Electric vehicles

Kia Australia has debuted its most pricey and extravagant mannequin but to the Australian market, launching the EV9 GT with prime outputs of 374kW and 740Nm, and a beginning model of $129,250 sooner than on-avenue fees.

The EV9 GT is positioned above the EV9 GT-Line – which claims outputs of 283kW/700Nm and a model of $121,000 – with a drivetrain that is 32-percent extra noteworthy and a beginning model $8250 extra than the as soon as-flagship.

Sprinting from 0-100km/hr within the EV9 GT takes 4.5 seconds – on par with a 2026 Audi S5 Avant – with gigantic traction from its rear-bias twin-motor all-wheel drive system.

Oddly, the EV9 GT’s driving vary increases over the less noteworthy GT-Line, claiming 510km (WLTP) to the GT-Line’s 505km vary, despite boasting a further 91kW and 40Nm.

Parts queer to the EV9 GT embody a particular front clip with digital LED grille, 21-gallop alloy wheels, digital-controlled suspension, and a particular inner with 2d-row ‘captains chair’ relaxation seats.

Most incessantly, famous, three-row electrical luxury SUVs will trade total efficiency for an prolonged driving vary, due in allotment to added weight from luxury equipment, a super inner and the popular extra metal associated with a 5-metre lengthy physique.

Nonetheless Kia’s EV9 GT, which is expended to tip the scales somewhat of above the 3240kg GT-Line, guarantees both efficiency and a luxury trip, with a particular promoting plan matched by few competitors – mainly the 460kW/950Nm $194,100 Mercedes-AMG EQE Fifty three.

While without issues essentially the most costly, the EV9 GT is per chance now not Kia’s strongest automobile. That title remains to be held by the 430kW/740Nm EV6 GT, which at repeat starts from $ninety nine,660. Furthermore, the EV6 GT will rapidly be updated with an improved output of 478kW/770Nm and a possible greater model.

GT to take a seat down atop EV9 vary

The introduction of the EV9 GT methodology the nice, three row electrical SUV now spans four grades, beginning with the spoiled, rear-drive Air, which facets a 76.1kWh battery and vary claim of 443km (WLTP), heart grade Earth, and vary toppers GT-Line and GT.

Air, GT-Line and GT specced EV9’s all characteristic same outdated-geared up all-wheel drive, a ninety nine.8kWh battery, and vary claims of 521km, 505km, and 510km respectively.

The EV9 GT without issues breaks into the upper echelons of top rate electrical SUVs, finding competitors with the $124,990 Volvo EX90 and $142,900 BMW iX, as smartly as shut relative $119,750 Hyundai Ioniq 9.

In accordance to Kia, the EV9 will like a flash DC payment from 10-80 percent in spherical 24 minutes, peaking at 350kW, and AC payment from 10-100-percent in spherical 9 hours, with a prime of 11kW.

All Kia EV9 items are constructed on the Hyundai-Kia three map partnership Electrical Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) with 800V structure.

Kia EV9 2026: Prices in Australia

Prices listed are sooner than on-avenue fees

• EV9 Air RWD: $97,000
• EV9 Earth AWD: $106,500
• GT-Line AWD: $121,000
• GT AWD: $129,250

The first pre-manufacturing BMW i3 — in utterly different words, the marque’s first electrical 3 Sequence — has been inbuilt a single day at the Bavarian label’s Plant Munich manufacturing line.

Whereas prototypes of the i3 had been in testing on European and American roads for some time, these had been handmade test mules.

The latest constructing, by which a slight preference of what BMW calls “reach-series test vehicles” had been assembled neatly on the manufacturing line, method the affirm of the auto can fully be months away.

“This marks the starting of the last preparation fragment for the commence of series manufacturing in the 2d half of of 2026,” BMW announced by media open.

Subsequent-gen 3 Sequence shall be offered with electrical, hybrid and petrol engines

The following-generation 3 Sequence will continue to be offered with petrol and hybrid engines nonetheless an all-electrical i3 mannequin shall be made available for the first time.

Whereas query for SUVs with ease outstrips curiosity in sedans, the three Sequence stays essential mannequin for BMW, due to its 51-three hundred and sixty five days heritage and enduring driver allure.

Below the skin, the combustion and electrical 3 Sequence versions shall be basically based fully on entirely utterly different platforms with just a puny utterly different size, nonetheless they’re going to construct on substantially the same styling.

Codenamed ‘NA0’, the i3 sedan will use BMW’s latest-and-most entertaining EV architecture, borrowing the Neue Klasse chassis from the lauded unique iX3 midsize SUV.

A minimum of in Europe, a substantial vary of i3 powertrains shall be offered seemingly all over two battery sizes.

