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Volvo XC40 vs Polestar 3 comparison

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

Volvo XC40 vs Polestar 3: Key differences

Volvo XC40

5 (6 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • visibly lighter
details

Polestar 3

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

XC40

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

3

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 clearly 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 substantially more torque with 870 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 570 Nm more.

XC40

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

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

When it comes to payload, the Polestar 3 carries a bit 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 stands well ahead of its rival 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
Volvo XC40
Polestar 3

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

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.

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

Costs and Consumption

Price
41,900 - 46,100 £
Price
67,600 - 91,600 £
Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
17.7 - 20.5 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
601 - 647 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
148 g/km
co2
0 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
1,688 kg
Curb weight
2,315 - 2,525 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
484 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,863 mm
Width
1,935 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
532 kg
Payload
605 - 645 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
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Power HP
333 - 680 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.9 - 6.5 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Torque
480 - 870 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Power kW
245 - 500 kW
Engine capacity
1,969 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2026
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Volvo
Brand
Polestar
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.