Compare the2025 BMW iXVS 2025 Polestar 3

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive is standard on the iX. But it costs extra on the Polestar 3.

Both the iX and the Polestar 3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

There are over 11 times as many BMW dealers as there are Polestar dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the iX’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Polestar vehicles. With 110 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Polestar.

The iX has more powerful engines than the Polestar 3:

On the EPA test cycle the iX gets better mileage than the Polestar 3:

The iX can travel longer on a full charge than the Polestar 3 on a full charge:

For better traction, the iX’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Polestar 3 (275/40R22 vs. 265/45R21).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the iX is 1.6 inches wider in the rear than the track on the Polestar 3.

For greater off-road capability the iX has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Polestar 3 (8.7 vs. 8.3 inches), allowing the iX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The front grille of the iX uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Polestar 3 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The iX has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Polestar 3 with its rear seat up (35.5 vs. 17.1 cubic feet). The iX has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Polestar 3 with its rear seat folded (77.9 vs. 50 cubic feet).

The iX’s cargo area is larger than the Polestar 3’s in almost every dimension:

Laser headlights, optional on the iX, produce their light by firing blue lasers through phosphorus, a process that uses one-half the power of the Polestar 3’s LED headlights. Laser headlights can have double the range of LEDs with a much smaller surface area.

The iX’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The Polestar 3’s power mirror controls are embedded in the infotainment system, seriously distracting drivers who have to adjust them while driving.

The iX’s optional Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Parking Assistant Professional will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The Polestar 3’s automatic parking system does not offer parking by remote control.

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW iX, based on reliability, safety and performance.