Polestar 3 Wagon or Crossover?

The 2025 Polestar 3 is an all-electric crossover with all-wheel drive that challenges traditional definitions. While it is marketed as a crossover, its dimensions and design lean towards what one might call a modern-day station wagon—or, as the younger generation fondly refers to it, a “Long Roof.” As part of Polestar, Volvo’s electric performance wing, Polestar 3 merges cutting-edge technology with performance-inspired engineering.

Check out our video review of the Polestar 3

Aerodynamic Innovations

The Polestar 3 boasts two distinctive wings: one at the front and a spoiler-like wing at the rear. While wings are often associated with supercars or race cars for downforce, Polestar takes a unique approach. The front wing, subtly integrated, enhances aerodynamics, reducing drag as the car glides through the air. This design feature is rare, with only a handful of vehicles, such as the Dodge Charger EV, employing similar innovations. The rear spoiler contributes further by deflecting air for improved efficiency and stability.

Exterior Design

Polestar 3’s overall styling resembles a sleek, “raked box” design, emphasizing functionality and interior space. Despite its compact classification, the vehicle’s dimensions are substantial, measuring 192.9 inches in length, 83.5 inches in width, and 64 inches in height. These proportions offer ample room for passengers and cargo without veering into traditional SUV territory. The Polestar 3 provides generous seating for four or five occupants, along with a spacious cargo area.

Interior

The interior of the Polestar 3 is a masterclass in Scandinavian minimalism, blending Volvo’s hallmark craftsmanship with Tesla-like technological touches. The cabin features high-quality materials and a clean design that prioritizes functionality.

A central touchscreen dominates the dashboard, serving as the primary interface for nearly all controls. From operating the glove box to adjusting the side mirrors, the large display handles it all, reflecting a modern, streamlined approach to vehicle interiors.

Design and Interior Features

Polestar 3 comes with a modern yet cost-conscious design in certain areas. For instance, the driver’s door is equipped with only two window switches that can alternate between controlling the front or back windows via a toggle. This approach appears to prioritize cost-saving measures.

The seats offer multiple electric configurations for enhanced comfort, though it is worth noting that the thigh support adjustment requires manual operation, which may be seen as a limitation for a premium vehicle. Additionally, the model tested featured a solid glass roof panel without a sunshade. While the tinted glass attempts to minimize glare, it proved insufficient against the bright Spring sun, leading to a less comfortable experience during sunny days.

Technology and Safety

Polestar 3 is packed with an array of safety-focused technologies, many of which go beyond what the average consumer might use. One key feature is the unconventional key system. Instead of a traditional key or fob, the vehicle utilizes a digital key in the form of a flat credit card. Users are encouraged to program their mobile phones to serve as their primary key.

When approaching the vehicle, it does not automatically present welcoming features such as pop-out door handles or lighting, which are common in other luxury vehicles. Instead, unlocking the vehicle requires placing the digital key card directly onto the door handle, specifically the left front driver’s door.

Once inside, the Polestar 3 diverges from the Polestar 2, in its start-up function. While the doors unlock and the vehicle technically “starts” upon the vehicle identifying the nearby digital key. The Polestar 3 requires the digital key card or mobile phone to be in the designated wireless phone charging cradle, before  the gear shift can  be engaged, thus the vehicle operated. This extra step, although secure, could be seen as less user-friendly compared to other modern vehicles.

Another Polestar 2 Video Review

Family Safety Extended

An interesting feature of the Polestar 3 is its sensitivity to items left inside. On one occasion, after locking the vehicle and walking approximately 70 feet away, the car emitted warning noises. This turned out to be a precautionary measure, as it detected an item on the back seat and interpreted it as a possible child being left unattended. After some trial and error with opening and closing doors and the hatch, the alarms ceased. While this feature illustrates the brand’s focus on safety, it could also lead to undue confusion in similar scenarios.

Drivability

The Polestar 3, weighing close to 5,800 pounds and equipped with 22-inch sport wheels, offers a distinct driving experience. While not the smoothest or most luxurious cushy ride; the vehicle feels more akin to a loaded SUV when navigating constant expansion strips on highways. Despite its weight, the Polestar 3 is surprisingly agile, boasting a 38.7-foot turning radius. This feature makes it maneuverable and far from the cumbersome behemoth one might expect. The all-electric powertrain delivers immediate and ample torque, ensuring quick, confident acceleration. Whether merging with traffic and it is quick to reach highway speeds, the Polestar 3 excels in delivering power precisely when needed.

Electric Capabilities

As part of Polestar’s all-electric performance lineup, the Polestar 3 runs entirely on rechargeable batteries, eschewing traditional fossil fuels. It is powered by a robust 111-kWh battery paired with an 11-kW onboard charger. The vehicle supports up to 250-kW fast charging, making it a practical choice for long-distance travel—provided the charging station offers sufficient speed.

Volvo/Polestar has included a NACS adapter for the CMS port, enabling compatibility with Tesla Superchargers as well as other major EV networks like EVGO and Electrify America. While fast charging is a paid option, free Level 2 chargers are sometimes available, though they may require waiting for access. Using a home 220V Level 2 charger, the Polestar 3 charged efficiently within a few hours without any issues.

Overall Thoughts

With a price tag of $82,600, the Polestar 3 positions itself as a premium SUV. While there are cheaper full-size SUVs on the market, they may lack the refined design and advanced technology that Polestar 3 offers. This vehicle is not about economy but about aesthetics and cutting-edge features.

The 2025 Polestar 3 represents the evolution of the crossover into a sleek, station wagon-inspired design. With its innovative aerodynamics, spacious yet refined interior, and commitment to electric performance, Polestar 3 delivers a compelling option for those seeking a combination of style, utility, and sustainability.  This vehicle showcases a thoughtful mix of innovative technology and safety features.

Its elegant design and abundance of technology make it a standout choice for those seeking sophistication and innovation in an electric SUV. The use of a digital key system offers a glimpse into the future of vehicle access.

Polestar 3 is undeniably a statement vehicle—one that combines modern design, electrified performance, and technological prowess into a compelling package. Whether you prefer to call it a crossover or a “Long Roof,” one thing is clear: Polestar 3 is designed to impress.