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Polestar 3 vs Volvo XC40 comparison

Compare performance (680 HP vs 197 HP), boot space and price (67,600 £ vs 41,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Polestar 3 or Volvo XC40?

Polestar 3 vs Volvo XC40: Key differences

Polestar 3

4.9 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably more power
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
details

Volvo XC40

4.9 (8 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • noticeably lighter
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

3

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Volvo XC40 is substantially cheaper – starting at 41,900 £ , while the Polestar 3 costs 67,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 25,723 £.

XC40

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Polestar 3 offers considerably more power – delivering 680 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 483 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Polestar 3 is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 3.9 s, while the Volvo XC40 takes 7.6 s. That’s about 3.7 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Polestar 3 delivers significantly more torque with 870 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 570 Nm more.

3

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Volvo XC40 is noticeably lighter – 1,688 kg compared to 2,315 kg. The difference is around 627 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Polestar 3 carries moderately more – 645 kg compared to 532 kg. That’s a difference of about 113 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Polestar 3 is clearly superior overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £67,600
3

Polestar 3

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 333 - 680 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 17.7 - 20.5 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 601 - 647 km
details

Frequently compared as well

Nissan Qashqai
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The Nissan Qashqai is the sensible, hard-working compact SUV that delivers excellent everyday comfort, clever interior space and strong value for money — perfect if you want a reliable family car without the premium price tag. The Volvo XC40, by contrast, is a sharper, more upscale choice with a …
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The Volvo EX40 and Volvo XC40 put two sides of Volvo’s compact-SUV line-up head-to-head: the EX40 is a dedicated electric model focused on efficiency, range and modern tech, while the XC40 is a versatile compact SUV available with petrol, hybrid and electric options that delivers a more traditional …
Polestar 3
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Polestar 3

Polestar 3 arrives as a Scandinavian-styled electric SUV that marries minimalist design with a statuesque presence, looking smarter than most in the car park. Inside, the cabin feels airy and thoughtful, with tech and driving manners that lean toward composed comfort rather than outright drama — perfect for buyers who want electric prestige without shouting about it.

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Reviews Polestar 3

4.9 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40 blends Scandinavian design with practical versatility, offering a compact luxury crossover that feels composed and easy to live with. It’s refined and focused on safety with a high-quality interior, making it a smart choice for daily city driving and weekend escapes.

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Reviews Volvo XC40

4.9 (8 Reviews)
rate
Pim de Bruijn
15 Jun 2026, 14:27:59

After many new Volvos — including a V70 and an XC90 — I've now bought a lightly used XC40 from the dealer. In every respect it was the best choice.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Trentini Paolo
7 May 2026, 13:45:44

Delivered a few days ago — a radical change after 5 VW Golfs, most recently a T‑Roc.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
S. M.
20 Apr 2026, 09:07:56

Excellent

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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Polestar 3
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Two Scandinavian siblings square up for the tech‑luxury crown: the razor‑edged, driver‑focused Polestar 3 vs the elegant, safety‑obsessed Volvo EX60. We're lining them up to find which deserves your money—and your garage: the sharp, sporty statement or the cosseting, clever cruiser.
Polestar 3
Volvo XC40

Costs and Consumption
Price
67,600 - 91,600 £
Price
41,900 - 46,100 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
17.7 - 20.5 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
601 - 647 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
2,315 - 2,525 kg
Curb weight
1,688 kg
Trunk capacity
484 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,935 mm
Width
1,863 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
605 - 645 kg
Payload
532 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
333 - 680 HP
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.9 - 6.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
480 - 870 Nm
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
245 - 500 kW
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
1,969 cm3

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
Brand
Polestar
Brand
Volvo
What drivetrain options does the Polestar 3 have?

The Polestar 3 is available as Rear-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.