The range of electric cars on offer in Australia has grown significantly this year, and things are only going to get better over the next 12 months.
From affordable Chinese city cars to mega-powerful German super sedans, there’s a wealth of options to come – for a full breakdown, check out our detailed launch schedule.
Here are the incoming electric cars we’re most looking forward to driving.
Scott Collie: BMW i5 M60 xDrive
I’m still not sold on how it looks, but one can’t get away from the fact that the i5 M60 looks like some sort of weapon.
With 442 kW of power and 820 Nm of torque, it will reach 100 km/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 looks of the Mercedes-AMG EQE don’t bother me.
After having experienced the cabin of the new BMW 7 Series, the cabin of the i5 also looks quite special. It looks amazing in the photos, and it feels just as good.
Will it behave like an M5? Probably not, but that’s not the point – and the i4 M50 xDrive shows that BMW knows how to spin a heavy electric car around the corners.
William Stopford: Kia EV9
It’s so hard not to do a Tony Crawford here and give an answer to a thousand different vehicles.
I’m looking forward to the Ford Puma EV because I really like the dynamics of the petrol model and I’m curious how much a big battery will ruin things.
The upcoming BYD Seal and MG 4 are two of the most exciting electric vehicles to come from China. Although BYD pricing has yet to be released, we already know that the MG 4 will be one of the most affordable electric vehicles on the market.
At the other end of the spectrum, the Maserati GranTurismo Folgore and Rolls-Royce Specter excite me because they represent entirely new segments for electrification. This also applies to Dodge’s upcoming electric cars which, although unconfirmed for Australia, excites me more than any electric vehicle.
But you asked for one, so I’ll give you one: the Kia EV9.
Besides large rear-drive sedans, large three-row crossovers are well and truly in my comfort zone. There’s been remarkably little activity in the EV space for this segment, but Kia will soon change that with the EV9 and Hyundai will follow next year with the related Ioniq 7.
I’m sure the package will look great thanks to its dedicated EV architecture, but I’m mostly curious how it handles. Will it feel like being on a bus to drive? Will the ride be comfortable enough for a family SUV? What will the actual driving range be? I can’t wait to find the answers to all these questions.
James Wong: Peugeot e-208
Four years ago I attended a Peugeot event where the then managing director promised me that the new generation 208 would be in Australia from 2020 with ICE and EV versions – yes I still waiting.
Peugeot has backtracked on plans to bring its city sedan here due to declining sales in the segment and very strong demand in Europe, where it is still one of the region’s top sellers.
But all is not lost. The sexy little pug isn’t far off from an Australian introduction in the all-electric e-208 spec, and I think it could put Peugeot back on the map.
While Chinese brands are really taking advantage of “affordable” electric vehicles (if you call $50,000 affordable these days), few mainstream brands have managed to make their mark Down Under.
Given that the bigger e-2008 will cost $59,990 when it lands later this year, the e-208 should come in here between $50,000 and $55,000 which, while expensive for a lightweight car, would be an interesting proposition for those who want a top-of-the-range electric. compact.
It’s well acclaimed overseas, and a recent update saw the WLTP range increase to over 400km for 2023 versions. Get it here already!
Jack Quick: Hyundai Ioniq 5N
The next electric car I’m most looking forward to driving is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, which is set to make its public debut at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.
At this point, it is expected to arrive in Australia in late 2023 or early 2024.
I’m really excited to see what the Ioniq 5 N’s virtual dual-clutch gearbox will look like in person, and if it will actually add anything worthwhile to the driving experience.
Another thing that intrigues me is the N Sound Plus, which is meant to deliver an immersive driving experience with artificial exhaust notes, pops and thuds, and revving noises.
I usually turn off a lot of these synthesized noises in EVs because I hate being taken out of the quiet vibe they provide.
Plus, I can’t wait to have a grin from ear to ear as I leave absolutely every car in my rearview mirror as I take off from stoplights. My last name is Quick, what can I say?
Alborz Fallah: None of the above
I took my 11 year old son for a spin in the Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae the other night and you know what he said to me? “Dad, it’s going to be sad when cars don’t sound like that anymore.” A moment of father-son pride if ever there was one. No need for a paternity test here.
The electric vehicle I’m most looking forward to driving is… absolutely none. Seriously, I’m a bit over EVs. The internal combustion engine may be dead, but I’m not ready to move on just yet. I need time to heal.
I need time to realize that despite all the marketing material I’m exposed to on a daily basis, nothing will ever replace the feeling of an internal combustion engine revving to its limit.
Having just returned from the launch of the Lexus RZ electric SUV, which wasn’t terrible, I’m a bit fed up with EVs at the moment. Yes, they are the future and I will own one someday (I love the crazy look of the Polestar 3, it just needs to drop in price). Probably my favorite vehicle to drive is the Kia EV6 GT as it’s a fantastic choice for a great price (in the context of other EVs), but as for getting “excited” about an EV? No thanks.
You overcome the sudden burst of acceleration after about half an hour, then you end up with a device. And I like a good device, we have a smart kettle in the CarExpert Brisbane office that you can control from your phone (really doesn’t save time), and that’s cool… but it’s not exciting.
I’m also not keen on running home to use my fridge. I appreciate my fridge, it serves a purpose, but it does not stir the soul.
Jade Credentino: Ford Mustang Mach-E
There are so many new electric vehicles that will join our market in the coming years that seem particularly exciting.
The onslaught of electric vehicles coming out of Europe is very exciting, and China is definitely stepping up its game.
That being said, I won’t choose any continent and will go for the American Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Although it has already been revealed for Australia, it has yet to land on our shores.
I would look at the mid-range Premium which offers a 91kWh battery, powering a 216kW, 430Nm motor mounted on the rear axle.
Ford claims the vehicle has a range of 600km so I can say goodbye to range anxiety for good…I live in an area where public chargers and access to electric vehicle charging are almost impossible.
The car looks good and although it is electric which means no fun sounds… you can still have fun on the track.
I’m very 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 anticipated EV picks to just one – how dare he, with so many good things ahead of us (when did that stop you? – Ed.)
The Maserati GranTurismo Folgore I drove as a prototype is sensational, then there’s the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N which is supposed to be a beast – and of course the high performance version of the MG 4. I can’t wait.
But if I’m limited to just one choice, I’ll say the BMW i5 M60, launching later this year in the Australian market.
If you haven’t driven the current BMW i4 M50, it’s one of the most exhilarating driving experiences I’ve had – surprisingly fast, comfortable and roomy with some of the most advanced technology and infotainment around. – market watchdogs.
The handling and ride are simply amazing in terms of the precision and linearity of the feedback the driver gets. I expect the bar to be raised again with the i5 M60.
Derek Fung: ID. BuzzGTX
While I would gladly accept an offer to drive a Nevera or a Battista, the electric vehicle I’m most looking forward to driving is a Volkswagen ID.Buzz GTX.
Maybe I have strong feelings about how a supercar should sound, but if we’re being honest here, it’s mainly because I’m a boring middle-aged guy with boring middle-aged needs who just wants a serving of weirdness and a pinch of performance.
The basic 150kW ID.Buzz is wonderfully practical, spacious and lovingly retro, but liveliness isn’t its forte. A 250kW dual-motor all-wheel-drive system should solve all that.
Hopefully Volkswagen will also equip the GTX with illuminated controls and not the piano-black capacitive variety.
