Polestar 3 Long Range: 400+ Miles Test Drive

Auto Express has launched a long-term test of the Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor, the rear-wheel-drive variant of the Swedish electric SUV. With its 438 miles of official range and a price tag below £70,000, this model becomes the highest-autonomy electric vehicle the British magazine has ever tested.

"It's the most range we've ever driven in our test fleet" — Auto Express

A Bet on Maximum Endurance

Auto Express made a bold choice in selecting the Single Motor Long Range variant rather than the more powerful Polestar 3 configurations. This strategic decision aims to test whether over 400 miles of range can finally convince electric skeptics.

The magazine acknowledges it's going against its own usual preferences. The team typically favours sportier versions, but this time the stakes are different: proving an electric SUV can rival combustion engines on long journeys.

What Real-World Range Looks Like

With 438 miles of official range according to WLTP, the Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor displays impressive numbers on paper. Auto Express has already covered 8,963 miles with an average efficiency of 2.8 miles per kWh.

These initial figures suggest real-world autonomy could approach 350-380 miles in mixed driving—positioning this SUV among the market's most enduring electrics. The goal: minimizing costly stops at public chargers during long journeys.

Home Charging: The Critical Factor

The Auto Express journalist highlights a crucial point: access to a home wallbox. He uses an Ohme charger that automatically optimizes charging slots based on electricity tariffs.

Without this home-charging option, "the argument for electric cars collapses," he argues. This reality underscores one of the major adoption barriers for mass electrification, particularly for urban drivers without garages.

Strategic Positioning Below £70,000

The Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor represents the range entry point, priced below £70,000. This pricing strategy aims to democratize access to the premium Swedish electric SUV against competitors like the BMW iX and Audi e-tron.

Despite its simplified powertrain, this version retains the same equipment and finish levels as its dual-motor counterparts. Auto Express already notes the material quality and generous interior space—essential characteristics in this segment.

First Impressions After 9,000 Miles

After several months of use, Auto Express offers a positive verdict. The SUV proves "refined, comfortable, and spacious." The team is eager to test endurance on genuine long-distance drives to validate the manufacturer's promises.

The infotainment system, initially deemed "rather complex," could prove excellent once mastered. This adaptation period will be crucial for the final evaluation.

The test will continue for six months, with the objective of determining whether over 400 miles of range truly changes the game for electrics. Auto Express is also testing whether this endurance allows it to match the user experience of comparable combustion SUVs.