Swedish Silent Thunder
Colin Cumming, a regular on the entertainment column in our quarterly issues, guest writes for us here on a couple of cars.
If Polestar were a person, it’d be that impossibly stylish Scandinavian who somehow looks effortlessly cool and stylish even whilst drinking a glass of milk in a turtleneck. Once a skunkworks Volvo project, Polestar is now an electric force to be reckoned with, churning out cars that look like they were designed in an architect’s daydream. Derived from the Swedish translation of the word “North Star,” Polestar has two contenders in its line-up vying for a place in the premium EV market: the Polestar 3 and the Polestar 4. One’s a proper SUV, the other, a coupe-SUV that ditches the rear window entirely, because who needs one of those. But are these silent Swedish warriors worthy of your hard-earned cash, or are they just another set of EVs lost in a sea of battery-powered boredom? Let’s find out.
The Polestar 3 is the brand’s first proper SUV. It’s big, bold, and has a stance that suggests it’s been skipping carbs in favour of Nordic protein shakes. Designed to take on the likes of the BMW iX and Mercedes EQE SUV, it’s built on the same platform as the new next-gen Volvo EX90, though it ditches the seven-seat practicality for a five-seat luxury lounge. It has a sharper focus on performance and style. The exterior design is all crisp lines, muscular haunches, and just the right amount of aggression. It’s got the prowess of a heavyweight boxer but the eco-credentials of a Greenpeace activist.
There are two engine options. A single electric motor which delivers 295bhp with 361Nm of torque, and two electric motors which deliver up to 510bhp and 671Nm of torque in Performance Pack trim, launching this 2.6-tonne Swede from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds. That’s quick for something the size of a Scandinavian lodge. Power comes from a hefty 111kWh battery, offering a claimed 438-mile range on the single motor and 379-mile range with the dual motor (WLTP), though real-world figures hover around the low 400s and 330-mile mark, respectively. When you need to recharge, a 250kW charger will get you from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes.
On the road, the Polestar 3 is wonderfully composed. Standard air suspension soaks up bumps like a pro and keeps things serene even over rough tarmac. The steering is sharp enough to remind you that this is a driver’s SUV, not just a lounge on wheels. The 3 delivers a rock-solid feeling of confidence on the road with next to no body roll, and the steering, though light, is razor-sharp and responsive. It’s the kind of car that makes long motorway slogs feel effortless and agile enough to make twisty roads enjoyable. There’s also a plethora of safety tech on board.
The interior is classic Polestar minimalism, with great functionality and practicality. It features a 14.5-inch portrait touchscreen, a 9-inch driver display, vegan-friendly materials, and a high-quality finish that sets it apart from some competitors. The technology is intuitive, and the Google-based infotainment system is one of the best in the business. There’s no overcomplicated nonsense, just simple and slick usability. The seats are comfortable and highly adjustable, which enhances the driving experience.
Polestar strongly advocates for sustainability, and their leather products, sourced from Bridge of Weir Leather, adhere to their ethical and sustainable principles. Not all models have full leather upholstery; some have optional trims with cloth, wool, and animal-free leatherette.
Five adults will fit without a problem, and the space is plentiful. The boot has a capacity of 484 litres and expands to 1,411 litres with the seats folded down. An underfloor storage compartment adds 90 litres, and there’s even 32 litres of space under the bonnet for charging cables and EV accessories.
Against the competition, the Polestar 3 is a refined, no-nonsense SUV that is well built, nails the design and build quality, looks the part, and is premium without feeling overcomplicated.
Prices for the long-range single motor start from £69,910.
If the Polestar 3 was the sensible older sibling, the Polestar 4 is the rebellious one who dares to ask, “What if we just…didn’t have a rear window?” That’s right, a move which either revolutionises car design or will mystify you. The Polestar 4 replaces the rear window with a high-definition camera system, which surprisingly works well. So much so that I forgot there wasn’t a rear window until I parked up. The result of this? A swooping, low-slung coupe-SUV that’s both stylish and futuristic.
The Polestar 4 sits between the Polestar 2 and 3 in terms of size, leaning more towards performance. The range-topping dual-motor version packs 536bhp and 686Nm of torque, which is enough to launch this 2.3-tonne beast from 0 to 62mph in 3.8 seconds. That makes the 4 the fastest production Polestar to date. It’s quicker than the Porsche Macan EV, and almost on par with a Lamborghini! Unlike the Polestar 3, which is all about poise, the Polestar 4 has a more mischievous side and feels more playful. Despite its weight, the rear-biased all-wheel drive system lets you wag the tail if you’re feeling brave, and it’s far nimbler than you’d expect.
Range-wise, the long-range single motor is claimed to deliver 385 miles, while the long-range dual motor is claimed to deliver 367 miles. In the real world, however, expect that number to be slightly less, especially given weather conditions and variable driving styles. Charging is similar to that of the Polestar 3; a 250kW charger will charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes.
Inside, Scandinavian premium materials complement the slick and responsive 15.4-inch, frameless high-resolution centre display and a 10.2-inch driver display, with the interface layout and excellent use of technology making apps and functions intuitive and easy to use. Like the 3, the Google-based infotainment system is one of the best in the business. The seats are comfortable and offer a wide range of adjustments. The Polestar 4 shares the same ethos as the 3, with sustainability and Bridge of Weir Leather prominently featured throughout the cabin. Bio-attributed microtech – an entirely vegan combination of bio-attributed vinyl and recycled polyester carrier, along with perforated Nappa leather – is offered as standard and optional, respectively. The front seats feature up to 12-way adjustable settings, with optional massage and ventilation functions. Optional rear electric recliner seats allow the seatbacks to be angled up to 34 degrees for an even more relaxing drive.
The lack of a rear window does mean rear passengers might feel slightly cocooned; however, the virtual rear window and solar system-inspired illumination help create a sense of space and light. The centre display allows you to select one of the planetary themes. This theme illuminates the cabin with solar system-inspired lighting, helping to create an immersive and calming ambience. An optional electrochromic layer of liquid crystals on the glass panoramic roof allows you to switch it from opaque to transparent. Despite its coupe-esque design, it’s surprisingly spacious for five adults, with plenty of leg and headroom.
On the road, the ride is slightly firmer than the 3, but still comfortable enough for everyday use, whether on twisty town roads or motorway driving. Steering is sharp and responsive, as are the brakes, giving you confidence behind the wheel. Twisty country roads are effortless and enjoyable, as are long motorway slogs and town driving.
The Polestar 4 features an advanced driver assistance system that utilises radar, 11 external cameras, and 12 ultrasonic sensors to monitor the car’s surroundings and identify potential safety issues.
We’ve come to expect good storage space in Polestars, and the 4 doesn’t disappoint. The boot offers 526 litres, which expands to 1,536 litres with the seats folded down. The virtual window allows cargo to be stacked to the brim without obstructing rear visibility, and the underfloor storage space accommodates smaller items.
Competing with the likes of the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback and the Lotus Eletre, the Polestar 4 offers a blend of design and usability, as well as a unique Scandinavian minimalism, combining serious performance with practicality.
Prices for the long-range single motor start from £60,000. The Polestar 3 and 4 prove that EVs don’t have to be boring; in fact, Polestar are making some of the most interesting EVs currently on the market. They look great, drive well, and offer a refreshing alternative to the competition. The 3 is the grown-up all-rounder, long-distance cruiser with impeccable road manners, while the 4 is the wildcard, trading tradition for speed and style, and willing to break some design rules. If you’re looking for an EV designed by people who care about driving, for drivers who care about driving, then the Polestar 3 and 4 should definitely be on your list
