Polestar 3 shares many updates with its Volvo EX90 cousin
In only its second full year on sale, Polestar has just announced a raft of updates for its first SUV, the Polestar 3. Many of these changes mirror those we saw for Volvo’s EX90, perhaps no surprise since the two vehicles share the same SPA2 platform. The EX90 was riddled with software issues, and while these don’t appear to be as widespread on the Polestar, the company is taking no chances.
Here’s a look at everything that’s new for the 2026 Polestar 3.
Related: 2025 Polestar 3 Single Motor First Drive Review
800V Architecture And New Core Computer
Polestar 3 Model Year 2026
Polestar
Whereas the 2025 Polestar 3 could charge at a maximum rate of 250 kW, the 2026 model gets upgraded 800V architecture, increasing peak charging speeds to 350 kW. This has dropped the time it takes to replenish the battery from 10 to 80% to just 22 minutes—25% faster than before.
Not only does it charge faster, but it’s more efficient, too. New lithium-ion batteries from CATL have capacities of 92 kWh (rear-motor version) and 106 kWh (dual-motor and Performance variants). Based on the WLTP cycle, the SUV is now 6% more efficient than before.
The big changes continue with the Polestar 3’s electric motors. It has a new permanent magnet synchronous rear motor with more power than before. Combined with the front motor, the top Performance model now makes 670 horsepower—significantly higher than the 510 hp this trim previously made, but nothing to bother the new 872-hp Polestar 5. Still, it’ll blitz its way to 60 mph in only 3.8 seconds.
Updated anti-roll bars, optimized software, and a disconnect feature for the front motor improve the SUV’s efficiency and driving dynamics.
New Core Computer
Polestar 3 Model Year 2026
The SUV now gets a more powerful computer, with the older Xavier unit replaced by the Nvidia Drive AGX Orin processor. Computing power is now over eight times faster than before, which has a positive effect on everything from active safety systems to sensor data and the performance of the batteries.
Customers of the 2025 Polestar 3 need not worry, as a free retrofit of the hardware upgrade wll be offered from the start of 2026.
A new trim structure consists simply of the Rear Motor, Dual Motor, and Performance. An active air suspension is now available for the Dual Motor. Polestar has also added new Climate and Prime packs. The former bundles together heating for the rear seats, steering wheel, and front wiper blades. The Prime pack combines the Pilot/Plus/Climate packs, and includes the top Bowers & Wilkins sound system.
Polestar
Outside, the only changes include a new color called Storm and updated door text graphics. Standard upholstery is now Bio-attributed MicroTech in Charcoal.
Polestar says that sales of the 2026 model starts in the UK first, before expanding to other markets at a later date. It’s expected that the changes mentioned here will apply to US-spec models, too.
Pricing for the Polestar 3 sees it overlap with the Cadillac Lyriq, BMW iX, and Audi Q6 e-tron, but 2026 pricing hasn’t been confirmed just yet. While the small feature upgrades are welcome, it's the software updates that are most important. Volvo and Polestar have made a big deal with their new generation of software-defined vehicles, but it all falls flat if the software doesn't work as it should, as has been the case with early EX90s.
Seemingly keen to distance the Polestar 3 from the EX90, Polestar has put everything into optimizing the 3 for the new model year.
“The upgrades to Polestar 3 are so extensive, it’s like an entirely new car," said Michael Lohscheller, Polestar CEO. "With this upgrade we continue to deliver on our commitment to add value for our customers through over-the-air software and hardware updates."