Unusual iX3 provides sure hints for 3 Sequence trust and specification

The electrical i3 is anticipated to construct on just a puny more conservative styling than the iX3, nonetheless ask a substantial gloss gloomy veil stretch all around the front cease around kidney grilles.

Interior, ask a the same floating touchscreen to the 17.9-lunge unit from the iX3, along with optional fitment of BMW’s unique ultra-huge 43-lunge Panoramic Vision panel that runs the scale of the defective of the windscreen.

Standard spec’ is anticipated to encompass a pitcher panoramic roof while alternate ideas will encompass high-grade driver assistance and autonomy aspects and Harman-Kardon audio.

Within the intervening time, the ‘G50’ petrol and hybrid versions will use a modernised update of the outgoing ‘G20’ 3 Sequence’ Cluster Structure chassis.

i3 to enter manufacturing first with petrol, Touring and M3 fashions to advise

Chasing Automobiles understands that the electrical i3 will slide into manufacturing first, seemingly in July 2026, with meeting of the petrol model following in November of this three hundred and sixty five days.

Early 2027 will scrutinize a controversial electrical iM3 with chassis code ‘ZA0’ slide into manufacturing in Munich with a petroleum M3 vary following a three hundred and sixty five days later.

By mid-2027, Touring (location wagon) versions will slide into manufacturing, as neatly as a traipse-in hybrid powertrain for the combustion 3 Sequence.

Both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions of both the electrical i3 and combustion 3 Sequence shall be available.

The Chinese language-constructed Kia EV5 SUV will salvage a suspension and steerage overhaul in late 2026 to present a take to the utilizing trip of the rather standard electrical SUV.

EV5 has been a success for its South Korean maker, with 4787 examples of the Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X rival finding Australian clients in 2025.

But senior Kia executives privately acknowledge that the traipse and facing of the SUV model is not as a lot as scratch.

When the EV5 landed in Australia in late 2024, Chasing Vehicles was as soon as among reviewers praising its artful interior packaging while pinging strangely free body control and overly soft damping.

In most stylish years, Kia Australia’s native traipse and facing program has resulted in remarkably constant autos that swimsuit our roads. The EV5 stands out for its clumsy dynamics.

Retuned traipse and facing a spotlight for 2026 EV5 update

Despite the EV5 exceeding gross sales targets notwithstanding its mediocre toll road manners, Kia Australia will update the mechanicals later this year in a disclose to comprise the EV5 better to pressure.

Kia Australia general supervisor of product planning Roland Rivero confirmed to Chasing Vehicles that the facelifted EV5 will originate in Australia in the perfect quarter of 2026.

And you’re going to impeach huge changes internal and below the pores and skin — in conjunction with a huge suspension and steerage upgrade led by Kia Australia chief engineer for traipse and facing Graeme Gambold.

“Let’s moral relate there are a amount of enhancements,” stated Rivero.

“This will not moral be visuals. It’s a possibility for Graeme to enhance the traipse and facing. There are a amount of functions being added as properly, in conjunction with a original Kia Connect infotainment machine.

“This will be bigger than pores and skin deep,” he acknowledged.

Kia and Hyundai bear labored to present a take to Chinese language hardware downside

Both Kia Australia and sibling model Hyundai Australia are understood to bear labored to present a take to both the standard and tunability of suspension and steerage hardware feeble in Chinese language-constructed models.

Chasing Vehicles understands that a pair of of the bodily hardware feeble for the existing EV5 product was as soon as much less adjustable by the Australian group than anticipated.

That downside will be resolved for the EV5 facelift. Within the interim, Hyundai has labored to stable superior hardware for its own debut Chinese language-constructed EV, the Elexio, which launches imminently in Australia.

Whereas the EV5 is equipped within the UK in handsome-hand-pressure layout, the UK made up our minds to source its version of the EV5 from South Korea — and the Korean automobile has an entirely moderately tons of rear suspension and steerage setup.

It’s not yet known whether or not the Chinese language-made EV5 facelift will adopt the Korean automobile’s differentiated rear discontinue.

Recent 27-breeze touchscreen anticipated for interior upgrade

Interior, it is doubtless that the EV5 will win a the same infotainment machine to the Hyundai Elexio, primarily primarily based around a large 27-breeze touchscreen that stretches from the centre to the passenger facet of the cabin, plus a HUD-style instrument cluster.

Inquire of more minor changes to the out of doors operate of the EV5, with original paint colours and alloy wheel designs the in all probability plus some alterations to the lights.

The fresh EV5 lineup contains three grades (Air, Earth and GT-Line) with two battery sizes, with pricing initiating from $56,770 sooner than on-toll road charges.

When it lands locally, the facelifted EV5 can even win Kia’s original eight-year battery warranty.

