4 Luxury Electric Cars Coming to Australia in 2021
Tesla has paved the way in the electric car revolution, but 2021 looks to be a competitive year for the industry leader.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported a 485% increase in electric vehicle imports, with February 2021 being the highest month on record and four times that of February 2020. "These increases align with media reports of a shift in demand for electric vehicles in early 2021 as a greater range is made available in Australia."
Judging by these numbers, it appears that demand is increasing, and several big-name luxury car brands are hot on Tesla's trail. We have rounded up 4 of the best new electric vehicles that will soon be hitting the streets of Australia.
Luxury Electric Cars You'll Be Seeing More of in 2021
Mercedes Benz EQA 250
Drive Away Price of ~$80,000
Image: Mercedes Bens
The highly anticipated Mercedes EQA is now available for advanced order with vehicles set to appear in showrooms this winter. The luxury vehicle promises the ultimate electric driving experience, combining high performance, electric good looks and effortless charging.
The sleek exterior comes in a range of colours from Night Black to Denim Blue Metallic, and high-tech interior features include an MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system with touchscreen and touchpad, automatic climate control and ambient lighting in 64 colours.
In terms of powering up, the EV comes with a 420V Lithium-ion battery and charging cables for Australian domestic sockets and public charging stations. Other special features include a Chargefox subscription which provides customers with three years of complimentary, unlimited charging at all Chargefox ultra-rapid stations and participating fast-charging stations around Australia.
Audi E-tron
Drive Away Price of ~$150,000
Image: Audi
The Audi E-Tron is the first all-electric vehicle from Audi. The elegant exterior is designed with superior aerodynamics with metallic colours, including Floret Silver, Galaxy Blue and Typhoon Grey.
Key features of the deluxe EV include 360-degree cameras, panoramic glass sunroof, Audi virtual cockpit with 12.3" display, comfort pre-air conditioning system, Audi connect plus, e-Quattro variable all-wheel drive, 6-year Chargefox Public Charging Subscription, 6-year Audi Scheduled Servicing and 6-year Audi Roadside Assistance.
The luxurious Audi E-Tron is driven by two electric motors, which function as generators that convert kinetic energy into usable electric energy. The vehicle has an impressive single-charge range of more than 400km.
There are currently just 11 E-Tron's in stock, so better be quick.
BMW iX
Pricing not yet available
Image: BMW Sydney
Pre-orders have been opened for the BMW iX, with a rumoured launch date set for the end of 2021. Drivers will have a choice of the entry-level xDriver40 with more than 400km range and more than 90km in 10 minutes with fast charging; and the xDrive50 with a range of more than 600km, perfect for long-distance journeys.
The elegant silhouette is made seamless with frameless doors and touch door handles. The body is weight-optimised with an intelligent combination of lightweight materials, including aluminium, steel and carbon.
According to a BMW press release, the BMW iX "combines trailblazing design and modern luxury with the latest innovations in automated driving, operation, connectivity and digital services."
Lexus UX
Pricing not yet available
Image: Lexus
Due out in November 2021 is the UX 300e: The first all-electric luxury Lexus. The aerodynamic exterior is matched with a luxurious interior of premium leather upholstery inspired by "sashiko", a traditional Japanese quilting technique.
The UX 300e has a high-output motor and lithium-ion battery with a 400km driving range. The vehicle takes around 50 minutes for quick charging and about seven to eight hours for household AC charging, from empty.
Features include 17" Alloy Machine Finish Wheels with Tyre Repair Kit, Bi-LED Headlights with Auto High Beam, Reversing Camera with Back Guidelines, Intelligent Front and Rear Parking Sensors, 8-way Electrically Adjustable Front Seats, 7" Media Screen with Remote Touch Interface, Power Adjustable Steering Wheel, 6-Speaker Audio System with USB, AUX Input and Bluetooth Connectivity, Lexus Link Connected Services, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
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