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The Advertiser
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Which luxury electric SUV should you buy in 2025?
These cars may be especially niche in the Australian market, but we've had luxury electric SUVs on the mind as of late. CarExpert last week picked up the keys to its specially built Porsche Macan EV long-term loan car (more on that soon), and we've had several relevant reviews go live, including those for the Cadillac Lyriq and Polestar 3. We've therefore decided to expand on that idea and ask the members of the CarExpert team which luxury electric SUV they'd buy, provided everyone had the money. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. There's quite a variety of luxury electric SUVs on offer in Australia. Luxury electric SUVs currently on sale in Australia: Let us know which you'd pick in the comments below! This is a hard one! On the one hand, I couldn't go past a Genesis GV70 as either an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle or an EV. It's my favourite luxury SUV in the segment, but it makes more sense as an ICE than an EV. With that in mind, the one non-supercar that impressed me the most last year was the Lotus Eletre, the most ridiculous super SUV I have driven in some time. Quicker than most V10 and V12 supercars and actually fun to drive. Most interestingly, though, it was the best in-car technology I – still – have ever seen. A videogame engine and graphics card run the best in-car tech stack currently on sale. And since Lotus Australia continues to drop the price, and you can definitely find yourself in one for well under 200k with some haggling, it starts to make more sense (kind of). The main issue with these expensive EV SUVs is the resale. Have a look at the bargains you can get on a two-year-old BMW iX (which is a terrific car) and just know that you want to make sure you get a hefty discount on purchase so you don't take a bath or six when it comes to sell. Interested in buying a Lotus Eletre? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Lotus Eletre To be honest, I couldn't justify spending $80,000-plus on any EV, let alone a small European electric SUV that will depreciate even more quickly than a mainstream one. But the question here is what constitutes a luxury brand. We don't deem Mini, Smart, Renault, Xpeng or Zeekr to be premium auto brands, but the latter is arguable and MG's upcoming IM brand will be even more so, regardless of price positioning. However, all of the brands I've listed above (bar IM) also offer a small electric SUV priced over $45k, the threshold defined by VFACTS as separating mainstream and premium vehicles. So if I had to choose one of them I'd go for the Mini Countryman E, which starts from under $65k. But if Tesla also qualifies as a luxury marque, then the larger Model Y delivers undeniable value and proven technology for less than $59k, making it almost certain to remain Australia's favourite EV in 2025. Interested in buying a Mini Countryman? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Mini Countryman I find that a lot of early luxury electric SUVs were experimental exercises, often severely compromised by their driving range and/or polarising designs that took a hit on general attractiveness as well as practicality. Personally, I prefer my EVs to look and drive like a normal car, and that's why I think the new Volvo EX90 is my top pick. The XC90 was a trailblazer in the modern luxury SUV space, offering a premium cabin and drive experience, as well as seating for seven adults. Fast forward two decades later, and the EX90 adapts that formula to the electric age. It's comfortable, quiet, luxurious and has some presence about it. Both versions offer plenty of performance balanced with long range, and in typical Volvo fashion there's just about every safety feature you can think of. Interested in buying a Volvo EX90? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Volvo EX90 Among the smaller electric luxury SUVs on our market, my vote goes to the BMW iX1. It's handsomely styled inside and out, the tech is slick, and it's comfortable to drive while having plenty of power and a chuckable feel to it. Moving up to the medium-to-large electric luxury SUV space, there are more options but a lot of them aren't exactly pretty – and if you're spending this much money, don't you want something that looks good? So that rules out the BMW iX for me, no matter how good it may be in other areas. The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is nice and plush but to my eyes even uglier than the iX, while the Audi Q8 e-tron is genuinely handsome but it's pricey and on its way out. I can't comment on some other tempting EVs that I've not yet driven, such as the Volvo EX90, but I can comment on something more attractive than any of these: the Cadillac Lyriq. It's missing some features and the attractive interior has some questionable materials in places, while Cadillac's retail network is tiny for now, but it undercuts key luxury rivals and has a stately look and driving feel. As somebody who has been keen to see Cadillac enter the Australian market for a long time, the Lyriq had the potential to be a massive letdown. Fortunately it's not, and while there are some areas for improvement it's an intriguing alternative to the Germans. There's some tempting metal coming down the line, not just from Cadillac (Optiq, Vistiq) and BMW (the Neue Klasse-based iX3) but also players like Genesis (GV90). So while EV sales growth isn't rising as sharply as it was, there's more and more variety each year. Bring it on. Interested in buying a BMW iX1 or Cadillac Lyriq? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here for the BMW, and here for the Cadillac MORE: Everything BMW iX1 • Cadillac Lyriq This isn't like asking what you want for dessert, but more which dentist would you like to visit. If you put a gun to my head and said I had to own something from this list, I'd buy the Porsche Macan. I may be one of only a few buyers in the country, which would make me an authority on them, and I'd always be able to find it in the charging bay (also a colloquialism for 'Porsche dealer'). The iX BMWs have some great things going for them, but I'm not as convinced by Munich's dynamic delivery against those from Stuttgart. The Genesis looks a bit Porsche-like and would be a serious consideration here, and – while I haven't had new glasses for several years – the Lexus RZ appeals to me for offering a distinctive wrapping but a familiar flavour of dependability and quality engineering. Yet I can't pass by the (relatively) safe bet of the Macan, which brings a well-proportioned package inside and out, at least some level of street cred, drivability and a slightly higher chance of decent resale when I really do make up my mind… Interested in buying a Porsche Macan? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Porsche Macan There's a decent variety of electric vehicles in this list, from compact city runabouts to full-size family SUVs. But in choosing to prioritise all-round capability, I'm left with two standouts – the Polestar 3 and Audi Q6 e-tron. Both exist in a similar corner of the market, priced from around $120,000, and both make the most of their electric underpinnings. For the Polestar 3, that means clever cabin packaging, industry-leading driving range (706km claimed), and affordable running costs – the big three for growing families that like to get out and about. On the other hand, the Q6 e-tron blends exterior style, plenty of powertrain substance, and an interior bursting with technology that's both flashy and functional. But if I was forced to choose between the two, I'd take the Polestar. In base Long Range Single Motor specification, it'll get you further on a charge than any other EV in market, and the second row is hilariously spacious. Sure it doesn't pack the punch of dual-motor alternatives, but it's enjoyable to drive regardless, and comfortable too. I'm not going to pretend any of the vehicles in this category are great value, but I can confidently say that the 3 and Q6 e-tron are at least fit for purpose. Interested in buying a Polestar 3 or Audi Q6 e-tron? