First Feel: A Nordic Calm Before the Storm
Before the drive even began, the Polestar 3 made its presence felt. You don’t “climb into” this SUV , you step into it, like entering a loft apartment in Stockholm. The cabin smells subtly of new materials , not leather, but something cleaner, lighter. The recycled upholstery, the soft-touch panels, the floating 14.5-inch screen , everything whispered Scandinavian restraint.
As I pulled out of Isny im Allgäu and onto the winding L320, the car moved like it had no weight. Of course, it does , 2.6 tons of it , but the air suspension shrugged it off. The torque delivery was immediate and intelligent. I wasn’t jolted. I was guided.
Climbing Adelegg: All-Wheel Drive Meets Bavarian Twists
The climb started near Rohrdorf. The road narrowed, the curves multiplied, and I switched the drive mode to “Performance.” It was here the Polestar 3 surprised me most.
Despite its SUV bulk, this thing danced. The twin motors (one per axle) worked in unison like a pair of expert skiers, each corner controlled and deliberate. It’s not a sports car, but the way it rotated through tight uphill bends with all 910 Nm on tap made it feel athletic , even playful.
There’s little body roll, even under aggressive weight shifts. The low center of gravity (thanks to the 111 kWh battery pack spread under the floor) made every s-curve feel like it was being drawn with a compass.
Silence, Then Thunder
On a long downhill straight near Kreuzthal, I floored it. No engine note, just a faint electric whine and the rush of air. 0 to 100 km/h took under 5 seconds, but it wasn’t brutal , it was clean. Predictable. Confidence-inspiring.
Later, on a gravelly lay-by overlooking the valley, I paused. The silence was eerie. A decade ago, I’d have had ringing ears from turbo spool and exhaust bark. Now? Just birdsong and the soft hum of the battery cooling system. It’s a different kind of thrill. One I’m beginning to prefer.
Interior Tech: Google Is the Co-Pilot
The Android Automotive OS deserves its own paragraph. I rarely praise infotainment systems, but this one felt native. No lag, no weird UI decisions. I barked “Hey Google, take me to Kempten avoiding toll roads,” and within seconds, it recalculated via twisty backroads , exactly what I wanted.
The Bowers & Wilkins system with Dolby Atmos turned those country roads into concert halls. Bass didn’t boom; it throbbed, perfectly balanced, even at lower volumes.
Safety Features and Driver Assistance Systems
Safety is paramount in the Polestar 3, which comes equipped with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring worked harmoniously to enhance driving confidence.
The vehicle’s array of sensors, including radar and cameras, provided real-time feedback, ensuring awareness of the surroundings. The Smart Eye technology monitored driver attentiveness, issuing alerts if signs of drowsiness or distraction were detected.
In terms of structural safety, the Polestar 3 achieved a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests, underscoring its robust build and commitment to occupant protection.
What About Range Anxiety?
Didn’t exist. I left with 90% charge and got back with 38% after 296 km , including aggressive driving, hill climbs, and max regen braking. That’s real-world confidence. With a fast charger en route to Munich, I could’ve added 60% in 20–25 minutes if needed.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Long Range Single Motor | Long Range Dual Motor | Dual Motor Performance Pack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power (kW / hp) | 220 / 299 | 360 / 489 | 380 / 517 |
| Torque (Nm) | 490 | 840 | 910 |
| Drive Type | Rear-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| 0-100 km/h Acceleration | 7.8 seconds | 5.0 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Top Speed | 180 km/h | 210 km/h | 210 km/h |
| Battery Capacity (Gross / Net) | 111 kWh / 107 kWh | 111 kWh / 107 kWh | 111 kWh / 107 kWh |
| WLTP Range | 706 km | 632 km | 567 km |
| DC Fast Charging Capability | Up to 250 kW | Up to 250 kW | Up to 250 kW |
| Towing Capacity (Braked) | 1,500 kg | 2,200 kg | 2,200 kg |
| Base Price (Euros) | 78,590 | 81,590 | 88,190 |
Conclusion
The Polestar 3 isn’t a Tesla rival. It doesn’t try to outdo German automakers by being flashier or louder. It’s carving its own space , one of intelligent luxury, emotional torque, and genuine handling finesse.
The roads of Adelegg are brutally honest. They don’t care about spec sheets or marketing hype. But the Polestar 3 didn’t just survive them , it made them a stage. And I? I didn’t just drive it. I connected with it.
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