New releases coming up in 2021

 

Thanks to RACV for compiling this list.

 

 

Kia E-Niro: Kia will finally enter the EV market with its Niro small SUV, which has been on sale internationally for a few years already. The version due to arrive here in quarter two is the mid-life facelift, and will come in full EV, plug-in hybrid and regular hybrid versions. The fully electric e-Niro EV has a driving range of approximately 455 kilometres on the ‘real-world’ WLTP standard.

 

Hyundai Ioniq 5: The exact timing and pricing has yet to be revealed but Hyundai has confirmed it will launch the Ioniq sub-brand of electric models, starting with the retro-inspired Ioniq 5 SUV, which will have a driving range of about 450 kilometres.

 

Hyundai Kona Electric: The popular EV gets a facelift and a boost in driving range to 484 kilometres in the latest Kona, due to arrive before April.

 

Mazda MX-30: Mazda’s first EV, due to arrive mid-year, is a coupe-style SUV that will be available in both electric and mild hybrid guise. Complete with rear-opening rear doors reminiscent of the iconic RX-8, the MX-30 EV has a driving range of about 200 kilometres. The mild hybrid version will arrive first.

 

Nissan Leaf e+: Due to arrive in April, the new e+ will sell alongside the regular Leaf but will boast a longer driving range of 385 kilometres compared with 270 kilometres.

 

SsangYong Korando E100: The electric version of the Korando mid-size SUV is due to arrive in the final quarter of 2021.

 

Audi e-tron S: The performance version of the e-tron, due to arrive in the second half of 2021, pumps out 320kW/808Nm and can do 0-100kmh in 4.5 seconds.

 

Audi e-tron GT: The GT four-door coupe will be Audi’s flagship EV. Release date not yet confirmed.

 

BMW iX3: Based on the X3 mid-size SUV, the iX3 will land here mid-year to compete with the Audi e-tron, Jaguar I-Pace and Mercedes-Benz EQC.

 

BMW iX: The striking iX SUV features a futuristic interior and has a driving range of more than 600 kilometres. Although it’s not due here until quarter four, and pricing has yet to be announced, online pre-orders have already opened for keen Aussie buyers.

 

Jaguar I-Pace: The latest update promises fast charging times, upgraded infotainment and new driver tech.

 

Lexus UX300e: Due for release in quarter four, Lexus’s first EV is an electric version of the UX small SUV and comes with a driving range of just over 300 kilometres.

 

Mercedes-Benz EQA: Similar in size and design to the GLA small SUV, the EQA can drive 426 kilometres before requiring a charge. It will arrive here mid-year.

 

Mercedes-Benz EQS: Benz has yet to confirm, but the S-Class of EVs is likely to make it to Australia this year. We’ve only seen the concept, but the production version will be revealed soon.

 

Porsche Taycan: One of the most highly anticipated EVs was supposed to launch last year but was delayed until this month thanks to COVID-19. Prices start at $190,000 before on-road costs and climb to $338,500 for the Turbo S. The 2021 allocation is all but exhausted.

 

Tesla Model Y: The Model 3-based small SUV was also expected last year, but Tesla is yet to confirm a date for the first Australian shipment. It could push out to 2022.

 

Volvo XC40 Recharge: A companion for the XC40 plug-in hybrid, Volvo’s first EV is due to go on sale in June.

 

Toyota Mirai FCEV: Hydrogen fuel cell cars are yet to take off, but Toyota’s second-generation Mirai will be offered to small fleets and businesses as part of a pilot program in the first half of 2021.

 

Hyundai Nexo FCEV: Hyundai has a similar program to Toyota for its hydrogen-powered Nexo SUV.

 

 

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV: This small SUV uses the same setup as the Outlander and can drive for 57 kilometres on electric charge before the petrol engine kicks in. It’s due to arrive here mid-year.

 

Ford Escape PHEV: This plug-in variant of the recently launched Escape medium SUV, due to arrive towards the end of 2021, has an electric range of about 50 kilometres.

 

Honda HR-V: A Hybrid powertrain is confirmed for the new-generation HR-V SUV but has yet to be revealed. Expect to see it in showrooms late 2021 or early 2022.

 

Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe: Also due here late this year or early next, Jeep will drop the diesel engine in favour of a PHEV for its new-generation large SUV.

 

Kia Sorento PHEV: Kia’s first plug-in hybrid for Australia uses a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine and a 67kW electric motor that can drive in pure EV mode. It will be followed by a regular hybrid version in the second half of the year.

 

Toyota Kluger hybrid: A rival for Kia’s Sorento, Toyota’s latest hybrid is due for release here in the first half of 2020.

 

Peugeot 3008/5008: The French manufacturer offers two PHEV powertrains in Europe, but Peugeot Australia is yet to confirm which one will make it here this autumn.

 

MG HS PHEV: MG Motor will add a plug-in hybrid to its electrified portfolio that already includes the ZS EV. Expect to see it here in the first half of the year.

 

Ferrari SF90 Stradale: With a starting price of about $850,000, this exotic plug-in is due to arrive in the first half of 2021.

 

Lexus LS500h: A facelifted version of the hybrid limo launched in January and is on sale now from about $195,000.

 

Maserati Ghibli: The mid-size Italian sedan is going hybrid in the first half of 2021.

 

McLaren Artura: The yet-to-be-revealed Artura is rumoured to pair a twin-turbocharged V6 engine with an electric motor, but McLaren has not confirmed whether it’s a hybrid or PHEV. It’s due for release in the first half of 2021.