Polestar 3 vs Lexus RZ

The Polestar 3 starts from $116,700 before on-road costs, while the Lexus RZ opens at $84,500. That makes the Lexus RZ the more affordable entry point by $32,200.

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 $128,370 and $92,950 respectively.

Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.

Both the Polestar 3 and Lexus RZ hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the Polestar 3 and 87% for the Lexus RZ.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Polestar 3 packs more ADAS features with 10 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Lexus RZ.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. The Polestar 3 adds a 360-degree camera that the Lexus RZ misses.

How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The Polestar 3 features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 9-inch digital dash, while the Lexus RZ gets a 14-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Polestar 3 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, Bowers & Wilkins audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Lexus RZ. The Lexus RZ counters with Apple CarPlay, V2L and Mark Levinson audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Polestar 3 uses a Electric Motor producing 245kW and 480Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed fixed gear to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.5 seconds.

The Lexus RZ responds with a Electric Motor making 280kW and 538Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds.

The Lexus RZ has the clear power advantage at 280kW vs 245kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lexus RZ is 1.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 92kWh (Polestar 3) vs 74.7kWh (Lexus RZ), giving WLTP ranges of 603km and 460km. DC fast charging peaks at 310kW (Polestar 3) vs 150kW (Lexus RZ).

The Polestar 3 measures 4,900mm long on a 2,985mm wheelbase, 95mm longer than the Lexus RZ at 4,805mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Polestar 3 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 597L in the Polestar 3 and 522L in the Lexus RZ, giving the Polestar 3 a 75L advantage.

For towing, the Polestar 3 leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 750kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Polestar 3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Lexus RZ). Both match on warranty length.