Stock of the Polestar 3 has effectively flee out in Australia with the lush SUV getting into a local hiatus length between the 2025 and 2027 model years.

When the absolutely electric crossover returns to the Australian market in the 2nd half of 2026 in MY27 invent it may maybe well well accept as true with long gone thru substantial mechanical and software program upgrades.

These will consist of a transition from a 400- to 800-volt architecture, enabling quicker charging at supported DC chargers whereas a unique, in-dwelling developed rear motor adds rather more energy.

What won’t be on the menu is a label reduce, with Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard telling Chasing Cars that he intends to lend a hand agency on the SUV’s top rate pricing that sits above the lush automobile tax (LCT) threshold.

Pricing now now not anticipated to be reduced from circa-$116K heights

“Polestar 3 will withhold a identical label role to where it’s now, and [will] lend a hand a identical market role. It is a ways a terribly high quality product that’s understandably dear to invent,” stated Maynard.

Polestar Australia executives acknowledge that the resolution to lend a hand pricing arrangement the present model’s legit cost of between $116,754 and $154,454 earlier than on-facet road costs will withhold a lid on gross sales.

In 2025, Polestar delivered 332 examples of the Polestar 3 in Australia — a arrangement match for the BMW iX (417 fashions) however a result that trailed the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV (961).

Discounting campaigns had been damaged-down with regularity to underpin native demand for the Polestar 3 — a methodology Aussie boss Maynard says the logo needs to pass away from.

The Polestar 3, which has a top rate internal and remarkably crisp riding dynamics, is the reigning Chasing Cars Luxury Automobile of the Year.

“It will want to expose its high label. We have a reasonable idea on the automobile, and valid kind, reasonable views on its [sales] quantity that can enable it to lend a hand and withhold a elevated label,” Maynard outlined.

That is never any subject earlier demand existing in Australia for EVs priced above the LCT threshold of $91,387 (excluding registration and worth duty).

Fundamental updates to hardware and software program inbound

World Polestar chief executive Michael Lohscheller stated the MY27 updates to the Polestar 3 “are so intensive it’s esteem an fully unique automobile.”

A three-variant lineup will continue, albeit with simplified names: Rear Motor, Twin Motor, and Performance.

One backwards step sees the headline WLTP riding range of the Rear Motor step again from 706km to 604km as the battery dimension for the destructive model has been reduced from 107kW (usable) to a smaller, lighter 88kWh (usable) pack built by Chinese language agency CATL.

Strength is up across the range. The Rear Motor now makes 245kW/480Nm; the Twin Motor 400kW/740Nm; and the Performance 500kW/870Nm.

All grades accept as true with the advantage of a unique steering tune, updated anti-roll bars and a more grand NVIDIA Force AGX Orin processor.

Existing owners need now now not be disgruntled as Polestar will provide a free retrofit of the unique NVIDIA unit.

Each and each all-wheel power fashions (Twin Motor and Performance) additionally come by a unique CATL battery pack measuring 106kW in usable ability. The longest-range neat will now be the Twin Motor, at 635km (WLTP).

The shift to an 800-volt electrical architecture will enable peak DC charging speeds of 310kW (Rear Motor) or 350kW (Twin Motor and Performance) on acceptable chargers with a handiest-case 10 to 80 percent charge time of 22 minutes. AC charging peak remains 11kW.

Nonetheless, it remains to be considered whether the Polestar 3 will, esteem the 800-volt Zeekr 7X additionally made by mother or father firm Geely, will likely be tempo-puny when charging at more frequent 400-volt chargers.

Tiny adjustments were made to the ideas construction, with adaptive air suspension now frequent valid for the Performance grade and cost-optionally accessible for the Twin Motor.

A novel High pack combines the oft-ordered Pilot, Plus and Climate packs whereas frequent seat upholstery turns into recycled MicroTech fabric with nappa leather closing a costly chance.

Local pricing and a more impregnable birth date for the MY27 Polestar 3 will likely be equipped in due path.

Toyota The US has teased the rear-review of what appears to be like to be a shipshape, futuristic SUV, with styling in-line with the unique Toyota Hilux, bZ4X, and rapidly-to-unlock C-HR electrical.

Despite the vagueness of Toyota’s teaser, captioned merely “one thing unique is on the horizon”, now we have a upright thought of what this automobile in fact is. The truth is, this isn’t the principle — or 2d — time this automobile has been snug-launched to the public.

We have the teaser automobile is the shipshape, three-row Toyota electrical thought, colloquially known because the ‘bZ5X’. First revealed alongside 14 diverse vehicles in a enormous Toyota press level to in 2021, the Toyota bZ5X is well-known from speculative, acting on stage as a physical, moveable automobile.

Leaked patent photos of the bZ5X extra this claim. In 2023, quite a lot of renders of a bZ5X shipshape SUV emerged from China with styling and proportions with regards to identical to the car we stumble on this day.

