Polestar 3 vs Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y is no longer as affordable as it was at launch with tax incentives being phased out in some markets. Nevertheless, it has shown that an electric SUV can burn rubber. Two trims are now available, Long Range and Performance. The Long Range Dual Motor sprints from 0 to a 100 km/h in an even 5 seconds. With a usable battery of 70.0kWh (75.0kWh capacity), it extends to a range of 435km. Its more powerful sibling, the Performance, zips ahead in 3.7 seconds, delivering nearly the same range at 415km. That’s on a usable battery of 75.0kWh (82.0kWh capacity).

The Polestar 3 will raise that bar. The luxury ‘aero’ SUV is set to be one of the most sustainable cars ever made – and will offer the performance to match. At launch, the new EV will come with an impressive target range of over 600 km (WLTP), powered by a dual-motor drivetrain and a large battery, the company says. There’s no official information yet on the battery capacity or horsepower. For comparison, its predecessor, the Polestar 2 dual-motor sedan, extends to 395km – almost in Model Y territory. The Polestar 3 can only go further.

The Tesla Model Y takes its design cues from the older Model 3. There’s that distinctive nose, but the Y is bigger, taller and wider. That means it sits higher on the road and offers more interior space – something its owners can’t stop talking about. But the Model Y also comes equipped with loads of cool tech. There’s the Autopilot system, lane departure, lane assist and adaptive cruise control. There’s a 15-inch central screen that supports YouTube and Netflix. There are over-the-air updates. And there’s the smartphone app that will unlock and turn on your car as long as you’re logged in.

The Polestar 3 is packed with the latest digital kit. Over time, Polestar has promised autonomous highway piloting, powered by the LiDAR sensors from Luminar and centralised NVIDIA computing power. Its Digital Key will let drivers stream to the (as-yet unspecified) central display while parked or charging. And Android Automotive OS means direct entertainment downloads and Google Assistant. Design-wise, the EV serves up an evolution of its Scandinavian DNA – complete with sustainability credentials. The Polestar 2 uses aluminium purchased from suppliers that use renewable energy reduces carbon emissions by 750 kilos per car; the Polestar 3 will at least match that. After all, it’s being billed as an SUV for the electric age.