Polestar News

Toyota recently announced it’s planning to ramp up sales of its zero- and low-emissions vehicles in Australia, but Polestar claims it’s still aiming to be under the average. The Japanese carmaker is aiming to have 30 per cent of its local sales be battery electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hydrogen fuel-cell (FCEV) by the end of 2030. “Surely that’s a conservative view, given that we’re at 25 per cent now,” said Polestar Australia Managing Director Scott Maynard. “So by the end of the decade, if you’re building 30 per cent, I would expect the market could well be running ahead of that. “So you’re still aiming to be behind.” Until the end of September this year, sales of EVs, PHEVs and FCEVs made up 27.8 per cent of the overall market share. A total of 265,870 were sold until the end of September, which is up 132.2 per cent year-on-year. There are a number of key drivers for this increase in zero- and low-emissions vehicles sales including the increase in fuel prices, more options from new brands at lucrative price points, as well as the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption for EVs, among others. The Tesla Model Y stands out as a major reason for why sales of zero- and low-emissions vehicles have grown so much. A total of 35,930 examples have been sold until the end of September, which is up 108.4 per cent year-on-year. This firmly makes it Australia’s best-selling EV. In fact it was the best-selling car overall during May, June and August this year, beating the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Toyota RAV4. With the launch of the facelifted bZ4X earlier this year and the recent addition of the new bZ4X Touring, Toyota is currently experiencing record sales of its EV. They’re almost five times more than the same point in 2025. Toyota also already has the fleet-oriented and low-volume HiLux BEV and in mid-2027 will launch the C-HR BEV as a smaller electric SUV. While 100 per cent of Polestar’s vehicles are EVs, local sales are down 10 per cent year-on-year. A total of 1681 vehicles were sold until the end of September. Polestar’s best-seller has been the Polestar 4 for a considerable period now and it’s soon gaining an SUV body style with an actual rear window. This should see sales for this model increase further.

Polestar Australia Managing Director Scott Maynard has hit out at brands that aren’t electrifying their line-ups, saying they are now rightfully paying the price. “It’s a decision that every brand has had to face in the last five years and we have to be a little bit sympathetic to what must go on in those boardrooms when they consider the costs of R&D (research and development),” said Maynard to CarsGuide. “Do you invest billions of dollars in developing a new petrol engine, or do they commit to electrification? “Brave brands have dedicated themselves to electrification, or at least fast-paced or fast-tracked its development. “Some have chosen not to do that … and now sadly they’re paying the price for it. And many would argue it’s a price they deserve to pay.” “If looking to invest at the pace that others have … then they’ll be handing money to those brands via the NVES scheme,” said Maynard. The Australian Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) is helping to reward carmakers that are electrifying their line-ups, granting credits that can be held, traded or sold to brands that currently have fines for being above the targets. Polestar, along with Tesla, have fully electric line-ups in Australia and therefore plenty of NVES credits. As of 2025, the brands with the highest amount of NVES fines include Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, as well as Hyundai and Genesis. It’s worth noting all of these brands have ramped up their electrified vehicle line-ups in 2026. However, certain brands like Mahindra, Isuzu and Ineos currently don’t offer any electric vehicles (EV) or hybrids in Australia. “We’re also about to enter into a review of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard,” said Maynard. “And equally, we’re really keen to see just how that rounds out, how it’s taken. “It doesn’t look like there’s going to be any fundamental changes made to the program, such as the targets. However, how it’s triggered and how some of the timings work might get moved around. “We’re looking to ensure that program remains intact and as it was intended because we consider that it’s been a roaring success to date.”

