Volvo EX90 vs Polestar 3

The Volvo EX90 starts from $106,990 before on-road costs, while the Polestar 3 opens at $116,700. That makes the Volvo EX90 the more affordable entry point by $9,710.

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 $117,689 and $128,370 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 Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Volvo EX90 and 90% for the Polestar 3.

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 6 in the Volvo EX90.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Volvo EX90 and 9 in the Polestar 3.

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

The Volvo EX90 features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 9-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.

Interior trim differs: the Volvo EX90 gets nordico/microtech upholstery while the Polestar 3 offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the Volvo EX90 and 3-zone in the Polestar 3.

The Volvo EX90 uses a Electric producing 245kW and 480Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.8 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.

Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the Polestar 3 is 0.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 92kWh (Volvo EX90) vs 92kWh (Polestar 3), giving WLTP ranges of 479km and 603km. DC fast charging peaks at 300kW (Volvo EX90) vs 310kW (Polestar 3).

The Volvo EX90 measures 5,037mm long on a 2,985mm wheelbase, 137mm longer than the Polestar 3 at 4,900mm (2,985mm wheelbase).

Boot space is 384L in the Volvo EX90 and 597L in the Polestar 3, giving the Polestar 3 a 213L advantage. The Volvo EX90 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Polestar 3 leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 0kg 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 (Volvo EX90) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Polestar 3). Both match on warranty length.