Despite looking identical from the outside, the changes under the skin of the 2026MY Polestar 3 Performance are far reaching. Big technological advancements used to be reserved for a car’s mid-life facelift, but EVs are continually bucking this trend in order to keep up with rapidly evolving hardware and software. The Polestar 3 is no exception.

Sticking with a dual-motor drivetrain, the range-topping 3 Performance gains an in-house developed unit on its rear axle, with a rear-biased power split. While peak torque falls from 671lb-ft (910Nm) down to 641lb-ft (870Nm), every other metric has improved: an extra 160 horses have entered the 3 Performance’s stable, with maximum power now rated at 670bhp.

The 0–62mph sprint drops to 3.9 seconds, and top speed rises to 140mph. Dual-chamber air suspension remains at each corner, and updated anti-roll bars feature on the aluminium axles. The revised model also features revised software for the power steering system.

The 3 Performance has been RUSH’s dynamic benchmark for the fast electric SUV segment since we tested it with its limited-slip differential-equipped drivetrain. However, the LSD appears absent from the updated model’s feature list. The car’s 2,525kg kerb weight is distributed 49:51 across the two axles, and is kept in check by Brembo brakes. Four-piston callipers grip 400mm discs at the front, while 390mm discs are employed at the rear.

As part of the 2026MY updates, the Polestar 3 gets a new battery from CATL. Despite a slight reduction in capacity from 111 to 106kWh, the Performance model offers up to 368 miles of WLTP range, and promises an efficiency increase of 6%. When cruising, the front motor can disconnect itself and enhance energy consumption. The move to an 800v electrical architecture allows for DC rapid charging at up to 350kW – reducing the time for a 10–80% top-up to 22 minutes.

Inside, the cabin retains its minimalist theme, with the portrait 14.5in infotainment display being the centre point. The Android Automotive software remains unchanged, but the system is now powered by an upgraded processor from Nvidia – offering eight times more computing power than the previous unit. Polestar is offering existing owners a free retrofit for the new hardware from next year.

The revised model will also arrive in Rear Motor and Dual Motor guises, with prices starting at £69,990 and £77,990 respectively. The single-motor variant offers 329bhp, 354lb-ft (480Nm), and up to 375 miles of range from its 92kWh battery. The all-wheel drive version comes with 536bhp, 546lb-ft (740Nm), and the same battery as the Performance model, returning up to 394 WLTP miles on a full charge.

The updated Polestar 3 Performance is on sale now with prices beginning at £91,990 - undercutting the BMW iX M70 and Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV by over £23,000. While a selection of equipment packages are available for the other variants, the range-topper comes with almost every option included. All Performance models gain a head-up display, Bowers & Wilkins sound system, heated front and rear seats, adaptive cruise control, privacy glass, surround-view cameras, soft-closing doors – and more – as standard.

Matt Galvin, Managing Director, Polestar UK, said: “The response to Polestar 3 has been phenomenal here – so much so that we’ve already sold out of our 2025 model year. This strong demand reflects the growing appetite for premium electric performance in the UK, and we’re excited to continue building on that momentum". As a result, the UK will be the first market to receive the updated model, with deliveries commencing in Spring 2026.