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here for the Polestar, and here for the Audi MORE: Everything Polestar 3 • Audi Q6 e-tron I've only driven a handful of cars on this list, but those few span quite the price range and have given me a taste of the general ins and outs of a lot of these luxury brands. With that in mind, I'd go for the Lexus UX300e. At as much as just $88,190 before on-roads, it could actually be considered cheap among the other cars that have appeared so far. It's a small SUV, which means it does better to manage its EV-induced weight than some of the larger alternatives, and avoids feeling unwieldy. The interior is well-presented and comfortable, and while there's plenty of tech, it's all still quite accessible. This is an advantage considering the painfully screen-dependent setups seen the further you climb up the price tree. To top it off, it's quiet and smooth. That's not to say it's perfect, because it does have some fairly significant flaws. The UX platform wasn't built to be electric. While that means it's no more confronting inside than a hybrid UX, the limitations are evident in the 300e's front-wheel drive setup – and that's where the larger and pricier Lexus RZ would make more sense. It makes far too much power to only be front-wheel drive, and against its direct rivals it is quite expensive. After all, it's intended to be a rival to something like the Tesla Model Y or Hyundai Kona Electric rather than a Porsche Macan. I still enjoyed the UX300e during my time with it, and it had me thinking about whether I could stomach an electric Lexus for myself; 'maybe' was the conclusion I came to, though I'd prefer a sedan like the upcoming electric ES. A close second here was the sharp-looking Polestar 4, a much more modern EV that also has fairly compact dimensions. It's just a touch too screen-heavy for my liking. Interested in buying a Lexus UX? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Lexus UX Content originally sourced from: These cars may be especially niche in the Australian market, but we've had luxury electric SUVs on the mind as of late. CarExpert last week picked up the keys to its specially built Porsche Macan EV long-term loan car (more on that soon), and we've had several relevant reviews go live, including those for the Cadillac Lyriq and Polestar 3. We've therefore decided to expand on that idea and ask the members of the CarExpert team which luxury electric SUV they'd buy, provided everyone had the money. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. There's quite a variety of luxury electric SUVs on offer in Australia. Luxury electric SUVs currently on sale in Australia: Let us know which you'd pick in the comments below! This is a hard one! On the one hand, I couldn't go past a Genesis GV70 as either an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle or an EV. It's my favourite luxury SUV in the segment, but it makes more sense as an ICE than an EV. With that in mind, the one non-supercar that impressed me the most last year was the Lotus Eletre, the most ridiculous super SUV I have driven in some time. Quicker than most V10 and V12 supercars and actually fun to drive. Most interestingly, though, it was the best in-car technology I – still – have ever seen. A videogame engine and graphics card run the best in-car tech stack currently on sale. And since Lotus Australia continues to drop the price, and you can definitely find yourself in one for well under 200k with some haggling, it starts to make more sense (kind of). The main issue with these expensive EV SUVs is the resale. Have a look at the bargains you can get on a two-year-old BMW iX (which is a terrific car) and just know that you want to make sure you get a hefty discount on purchase so you don't take a bath or six when it comes to sell. Interested in buying a Lotus Eletre? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Lotus Eletre To be honest, I couldn't justify spending $80,000-plus on any EV, let alone a small European electric SUV that will depreciate even more quickly than a mainstream one. But the question here is what constitutes a luxury brand. We don't deem Mini, Smart, Renault, Xpeng or Zeekr to be premium auto brands, but the latter is arguable and MG's upcoming IM brand will be even more so, regardless of price positioning. However, all of the brands I've listed above (bar IM) also offer a small electric SUV priced over $45k, the threshold defined by VFACTS as separating mainstream and premium vehicles. So if I had to choose one of them I'd go for the Mini Countryman E, which starts from under $65k. But if Tesla also qualifies as a luxury marque, then the larger Model Y delivers undeniable value and proven technology for less than $59k, making it almost certain to remain Australia's favourite EV in 2025. Interested in buying a Mini Countryman? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Mini Countryman I find that a lot of early luxury electric SUVs were experimental exercises, often severely compromised by their driving range and/or polarising designs that took a hit on general attractiveness as well as practicality. Personally, I prefer my EVs to look and drive like a normal car, and that's why I think the new Volvo EX90 is my top pick. The XC90 was a trailblazer in the modern luxury SUV space, offering a premium cabin and drive experience, as well as seating for seven adults. Fast forward two decades later, and the EX90 adapts that formula to the electric age. It's comfortable, quiet, luxurious and has some presence about it. Both versions offer plenty of performance balanced with long range, and in typical Volvo fashion there's just about every safety feature you can think of. Interested in buying a Volvo EX90? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Volvo EX90 Among the smaller electric luxury SUVs on our market, my vote goes to the BMW iX1. It's handsomely styled inside and out, the tech is slick, and it's comfortable to drive while having plenty of power and a chuckable feel to it. Moving up to the medium-to-large electric luxury SUV space, there are more options but a lot of them aren't exactly pretty – and if you're spending this much money, don't you want something that looks good? So that rules out the BMW iX for me, no matter how good it may be in other areas. The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is nice and plush but to my eyes even uglier than the iX, while the Audi Q8 e-tron is genuinely handsome but it's pricey and on its way out. I can't comment on some other tempting EVs that I've not yet driven, such as the Volvo EX90, but I can comment on something more attractive than any of these: the Cadillac Lyriq. It's missing some features and the attractive interior has some questionable materials in places, while Cadillac's retail network is tiny for now, but it undercuts key luxury rivals and has a stately look and driving feel. As somebody who has been keen to see Cadillac enter the Australian market for a long time, the Lyriq had the potential to be a massive letdown. Fortunately it's not, and while there are some areas for improvement it's an intriguing alternative to the Germans. There's some tempting metal coming down the line, not just from Cadillac (Optiq, Vistiq) and BMW (the Neue Klasse-based iX3) but also players like Genesis (GV90). So while EV sales growth isn't rising as sharply as it was, there's more and more variety each year. Bring it on. Interested in buying a BMW iX1 or Cadillac Lyriq? