The range of electric cars on offer in Australia has increased dramatically this year and things will only get better over the next 12 months.
From affordable Chinese urban cars to super-powerful German supercars, there’s plenty to choose from – for full details check out our Detailed release schedule.
Here are the upcoming electric cars that we’re excited to ride.
Scott Collie: BMW i5 M60 xDrive
I’m still not convinced by how it looks, but there’s no denying the fact that the i5 M60 is shaped like a weapon.
With 442kW of power and 820Nm of torque, it will hit 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds.
The Tesla Model S Plaid is faster, but that’s no longer coming to Australia, while the aerodynamic cockroach styling of the Mercedes-AMG EQE doesn’t help me.
Having experienced the cabin of the new BMW 7 Series, the interior of the i5 also promises to be quite special. It looks amazing in the photos, and it feels good every little bit.
Will it handle like an M5? Probably not, but that’s not the point – and the i4 M50 xDrive shows that BMW knows how to make a heavy-duty electric vehicle go around corners.
William Stopford: Kia EV9
It’s hard not to be a Tony Crawford here and offer a thousand different means of finding the answer.
I’m eagerly waiting for the Ford Puma EV because I really love the dynamics of the petrol model and I’m curious to see how much a big battery will mess things up.
The upcoming BYD Seal and MG 4 are two of the most exciting electric vehicles coming to China. While BYD pricing has yet to be announced, we already know the MG 4 will be one of the more affordable electric cars on the market.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Maserati GranTurismo Folgore and the Rolls-Royce Specter excite me as they represent entirely new electrified segments. That also applies to Dodge’s upcoming electric cars, which, while unconfirmed in Australia, excite me more than any EV.
But you asked for one, so I’ll give you one: the Kia EV9.
Aside from the large rear-wheel drive cars, the large three-row crossovers are also a good fit and are really in my comfort zone. There’s been little activity in the electric vehicle space for this segment, but Kia will soon change that with the EV9 and Hyundai will follow suit next year with the related Ioniq 7.
I’m sure the packaging will be great thanks to its dedicated EV construction, but I’m most curious about how it drives. Would it feel like a bus to drive? Will the ride be comfortable enough for a family SUV? What will the range look like when driving in the real world? I can’t wait to find the answers to all of this.
James Wong: Peugeot e-208
Four years ago I attended a Peugeot event where the then-executive promised me that the new generation 208 would be available in Australia from 2020 in both ICE and EV versions – yes, I’m still waiting.
Peugeot has reverted to plans to bring its City hatch here due to declining sales in the segment and super demand in Europe, where it has consistently been the best-selling product in the region.
But not everything is lost. The sexy little Pug isn’t far off from the Australian debut of the all-electric e-208 spec and I think it could put Peugeot back on the map.
While Chinese brands are really cashing in on “affordable” electric cars (if you call $50k affordable these days), some established brands have tried to make get his mark.
Since the larger e-2008 will cost $59,990 when it launches later this year, the e-208 will be here for $50,000-55,000, although expensive for a light car, but will be an interesting proposition for those who want a high-end electric car. Compact.
It’s well-regarded abroad, and a recent update saw the WLTP range increase to over 400 km for the 2023 builds. Just get it here already!
Jack Quick: Hyundai Ioniq 5 WOMEN
The upcoming electric vehicle I’m most excited to drive is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, which will make its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July this year.
At this stage, it is expected to arrive in Australia in late 2023 or early 2024.
I’m really excited to see first-hand what the Ioniq 5 N’s virtual dual-clutch transmission will look like and whether it really adds something worthwhile to the driving experience.
Another thing I’m interested in is N Sound Plus, which aims to deliver an immersive driving experience with notes of man-made emissions, bangs and booms, and revs.
I usually turn off a lot of this synthetic noise in electric cars because I hate being removed from the quiet atmosphere they provide.
Also, I can’t wait to grin from ear to ear as I leave every car in the rearview mirror as I leave the traffic light. My last name is Quick, what can I say?
Alborz Fallah: None of the above
I took my 11 year old son for a drive in a Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae the other night and you know what he told me? “Dad, it’s going to be sad when cars don’t sound like this anymore.” A father-son moment to be proud of, if any. There is no need for paternity testing here.
The electric car that I like to drive the most is… completely nonexistent. Seriously, I’m slightly better than EVs. The internal combustion engine may be dead, but I’m not ready to move on yet. I need time to heal.
It took me time to understand that, despite all the marketing materials I was exposed to every day, nothing could replace the feeling of an internal combustion engine spinning to its limits.
Having just returned from the unveiling of the Lexus RZ electric SUV, a not so stellar SUV, I’m a bit tired of EVs at the moment. Yes, they are the future and one day I will own one (I love the crazy look of the Polestar 3, it just needs to drop in price). My favorite car is probably the Kia EV6 GT because it’s a great option at a great price (in the context of other electric vehicles) but what about being ‘excited’ about an electric vehicle? ? No, thanks.
You get over the sudden acceleration after about half an hour and then you’re left with only one device. And I like a good device, we have a smart kettle in auto expert The Brisbane office you can control from your phone (it really doesn’t save time), and that’s great… but it’s not fun.
Nor am I excited about running home to use my fridge. I appreciate my fridge, it serves a purpose, but it doesn’t stir the soul.
Jade Credentino: Ford Mustang Mach-E
There are many new electric vehicles entering our market in the coming years, which looks particularly exciting.
The onslaught of electric vehicles from Europe is exciting and China is definitely stepping up its game.
With that said, I wouldn’t pick a continent and pick the American Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Although it has been revealed to Australia, it has not yet reached our shores.
I would consider the mid-range Premium offering a 91kWh battery, powering the 216kW and 430Nm motors mounted on the rear axle.
Ford claims the car has a range of 600 km, so I can say goodbye to range worries… I live in an area where public chargers and accessibility to charge electric vehicles are key. almost impossible.
The car looks nice and even though it’s electric, that means no funny sounds… you can still have fun on the track.
I’m excited to get behind the wheel later this year and see if it lives up to my high expectations.
Tony Crawford: BMW i5 M60 xDrive
Oh no, the boss asked me to limit my most awaited EV picks to one – how dare he, with so many great things coming our way (When did that ever stop you? – Editor.)
The Maserati GranTurismo Folgore I drove as a prototype was sensational, followed by the supposed beastly Hyundai Ioniq 5 N – and of course the high-performance version of the MG 4. Can’t wait.
But if I were limited to just one option, I would say the BMW i5 M60, which will launch later this year in the Australian market.
If you’ve never driven a current BMW i4 M50, it’s one of the most enjoyable driving experiences I’ve ever had – amazingly fast, comfortable and spacious with some technology and information. the most advanced entertainment on the market.
Handling and driving are simply astounding in terms of how responsive it is and the linearity of feedback the driver receives. I expect the standard to rise again with the i5 M60.
Derek Fung: ID. Buzz GTX
While I happily accepted offers to drive a Nevera or a Battista, the EV I was most excited about driving was the Volkswagen ID.Buzz GTX.
Maybe I have strong feelings about the sound of a supercar, but if we’re being honest here, it’s mostly because I’m a boring middle-aged man with the boring needs of a car. middle-aged people who just want to serve a side of quirks and signs of performance.
The basic 150kW ID.Buzz is extremely practical, spacious, and has a lovely vintage look, but speed isn’t its forte. The 250 kW two-motor four-wheel drive system fixes all that.
Hopefully Volkswagen will also provide the GTX with illuminated controls and not the piano black capacitive type.
