Polestar 3 vs Volvo EX90: two visions of the large Nordic electric premium SUV

They share DNA, factory, and platform, but they target very different drivers. The Polestar 3 vs. Volvo EX90 is one of those duels where the decision isn't made with a calculator, but with lifestyle in mind. Both come from the Geely group, both are built on the SPA2 architecture, and both represent the pinnacle of Nordic electric mobility. But one is focused on the road, and the other on family.

Two brothers with opposite personalities

The Polestar 3 is the sporty interpretation of the platform. Lower, sharper, with a clear focus on the demanding driver. The Volvo EX90, on the other hand, picks up where the XC90 left off and takes it into the electric realm without sacrificing seven seats, understated luxury, and a range designed for long journeys. It's the difference between a sporty coupe-SUV and a family flagship.

SPA2 platform: same base, different approach

The SPA2 architecture allows Geely to divide roles within the group. Polestar fine-tunes the chassis for more dynamic handling, with adaptive suspension and active torque distribution in the Performance version. Volvo, true to its tradition, prioritizes comfort, safety, and quietness on board. The same platform, two distinct personalities.

Polestar 3: Nordic electric sportiness — from ≈€104.300

The Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor with Performance Pack delivers around 520 hp to both axles and packs a punch you wouldn't expect from an SUV of this size. The trade-off is a homologated range of about 350 km, sufficient for daily use but short compared to its Swedish sibling. The starting price is around €104.300, a figure that makes more sense when you put your foot down.

Exterior design and aerodynamics

Taut lines, a closed front end with the distinctive SmartZone grille, and a coupé-like roofline. The Polestar 3 aims to look fast even when stationary, and it succeeds.

Minimalist interior and driver focus

Five seats, a 14,5-inch vertical central screen with Android Automotive, and a lower driving position than usual for an SUV. Recycled materials, yes, but with a premium feel.

Performance and dynamism

0-100 km/h in around 4,7 seconds in the Performance version, direct steering, and remarkable body control. It is, without a doubt, the most fun-to-drive Nordic electric SUV available today.

Volvo EX90: efficiency and family versatility — from ≈€83.100

The Volvo EX90 Single Motor delivers around 280 hp but boasts a range of nearly 620 km (300 miles) on a homologated scale. That's its biggest advantage: comfortable long journeys with seven proper seats. The starting price is around €83.100, making it the more affordable of the two.

Scandinavian design and SUV vocation

The EX90 maintains Volvo's design language: refined Thor headlights, balanced proportions, and a more understated presence than the Polestar. Less drama, more elegance.

Habitability and seven seats

Herein lies its greatest advantage: three usable rows of seats, a spacious trunk even with the third row folded down, and a level of acoustic comfort that's hard to match. It is, right now, one of the best large electric SUVs of 2024 for families.

Technology and security

Standard features include LiDAR, a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems, and a seamless Google-based infotainment system. Volvo's commitment to safety takes the EX90 to the next level.

Polestar 3 price and range vs Volvo EX90 range: summary table

The choice depends on your priorities. We've scored each key variable from 1 to 10 to help you decide.

The prices shown are the manufacturer's recommended retail price and are indicative, without taking into account dealer discounts, promotional campaigns or current purchase incentives.

Which one to buy? Recommendation based on your profile

If you're looking for a premium electric SUV that will put a smile on your face every time you pull out of a junction, the Polestar 3 is the answer. If what you need is to travel 500 km nonstop, carry seven passengers, and enjoy a quiet and elegant interior, the Volvo EX90 is clearly superior. This premium electric SUV comparison really boils down to one simple question: driver or family?

FAQ

Do the Polestar 3 and the Volvo EX90 share a platform?
Yes, both are built on the Geely group's SPA2 architecture, although each brand interprets it very differently in terms of chassis, power, and interior configuration.

Which has more range, the Polestar 3 or the Volvo EX90?
The Volvo EX90 Single Motor has a homologated range of approximately 620 km, almost double that of the Polestar 3 Performance, which remains at around 350 km due to its sporty focus and its two motors.

Is the Volvo EX90 available with seven seats in Spain?
Yes, the EX90 is sold in Spain with a seven-seater configuration, while the Polestar 3 is exclusively a five-seater.

Which one is cheaper?
The Volvo EX90 has a starting price of around €83.100, while the Polestar 3 starts at around €104.300. Both are recommended retail prices and may vary depending on current offers and incentives.