If Toyota’s latest teaser is the bZ5X, we are in a position to request external dimensions identical to the Kluger (4966mm lengthy, 1930mm huge, 1755mm well-known, 2850mm wheelbase) with three-row seating, and a lavish, properly outfitted interior in step with identical Toyota flagship units.

Toyota is but to verify if this mannequin, or if the name will stick.

Earlier this year, Toyota talked about this might perhaps maybe well perhaps slump far from ‘bZ’ naming conventions in future units — subsequently C-HR electrical. Question a identical slump for this unique, bigger automobile. Presumably Kluger Electric.

Likewise, the powertrain of the Kluger Electric might perhaps maybe presumably easy be in contention. While the car modified into as soon as revealed on stage as part of a 15-automobile-stable electrical automobile rollout, world EV appetites have modified considerably, and so has Toyota’s assembly technique.

Toyota’s next-period Corolla, as an illustration, debuted a multi-powertrain assembly plot, which might perhaps maybe presumably stumble on unique Toyota vehicles offer plugless hybrid, plod-in hybrid, and devoted electrical energy. There’s an right chance the unique Kluger might perhaps maybe presumably debut this plot in Oz.

Mazda has locked within the certainly electrical CX-6e medium SUV for a 2026 arrival right here in Australia.

Its medium sizing will hope to present an effortless transition for traders of the trendy CX-5 attempting to change to an all-electrical drivetrain, but presumably extra importantly, its sourcing from China should silent gain it extra competitively priced than old electrical Mazda efforts.

It’s the second product from a joint venture between Mazda and Chongqing Changan Automobile Co, following the 6e sedan which is on legend of come within the latter half of 2026.

Once on sale in Australia, the CX-6e will seemingly be part of a rising self-discipline of competitive electrical midsize SUV opponents, in conjunction with the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7 and Zeekr 7X.

CX-6e vary, charging instances and additional

All key particulars, in conjunction with pricing, grades, hardware and even a particular launch date, remain beneath wraps for now, but specs launched for the UK would possibly presumably offer some insight into what to request right here in Australia.

Unveiled at Brussels Motor Show off closing week, the CX-6e facets a 78kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack with a WLTP using vary of as much as 482km.

A most DC charging fee of 195kW is claimed to present a 10-80 p.c high-up time of 24 minutes, with 11kW AC charging moreover accessible.

The spec confirmed featured a single 189kW/290Nm motor on the rear axle, ravishing for a 0-100km/h time of 7.9 seconds. It’s anticipated, alternatively, that all-wheel-pressure versions will seemingly be part of the local lineup.

26-rush display camouflage camouflage dominates CX-6e’s cabin

An unmissable feature of the CX-6e’s cabin invent is the mountainous 26-rush touchscreen, which sweeps across the centre of the dashboard to the passenger aspect, with a dual-layer operate so as that driver and passenger can use the set up for hundreds of capabilities.

The setup is complemented by a heads-up existing for the motive force and the blueprint silent integrates outmoded smartphone mediate software in Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Mazda has trimmed the interior in a diversity of coloration schemes, in conjunction with hundreds of two-tone alternatives, with one in a placing pink and pearl colour.

A cargo ability of 468 litres is quoted for the 5-seater, rising to 1434 litres when the second row is folded flat.

Pricing of round £forty five,000 (circa-$90,000 AUD) has been estimated for the CX-6e within the UK, where vehicle costs are most regularly better, nonetheless it remains to be viewed where this new SUV will land.

Shall we embrace, the Model Y Prolonged-Differ RWD starts from £51,990 (circa-$104,000 AUD) but is priced from $68,900 right here in Australia, suggesting the Mazda would possibly presumably land within the low $60,000 vary right here.

Corpulent particulars on safety tech remain beneath wraps but Mazda guarantees a corpulent arsenal of driver aids backed by new-expertise cameras and sensors, alongside with the passive protection of 9 airbags.

The Kia EV2 used to be printed this evening at the 2026 Brussels Motor Expose because the South Korean producer’s sixth devoted battery electrical (BEV) model — and its most cost-effective, most cheap EV but for world markets.

Kia says it is focussing on bringing new customers to the emblem by strategy of the EV2 — in disclose, folks shopping their first completely electrical car.

Nonetheless the ask of whether the Slovakian-built EV2 will be launched in Australia stays unresolved resulting from forex pressures precipitated by the strength of the Euro, with the model closing “below explore for Australia” in step with a spokesperson.

Time and all as soon as more passe Australian buck is making native EV2 start less likely

“The forex is now not huge — the Euro to the Aussie buck — and that’s now not one thing you would with out direct perfect flip round,” Kia Australia overall supervisor of product planning suggested Chasing Autos closing month.

