At first glance, you could be forgiven for thinking not a lot has changed with the latest Polestar 3. From the outside, it still looks very similar to the previous version. But this update was never really about reinventing the car visually. It was about refining what was already a seriously good electric SUV and improving the bits that matter when you actually live with it.

The Generate Media team and I were invited to an exclusive Polestar first look event to get up close with the updated car, drive it properly on some brilliant roads in the Northumberland countryside, and speak to the clever people behind it to find out what has changed. And after a full day behind the wheel, the answer is pretty clear to me – this is a smarter, sharper and more complete version of an already impressive luxury EV.

How does the new Polestar 3 drive?

In a word – effortlessly.

One of my strongest takeaways was just how composed this thing feels on the road. The updated Polestar 3 is quicker, more agile and better resolved, with chassis tweaks helping it feel more dynamic without losing the calm, premium edge you want from a luxury SUV. On the roads we tested, that balance shone through. It can happily waft along in comfort one minute, then put a massive grin on your face the next.

There’s also more power on offer, and Polestar’s own team talk about the update as the one that really makes the package fall into place. The performance version now hits 0–60 mph in 3.8 seconds, down from 4.5 seconds before, which is a sizeable jump in a car this big.

But importantly, this isn’t speed for the sake of it. The focus seems to be on making that performance accessible and usable in everyday driving, rather than building something that only comes alive on a track.

Faster charging is one of the biggest upgrades

Now this is one of the biggest talking points.

The updated Polestar 3 gets an 800-volt electrical architecture, which Polestar says allows it to charge 25% faster than before. That translates to a claimed 10 to 80% top-up in around 22 minutes, which is a huge step forward for anyone doing regular longer journeys.

This is the kind of improvement that excites me because it makes a difference in daily life. A subtle styling tweak is nice. Faster charging that saves you meaningful time at motorway services is way more useful.

Polestar has also upgraded the processing power, with Nvidia chips delivering a much quicker experience in the cabin tech. That helps the whole car feel more responsive and modern day to day, even if it’s not the sort of update you notice in a thumbnail.

Interior: still premium, still very Polestar

Inside, the Polestar 3 is still a lovely place to spend time. The cabin is premium, clean, efficient and effective, with that signature Scandinavian design language carrying through nicely. Let’s not forget the Bowers & Wilkins sound system with Dolby Atmos – it’s what you want in a car aimed at this end of the market.

What is interesting, though, is that this isn’t an interior that’s been dramatically overhauled. From what I can see, there is nothing wildly different compared to the last version … because it was already a strong cabin to begin with. That’s probably why this update feels more like a refinement story than a total rethink.

I do have one small gripe though – the window switch setup. Rather than having four separate buttons for all four windows, you have to toggle between front and rear. Not a deal breaker, but on a luxury SUV at this price point, it’s the sort of thing that peeves me.

At this point it’s worth noting that the Model Year 27 version is expected to bring updated steering wheel buttons, so one visual cabin change is still to come.

Is it practical enough for real life?

Yes, and that is important because this is not a small car pretending to be practical. The Polestar 3 combines performance with usability, and that includes loads of space, plenty of headroom and a big boot.

So time to check out that boot! The space comes in at 597 litres with the seats up, expanding to 1,411 litres with the rear seats folded down. That’s properly useful space for a premium SUV, and it helps the Polestar 3 feel like more than just a fast electric status symbol. It’s got the everyday usability to back it up.

Can it do more than just smooth tarmac?

One of the most interesting parts of the day was when we took it onto an off-road section. Understandably, that might not be how most people will use a Polestar 3, but it does show the breadth of ability. It can handle motorways, city driving, rougher tracks and tighter roads without losing composure, and the all-wheel-drive reassurance adds another layer for buyers who want something capable year-round.

No one is suggesting this is a hardcore off-roader, but it copes with much more than you might expect from something this sleek and premium.

So, who is the Polestar 3 for?

This feels like a car for someone who wants luxury and performance, but doesn’t want something loud, flashy or overcomplicated. It’s really for people who want a fast EV that still feels grown up. Those who appreciate design, value comfort, and still need room for everyday life. If you want speed, space and a big boot, it’s got it all!

It’s also a car that seems even easier to justify after these updates. Most people know that I was already a fan of the Polestar 3, but improved charging speed, extra processing power and battery efficiency make it feel like a much stronger all-round package.

Final thoughts

The updated Polestar 3 doesn’t look wildly different, and inside there’s not much that immediately screams “new model”. But that misses the point.

This update is all about improving the ownership experience. Faster charging. Better tech. More performance. Sharper dynamics. The same premium, minimalist interior feel. And enough space to make it work in the real world too. That sounds like the right kind of update to me. Spot on, Polestar!

In my humble opinion if the old Polestar 3 was already a very good luxury EV, this one irons out a few of the wrinkles and makes the whole thing feel more complete.