Polestar 3 vs Tesla Model Y

The Model Y comes in two versions: Long Range and Performance. Range on the first-mentioned is 435km, powered by a dual-motor, goes from 0-100 km/h in 5 seconds, and has a battery capacity of 75 kW. 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 610 km (WLTP), powered by a dual-motor drivetrain and a large 111 kWh battery. For comparison, its predecessor, the Polestar 2 dual-motor sedan, extends to 395km – almost in Model Y territory.

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 Polestar 3 is equipped with pure Scandinavian lines, sustainable materials and vegan interior. Sustainability is close to heart with Polestar, and this model surely underlines that.