Polestar 3 is simply super

Hard to believe, but it’s three years since Polestar launched 3 and it has just upgraded the vehicle to such an extent it claims it’s virtually a completely new car.

Looks similar but the new 800 Volt electrical architecture means much more power and faster charging times, which, let’s face it, is what we all want.

Polestar is a Swedish electric sports brand, of course, and while 3 may look like an SUV it boasts the performance and handling of a supercar, without the associated compromises and discomfort.

Polestar ventured up North for the national 3 launch – now, I wonder why that could be, perhaps the glorious scenery and empty roads?

Joy of joys, no traffic, no clutter and few people to get in the way. This is going to be good.

We are given a quick tutorial on the controls – be warned most of the functions are on the touchscreen, even the mirrors and electric seats.

But now that’s all done, I instantly forget what I have been told as it is too much for my tech-impervious brain to contend with.

Changing anything on the move would be a disaster I’m sure, so basically ignore the touchscreen and instead concentrate on the good stuff, the driving. It is good too, all of it.

Look at the shape of the 3, the proportions, the sheen of quality, what’s not to love?

The 3 is substantial in size but also svelte, contemporary and distinctively Polestar. It’s every bit a concept car for today and looks a class act.

Inside is just plain opulent. It is strangely minimalist as the dash has a small digital screen behind the steering wheel, then there’s just a large tablet in the middle of the fascia which does everything for you.

An optional Bowers & Wilkins for Polestar audio system features 1,610 watts and 25 speakers, including front headrest speakers and Dolby Atmos 3D surround sound. It is simply amazing. You could sit in your driveway and listen to it all day.

The rest is just trim, very nice trim it has to be said, and storage, and space, lots of space. The seats are perfectly shaped and multi-adjustable. They hug you in all the right places and they need to because 3 is an absolute flier.

It’s an EV so power is going to be instant isn’t it? OMG! It is. The two electric motors combine to produce 680HP.

Do you remember when only supercars churned out that much? Now it seems to be a matter of course.

That means what is a sizeable car can hit 60mph in just 3.8 seconds. Do you remember when only supercars could do that? Now it seems to be a matter of course.

It is electrifying to drive and its ability to accelerate, overtake and cruise is exemplary.

That is a lot of power and performance but it is contained by simply brilliant air suspension and all-wheel-drive so it never feels lairy or out of control, it’s just supremely swift.

It is sophisticated too. The ride is breathtakingly refined and it smooths out our shocking roads.

The suspension controls the body perfectly offering poise and balance. So there’s no body roll through the bends and grip is immense. It is a joyous thing to drive on the road and not bad off it when we take to a gravel track across Kielder Forest.

Let’s not forget it is electric so how does it fair in the convenience stakes? Claimed range is impressive at 368 miles but the reality of hammering round in the test cars makes 240 miles more accurate.

That said the new 800 Volt electrical architecture allows for peak DC charging at a rate of up to 350kW, which means it will zap from 10 per cent to 80 in just 22 minutes. Nice.

Just as an aside there’s also an upgraded core computer with more than eight times greater processing power making everything faster and slicker.

When Polestar first appeared it was confusing times. Was the world ready to go full electric and how good was this new brand going to be?

It’s becoming clearer today, especially with the ridiculous price and instability of oil. And the reality is, what started as good first attempt has become a brilliant one with the latest Polestar 3.