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here for the BMW, and here for the Cadillac MORE: Everything BMW iX1 • Cadillac Lyriq This isn't like asking what you want for dessert, but more which dentist would you like to visit. If you put a gun to my head and said I had to own something from this list, I'd buy the Porsche Macan. I may be one of only a few buyers in the country, which would make me an authority on them, and I'd always be able to find it in the charging bay (also a colloquialism for 'Porsche dealer'). The iX BMWs have some great things going for them, but I'm not as convinced by Munich's dynamic delivery against those from Stuttgart. The Genesis looks a bit Porsche-like and would be a serious consideration here, and – while I haven't had new glasses for several years – the Lexus RZ appeals to me for offering a distinctive wrapping but a familiar flavour of dependability and quality engineering. Yet I can't pass by the (relatively) safe bet of the Macan, which brings a well-proportioned package inside and out, at least some level of street cred, drivability and a slightly higher chance of decent resale when I really do make up my mind… Interested in buying a Porsche Macan? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Porsche Macan There's a decent variety of electric vehicles in this list, from compact city runabouts to full-size family SUVs. But in choosing to prioritise all-round capability, I'm left with two standouts – the Polestar 3 and Audi Q6 e-tron. Both exist in a similar corner of the market, priced from around $120,000, and both make the most of their electric underpinnings. For the Polestar 3, that means clever cabin packaging, industry-leading driving range (706km claimed), and affordable running costs – the big three for growing families that like to get out and about. On the other hand, the Q6 e-tron blends exterior style, plenty of powertrain substance, and an interior bursting with technology that's both flashy and functional. But if I was forced to choose between the two, I'd take the Polestar. In base Long Range Single Motor specification, it'll get you further on a charge than any other EV in market, and the second row is hilariously spacious. Sure it doesn't pack the punch of dual-motor alternatives, but it's enjoyable to drive regardless, and comfortable too. I'm not going to pretend any of the vehicles in this category are great value, but I can confidently say that the 3 and Q6 e-tron are at least fit for purpose. Interested in buying a Polestar 3 or Audi Q6 e-tron? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here for the Polestar, and here for the Audi MORE: Everything Polestar 3 • Audi Q6 e-tron I've only driven a handful of cars on this list, but those few span quite the price range and have given me a taste of the general ins and outs of a lot of these luxury brands. With that in mind, I'd go for the Lexus UX300e. At as much as just $88,190 before on-roads, it could actually be considered cheap among the other cars that have appeared so far. It's a small SUV, which means it does better to manage its EV-induced weight than some of the larger alternatives, and avoids feeling unwieldy. The interior is well-presented and comfortable, and while there's plenty of tech, it's all still quite accessible. This is an advantage considering the painfully screen-dependent setups seen the further you climb up the price tree. To top it off, it's quiet and smooth. That's not to say it's perfect, because it does have some fairly significant flaws. The UX platform wasn't built to be electric. While that means it's no more confronting inside than a hybrid UX, the limitations are evident in the 300e's front-wheel drive setup – and that's where the larger and pricier Lexus RZ would make more sense. It makes far too much power to only be front-wheel drive, and against its direct rivals it is quite expensive. After all, it's intended to be a rival to something like the Tesla Model Y or Hyundai Kona Electric rather than a Porsche Macan. I still enjoyed the UX300e during my time with it, and it had me thinking about whether I could stomach an electric Lexus for myself; 'maybe' was the conclusion I came to, though I'd prefer a sedan like the upcoming electric ES. A close second here was the sharp-looking Polestar 4, a much more modern EV that also has fairly compact dimensions. It's just a touch too screen-heavy for my liking. Interested in buying a Lexus UX? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Lexus UX Content originally sourced from: These cars may be especially niche in the Australian market, but we've had luxury electric SUVs on the mind as of late. CarExpert last week picked up the keys to its specially built Porsche Macan EV long-term loan car (more on that soon), and we've had several relevant reviews go live, including those for the Cadillac Lyriq and Polestar 3. We've therefore decided to expand on that idea and ask the members of the CarExpert team which luxury electric SUV they'd buy, provided everyone had the money. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. There's quite a variety of luxury electric SUVs on offer in Australia. Luxury electric SUVs currently on sale in Australia: Let us know which you'd pick in the comments below! This is a hard one! On the one hand, I couldn't go past a Genesis GV70 as either an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle or an EV. It's my favourite luxury SUV in the segment, but it makes more sense as an ICE than an EV. With that in mind, the one non-supercar that impressed me the most last year was the Lotus Eletre, the most ridiculous super SUV I have driven in some time. Quicker than most V10 and V12 supercars and actually fun to drive. Most interestingly, though, it was the best in-car technology I – still – have ever seen. A videogame engine and graphics card run the best in-car tech stack currently on sale. And since Lotus Australia continues to drop the price, and you can definitely find yourself in one for well under 200k with some haggling, it starts to make more sense (kind of). The main issue with these expensive EV SUVs is the resale. Have a look at the bargains you can get on a two-year-old BMW iX (which is a terrific car) and just know that you want to make sure you get a hefty discount on purchase so you don't take a bath or six when it comes to sell. Interested in buying a Lotus Eletre? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Lotus Eletre To be honest, I couldn't justify spending $80,000-plus on any EV, let alone a small European electric SUV that will depreciate even more quickly than a mainstream one. But the question here is what constitutes a luxury brand. We don't deem Mini, Smart, Renault, Xpeng or Zeekr to be premium auto brands, but the latter is arguable and MG's upcoming IM brand will be even more so, regardless of price positioning. However, all of the brands I've listed above (bar IM) also offer a small electric SUV priced over $45k, the threshold defined by VFACTS as separating mainstream and premium vehicles. So if I had to choose one of them I'd go for the Mini Countryman E, which starts from under $65k. But if Tesla also qualifies as a luxury marque, then the larger Model Y delivers undeniable value and proven technology for less than $59k, making it almost certain to remain Australia's favourite EV in 2025. Interested in buying a Mini Countryman? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Mini Countryman I find that a lot of early luxury electric SUVs were experimental exercises, often severely compromised by their driving range and/or polarising designs that took a hit on general attractiveness as well as practicality. Personally, I prefer my EVs to look and drive like a normal car, and that's why I think the new Volvo EX90 is my top pick. The XC90 was a trailblazer in the modern luxury SUV space, offering a premium cabin and drive experience, as well as seating for seven adults. Fast forward two decades later, and the EX90 adapts that formula to the electric age. It's comfortable, quiet, luxurious and has some presence about it. Both versions offer plenty of performance balanced with long range, and in typical Volvo fashion there's just about every safety feature you can think of. Interested in buying a Volvo EX90? