The New Polestar 3: Scandinavian Style with Sports Car Handling

When Lux Nomade got the keys to the new Polestar 3 and pointed it toward the lush wilds of the Daintree, we didn’t expect to fall quite so hard for an electric SUV. But here we are. With its sleek Scandi design, whisper-quiet power, and a minimalist cabin that feels more boutique hotel than backseat, the Polestar 3 makes going off-grid feel distinctly on-brand. It’s equal parts brains and beauty—perfect for travellers who want sustainability without sacrificing style (or boot space). Plus, it handles rainforest curves like a dream, and yes, there’s enough charging range to get you back to civilisation with your playlist intact.

The second I slipped into the soft leather seats of the new Polestar 3, the Scandinavian luxury feel was clear: refined, functional, and clean without feeling cold or clinical.

I’ll admit I’ve always had a soft spot for old-school luxury. There’s something about the weight of proper materials and craftsmanship that feels lost these days, with many “luxury” brands slowly morphing into mass-market plastic boxes on wheels. But Polestar? This is a brand still obsessed with quality, while staying true to its roots in sustainability and thoughtful design.

The Polestar 3’s interior is a masterclass in new-era luxury: responsibly sourced materials, impeccable craftsmanship, and a truly minimal design that still feels warm and welcoming. There’s a sense of space that makes the cabin feel expansive. From the generous front and rear legroom (even if my legs don’t exactly test the limit) to the panoramic glass roof and ambient lighting that turns the interior into a kind of Scandi-luxe sanctuary.

You can even choose from six interior themes to set your vibe, tailoring your personal driving experience, whether you’re feeling minimalist grey or a bolder tone.

Cutting-Edge Tech

The technology in this SUV-turned-sports car is nothing short of impressive. You get all the Swedish safety wizardry Polestar borrows from its Volvo heritage, including environmental monitoring, adaptive cruise, driver attentiveness tracking, and a single-pedal drive mode that makes city driving surprisingly relaxing.

The infotainment system is simple to use, feature filled, responsive, and intuitive, but not overwhelming. Think of it as Google-powered brains in a luxury body, seamlessly integrating your apps, maps, and media while the car practically watches over you like a caring Scandinavian nanny.

Music lovers, brace yourselves: the Bowers & Wilkins sound system features 25 speakers (yes, 25!) with immersive spatial audio, basically giving you a rolling concert hall or mobile recording studio.

Minimalism Meets Mindful Materials

Plenty of brands talk the sustainability talk, but Polestar genuinely walks it. Its collaboration with Bridge of Weir for leather ensures not only the highest quality but strict respect for animal welfare and traceability; the Nappa leather is chrome-free and fully traceable, meaning your seat probably has a more ethical backstory than your last pair of shoes.

It doesn’t stop there. Waste and energy-saving features, like recovering thermal energy from the electric motors and battery to heat the cabin, help stretch its range while minimising environmental impact. So you can feel good about your choice, even while living out your high-end driving experience.

Thrilling Performance

Do you like speed? Me too, and this Polestar delivers. The long-range dual motor serves up a solid 840 Nm of torque and will launch you from 0 to 100 km/h in under five seconds, which if timed perfectly, is enough to send your passenger’s flat white back flying across the cabin (not that you would want to do that of course).

The dual-motor, computer-controlled torque vectoring system actively shifts power to the wheel with the most grip, giving you the confidence to hammer corners at speed, even if the road is a bit greasy. You’ll feel a rush of sports car adrenaline with all the safety you’d expect from Volvo’s DNA.

You can switch between all-wheel or rear-wheel drive, and Polestar offers a performance pack if you want to push the car even closer to sports car territory or stick to a more traditional SUV comfort mode for those longer Sunday road trips.

The Ownership Experience

One of the most refreshing things about Polestar is its openness about pricing. In Australia, you’re looking at around $120,000 to $180,000 AUD, depending on spec, which puts it shoulder to shoulder with top-end electric vehicles; however, there are other models that hit a lower price point if that is what you are after. But, honestly, the Polestar 3’s Scandinavian edge factor makes it stand out.

Charging is simple with the growing fast-charger network, plus Polestar’s partnerships with charging providers. With a range of up to 706 km (WLTP) and a fast-charging capability and power up to 380kW, you’ll have no problem running it as your daily driver.

Driving in the Daintree

We test drove the new Polestar 3 in the Daintree, and it turns out it’s the ultimate companion for a FNQ road trip. Its all-electric powertrain glides silently through winding rainforest roads, letting you soak up the sounds of nature, not engine noise. With ample range and fast-charging capability, range anxiety stays far behind. The minimalist yet tech-rich interior offers supreme comfort, while the panoramic glass roof brings the lush canopy into full view. Whether you’re navigating coastal highways or rainforest bends, the Polestar 3 delivers a smooth, responsive ride. For eco-conscious travellers who crave style, performance, and adventure, this SUV ticks every box—and then some. Take the Polestar 3 to river drift-hiking and other off-the-beaten-path adventures with ease.

The Verdict

This is a special car. The attention to detail, the safety features, the effortless power, the sustainability. It’s a true showcase of what modern luxury should be. The Polestar 3 combines cutting-edge Scandinavian design with serious driving thrills, all while providing a crystal-clear conscience.

If you want an SUV that behaves like a sports car, looks like a minimalist’s dream, and gives you bragging rights for its sustainable materials, the Polestar 3 is hard to top. Take this sleek Swedish beauty for a test burn and see for yourself.

Explore and order https://www.polestar.com/au/polestar-3/