. Here’s a comprehensive look at its design, performance, technology, and overall value in the competitive EV landscape.
Design: Scandinavian Sophistication with a Sporty Edge
The Polestar 3 Single Motor is visually identical to its Dual Motor siblings, retaining the sleek, athletic styling that sets it apart from rivals like the BMW iX, Porsche Macan EV, and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. Its low, rakish roofline (1,614 mm) and clean surfaces exude a refined yet purposeful aesthetic, avoiding the blocky aggression of traditional SUVs. The front end features a distinctive “smart zone” with integrated sensors and a subtle air duct across the bonnet, reducing lift and enhancing aerodynamics. LED headlights and a frameless grille add a futuristic touch, while the rear showcases a full-width taillight bar and sculpted tailgate.
The Single Motor model is available with 20-, 21-, or 22-inch wheels, though my test vehicle sported 21-inch alloys, striking a balance between style and efficiency. Unlike the Performance Pack-equipped Dual Motor, which offers exclusive four-spoke 22-inch wheels, the Single Motor maintains a cohesive look with minimal visual cues to its RWD configuration. This design consistency ensures that buyers opting for the more affordable variant don’t feel shortchanged. The Polestar 3’s exterior is a masterclass in understated elegance, attracting attention for its uniqueness rather than ostentation.
Inside, the Polestar 3 embraces Scandinavian minimalism with a spacious, eco-conscious cabin. The dashboard is dominated by a 14.5-inch vertical touchscreen running Android Automotive OS, paired with a 9.0-inch driver display. Physical controls are scarce, with a single volume dial on the center console—a bold choice that emphasizes simplicity but requires adjustment for some functions, like mirror settings, which are buried in sub-menus. The materials, including recycled textiles and sustainably sourced wood, feel premium, and the optional Nappa leather with ventilation and massage functions elevates the experience. The Plus package, standard for 2025, includes a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, soft-close doors, and heated rear seats, making the cabin a serene sanctuary.
The Polestar 3’s interior is roomy, with ample legroom and headroom for five passengers. However, cargo space is slightly below class leaders, and the lack of a seven-seat option differentiates it from its Volvo EX90 sibling. The design prioritizes form and function, offering a compelling alternative to the flashier interiors of German competitors.
Performance: Adequate Power, Surprising Agility
The Polestar 3 Single Motor is powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 299 horsepower and 361 lb-ft of torque, a significant step down from the Dual Motor’s 489 hp and 620 lb-ft or the Performance Pack’s 517 hp and 671 lb-ft. Polestar claims a 0-60 mph time of 7.5 seconds, which feels leisurely compared to the Dual Motor’s 4.8 seconds or the Performance Pack’s 4.4 seconds in Edmunds’ testing. On the road, the Single Motor delivers smooth, silent torque, but its acceleration lacks the visceral punch expected from a performance-oriented EV. Merging onto highways or executing quick passes requires planning, as the mid-range “wave” of power is more subdued than the Dual Motor’s tsunami-like surge.
However, the Single Motor shines in handling, defying its 5,400-pound curb weight. The removal of the front motor reduces weight by approximately 400 pounds, primarily off the front axle, improving weight distribution and agility. Polestar’s engineers have tuned the coil spring suspension and passive dampers to deliver a sporty yet compliant ride, absorbing bumps with a single motion rather than the multi-corner oscillations sometimes felt in heavier EVs. The steering is light yet precise, allowing the Polestar 3 to navigate Malibu’s twisty roads with confidence. While it lacks the Dual Motor’s torque-vectoring rear axle and air suspension, the Single Motor feels nimble, with minimal body roll and a rear-drive bias that adds a playful edge.
Regenerative braking is adjustable, offering one-pedal driving, a gentler regen mode, or a no-regen setting akin to a gas-powered car. However, even at its strongest, the regen feels underwhelming, requiring more brake pedal use than I’d prefer in an EV. This is a minor drawback, as the brakes are well-calibrated, providing smooth stops. Overall, the Single Motor prioritizes efficiency and composure over outright speed, making it a capable daily driver but less thrilling than its Dual Motor counterparts.
Range and Charging: A Standout in Efficiency
The Polestar 3 Single Motor’s headline feature is its EPA-estimated range of 350 miles, a significant improvement over the Dual Motor’s 315 miles and the Performance Pack’s 279 miles. This figure, achieved with 20-inch wheels, drops to 342 miles with 21-inch wheels and 333 miles with 22-inch wheels, but it remains competitive with rivals like the BMW iX (303 miles) and Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD (308 miles). The Single Motor’s efficiency stems from its lighter weight, RWD configuration, and optimized aerodynamics, earning it a combined EPA MPGe rating of 86–105, depending on wheel size.