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Volvo EX90 Among the smaller electric luxury SUVs on our market, my vote goes to the BMW iX1. It's handsomely styled inside and out, the tech is slick, and it's comfortable to drive while having plenty of power and a chuckable feel to it. Moving up to the medium-to-large electric luxury SUV space, there are more options but a lot of them aren't exactly pretty – and if you're spending this much money, don't you want something that looks good? So that rules out the BMW iX for me, no matter how good it may be in other areas. The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is nice and plush but to my eyes even uglier than the iX, while the Audi Q8 e-tron is genuinely handsome but it's pricey and on its way out. I can't comment on some other tempting EVs that I've not yet driven, such as the Volvo EX90, but I can comment on something more attractive than any of these: the Cadillac Lyriq. It's missing some features and the attractive interior has some questionable materials in places, while Cadillac's retail network is tiny for now, but it undercuts key luxury rivals and has a stately look and driving feel. As somebody who has been keen to see Cadillac enter the Australian market for a long time, the Lyriq had the potential to be a massive letdown. Fortunately it's not, and while there are some areas for improvement it's an intriguing alternative to the Germans. There's some tempting metal coming down the line, not just from Cadillac (Optiq, Vistiq) and BMW (the Neue Klasse-based iX3) but also players like Genesis (GV90). So while EV sales growth isn't rising as sharply as it was, there's more and more variety each year. Bring it on. Interested in buying a BMW iX1 or Cadillac Lyriq? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here for the BMW, and here for the Cadillac MORE: Everything BMW iX1 • Cadillac Lyriq This isn't like asking what you want for dessert, but more which dentist would you like to visit. If you put a gun to my head and said I had to own something from this list, I'd buy the Porsche Macan. I may be one of only a few buyers in the country, which would make me an authority on them, and I'd always be able to find it in the charging bay (also a colloquialism for 'Porsche dealer'). The iX BMWs have some great things going for them, but I'm not as convinced by Munich's dynamic delivery against those from Stuttgart. The Genesis looks a bit Porsche-like and would be a serious consideration here, and – while I haven't had new glasses for several years – the Lexus RZ appeals to me for offering a distinctive wrapping but a familiar flavour of dependability and quality engineering. Yet I can't pass by the (relatively) safe bet of the Macan, which brings a well-proportioned package inside and out, at least some level of street cred, drivability and a slightly higher chance of decent resale when I really do make up my mind… Interested in buying a Porsche Macan? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Porsche Macan There's a decent variety of electric vehicles in this list, from compact city runabouts to full-size family SUVs. But in choosing to prioritise all-round capability, I'm left with two standouts – the Polestar 3 and Audi Q6 e-tron. Both exist in a similar corner of the market, priced from around $120,000, and both make the most of their electric underpinnings. For the Polestar 3, that means clever cabin packaging, industry-leading driving range (706km claimed), and affordable running costs – the big three for growing families that like to get out and about. On the other hand, the Q6 e-tron blends exterior style, plenty of powertrain substance, and an interior bursting with technology that's both flashy and functional. But if I was forced to choose between the two, I'd take the Polestar. In base Long Range Single Motor specification, it'll get you further on a charge than any other EV in market, and the second row is hilariously spacious. Sure it doesn't pack the punch of dual-motor alternatives, but it's enjoyable to drive regardless, and comfortable too. I'm not going to pretend any of the vehicles in this category are great value, but I can confidently say that the 3 and Q6 e-tron are at least fit for purpose. Interested in buying a Polestar 3 or Audi Q6 e-tron? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here for the Polestar, and here for the Audi MORE: Everything Polestar 3 • Audi Q6 e-tron I've only driven a handful of cars on this list, but those few span quite the price range and have given me a taste of the general ins and outs of a lot of these luxury brands. With that in mind, I'd go for the Lexus UX300e. At as much as just $88,190 before on-roads, it could actually be considered cheap among the other cars that have appeared so far. It's a small SUV, which means it does better to manage its EV-induced weight than some of the larger alternatives, and avoids feeling unwieldy. The interior is well-presented and comfortable, and while there's plenty of tech, it's all still quite accessible. This is an advantage considering the painfully screen-dependent setups seen the further you climb up the price tree. To top it off, it's quiet and smooth. That's not to say it's perfect, because it does have some fairly significant flaws. The UX platform wasn't built to be electric. While that means it's no more confronting inside than a hybrid UX, the limitations are evident in the 300e's front-wheel drive setup – and that's where the larger and pricier Lexus RZ would make more sense. It makes far too much power to only be front-wheel drive, and against its direct rivals it is quite expensive. After all, it's intended to be a rival to something like the Tesla Model Y or Hyundai Kona Electric rather than a Porsche Macan. I still enjoyed the UX300e during my time with it, and it had me thinking about whether I could stomach an electric Lexus for myself; 'maybe' was the conclusion I came to, though I'd prefer a sedan like the upcoming electric ES. A close second here was the sharp-looking Polestar 4, a much more modern EV that also has fairly compact dimensions. It's just a touch too screen-heavy for my liking. Interested in buying a Lexus UX? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Lexus UX Content originally sourced from: These cars may be especially niche in the Australian market, but we've had luxury electric SUVs on the mind as of late. CarExpert last week picked up the keys to its specially built Porsche Macan EV long-term loan car (more on that soon), and we've had several relevant reviews go live, including those for the Cadillac Lyriq and Polestar 3. We've therefore decided to expand on that idea and ask the members of the CarExpert team which luxury electric SUV they'd buy, provided everyone had the money. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. There's quite a variety of luxury electric SUVs on offer in Australia. Luxury electric SUVs currently on sale in Australia: Let us know which you'd pick in the comments below! This is a hard one! On the one hand, I couldn't go past a Genesis GV70 as either an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle or an EV. It's my favourite luxury SUV in the segment, but it makes more sense as an ICE than an EV. With that in mind, the one non-supercar that impressed me the most last year was the Lotus Eletre, the most ridiculous super SUV I have driven in some time. Quicker than most V10 and V12 supercars and actually fun to drive. Most interestingly, though, it was the best in-car technology I – still – have ever seen. A videogame engine and graphics card run the best in-car tech stack currently on sale. And since Lotus Australia continues to drop the price, and you can definitely find yourself in one for well under 200k with some haggling, it starts to make more sense (kind of). The main issue with these expensive EV SUVs is the resale. Have a look at the bargains you can get on a two-year-old BMW iX (which is a terrific car) and just know that you want to make sure you get a hefty discount on purchase so you don't take a bath or six when it comes to sell. Interested in buying a Lotus Eletre? