Polestar Cadillac Lyriq Rival Gets Major Updates In Only Second Year On Sale
Polestar Cadillac Lyriq Rival Gets Major Updates in only its second full year on sale, signaling a rapid evolution for the premium electric SUV. The Polestar 3 has just received a significant raft of enhancements for its 2026 model, encompassing upgraded motors, batteries, and a new core computer. These changes largely mirror updates seen in its cousin, the Volvo EX90, with which it shares the SPA2 platform. While the Polestar 3 hasn’t faced the widespread software issues of the EX90, Polestar is clearly taking proactive steps to solidify its technological foundation and competitive edge.
800V Architecture and New Core Computer for Faster, More Efficient Charging
One of the most impactful upgrades for the 2026 Polestar 3 is the adoption of 800V architecture. This advancement significantly boosts peak charging speeds to an impressive 350 kW, a substantial leap from the 2025 model’s 250 kW. As a result, the time required to replenish the battery from 10% to 80% has dropped to a mere 22 minutes, marking a 25% improvement in charging speed.
Beyond faster charging, the 2026 Polestar 3 is also more efficient. It features new lithium-ion batteries from CATL, offering capacities of 92 kWh for the rear-motor version and 106 kWh for the dual-motor and Performance variants. Based on the WLTP cycle, the SUV is now 6% more efficient than its predecessor, extending its practical range and appeal.
More Power, Enhanced Driving Dynamics
The updates extend to the Polestar 3’s electric motors, which receive a significant upgrade. The introduction of a new permanent magnet synchronous rear motor provides more power than before. When combined with the front motor, the top-tier Performance model now churns out an impressive 670 horsepower. This is a substantial increase from the previous 510 hp for this trim, propelling the SUV from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 3.8 seconds. While this power boost is considerable, it’s still well within a distinct segment from the new 872-hp Polestar 5, which is designed for even higher performance.
Further enhancing the SUV’s driving dynamics and efficiency are several other improvements:
- Updated anti-roll bars contribute to better handling and stability.
- Optimized software fine-tunes various vehicle functions for a smoother, more responsive experience.
- A disconnect feature for the front motor improves efficiency by allowing the vehicle to run solely on the rear motor when less power is needed, further enhancing range.
These comprehensive updates, delivered only in the Polestar 3’s second year on sale, demonstrate Polestar’s commitment to rapid technological advancement and continuous improvement, aiming to maintain a strong competitive stance against rivals like the Cadillac Lyriq and other premium electric SUVs.
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