Polestar is giving its flagship SUV a major overhaul for 2026. The updated Polestar 3 gets faster charging, more power, and a big boost in computing capability.
The biggest upgrade is a new 800-volt electrical system that allows the Polestar 3 to charge at up to 350 kW. That means a 10–80% charge now takes just 22 minutes—over 25% quicker than before. The new system also improves efficiency by up to 6% on the WLTP cycle.
Two new CATL-supplied battery options will be available: a 92 kWh pack for the single-motor Rear motor version, and a 106 kWh pack for the Dual motor and Performance models. Together with the faster charging and improved efficiency, these upgrades make the Polestar 3 even more road-trip friendly.
All versions of the 2026 Polestar 3 get a new in-house developed permanent magnet synchronous rear motor paired with an asynchronous front motor. The Performance model now delivers up to 500 kW (671 horsepower).
To maximize efficiency, the front motor can now disconnect when not needed, while the rear-biased setup sharpens handling. Polestar also updated the anti-roll bars and steering software.
The Polestar 3 also gets a next-gen core computer. The old Xavier unit has been replaced with the NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin processor, boosting processing power from 30 TOPS to 254 TOPS—a more than eightfold increase. This leap allows faster, smarter management of safety systems, battery performance, and sensor data.
In a move that sets Polestar apart, this hardware upgrade will also be offered as a free retrofit to all existing Polestar 3 owners starting in early 2026.
For 2026, the lineup has been simplified into three trims: Rear motor, Dual motor, and Performance. The Performance model comes with standard active air suspension and distinctive gold seatbelts, while the Dual motor and Rear motor versions get unique trim touches of their own.
Polestar has also streamlined its options with new pack structures, including a Climate pack with heated rear seats, wheel, and wipers, plus a Prime pack that bundles together Pilot, Plus, and Climate. The excellent Bowers & Wilkins audio system with active noise cancellation is available as a standalone option or as part of the Plus pack.
Design tweaks include a new Storm exterior color and updated door graphics. Inside, the Polestar 3 now comes standard with sustainable Bio-attributed MicroTech upholstery and repurposed aluminum trim.
The upgraded Polestar 3 will launch first in the UK before rolling out to other markets later.
