Polestar Polestar 3 vs Cadillac LYRIQ
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
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.
Price Breakdown
The Polestar Polestar 3 starts from $99,900 before on-road costs, while the Cadillac LYRIQ opens at $122,000. That makes the Polestar Polestar 3 the more affordable entry point by $22,100.
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 $109,890 and $134,200 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.
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
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Polestar Polestar 3 stands out with Bowers & Wilkins audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Cadillac LYRIQ. The Cadillac LYRIQ counters with AKG Studio audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Polestar 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 Cadillac LYRIQ responds with a Electric Motor making 388kW and 610Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.
The Cadillac LYRIQ has the clear power advantage at 388kW vs 245kW. In the real-world sprint, the Cadillac LYRIQ is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 92kWh (Polestar Polestar 3) vs 102kWh (Cadillac LYRIQ), giving WLTP ranges of 604km and 530km. DC fast charging peaks at 310kW (Polestar Polestar 3) vs 190kW (Cadillac LYRIQ).
Space & Comfort
The Polestar Polestar 3 measures 4,900mm long on a 2,985mm wheelbase, 96mm shorter than the Cadillac LYRIQ at 4,996mm (3,094mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Cadillac LYRIQ generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 597L in the Polestar Polestar 3 and 793L in the Cadillac LYRIQ, giving the Cadillac LYRIQ a 196L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m diameter
Average
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 (Polestar Polestar 3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Cadillac LYRIQ). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Polestar Polestar 3 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Polestar's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Cadillac LYRIQ if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Cadillac's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Polestar Polestar 3 and Cadillac LYRIQ trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Cadillac LYRIQ has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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