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Lotus Eletre To be honest, I couldn't justify spending $80,000-plus on any EV, let alone a small European electric SUV that will depreciate even more quickly than a mainstream one. But the question here is what constitutes a luxury brand. We don't deem Mini, Smart, Renault, Xpeng or Zeekr to be premium auto brands, but the latter is arguable and MG's upcoming IM brand will be even more so, regardless of price positioning. However, all of the brands I've listed above (bar IM) also offer a small electric SUV priced over $45k, the threshold defined by VFACTS as separating mainstream and premium vehicles. So if I had to choose one of them I'd go for the Mini Countryman E, which starts from under $65k. But if Tesla also qualifies as a luxury marque, then the larger Model Y delivers undeniable value and proven technology for less than $59k, making it almost certain to remain Australia's favourite EV in 2025. Interested in buying a Mini Countryman? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Mini Countryman I find that a lot of early luxury electric SUVs were experimental exercises, often severely compromised by their driving range and/or polarising designs that took a hit on general attractiveness as well as practicality. Personally, I prefer my EVs to look and drive like a normal car, and that's why I think the new Volvo EX90 is my top pick. The XC90 was a trailblazer in the modern luxury SUV space, offering a premium cabin and drive experience, as well as seating for seven adults. Fast forward two decades later, and the EX90 adapts that formula to the electric age. It's comfortable, quiet, luxurious and has some presence about it. Both versions offer plenty of performance balanced with long range, and in typical Volvo fashion there's just about every safety feature you can think of. Interested in buying a Volvo EX90? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Volvo EX90 Among the smaller electric luxury SUVs on our market, my vote goes to the BMW iX1. It's handsomely styled inside and out, the tech is slick, and it's comfortable to drive while having plenty of power and a chuckable feel to it. Moving up to the medium-to-large electric luxury SUV space, there are more options but a lot of them aren't exactly pretty – and if you're spending this much money, don't you want something that looks good? So that rules out the BMW iX for me, no matter how good it may be in other areas. The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is nice and plush but to my eyes even uglier than the iX, while the Audi Q8 e-tron is genuinely handsome but it's pricey and on its way out. I can't comment on some other tempting EVs that I've not yet driven, such as the Volvo EX90, but I can comment on something more attractive than any of these: the Cadillac Lyriq. It's missing some features and the attractive interior has some questionable materials in places, while Cadillac's retail network is tiny for now, but it undercuts key luxury rivals and has a stately look and driving feel. As somebody who has been keen to see Cadillac enter the Australian market for a long time, the Lyriq had the potential to be a massive letdown. Fortunately it's not, and while there are some areas for improvement it's an intriguing alternative to the Germans. There's some tempting metal coming down the line, not just from Cadillac (Optiq, Vistiq) and BMW (the Neue Klasse-based iX3) but also players like Genesis (GV90). So while EV sales growth isn't rising as sharply as it was, there's more and more variety each year. Bring it on. Interested in buying a BMW iX1 or Cadillac Lyriq? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here for the BMW, and here for the Cadillac MORE: Everything BMW iX1 • Cadillac Lyriq This isn't like asking what you want for dessert, but more which dentist would you like to visit. If you put a gun to my head and said I had to own something from this list, I'd buy the Porsche Macan. I may be one of only a few buyers in the country, which would make me an authority on them, and I'd always be able to find it in the charging bay (also a colloquialism for 'Porsche dealer'). The iX BMWs have some great things going for them, but I'm not as convinced by Munich's dynamic delivery against those from Stuttgart. The Genesis looks a bit Porsche-like and would be a serious consideration here, and – while I haven't had new glasses for several years – the Lexus RZ appeals to me for offering a distinctive wrapping but a familiar flavour of dependability and quality engineering. Yet I can't pass by the (relatively) safe bet of the Macan, which brings a well-proportioned package inside and out, at least some level of street cred, drivability and a slightly higher chance of decent resale when I really do make up my mind… Interested in buying a Porsche Macan? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Porsche Macan There's a decent variety of electric vehicles in this list, from compact city runabouts to full-size family SUVs. But in choosing to prioritise all-round capability, I'm left with two standouts – the Polestar 3 and Audi Q6 e-tron. Both exist in a similar corner of the market, priced from around $120,000, and both make the most of their electric underpinnings. For the Polestar 3, that means clever cabin packaging, industry-leading driving range (706km claimed), and affordable running costs – the big three for growing families that like to get out and about. On the other hand, the Q6 e-tron blends exterior style, plenty of powertrain substance, and an interior bursting with technology that's both flashy and functional. But if I was forced to choose between the two, I'd take the Polestar. In base Long Range Single Motor specification, it'll get you further on a charge than any other EV in market, and the second row is hilariously spacious. Sure it doesn't pack the punch of dual-motor alternatives, but it's enjoyable to drive regardless, and comfortable too. I'm not going to pretend any of the vehicles in this category are great value, but I can confidently say that the 3 and Q6 e-tron are at least fit for purpose. Interested in buying a Polestar 3 or Audi Q6 e-tron? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here for the Polestar, and here for the Audi MORE: Everything Polestar 3 • Audi Q6 e-tron I've only driven a handful of cars on this list, but those few span quite the price range and have given me a taste of the general ins and outs of a lot of these luxury brands. With that in mind, I'd go for the Lexus UX300e. At as much as just $88,190 before on-roads, it could actually be considered cheap among the other cars that have appeared so far. It's a small SUV, which means it does better to manage its EV-induced weight than some of the larger alternatives, and avoids feeling unwieldy. The interior is well-presented and comfortable, and while there's plenty of tech, it's all still quite accessible. This is an advantage considering the painfully screen-dependent setups seen the further you climb up the price tree. To top it off, it's quiet and smooth. That's not to say it's perfect, because it does have some fairly significant flaws. The UX platform wasn't built to be electric. While that means it's no more confronting inside than a hybrid UX, the limitations are evident in the 300e's front-wheel drive setup – and that's where the larger and pricier Lexus RZ would make more sense. It makes far too much power to only be front-wheel drive, and against its direct rivals it is quite expensive. After all, it's intended to be a rival to something like the Tesla Model Y or Hyundai Kona Electric rather than a Porsche Macan. I still enjoyed the UX300e during my time with it, and it had me thinking about whether I could stomach an electric Lexus for myself; 'maybe' was the conclusion I came to, though I'd prefer a sedan like the upcoming electric ES. A close second here was the sharp-looking Polestar 4, a much more modern EV that also has fairly compact dimensions. It's just a touch too screen-heavy for my liking. Interested in buying a Lexus UX? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Lexus UX Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Which luxury electric SUV should you buy in 2025?