All Polestar 3 variants use a 111-kWh (107 kWh usable) nickel-manganese-cobalt battery, one of the largest in its class. It supports DC fast charging at up to 250 kW, achieving a 10-80% charge in approximately 30 minutes. In real-world testing, the Polestar 3 has peaked just under 200 kW, adding 56.3 kWh in 24 minutes during a 31-80% charge. For home charging, the 11 kW AC capability allows a full charge overnight with a compatible Level 2 charger. The inclusion of a heat pump enhances efficiency by preconditioning the battery, and Polestar has equipped the 3 for future bidirectional charging, enabling vehicle-to-grid capabilities.
While the Single Motor’s range is impressive, real-world conditions—such as cold weather or highway driving—may reduce it to around 270–300 miles, as noted in Autocar’s testing of a Dual Motor model. Nonetheless, the Single Motor’s efficiency makes it a compelling choice for buyers prioritizing range over performance.
Technology and Features: Premium and Practical
The Polestar 3 Single Motor is packed with technology, reflecting its status as a luxury EV. The 14.5-inch touchscreen, powered by Android Automotive OS, is responsive and intuitive, integrating Google Maps, Google Assistant, and wireless Apple CarPlay. Over-the-air updates keep the system current, though occasional hiccups, like a one-second delay in loading mirror adjustments, were noted. The 9.0-inch driver display is clear but minimalistic, prioritizing essential information. The steering wheel’s blank buttons, which require a hover to reveal functions on the display, are a quirky design choice that can frustrate initially but become intuitive with familiarity.
Standard safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and cross-traffic alert. The Pilot pack, standard for 2025, adds adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, a head-up display, and automated parking assist, enhanced by Google HD maps. A future LiDAR upgrade, available mid-2025, will further bolster driver-assistance capabilities. The cabin also features a radar-based child and pet monitoring system, which activates climate control if occupants are detected in a parked vehicle.
The Plus package’s Bowers & Wilkins audio system is a standout, delivering 1,610 watts through 25 speakers with Dolby Atmos for an immersive experience. Other conveniences include wireless charging, four USB-C ports, a 360-degree camera, and six driver profiles that store preferences for seats, mirrors, and driving settings. While the lack of physical buttons may deter some, the Polestar 3’s tech suite is comprehensive and user-friendly, rivaling premium competitors.
Value and Competition: A Compelling but Compromised Choice
Starting at $68,900, the Polestar 3 Single Motor undercuts the Dual Motor ($74,800) and Performance Pack ($80,800), offering significant savings and superior range. However, its price still positions it against formidable rivals. The BMW iX xDrive50 ($87,250) and Porsche Macan EV ($75,300) offer more power and all-wheel drive, while the Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD ($54,130) is cheaper but less luxurious. The Audi Q8 e-tron ($74,400) and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV ($77,900) provide similar refinement but shorter ranges. The Cadillac Lyriq ($58,590) is a budget-friendly alternative with competitive range but less sporty dynamics.
The Single Motor’s compromises—slower acceleration, no air suspension, and weaker regenerative braking—may deter buyers expecting Polestar’s performance heritage to shine through. Reviewers, including Edmunds, recommend the Dual Motor for its superior ride, handling, and power, especially for those prioritizing driving dynamics. However, for buyers focused on cost and range, the Single Motor is a strong contender, particularly with incentives like a $20,000 lease discount for Tesla owners.
Conclusion: A Stylish, Efficient Choice with Trade-Offs
The 2025 Polestar 3 Single Motor is a bold addition to the luxury EV SUV segment, blending Scandinavian design, impressive range, and advanced technology. Its 350-mile EPA-estimated range and $68,900 starting price make it an attractive option for efficiency-conscious buyers, while its agile handling and premium cabin rival more expensive competitors. However, the leisurely acceleration, lack of air suspension, and subdued regenerative braking highlight the trade-offs of its RWD configuration, making it less engaging than the Dual Motor variants.
For those prioritizing style, range, and value over outright performance, the Polestar 3 Single Motor delivers a compelling package. It’s a mindful, elegant SUV that stands out in a crowded field, but buyers seeking the full Polestar experience may find the Dual Motor worth the extra cost. As Polestar continues to carve its niche, the 3 Single Motor proves that efficiency and sophistication can coexist—just don’t expect it to set your pulse racing.
