The 2026 Polestar 3 Receives Significant Enhancements, Existing Owners Receive One Complimentary Upgrade | Carscoops
Polestar has introduced the updated 2026 crossover, featuring new batteries, an enhanced electric motor, entirely new electrical architecture, and various additional enhancements.
The EV now comes with improved batteries, increased power, and an 800V electrical architecture, with the top Performance trim boasting 671 hp—up 154 hp from the previous version.
Following Volvo’s launch of the updated EX90 last month, it’s not surprising that Polestar has revealed the refreshed 3. CEO Michael Lohscheller described the changes as akin to “an entirely new car,” although that might be an exaggeration. The crossover has transitioned from a 400V electrical architecture to a new 800V setup, enabling a 350 kW DC fast charging capability. This significantly reduces the time to charge the battery from 10% to 80% to just 22 minutes, which is 25% quicker than before.
In addition to a better charging experience, the model is now fitted with new 92 and 106 kWh battery packs. Polestar mentioned that the crossover is also up to 6% more efficient during WLTP testing.
The powertrain enhancements continue with a new rear-mounted electric motor developed in-house, producing 329 hp (245 kW / 333 PS) and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm) of torque. This represents a boost of 34 hp (25 kW / 34 PS), though torque is slightly down by 7 lb-ft (9 Nm).
The dual-motor version now generates 536 hp (400 kW / 544 PS) and 546 lb-ft (740 Nm) of torque, improving from the previous figures of 483 hp (360 kW / 489 PS) and 620 lb-ft (840 Nm), which reduces the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time from 4.8 to 4.5 seconds.
The 3 Performance variant offers a combined output of 671 hp (500 kW / 680 PS) and 642 lb-ft (870 Nm) of torque, reflecting a substantial increase of 154 hp (115 kW / 156 PS), though torque decreases by 29 lb-ft (39 Nm). With the extra power, the crossover accelerates to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 143 mph (230 km/h).
Additionally, the front-mounted motor now has an automatic disconnect feature, which enhances efficiency and range when extra traction isn’t necessary.
Driving dynamics have been refined with updated anti-roll bars and new steering software, resulting in a “more direct and engaging driving experience across all model variants,” according to Polestar.
On the technology side, customers will notice a new NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin processor, replacing the previous Xavier unit. This upgrade significantly boosts processing power from 30 to 254 trillion operations per second, enhancing the management of safety systems, battery performance, and sensor data.
Current owners will not miss this hardware upgrade, as it will be offered as a “complimentary retrofit.” Beginning early next year, existing owners can visit their local service center to have the processor swapped out at no cost.
Polestar also simplified the naming structure to include Rear Motor, Dual Motor, and Performance variants, a welcome change from the former longer names.
Buyers can expect updated features, such as seat belts reflecting the trim level: black belts for Rear Motor variants, black belts with a Swedish gold stripe for Dual Motor models, and full Swedish gold belts for the top Performance variant, providing a unique distinction.
Furthermore, Polestar introduced a new Climate package with heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel, along with a Prime package that combines Pilot, Plus, and Climate packs alongside rear privacy glass. Active road noise cancellation and a Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system are now also available as standalone options.
Exterior updates are subtle, with the color Storm replacing Thunder, and the doors now feature larger “Polestar 3” badges accompanied by a trim identifier.
Interior changes include the standard use of bio-attributed MicroTech upholstery in Charcoal, now coupled with previously optional repurposed aluminum trim.
The 2026 Polestar 3 will first launch in the United Kingdom, where it sold out last year, before expanding to other markets, though some details may differ slightly.
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The 2026 Polestar 3 Receives Significant Enhancements, Existing Owners Receive One Complimentary Upgrade | Carscoops
Polestar's redesigned crossover features new batteries, an enhanced electric motor, entirely new electrical architecture, and several other enhancements.