“We must quiet take into account that if EV2 comes in at the identical impress as EV3, as a worst case, it doesn’t in actuality create any logical sense in the market when you would desire a [BYD] Atto 1 or Atto 2 in the $20,000s and $30,000s.

“I deem the math are now questionable,” said Rivero in December 2025. The relative strength of the Euro to the Australian buck has persisted since April 2025.

A closing resolution will be made quickly by Kia Australia, with entry-stage versions of the EV2 slated to enter production by the tip of March 2026.

Three varied variants printed by Kia at the Brussels exhibit — excessive-powered GT versions of the EV3, EV4 and EV5 — are understood to be less inclined to reach to Australia.

Boxy styling cues aplenty for Kia’s electrical reply to the Stonic

The EV2 is supposed to slot into Kia’s shrimp SUV lineup under the EV3 (which is priced from $47,600 plus on-toll road fees in Australia) and as a BEV more than just a few to the petrol-powered Stonic (from $28,180 + ORCs).

That positioning makes sense given the EV2’s compact dimensions which measure 4060mm prolonged, 1800mm huge and 1575mm excessive on a 2565mm wheelbase, with weight anticipated to be round 1650kg.

Kia is additionally leaving room under the EV2 for a Picanto-sized EV1 hatchback.

Exterior, an up so far interpretation of Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ catch language includes Well-known particular person Map lighting first considered on the second-generation Seltos SUV, famed plastic cladding and a breadvan-like stance intended to maximise interior put.

Manufacturing interior blends skills with comforting bodily shortcuts

The cabin philosophy — dubbed “Picnic Field” — appears to be like to own resulted in one of many entry-stage BEV section’s most pleasant interiors, that contains a wraparound cloth smash pad, dual 12.3-creep infotainment monitors, and solid integration of bodily shortcuts for key controls.

Exceptional and GT-Line grades will be available with top price alternatives put to consist of a Harman-Kardon stereo, a sunroof, and 100-watt USB-C charging functionality, whereas car connectivity (including digital key, smartphone app and over-the-air updating) will be fitted.

The ccNC infotainment machine will additionally incorporate a brand new pet mode to raise animals wintry in the auto, as neatly as EV-disclose route planning with Chase & Label functionality for supported charging community billing.

Boot put is imagined to be “as a lot as” 403 litres in four-seat format, however Kia Australia would likely decide for the 5-seat model which entails a reduce price in boot skill to 362L. Kia says the EV2 has a “class-main” frunk.

Up to 448km range WLTP however middling rapid charging efficiency

We know there will be both Exceptional Fluctuate and Long Fluctuate versions of the EV2, making utilize of 42.2kWh and 61.0kWh batteries — of unknown chemistry — respectively. Kia generally quotes whole battery dimension, so usable skill is many times a splash lower.

WLTP range is imagined to be 317km for the Exceptional Fluctuate and 448km for the Long Fluctuate, whereas GT-Line — anticipated to be Long Fluctuate most effective and utilizing on 19-creep wheels — will likely present round 420km range.

Devour varied Hyundai and Kia EVs that skip the ‘fat-plump’ model of e-GMP, rapid-charging efficiency appears to be like mediocre, with a 29 to 30 minute 10-80 p.c recharging tell indicating moderate charging speeds of 59kW (Exceptional Fluctuate) or 85kW (Long Fluctuate).

More spectacular is that a 22kW onboard AC charger will be available for like a flash home or space of enterprise charging skill.

Other affordability measures consist of the utilize of a rear coupled torsion beam axle (with hydro bushings) rather than multi-link honest rear suspension, though steering must quiet support from utilize of a column-mounted motor.

EV2 would possibly perhaps perhaps supplement pretty worthwhile EV3 and EV5 in Australia

Devour the EV3 with which it shares its cheap fork of Kia’s e-GMP BEV platform, the EV2 is entrance-wheel drive however energy, torque and acceleration figures own now not but been disclosed.

Safety parts will steal in staunch lane protecting support with steering hands-on detection, forwards and reversing AEB, adaptive cruise adjust, a 360-stage camera, and blind space explore cameras.

About a of Kia’s electrical fashions had been pretty worthwhile in the Australian market and key executives lisp they were scream with the sales efficiency of the EV3 shrimp SUV and EV5 midsize SUV closing year.

That pair — which, just like the EV2, reach from the cheap fork of Kia’s BEV platform — sold 2597 and 4787 devices respectively in Australia closing year.

The contribution of the EV3 and EV5 to Kia’s whole result used to be grand bigger than the larger-tech EV6 (348 devices) and EV9 (269 devices) which the South Korean model continues to instruct as model flagships.

