@ Volvo Cars
@ Polestar Automotive Holding
VS

Volvo XC40 vs Polestar 3 - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (197 HP vs 517 HP), boot space and price (36800 £ vs 67400 £) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Volvo XC40 or Polestar 3?

Volvo XC40

5 (2 Reviews)
rate

Polestar 3

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

XC40 @ Volvo Cars

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Volvo XC40 has a clearly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 36800 £, while the Polestar 3 costs 67400 £. That’s a price difference of around 30600 £.

3 @ Polestar Automotive Holding

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Polestar 3 has a clearly edge – offering 517 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 320 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Polestar 3 is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.70 s, while the Volvo XC40 takes 7.60 s. That’s about 2.90 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Polestar 3 performs a bit better – reaching 210 km/h, while the Volvo XC40 tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 30 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Polestar 3 pulls convincingly stronger with 910 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 610 Nm difference.

XC40 @ Volvo Cars

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: offers more seating capacity – vs .

In curb weight, Volvo XC40 is convincingly lighter – 1688 kg compared to 2575 kg. The difference is around 887 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Polestar 3 offers slight more room – 484 L compared to 452 L. That’s a difference of about 32 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Polestar 3 performs hardly perceptible better – up to 1411 L, which is about 83 L more than the Volvo XC40.

When it comes to payload, Volvo XC40 minimal takes the win – 532 kg compared to 496 kg. That’s a difference of about 36 kg.

Who wins the race?

The Polestar 3 proves to be wins the duel decisively and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Polestar 3 is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £67,400
3 @ Polestar Automotive Holding

Polestar 3

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 299 - 517 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 17.6 - 21.9 kWh
  • Electric Range : 567 - 706 km
Volvo XC40
Polestar 3

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Volvo XC40

5 (2 Reviews)
rate

The Volvo XC40 wraps Scandinavian minimalism into a compact, city-ready SUV with a premium cabin that feels both practical and grown-up. It will suit buyers who prize safety, clever storage and a composed ride, proving that small dimensions don't mean small personality.

details

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.

details
Volvo XC40
Polestar 3
XC40 @ Volvo Cars
3 @ Polestar Automotive Holding

Costs and Consumption

Price
36800 - 47200 £
Price
67400 - 79000 £
Consumption L/100km
6.50 L
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
17.6 - 21.9 kWh
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
567 - 706 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
107 kWh
co2
147 - 148 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
54 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1688 kg
Curb weight
2575 - 2584 kg
Trunk capacity
452 L
Trunk capacity
484 L
Length
4425 mm
Length
4900 mm
Width
1863 mm
Width
1935 mm
Height
1652 mm
Height
1614 - 1618 mm
Max trunk capacity
1328 L
Max trunk capacity
1411 L
Payload
532 kg
Payload
285 - 496 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Power HP
299 - 517 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.7 - 7.8 s
Max Speed
180 km/h
Max Speed
180 - 210 km/h
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Torque
490 - 910 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Power kW
220 - 380 kW
Engine capacity
1969 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2024
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Volvo
Brand
Polestar
What drive types are available for the Volvo XC40?

The Volvo XC40 is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.