Luxury EVs have hit their stride. In 2025, buyers can choose between bold, lounge-like comfort and cool, minimalist performance—often in the same showroom price band. Two standouts frame the debate: the opulent BMW iX and the sleek, driver-focused Polestar 3. Which one matches your definition of luxury?
Two visions of premium electric luxury
Both SUVs are technically brilliant, but their philosophies diverge. The iX majors on serene refinement and theatre; the Polestar 3 champions clean design and connection to the road. Your best choice depends on whether luxury means sanctuary or sensation.
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BMW iX — the mobile luxury lounge
Exterior presence
The iX wears a bold, concept-car aesthetic: a large, self-healing kidney grille, crisp surfacing and a commanding stance. It won’t please purists, but it has presence—the kind that turns heads on the King’s Road or the M6 services.
Interior & materials
Inside is where the iX truly shines. A floating curved display arcs across a minimalist dash; a hexagonal wheel and jewel-like controls (optional crystal) add drama. Open, airy packaging, sustainable trims (e.g., olive-leaf tanned leather) and the panoramic “Sky Lounge” roof create a calming, five-star vibe.
On the road
Settle in and the iX whispers along with exceptional ride isolation—especially with air suspension. Power arrives in a smooth, effortless surge; sound insulation and active safety tech make long trips feel short.
Learn more at the official site: BMW iX.
Polestar 3 — Scandinavian performance art
Exterior presence
Low, wide and cleanly sculpted, the Polestar 3 communicates confidence without shouting. Signatures like “Thor’s Hammer” lamps and the sensor-packed SmartZone telegraph quiet tech rather than overt bling.
Interior & UX
The cockpit is minimalist and purposeful: a portrait touchscreen on Android Automotive OS, sustainable materials (MicroTech, certified wool), and focused ergonomics. It’s more studio than salon.
On the road
With rear-biased AWD and crisp chassis tuning, the 3 feels agile and keyed-in. It trades a sliver of floaty comfort for better body control and driver engagement—think GT poise in SUV clothing.
Official overview: Polestar 3.
BMW iX vs Polestar 3 — head-to-head
Design presence
Edge: BMW iX. Audacious and theatrical. The Polestar 3 is beautifully restrained; the iX commands attention.
Interior & comfort
Edge: BMW iX. If your commute should feel like a spa day, the iX is your sanctuary: packaging, materials and acoustic calm are stand-out strengths.
Technology & infotainment
Call it a tie. BMW iDrive is rich and visually lush; Polestar’s Google-native system is intuitive with excellent voice. Preference comes down to UI taste and your ecosystem (Apple/Google).
Driving dynamics
Edge: Polestar 3. Feels lighter on its feet, with sharper responses and a more connected helm—especially on challenging B-roads.
Practicality
Edge: BMW iX. A squarer rear and plush rear bench aid boot volume and long-journey passenger comfort.
Premium EV comparison (indicative, 2025 UK)
The figures below are indicative guide numbers for like-for-like comparison. Always check current official specs and pricing.
| Model | Starting Price (est.) | Real-World Range | Boot Space | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW iX | £70,000 | 250–330 miles | ~500 L | Ultimate Comfort & Interior Luxury |
| Polestar 3 | £79,000 | 280–310 miles | ~484 L | Minimalist Design & Driving Fun |
| Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV | £129,000 | 300–340 miles | ~645 L | Maximum Opulence & Technology |
| Audi Q8 e-tron | £68,000 | 260–310 miles | ~569 L | Understated Quality & Normality |
| Porsche Macan EV | £75,000 | 270–300 miles | ~540 L | The Driving Enthusiast |
Who should buy which?
Choose the BMW iX if…
- Your car is your sanctuary: you value hush, softness and a sense of theatre.
- Rear-seat comfort and a plush cabin matter more than razor-sharp handling.
- You prefer a rich, feature-packed UI and luxury options catalogue.
Choose the Polestar 3 if…
- You love minimalist design and a clean, modern UX (Google-native).
- Driving feel matters: you want agility and a rear-biased balance.
- You prefer subtle confidence to extrovert styling.
Other premium EVs to audition in 2025
- Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV: Presidential-suite serenity and the Hyperscreen spectacle.
- Audi Q8 e-tron: Discreet, beautifully built, and easy-going to live with.
- Porsche Macan EV: Sports-car spirit in a premium SUV footprint.
- Genesis GV70 Electrified: Striking design, lush interior, ultra-fast DC charging.
Ownership smarts: make premium feel effortless
- Plan like a pro: Use ONEEV for intelligent routing, live status and in-app payment.
- Charge etiquette: Arrive ~10–20% SOC, leave ~80% for fastest turnarounds.
- Comfort hacks: Precondition while plugged in; let the car and route do the heavy lifting.
The final verdict
If your luxury is defined by calm, tactile materials and superb isolation, the BMW iX is hard to beat. If your luxury is clarity—precision steering, minimalist design, and a tech-forward interface—the Polestar 3 is your match. Both are world-class; your taste decides the winner.
Ready to put miles into memories? Map an epic route with the ONEEV app, then explore our guide to Scotland’s North Coast 500 for a suitably premium EV adventure.
