That’s how much the Polestar 3 and Volvo EX90 look alike

The fact that the Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3 differ less from each other than the different brand names suggest has at least one clear reason. The two share their SPA2 platform, an all-new EV base from Volvo/Geely. That is certainly adaptable for cars in different segments, but in this case we are dealing with two cars that operate in similar parts of the market. The 3 and EX90 therefore share their wheelbase of 2.99 meters. The fact that the Polestar is marketed as a sportier model is apparent when we look at the other dimensions: it is 14 centimeters shorter and 13 centimeters lower than the Volvo EX90. This not only ensures more dynamic proportions, but also less weight: the Polestar 3 weighs more than 200 kg less than the EX90, which puts in an unspeakable 2,818 kg.

Dashboard doppelgängers

Although the wheelbase is the same, Polestar and Volvo did make very different carriages for the two. The Volvo looks quite unwieldy with its high rear and windows, while the Polestar with its sloping roofline, playfully rising window line and high, contrasting colored sills looks quite slender. However, you can still recognize the family ties between Volvo and the Polestar, which has been separated from the Swedes, by some loose design elements. For example, the overall shape of the headlights is the same and both cars have taillights with horizontal lines that push the ‘shoulders’ of the body outwards, as it were. Another detail: the two seem to share their door handles recessed in the carriage.

If you take it in hand and get in, you will find an interior in the EX90 that is very similar to that of the Polestar 3. The steering wheel, the center console between the front seats, the two screens, the controls: they are all designed exactly the same. The layout of the dashboard is also similar, although the EX90 has a line that bends under the central screen, where that line runs straight behind the screen in the Polestar 3. The seats seem to be the same in both cars, although we can imagine that they are placed a bit higher in the Volvo EX90. In addition, Polestar covers them with leather if desired, Volvo does not.

pole star 3

Volvo EX90

A lot more space in the Volvo

The Volvo is – as mentioned – somewhat larger overall, which benefits its cargo space. Not only can you (optionally) fit two more people in it, you can also take a lot more luggage with you. Behind the second row of seats is 655 liters in the Volvo, and 484 liters in the Polestar. With everything flat, it takes 1,915 and 1,411 liters respectively. Also the frank of the Volvo 5 liters larger than the 32 liter measuring example in the Polestar.

Where we find significant differences in the loading area, we do not find them in the loading speed. That’s right: on to the technology. That is an area where the Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3 again show many similarities, which is not surprising given the shared platform. Independent of the version, both cars have a net battery capacity of 107 kWh and can charge with up to 250 kW. Both are also available as Performance and as non-Performance. In both cases, the faster versions have two electric motors that produce a combined 517 hp and 910 Nm. The ‘regular’ variants do differ: the Volvo EX90 has 408 hp and 770 Nm without a Performance label, compared to 489 hp and 840 Nm for the regular Polestar 3. The performance figures of both cars can be found in the table below.

What is striking: the Performance version of the Polestar comes a lot less far than the non-Performance version, while with the Volvo there is little difference between the range of the two versions. And that while with the Volvo the difference in sprint times between the performance version and the non-Performance version is a lot bigger. The regular EX90 sprints significantly slower and only goes a little further, the regular Polestar 3 sprints only a little slower and goes a lot further. Both cars are allowed to tow up to 2,200 kg.

Availability and price

Arriving at the pricing we find the last differences. The EX90 is initially only available as a richly equipped Ultra version. It costs €102,495 or €107,495 if you opt for the Performance version. The Polestar 3 will also be the first to be available in richer – but presumably less rich than the EX90 Ultra – equipped versions and will cost from €89,900. The Performance version costs €6,600 extra, so €96,500. This makes the Volvo EX90 a bit more expensive than the Polestar 3, but it also offers quite a bit of extra space and is initially always fully equipped. The Polestar is a better option for those who don’t need that much space and manages to offer a more dynamic character and a more distinctive appearance.

Unfortunately, we cannot tell you which of the two takes the last points and is available earlier. In principle, the EX90 should hit the roads before the Polestar 3 does, but if you assemble an EX90 now, the delivery time shown is 16 to 18 months. The Polestar 3 is planned to be available from autumn 2023, but whether that will work? In any case, that car will roll off the line in both the US and China, while the EX90 will only be built in the US. Maybe that will help the Polestar.

The EX90 gets its extra length mainly from its longer rear overhang.