Polestar has announced a sweeping hardware refresh for the 2026 Polestar 3, led by an 800-volt electrical architecture that unlocks quicker charging, efficiency gains and higher processing power for its software-defined systems.
The new high-voltage system raises peak DC charge rates to 350 kW, cutting a 10–80% session to as little as 22 minutes, more than 25% quicker than before.
Polestar also targets up to a 6% efficiency improvement on the WLTP cycle. Battery options now pair the architecture with new CATL packs: 92 kWh for the Rear motor version and 106 kWh for Dual motor and Performance variants.
Powertrains are overhauled with an in-house developed permanent-magnet synchronous rear motor delivering higher output, teamed with an asynchronous front motor.
The Performance model is rated at up to 670 bhp (500 kW). A new front-motor disconnect boosts cruising efficiency by decoupling drive when not required.
Chassis updates include revised anti-roll bars and retuned steering software, and the calibration shifts balance further to the rear for a more engaging feel. Air suspension remains standard on Dual motor and Performance.
Polestar upgraded the core computer from NVIDIA DRIVE Xavier to NVIDIA DRIVE Orin, raising compute from 30 to 254 TOPS. The additional headroom supports faster, more capable active safety processing, battery management and sensor fusion.
In line with the brand’s continuous-improvement approach, this computer upgrade will be offered as a complimentary retrofit to existing Polestar 3 owners, with customer updates planned to begin in early 2026.
The line-up adopts clearer trim names — Rear motor, Dual motor, Performance — replacing the previous convention.
A revised options strategy introduces a Climate pack (heated rear seats, heated steering wheel and heated wiper blades) and a Prime pack that bundles Pilot, Plus and Climate with rear privacy glass.
The Bowers & Wilkins for Polestar audio — with headrest speakers and active road-noise cancellation — can now be specified as a standalone option or within the Plus pack.
Design tweaks include a new Storm exterior colour (replacing Thunder), enlarged door graphics with model designation, and upgraded cabin trim with bio-attributed MicroTech in Charcoal and repurposed aluminium décor as standard.
Seatbelt colours now differentiate trims: black (Rear motor), black with a Swedish-gold stripe (Dual motor) and full Swedish gold (Performance).
“The upgrades to Polestar 3 are so extensive, it’s like an entirely new car,” said Polestar CEO Michael Lohscheller.
Prices start from €80,559 (RM397,000).
