Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor: An electric SUV made for long distances

We spent a week behind the wheel of the Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor, a chance to discover this large electric SUV that puts as much emphasis on comfort as it does on style. From daily commuting to long motorway legs, we quickly understood what it truly brings once integrated into our routine.

A large SUV with a concept-car look

Measuring 4.90 m long, impressively wide and relatively low-roofed for its category, the Polestar 3 doesn’t try to blend into traffic. It stands out—deliberately. Its sharp lines, clean surfaces, short overhangs and carefully placed aerodynamic elements all contribute to a silhouette that feels more like a design study than a conventional SUV. The front aero blade, the sculpted roof element and the expressive rear spoiler reflect a genuine quest for efficiency, while the oversized wheels and signature lighting add a distinctly futuristic touch.

In town, this size can be intimidating at first, especially in tight car parks, but the cameras and parking aids quickly make life easier. Out on the open road, the wide stance inspires immediate stability and confidence. It’s a big SUV that fully embraces its presence without slipping into unnecessary extravagance.

A Nordic lounge, refined… and sometimes a bit too digital

Inside, the Polestar identity is unmistakable: a minimalist, airy atmosphere with carefully selected materials and a sense of detail that encourages you to settle in rather than simply sit. The seats offer extensive adjustments, the driving position can be fine-tuned to perfection, and the perceived quality is genuinely premium, with technical fabrics, elegant trim and a warm yet clean design.

The dashboard is dominated by a large 14.5-inch vertical central screen, complemented by a more compact digital cluster. The interface, powered by Android Automotive, feels both familiar and modern: Google Maps for navigation, efficient voice control, built-in streaming apps, and an overall intuitive logic. Planning long trips with integrated charging stops is particularly practical.

Still, the “all-touch” philosophy can become frustrating. Many adjustments are buried in submenus—be it suspension settings, steering feel or even basic comfort functions. The black touch buttons on the steering wheel require time to master, and we sometimes found ourselves hunting for the right cruise control or audio command. Nothing deal-breaking, but clearly the designers sometimes took priority over ergonomics.

Rear passengers enjoy generous space, thanks to the long wheelbase that allows them to stretch their legs even when the front seats are low. The flat floor and good elbow room make long journeys for four very comfortable. The fifth passenger is slightly less pampered but still decently seated. The boot, meanwhile, is adequate rather than exceptional for a car of this size—well laid out, with clever hooks and a modular floor, but not particularly huge. Thankfully, a small front compartment provides storage for charging cables and frees up space in the rear.

Powertrains built for electric travel

Our test car—the Long Range Dual Motor version—features two electric motors, one on each axle, delivering generous power and above all instant torque that always feels readily available. Acceleration is smooth and forceful, overtakes happen confidently even at motorway speeds, and the power delivery remains impressively linear.

The large battery, with a gross capacity of just over 110 kWh, makes real long-distance travel possible. On secondary roads, driving smoothly keeps energy consumption reasonable for a vehicle of this weight, and exceeding 500 km of theoretical range is perfectly realistic. On motorways, range naturally drops, but remains sufficient to cover more than two hours of driving at a stretch without concern. Fast-charging performance is solid, maintaining high power over a useful window, even if some newer rivals are quicker from 20% to 80%.

Polestar also offers a single-motor version aimed at maximising range, as well as a more powerful Performance variant. Yet for daily use and long trips alike, this Long Range Dual Motor configuration seems to strike the most balanced compromise between performance, efficiency and peace of mind.

On the road: a big SUV that loves to stretch its legs

It’s on open roads and motorways that the Polestar 3 reveals its true nature. The adaptive air suspension works constantly to manage the vehicle’s weight and keep body movements under control. You always feel the mass, but never in a clumsy way. On motorways, the car glides along quietly and confidently, with excellent noise insulation and minimal wind disturbance despite its tall silhouette. It genuinely feels like travelling inside a cocoon.

When the road becomes more winding, the chassis tuning and weight distribution show their worth. The car remains composed, the steering is precise, and the torque management between axles helps rotate the vehicle slightly when accelerating out of a bend—adding a welcome touch of dynamism for a vehicle of this size. It’s not a sporty SUV, but it has enough character to make spirited driving enjoyable.

In town, things are different: the footprint becomes more apparent, the turning circle could be tighter, and the rear blind spots require trust in the camera system. Fortunately, the numerous driver aids, well-calibrated one-pedal mode and light steering at low speed all help. You end up adapting to manoeuvring this large machine, though it clearly prefers open spaces.

Conclusion: a charismatic electric SUV that doesn’t try to please everyone

After a week behind the wheel, we stepped out of the Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor with the sense of having travelled in something truly distinctive—halfway between a futuristic concept and a refined family cruiser. It doesn’t aim for mainstream appeal; instead, it builds charm through atmosphere, comfort and long-distance capability.

Pros

• Strong, distinctive design that stands out

• Warm, spacious and inviting cabin for four adults

• Excellent comfort and noise insulation on long trips

• Strong performance and reassuring power reserves

• Large battery enabling genuine long-distance travel

Cons

• Ergonomics sometimes cumbersome, too many functions hidden onscreen

• Touch controls on the steering wheel lack intuitiveness

• Bulky footprint in city environments

• Boot capacity modest for a vehicle of this size

In the end, the Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor isn’t perfect, but it has real personality and a clear ambition: to make electric travel comfortable, inspiring and a little special. And throughout our week with it, that’s exactly what it delivered.

Crédit photo : Sam Vanbrabant