These cars may be especially niche in the Australian market, but we've had luxury electric SUVs on the mind as of late. CarExpert last week picked up the keys to its specially built Porsche Macan EV long-term loan car (more on that soon), and we've had several relevant reviews go live, including those for the Cadillac Lyriq and Polestar 3. We've therefore decided to expand on that idea and ask the members of the CarExpert team which luxury electric SUV they'd buy, provided everyone had the money. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. There's quite a variety of luxury electric SUVs on offer in Australia. Luxury electric SUVs currently on sale in Australia: Audi Q4 e-tron Audi Q6 e-tron Audi Q8 e-tron BMW iX1 BMW iX2 BMW iX3 Cadillac Lyriq Genesis Electrified GV70 Genesis GV60 Lexus UX Lexus RZ Lotus Eletre Maserati Grecale Folgore Mercedes-Benz G580 Mercedes-Benz EQA Mercedes-Benz EQB Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV Polestar 3 Polestar 4 Porsche Macan Volvo EX40 Volvo EX30 Volvo EX90 Let us know which you'd pick in the comments below! Alborz Fallah: Lotus Eletre This is a hard one! On the one hand, I couldn't go past a Genesis GV70 as either an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle or an EV. It's my favourite luxury SUV in the segment, but it makes more sense as an ICE than an EV. With that in mind, the one non-supercar that impressed me the most last year was the Lotus Eletre, the most ridiculous super SUV I have driven in some time. Quicker than most V10 and V12 supercars and actually fun to drive. Most interestingly, though, it was the best in-car technology I – still – have ever seen. A videogame engine and graphics card run the best in-car tech stack currently on sale. And since Lotus Australia continues to drop the price, and you can definitely find yourself in one for well under 200k with some haggling, it starts to make more sense (kind of). The main issue with these expensive EV SUVs is the resale. Have a look at the bargains you can get on a two-year-old BMW iX (which is a terrific car) and just know that you want to make sure you get a hefty discount on purchase so you don't take a bath or six when it comes to sell. Interested in buying a Lotus Eletre? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here Marton Pettendy: None To be honest, I couldn't justify spending $80,000-plus on any EV, let alone a small European electric SUV that will depreciate even more quickly than a mainstream one. But the question here is what constitutes a luxury brand. We don't deem Mini, Smart, Renault, Xpeng or Zeekr to be premium auto brands, but the latter is arguable and MG's upcoming IM brand will be even more so, regardless of price positioning. However, all of the brands I've listed above (bar IM) also offer a small electric SUV priced over $45k, the threshold defined by VFACTS as separating mainstream and premium vehicles. So if I had to choose one of them I'd go for the Mini Countryman E, which starts from under $65k. But if Tesla also qualifies as a luxury marque, then the larger Model Y delivers undeniable value and proven technology for less than $59k, making it almost certain to remain Australia's favourite EV in 2025. Interested in buying a Mini Countryman? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here James Wong: Volvo EX90 I find that a lot of early luxury electric SUVs were experimental exercises, often severely compromised by their driving range and/or polarising designs that took a hit on general attractiveness as well as practicality. Personally, I prefer my EVs to look and drive like a normal car, and that's why I think the new Volvo EX90 is my top pick. The XC90 was a trailblazer in the modern luxury SUV space, offering a premium cabin and drive experience, as well as seating for seven adults. Fast forward two decades later, and the EX90 adapts that formula to the electric age. It's comfortable, quiet, luxurious and has some presence about it. Both versions offer plenty of performance balanced with long range, and in typical Volvo fashion there's just about every safety feature you can think of. Interested in buying a Volvo EX90? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here William Stopford: BMW iX and Cadillac Lyriq Among the smaller electric luxury SUVs on our market, my vote goes to the BMW iX1. It's handsomely styled inside and out, the tech is slick, and it's comfortable to drive while having plenty of power and a chuckable feel to it. Moving up to the medium-to-large electric luxury SUV space, there are more options but a lot of them aren't exactly pretty – and if you're spending this much money, don't you want something that looks good? So that rules out the BMW iX for me, no matter how good it may be in other areas. The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is nice and plush but to my eyes even uglier than the iX, while the Audi Q8 e-tron is genuinely handsome but it's pricey and on its way out. I can't comment on some other tempting EVs that I've not yet driven, such as the Volvo EX90, but I can comment on something more attractive than any of these: the Cadillac Lyriq. It's missing some features and the attractive interior has some questionable materials in places, while Cadillac's retail network is tiny for now, but it undercuts key luxury rivals and has a stately look and driving feel. As somebody who has been keen to see Cadillac enter the Australian market for a long time, the Lyriq had the potential to be a massive letdown. Fortunately it's not, and while there are some areas for improvement it's an intriguing alternative to the Germans. There's some tempting metal coming down the line, not just from Cadillac (Optiq, Vistiq) and BMW (the Neue Klasse-based iX3) but also players like Genesis (GV90). So while EV sales growth isn't rising as sharply as it was, there's more and more variety each year. Bring it on. Interested in buying a BMW iX1 or Cadillac Lyriq? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here for the BMW, and here for the Cadillac Damion Smy: Porsche Macan This isn't like asking what you want for dessert, but more which dentist would you like to visit. If you put a gun to my head and said I had to own something from this list, I'd buy the Porsche Macan. I may be one of only a few buyers in the country, which would make me an authority on them, and I'd always be able to find it in the charging bay (also a colloquialism for 'Porsche dealer'). The iX BMWs have some great things going for them, but I'm not as convinced by Munich's dynamic delivery against those from Stuttgart. The Genesis looks a bit Porsche-like and would be a serious consideration here, and – while I haven't had new glasses for several years – the Lexus RZ appeals to me for offering a distinctive wrapping but a familiar flavour of dependability and quality engineering. Yet I can't pass by the (relatively) safe bet of the Macan, which brings a well-proportioned package inside and out, at least some level of street cred, drivability and a slightly higher chance of decent resale when I really do make up my mind… Interested in buying a Porsche Macan? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here Josh Nevett: Polestar 3 and Audi Q6 e-tron There's a decent variety of electric vehicles in this list, from compact city runabouts to full-size family SUVs. But in choosing to prioritise all-round capability, I'm left with two standouts – the Polestar 3 and Audi Q6 e-tron. Both exist in a similar corner of the market, priced from around $120,000, and both make the most of their electric underpinnings. For the Polestar 3, that means clever cabin packaging, industry-leading driving range (706km claimed), and affordable running costs – the big three for growing families that like to get out and about. On the other hand, the Q6 e-tron blends exterior style, plenty of powertrain substance, and an interior bursting with technology that's both flashy and functional. But if I was forced to choose between the two, I'd take the Polestar. In base Long Range Single Motor specification, it'll get you further on a charge than any other EV in market, and the second row is hilariously spacious. Sure it doesn't pack the punch of dual-motor alternatives, but it's enjoyable to drive regardless, and comfortable too. I'm not going to pretend any of the vehicles in this category are great value, but I can confidently say that the 3 and Q6 e-tron are at least fit for purpose. Interested in buying a Polestar 3 or Audi Q6 e-tron? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here for the Polestar, and here for the Audi Max Davies: Lexus UX300e I've only driven a handful of cars on this list, but those few span quite the price range and have given me a taste of the general ins and outs of a lot of these luxury brands. With that in mind, I'd go for the Lexus UX300e. At as much as just $88,190 before on-roads, it could actually be considered cheap among the other cars that have appeared so far. It's a small SUV, which means it does better to manage its EV-induced weight than some of the larger alternatives, and avoids feeling unwieldy. The interior is well-presented and comfortable, and while there's plenty of tech, it's all still quite accessible. This is an advantage considering the painfully screen-dependent setups seen the further you climb up the price tree. To top it off, it's quiet and smooth. That's not to say it's perfect, because it does have some fairly significant flaws. The UX platform wasn't built to be electric. While that means it's no more confronting inside than a hybrid UX, the limitations are evident in the 300e's front-wheel drive setup – and that's where the larger and pricier Lexus RZ would make more sense. It makes far too much power to only be front-wheel drive, and against its direct rivals it is quite expensive. After all, it's intended to be a rival to something like the Tesla Model Y or Hyundai Kona Electric rather than a Porsche Macan. I still enjoyed the UX300e during my time with it, and it had me thinking about whether I could stomach an electric Lexus for myself; 'maybe' was the conclusion I came to, though I'd prefer a sedan like the upcoming electric ES. A close second here was the sharp-looking Polestar 4, a much more modern EV that also has fairly compact dimensions. It's just a touch too screen-heavy for my liking.
Forbes
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Test-Driving The 2025 Polestar 4 – The Car With No Rear Window
While Polestar is well known for its futuristic electric cars, the Polestar 4 is perhaps most well known for its lack of a rear window. It's the world's first mass production vehicle without a feature that most people would consider non-negotiable, unless you're driving a van. The Polestar 4 is the furthest thing from a van though, it sits in the ever hazy space between coupes and SUVs. Polestar pitches the 4 up against competitors like the BMW X4, Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and, if you're looking for something a bit more SUV shaped, the Porsche Macan EV. Like the rest of the Polestar range, there's a strong focus on tech and a minimalist design. The driving position in the Polestar 4 is closest to that of the Polestar 2, you have a good view of the road but you're not sitting too high up. The dual motor version is the more powerful of the two configurations but the single motor model is plenty powerful. Since Polestar has deleted the back window, you'd be right in thinking there's no normal rearview mirror. Instead, it's a digital display that shows a camera feed from the rear of the car. It offers a good view of the world behind, even in low light, but it's difficult to judge depth in the same way as a normal mirror. For most scenarios, it's easiest just to use the side mirrors. Although the Polestar 4 feels reasonably weighty like the rest of the range, there's something reassuring about this solidity. To give it a sporty edge, the suspension is a little firm but it has a better time on country roads than the larger Polestar 3 which has a higher center of gravity. Thanks to the huge panoramic roof, the interior feels light and airy even in the back. Polestar has managed to push the front and rear axles well apart since there's no engine in the front, so there's heaps of legroom for everyone. Rear passengers also get reclining seats. The first thing you'll notice in the front is the huge landscape touchscreen. It has the same black and orange color scheme as other Polestars but it's quicker to navigate. Behind the steering wheel, there's a smaller digital display for the speedo and battery percentage. Range drops pretty consistently with the number of miles travelled, so it seems like it would give a reliable indication. Polestar's design team appears to take great pleasure in thinking up new ways to get in and out of the car. The 4's interior handles sit at the front of the arm rest and lift upwards rather than out into the car. When you rest your arm on the arm rest, it's the natural position to put the handle but the upwards action takes a while to get used to. The Polestar 4 can be configured with a single motor offering rear-wheel drive or a dual motor setup provides all-wheel drive. Both models are described as long range variants, with the single motor option achieving an official range of 300 miles. Opt for the dual motor and maximum range tops out at around 270 miles. Spend $54,900 and you'll get behind the wheel of the entry-level single motor model. Up the budget to $62,900 for the dual motor configuration. If you're willing to sacrifice a potential 30 miles of extra range, the 0 to 60 mph time dramatically drops from 6.9 seconds to 3.7 seconds. A panoramic roof is included as standard across the range but with the Plus Pack, you get the option to add an electrochromic roof. If you're regularly carrying passengers in the back, this extra bit of shade might be a welcome feature and, at the very least, a novelty. Price as tested: $81,360 (£61,140) Battery: 100kWh, long range, single motor Power: 268 bhp Torque: 253 lb-ft 0-62 mph: 6.9 secs Top speed: 124 mph