Tesla has held on to its electrical automobile sales crown in Australia no subject sliding sales which have seen China’s BYD overtake the US EV ticket for the considerable time globally.

BYD EV registrations climbed 77 per cent to 25,287 objects in 2025, falling wanting the 28,856 recent-automobile registrations posted by Tesla finest yr.

Tesla was once aided by a five per cent sales improve for its Mannequin Y SUV that gained a considerable update in 2025, with the related Mannequin 3 sedan plummeting by 61 per cent yr on yr.

That contributed to Tesla Australian sales falling by double figures for the 2d consecutive yr – down by 25 per cent in 2025 following a 17 per cent decline in 2024.

BYD’s outcomes had been boosted by the appearance finest yr of the Mannequin Y rivalling Sealion 7, which was once the corporate’s 2d most attention-grabbing-selling automobile in 2025 with 13,410 objects – at the support of the 18,073 of the breeze-in hybrid Shark ute. Gross sales of the Dolphin minute EV hatch also increased by 54 per cent to 3248 objects.

It wasn’t all true data for BYD. Gross sales of the Seal electrical sedan and Atto 3 minute electrical SUV dropped by 41 per cent and 33 per cent respectively.

Within the worldwide EV annual sales scurry, BYD did overtake Tesla for the considerable time – reporting 2.25 million sales of pure battery-powered autos in contrast with about 1.64 million sales for Tesla.

BYD sales totalled 4.46 million for 2025 when alongside with breeze-in hybrid autos.

BYD is well positioned to displace Tesla as Australia’s No.1 EV ticket in 2026. The rotund-low-cost Atto 1 electrical metropolis automobile – priced from $23,990 sooner than on-road bills – launches imminently, with the Atto 2 minute electrical SUV recent in showrooms from lawful $31,990 RRP.

No recent Tesla fashions are currently anticipated for the shut to future. The corporate has provided lower-priced versions of the 3 and Y within the US but are now no longer confirmed for Australia.

For a comparatively puny, stand-by myself firm like Mazda – promoting round 1.3 million vehicles per one year – growing a bespoke EV model line changed into constantly going to require some extra or much less joint-enterprise.

In this case, it’s with articulate-owned Changan Car from Chongqing in China (who Mazda has had a 20-one year affiliation with), producing the automobile you realizing right here – the all-electric, fourth-period Mazda 6e.

Sharing its EPA1 electric-automobile platform with Changan’s hold Deepal S07 medium SUV (sold in Australia) and the closely connected Deepal SL03/L07 liftback-sedan, the rear-wheel-drive Mazda 6e debuted in 2024 because the fourth period of the Jap save’s mid-sized model line, constructed by Changan Mazda in China and sold there because the EZ-6.

Badged Mazda 6e for export and already on sale in Europe, this Tesla Model 3-rivalling electric liftback-sedan shares its 2900mm wheelbase with every Deepal devices, and its width and peak with the SL03, but has got entire tuning by Mazda Motor Europe in Germany to meet European (and Australian) tastes, and imbue Mazda’s carrying dynamic DNA into this joint-enterprise automobile.

Australian motoring media spoke to Alexander Fritsche, senior manager product model and engineering for Mazda Motor Europe, about how they went about revising the dynamics and NVH refinement of the Mazda 6e forward of us experiencing a 30-minute model of a left-hand-drive, Euro-spec automobile at GM-Holden’s former Lang Lang proving ground.

The mutter of the Deepal SL03 as a contaminated, Fritsche said they instant realised that the Chinese approach to dynamic tuning is very diversified from the wants of European drivers.

“We made the resolution to rework particularly the firmness, the stress in actuality feel for the chassis, so we in fact had to reset some parameters [and] also some hardware.”

“So the rear subframe needed to be entirely transformed and remade [for much better control compliance], since the rear, particularly, changed into feeling entirely diversified to that what we query.

“We in fact made a extraordinarily deep change into on the dampers and bushings, the EPAS [electric power steering] an also the driveability characteristics … the self perception feeling, the soundness requirement, and on top [of that], the Mazda model, the Mazda DNA,” said Fritsche.

“We had to delay the thickness of the stabiliser bars since the guidance ratio of this automobile is amazingly aggressive in contrast to classical Mazda vehicles … so we desired to most ceaselessly stabilise the automobile, also for the entrance axle.

“We wanted roll defend an eye on, so we desired to delay this to technically the most level to possess the automobile no longer roll or pass uncontrolled on European roads. This why we had to if reality be told work with the damping force alignment for the entrance and rear to possess the automobile in actuality feel right, while mute providing consolation.”

“We also determined to trade the tyres [to Michelins] – providing extra stress, extra absorption in actuality feel, extra harshness defend an eye on and also unbiased appropriate rolling resistance.”

