Audi Q7 vs Polestar 3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Audi Q7
From $102,296
SUV
4-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection system, turbocharging
185kW
9.3 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
740L
Polestar 3
From $99,900
SUV
Electric Motor
245kW
—
5★ ANCAP
597L
Price Breakdown
The Audi Q7 starts from $102,296 before on-road costs, while the Polestar 3 opens at $99,900. That makes the Polestar 3 the more affordable entry point by $2,396.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $112,526 and $109,890 respectively.
The Polestar 3 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Audi Q7, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Audi Q7 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Polestar 3 gets a 14.5-inch display and 9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi Q7 stands out with Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Polestar 3. The Polestar 3 counters with wireless charging and Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi Q7 gets leather upholstery while the Polestar 3 offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Audi Q7 uses a 4-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection system, turbocharging producing 185kW and 370Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed tiptronic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds.
The Polestar 3 responds with a Electric Motor making 245kW and 480Nm, paired to a single-speed fixed gear driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds.
The Polestar 3 has the clear power advantage at 245kW vs 185kW. In the real-world sprint, the Polestar 3 is 0.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi Q7 measures 5,052mm long on a 2,994mm wheelbase, 152mm longer than the Polestar 3 at 4,900mm (2,985mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi Q7 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 740L in the Audi Q7 and 597L in the Polestar 3, giving the Audi Q7 a 143L advantage. The Audi Q7 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Audi Q7 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 2,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m to 12.5m
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q7) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Polestar 3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q7 if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Polestar 3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Polestar's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Polestar 3 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Audi Q7 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi Q7 and Polestar 3?
The Polestar 3 is the cheapest at $99,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi Q7 by $2,396.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi Q7 uses the least fuel at 9.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Polestar 3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi Q7 has the largest boot at 740L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi Q7 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Polestar 3 makes the most power at 245kW. The Polestar 3 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.5s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