Japan Times
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Japan Times
As Tesla falters, these new EVs are picking up the pace
When Artie R. Williams decided it was time to kick his gas habit, he narrowed his search to three options: the Cadillac Optiq, a Porsche Macan EV and the Polestar 3 — none of which has been on the market for more than a few months. Tesla wasn't on the table. "Nothing against Elon (Musk), but those vehicles have been out for so long,' said Williams, a healthcare marketer in Dallas, from the driver's seat of his weeks-old Polestar. "Meanwhile, this thing is new, it's innovative. It had a funky look to it and I knew people were going to be like 'What are you driving?' And I like that.' Sales of electric vehicles climbed to 294,000 in the first quarter of the year, a 10.6% increase compared with the year-earlier period. January through March is a relatively slow time for car sales, but EVs moved off the lot much more frequently than cars and trucks in general. (Total U.S. auto sales were nearly flat in the first quarter). EV adoption is cruising along in the U.S. despite a backlash against the industry's largest player and the Trump administration's push to wind back clean energy incentives and emissions regulations. Interest is spreading from early-adopters to mainstream consumers, from EV evangelists to the EV-curious. Williams, for example, isn't concerned about his personal emissions or climate change. He's just tired of paying for gasoline and oil changes and considers the preponderance of new EVs a better, more reliable form of technology. Tesla's pain = others' gain The gains came in spite of (and in some cases because of) struggles at Tesla, the country's market-leader for battery-powered vehicles. Tesla sold 1.3 million cars in the quarter, a 9% decline from the year-earlier period. Sales of rival brands, meanwhile, collectively notched a gain of 32%. In two years, Tesla's share of the U.S. EV market has skidded from almost two-thirds to less than half. A grassroots boycott of the brand in response to CEO Elon Musk's heavy-handed efforts to streamline federal employment drove some of the sales swoon. JPMorgan has characterized the backlash as "unprecedented brand damage.' Tesla net income slid 71% in the first quarter and the company widely missed analyst estimates on revenue. Tesla Chief Financial Officer Vaibhav Taneja said vandalism and hostility were to blame, in part, for double-digit percent declines in vehicle deliveries. U.S. President Donald Trump talks to the media next to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, with a Tesla car in the background, at the White House in Washington on March 11. | REUTERS However, there is also a crowd of EV converts that aren't so much put off by Musk as they are attracted to a parade of newer products. Of the 63 or so fully electric cars and trucks on the U.S. market, one quarter weren't available a year ago. The product blitz includes the first EV offerings from Acura, Dodge and Jeep, second models from Mini and Porsche and two more battery-powered machines each from Cadillac and Volvo. "There's just a lot of competition now,' said Stephanie Valdez Streaty, director of industry insights at Cox Automotive. "And it's not just one make or model that's filling in that (Tesla) gap ... The familiarity of these brands is really driving people.' Many of the new EVs are relatively affordable. Cox estimates the price spread between EVs broadly and internal combustion cars and trucks has shrunk to just $5,000. General Motors, meanwhile, plans to resurrect its Chevrolet Bolt later this year with a price point around $30,000. "We're about giving customers a choice,' CEO Mary Barra said. "Over the long term, we think EV demand will grow.' Hayden Jones, a Microsoft retiree in Seattle, loved his two Tesla Model Ys, but traded them both in a few weeks ago. He's come to consider Elon Musk "a bit of a lunatic.' "I was getting post-it notes when I parked,' he said, "and it's a slippery slope from putting a sticker on someone's car and setting it on fire.' Jones said both of his new cars — a BMW iX and a Polestar 3 — seem higher quality than his Teslas and comfortably haul his two massive dogs, a 170-pound Newfoundland and a 70-pound mutt. Polestar knocked $5,000 off as part of a new marketing program to lure Tesla refugees like Jones. Globally, EV sales are only expected to accelerate. BloombergNEF expects drivers to buy 22 million battery-powered vehicles this year, a 30% increase from 2024. In the U.S., it forecasts slightly more bullish demand, a sales increase of 31.5%. However, tariffs could broadside EV-curious shoppers. Factories from the Rust Belt to the Deep South stamp out gas-powered engines with ease, but U.S. plants are still spooling up slowly on batteries, leaving EVs far more exposed to tariffs. Nearly 70% of lithium-ion batteries in the U.S. come from China and now face tariffs of up to 73%. "We definitely have some strong headwinds coming for EVs,' Valdez Streaty said. Of the 1.5 million EVs purchased in the U.S. last year, slightly more than one third were imported. Today, each of those products faces a 25% tariff. BloombergNEF reckons that slice of the market will shrink by 58%, either because the vehicles will become too expensive or they won't arrive at all. Jaguar Land Rover and Audi, for example, have paused shipments of certain models to America. Meanwhile, an additional 25% tariff is expected on car parts in early May, a measure that would crunch the economics on EVs assembled in America, either chiseling down profit margins or inflating sticker prices — or both. The Detroit stalwarts — Ford, General Motors and Stellantis-owned Dodge and Chrysler — are among the carmakers most exposed to Trump's trade war. Two of the most popular (and most affordable) EVs on the market — Ford's Mustang Mach-E and the Chevrolet Equinox EV — are both bolted together in Mexico. Meanwhile, the Chrysler Pacifica hybrid is made in Windsor, Ontario just across the Detroit River from the C-suites of Motown. The carmaker least exposed to Trump's trade war — at least for the moment — is Tesla, as its machines roll out of massive factories in California and Texas. Those vehicles face plenty of other challenges, though.
Bloomberg
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Bloomberg
As Tesla Falters, These New EVs Are Picking Up the Pace
When Artie R. Williams decided it was time to kick his gas habit, he narrowed his search to three options: the Cadillac Optiq, a Porsche Macan EV and the Polestar 3. — none of which has been on the market for more than a few months. Tesla wasn't on the table.