“So this helped us honest powerful catch a utilizing in actuality feel for the European model,” he said.

“There were some preconditions, it’s doubtless you’ll maybe well presumably also imagine, since the contaminated automobile changed into preset, and so we had to take care of these environments by manner of hardware limitations, plan construction and, certainly, also fee range limitation.”

“So things we desired to place in force had been, to a diploma, no longer constantly doubtless as a result of limitation of the enchancment, [as well as] a particular manner of thinking for the [vehicle design] philosophy. But total, we had very unbiased appropriate cooperation between the three parties [Europe, China and Japan].”

Following this engineering collaboration, Fritsche said that what he learnt for the length of this path of changed into shining how diversified the tastes are between European utilizing in actuality feel and what the Chinese prefer.

For Europe, it’s the interplay between driver and machine, with a point of interest on better speeds and the motive force being up to the save. In disagreement, the Chinese buyer is anxious with consolation, electrical devices and HMI interfaces – to boot to very gentle guidance – and prefer the automobile to portray them what to attain, as adverse to the diversified manner round.

Our first model of the Mazda 6e – a high-spec European model on 19-ride wheels with 180kW/320Nm, an 80kWh NMC battery and a 7.8sec 0-100km/h notify – demonstrated the elegant work that Mazda Motor Europe has accomplished in smoothing the utilizing characteristics.

There is a particular absence of the gentle-switch calibration abruptness of many Chinese EVs that gradually ends in a automobile that is inconceivable to drive smoothly.

In disagreement, the Mazda 6e is amazingly tender – most definitely too tender in its modest accelerative efficiency above 100km/h and its comparatively ineffectual regenerative-braking response, even when spot to ‘solid’.

This powertrain overview isn’t in actuality staunch seeing Australia shall be getting a unfamiliar 78kWh LFP battery and a 190kW power output (the torque resolve has no longer been released as but), that manner our Mazda 6e can also effectively offer stronger acceleration and additional of a efficiency in actuality feel – which we hope it does.

The Mazda 6e’s electric guidance calibration and damping tune are also anticipated to receive additional tweaks sooner than Australian on-sale within the 2d quarter of 2026, but for now, signs are promising.

While the guidance weighting in ‘Chuffed’ remains gigantic-gentle, even after Europe’s EPAS tweaking, there’s a level of weighting save-up below preliminary flip-in, but no longer enough in sooner corners.

‘Sport’ and ‘Custom-made’ drive modes allow for a firmer guidance tune, which is a ways extra in accordance to Mazda’s DNA (even though mute gentle when put next to a CX-60 or CX-80) and combines effectively with the short-geared guidance rack handing over 2.5 turns lock-to-lock.

Guided by a unbiased appropriate two-spoke leather wheel, the 6e steers keenly and precisely, with none nervousness.

Loaded up round Lang Lang’s race and handling loop, the 6e displayed a unbiased handling balance and a confident stance (weight distribution is cease to 50/50), with a amassed level of rear-cease adjustment too – extra so than we had been anticipating after listening to Alexander Fritsche’s description of the ESC’s conservative tune concerning oversteer mitigation.

But pushing difficult via undulating corners while testing the Mazda 6e’s damping, it tended to squirm extra than anticipated, enticing the ESC with a chirp at the rear cease as it braked the rear tyres attempting to cease roll-oversteer. In that regard, it’s mute no longer quite as tight by manner of physique defend an eye on as it’ll be.

That said, it rode effectively over the lumps and bumps encountered at Lang Lang, in spite of wearing 19-ride wheels, so with a bit of of luck Mazda doesn’t bolt too a ways within the diversified path and teach but one other unhappy-utilizing EV, or an over-company race just like the CX-60 four-cylinder.

The 6e also demonstrated its physique power over corrugations and severe undulations, in spite of it having frameless doors, even though the motive force’s window did suffer from some wind intrusion at three-resolve speeds on what changed into a extraordinarily windy day.

In a roundabout arrangement, to the cabin. Our test 6e’s tan interior treatment with perforated Alcantara upholstery felt pleasantly luxurious, mixed with impressive seat pork up, a extraordinarily Mazda-esque utilizing build aside, gargantuan forward imaginative and prescient, and a satisfyingly solid ‘thunk’ when closing the frameless doors.

The gigantic centre touchscreen regarded quite amenable too, even though you wouldn’t name its graphics ‘top class’, or very Jap.

I’m no longer personally sold on the styling both – it appears to be like to be somewhat thick-limbed for me when put next to the svelteness of the earlier Mazda 6 – even though it appears to be like to be better within the flesh than in photos and can pop better in colours diversified than our test automobile’s insipid grey. Composed, no longer lower than the inside isn’t also grey!

