800V architecture reduces DC charging time to 22 minutes with peak 350 kW charge rate.
New rear motor and powertrain upgrades deliver up to 500 kW and improved driving dynamics.
Core computer upgrade to NVIDIA Orin boosts processing power by over eight times.
Polestar has announced a series of hardware and system upgrades to the 2026 model year Polestar 3, including a new 800-volt architecture, higher charging rates, and increased computing capabilities. The flagship electric SUV now charges at up to 350 kW DC, reducing the 10–80% charging time to approximately 22 minutes.
2026 Polestar 3 | Photo: PolestarAll versions of the Polestar 3 now include an updated powertrain, featuring a new in-house developed rear electric motor. In its highest-performance configuration, the system delivers up to 500 kW (680 hp) and 870 Nm (642 lb-ft) of torque, enabling the SUV to accelerate from 0–100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. The Dual motor variant outputs 400 kW (544 hp), while the Rear motor version produces 245 kW (333 hp).
Efficiency improvements include an automatic front motor disconnect feature, available on all dual-motor models. Battery sizes have also been revised, with a 92-kWh pack for the Rear motor version and a 106-kWh pack for Dual motor and Performance trims. The highest WLTP-rated range is 635 km for the Dual Motor trim.
2026 Polestar 3 | Photo: PolestarThe new 800-volt electrical architecture also enables a peak DC charging rate of up to 350 kW. According to Polestar, this represents a charging time improvement of more than 25% over the previous model. AC charging remains capped at 11 kW across all variants.
Core computing performance sees a major upgrade through the integration of the NVIDIA DRIVE Orin processor. The updated system increases processing capacity from 30 to 254 trillion operations per second (TOPS), supporting advanced battery management, sensor integration, and active safety system responsiveness. This upgrade will be retrofitted at no charge to existing Polestar 3 customers beginning in early 2026.
2026 Polestar 3 | Photo: PolestarThe model’s trim structure has also been revised. Three versions will now be offered: Rear motor, Dual motor, and Performance. Each trim will be visually distinguished by seatbelt colour, ranging from solid black to full Swedish gold.
Polestar has also reorganized its optional equipment packs. The new Climate pack includes heated rear seats, steering wheel, and wiper blades. The Prime pack combines Pilot, Plus, and Climate options with rear privacy glass. The Bowers & Wilkins audio system with headrest speakers and noise cancellation is now available as a standalone option or within the Plus pack.
2026 Polestar 3 | Photo: PolestarExterior and interior updates include a new “Storm” paint colour, replacing “Thunder”, and refreshed door graphics. MicroTech upholstery in Charcoal becomes standard, accompanied by previously optional aluminium interior trim.
The upgraded Polestar 3 will enter the UK market first, followed by other regions. Canadian availability and pricing details have not yet been announced.
