Polestars are designed for a sportier, more engaging drive. They’re the sportier cousin to Volvo and in many ways, the spiritual successor to Saab. The brand even raced several Volvo models during the 1990s and 2000s, including the C30, S60, and 850. It’s no surprise, then, that Polestar touts their motorsport heritage now as a standalone EV brand. We can’t take them at face value, though. To see if the 2025 Polestar 3 lives up to it just like the smaller Polestar 2 did, we headed for Angeles Crest Highway.
If there was one road in Southern California that can confirm or refute an automaker’s claim about a car being fun and sporty, it’s this one. From its big sweepers to the tight corners of other winding roads that connect to it, Angeles Crest Highway can show it all. Just make sure to RESPECT THE CREST. Drive respectfully and responsibly.
Before we dive into this legendary road, let’s recap how our Polestar 3 is equipped. It’s a dual-motor AWD example with the Pilot and Plus packs, Nappa leather seats, and 21-inch alloy wheels. That’s right, no Performance pack on this one. Keep in mind that active air suspension, torque vectoring, and Brembo brakes come standard on the dual-motor models. Additionally, we did not deem the extra upgrades over the standard dual-motor worth the upcharge, especially since it drops the EPA driving range rating down to 279 miles.
Now, let’s hit the road!
2025 Polestar 3: Sport Wagon Disguised as an SUV
Within the first two turns, we immediately knew this was going to be fun. The Polestar 3 corners with the tenacity of a sports car and always feels unflappable. The dual-motor AWD system and torque vectoring do a fabulous job, resulting in incredible grip despite our car wearing all-season rubber. It held on to the road tenaciously with next to no tire squeal because of all that traction. Body roll? Nonexistent. This lifted wagon stays planted, neutral, and not much understeer.
Although you can’t fully defeat the ESC system, putting it in Sport mode allows the rear to rotate more freely. That adds to the Polestar 3’s playful nature and fun-loving personality. No, you’re not getting this to do crazy drifts and sideways actions. This thing still remembers its Volvo roots and safety heritage after all. Meanwhile, the steering is accurate and light, even on its firmest setting. It could use a bit more heft and communication, that’s for sure. A little of that goes a long way and would help mask its massive size and 2.5-ton curb weight better.
Best of all, the Polestar 3 does not beat you up. The active air suspension does a fabulous job of handling poorly maintained or broken pavement. Mid-corner bumps and other road imperfections never upset the car, keeping it stable in all driving situations.
You may be wondering, what about the power? In typical EV fashion, the Polestar 3 is effortless. With 489 hp and 621 lb-ft of torque, there is no shortage of grunt. It also helps you power out of corners thanks to the torque vectoring function. Yup, this thing puts its power down well and makes good use of it.
A Driver’s Car? You Bet
After enjoying every moment responsibly on Angeles Crest, it was time to head back to civilization. Did we have a massive smile on our faces? Heck yeah, we did! Additionally, we couldn’t stop laughing with joy every time we turned the wheel! The Polestar 3 has plenty of personality on the road. It’s smooth, refined, and agile. Think driver’s car masquerading as a lifted wagon, not an SUV.
We look for every excuse to drive the Polestar 3. Additionally, we want to go out for a drive, even if it’s just a quick errand. Moreover, we’ll make an excuse to go out for a drive! That’s how much we love the way this car drives.