Mazda Australia hasn’t confirmed the 6e’s variant line-up for its Q2 2026 originate but it with out a doubt shall be a puny, high-spec fluctuate of no longer lower than two variants (the cease seemingly being called Atenza, with the identical spec because the automobile featured right here), starting at lower than $55,000 sooner than on-motorway prices.

Right here’s hoping that the additional elegant-tuning of the guidance, damping, active-safety systems and powertrain calibration delivers a bit of firmer weighting, a bit of tighter damping resistance at better speeds, stronger regenerative braking response and a stronger efficiency in actuality feel.

If the engineers can possess that while keeping the charging time below 25mins from 10-80 p.c and the WLTP fluctuate someplace come 550km, then the Mazda 6e has a good likelihood of making a tight influence as Mazda’s first pukka EV.

And if they’ll a technique or the other also catch the connected Mazda EZ-60 electric SUV in-constructed shining-hand drive and exported as a CX-6e, then the Hiroshima-based firm shall be onto a extraordinarily unbiased appropriate thing with its Chinese-constructed electric vehicles.

KGM Australia has revealed its unusual dedicated electric Musso twin-cab, which joins a extremely odd EV-ute membership, once solely comprised of the LDV eT60.

But where LDV’s eT60 begins from a staggering $92,990 sooner than on-road costs, the KGM Musso EV enters the Australian market with a extremely aggressive force-away be conscious of $60,000.

Key electrified wander-in ute rival BYD Shark 6 top possible listen. Its inspiring starting be conscious of $57,900 sooner than on-roads no query helped the auto procure a suite as one amongst Australia’s favourites in an increasingly aggressive section.

What does every grade of the Musso EV consist of?

In rotten construct, the Musso EV is without warning entrance-wheel force, producing 152kW and 339Nm. For a further $4000 (bringing the force-away be conscious to $64,000), patrons can risk all-wheel force, adding a extra rear electric motor to raise mixed output to 266kW / 630Nm. — spectacular, but a few numbers skittish of the BYD Shark’s 321kW and 650Nm.

Current equipment is shared for both the entrance- and all-wheel force Musso EV models. Highlighted parts consist of:

• 17-crawl alloy wheels
• LED headlights, hind lights and DRLs
• Self-levelling rear suspension
• Dual-zone climate alter
• 12.3-crawl infotainment contact display conceal and driver instrument cluster
• 360-diploma camera
• Eight-draw powered, heated, and ventilated entrance seats
• Heated rear outboard seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Wi-fi instrument charger

Between the rotten entrance driver and differ topping all-wheel force Musso EV sits the entrance-force biggest Shadowy Edge, which provides the following equipment:

• Leather and suede upholstery
• Shadowy 17-crawl alloy wheels
• Shadowy exterior highlights
• Darkish wood grain run beautiful

Presuming that KGM’s opponents will come without complication subsequent 365 days, the Musso EV aloof has a favourable party trick — a mixed differ figure of 420km WLTP in rotten entrance-force construct, or 380km WLTP when optioned with all-wheel force.

Those are spectacular figures given the Toyota Hilux EV, LDV eT60, and Isuzu D-Max EV fight to ruin the boundary of 250km WLTP.

Two critical factors force the Musso’s differ sooner than opponents: First, its substantial 80.6kWh battery, which is paired with a 371V machine to permit for an 11kW AC corpulent-from-empty worth in around 10 hours, or rapid 300kW DC worth from 10-80 percent in around 36 minutes.

2d is its lightweight (relative to opponents) monocoque chassis, which guidelines the scales at 2165kg in FWD construct, or 2285kg in AWD spec (both figures checklist kerb weight).

The save extinct twin-cabs, both in combustion and electric construct, on the entire utilise a rugged, payload and off-road centered ladder-frame chassis, the electric Musso’s car-esteem, way of life centered monocoque is more a such as that featured within the KGM Actyon SUV.

Both payload and braked towing capacity are diminished compared to the Musso EV’s diesel counterpart, earmarked at 905kg (805kg for AWD models) and 1800kg respectively. Off-road functionality stays to be proven.

Whereas the Musso and Musso EV part the identical title, they without a doubt construct no longer part the identical dimensions. The electrical measures 5160mm lengthy (+65mm), 1920mm large (-30mm), 1750mm substantial (-90mm), and drives on a wheelbase of 3150mm (+50mm).

Both models construct nonetheless part the identical bath dimension of 1345mm lengthy, 1515mm large, and 510mm deep. On the second, there could be no public diagram for an extended tray Musso EV XLV. The combustion Musso XLV risk extends the model’s wheelbase by 110mm, and tray length by 300mm.

KGM Musso EV: costs in Australia

All costs listed are force-away.

• Musso EV: $60,000
• Musso EV Shadowy Edge: $62,000
• Musso EV AWD: $64,000