Buyers can now get into a Polestar 4 for almost $5000 less than before in Australia. The rear motor variant will now start from $73,900 (before on-road costs), equating to a $4600 cut on the outgoing variant.  Dual motor variants start from $81,750, which is $4610 less than previous examples on sale.  The Polestar 4 is a premium rival to Australia’s best selling EV, the Tesla Model Y ($58,900).  It also provides competition for the BMW iX3 ($89,900) and Porsche Macan ($129,800). The Polestar 4 is now available in an SUV body shape for the first time. SUV variants compliment the coupe, boasting a straight roofline and greater practicality. Polestar said the coupe features a recalibrated chassis with vibration- and roll-reducing dampers, as well as new spring and anti-roll bar settings.  The brand also said the car offers more precise steering for a more controlled driving experience.  The rear motor variant continues to produce 200kW and 343Nm, while the dual motor AWD boosts power to 400kW and 686Nm.  The car can accelerate from 0-100km/h in less than four seconds.  All variants are equipped with a 100kWh battery offering a driving range of up to 620km, but more powerful variants reduce range to less than 600km, all according to WLTP standards.   Inside, there is a 10.2-inch digital driver display and 15.4-inch central touchscreen, running on Google software.  Buyers can option a heated steering wheel, power operated steering column and 12-way electrically-operated seats for an extra $1200.  Dual motor coupe variants can be optioned with a performance pack that adds 22-inch wheels and Brembo brakes for $7200.  To access the performance pack, buyers must purchase the plus pack ($6500). This includes a premium sound system, head-up display and power reclining rear seats, among other things.  Polestar also announced its Formula 2030 concept to show off its future design direction on new models.  Polestar provided limited details on what this new design will look like other than a silhouette of the concept car’s front.  It keeps the same ‘dual blade’ headlights, while boasting what looks to be boxy proportions and sharp bonnet channels.  The car has an aggressive stance, with wide fenders, a low ride height and subtle lower air intake vents.  The new design direction will first feature on the Polestar 2 scheduled for launch in 2027, but expect more information before the end of this year.

The Polestar 4 has officially been revealed in its new SUV body style ahead of its Australian arrival in the fourth quarter of 2026. Compared to the existing ‘coupe’ model, this new Polestar 4 SUV most notably gains a longer roofline with a more upright tailgate. There’s also a proper rear window. As a result of these changes there is slightly more second-row headroom and extra cargo capacity. With the rear seats upright there is up to 655L of boot space, expanding out to 1665L with them folded. Additionally there are full-length roof rails that allow for a dynamic roof load capacity of 100kg. Polestar claims it only needed 48 new parts to create this new SUV body style and the rest of the existing car remains largely untouched. All Australian-specification examples of the 2026 Polestar 4 SUV are set to be manufactured in South Korea, unlike the coupe body style which will remain in production in China. Two variants are set to be offered and they are priced as follows: Polestar 4 SUV Rear motor: $73,900 Polestar 4 SUV Dual motor: $81,750 All above prices are before on-road costs These new SUV versions of the Polestar 4 are $4600 more affordable than their coupe body style counterparts. A series of option extras are available and they are priced as follows: Comfort pack: $1200 Plus pack: $6500 Nappa upgrade (requires Plus pack): $6100 for Zinc, $5700 for Charcoal Performance pack (requires Dual motor with Plus pack): $7200 22kW AC charging: $900 Tailored knit in Mist with Zinc deco: $1400 Electrochromic glass roof: $1000 Digital rear-view mirror: $1000 Privacy glass on rear-side windows: $700 Electric retractable towbar: $4070 The Polestar 4 SUV is built on the same SEA architecture as its coupe counterpart, plus there is still a choice of two all-electric powertrains. The Rear motor version is powered by a single, rear-mounted electric motor that produces 200kW and 343Nm. Enough to send it from 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds. The Dual motor version, on the other hand, features a dual-motor, all-wheel drive set-up with a total system output of 400kW and 686Nm. Enough for a 0-100km/h sprint in 3.9 seconds. All SUV variants come with a 100kWh battery pack. The Rear motor is claimed to offer 630km of WLTP-claimed range, whereas the Dual motor is claimed to offer 600km of WLTP-claimed range. This is an increase of 10km over the coupe counterparts. All versions of the Polestar 4 SUV offer vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, like its coupe counterpart. Using the charging port with a certified charging adaptor, the V2L system can deliver up to 3.3kW of power. It can be used to power household appliances, camping equipment or any other powered electronic device. Additionally there’s a new ‘Camping’ mode that allows the climate control to remain active when parked. It also allows you to use the screens, ambient lighting, V2L port, as well as the USB-C and 12V outlets. Like the coupe version, there is a digital instrument cluster and a landscape-oriented touchscreen multimedia system. Both operate on Google Built-in with Google Gemini functionality.

Polestar is prepping a new luxury electric SUV and it has the Porsche Macan in its sights.  A new Polestar 4 variant will go on sale in Europe this September with a new SUV body shape.  It is expected to launch in Australia before the end of the year.  Polestar said this new SUV will provide a more practical alternative to the strong-selling four-door fastback model.  It gives Polestar a more direct rival to the Porsche Macan which starts from $129,800 (before on-road costs).  There is no news on price, but we can expect it to sit around the $80,000 price point in reasonably close proximity to the existing model.  Other potential rivals include the Tesla Model Y Performance ($89,400, before on-road costs) and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N-Line ($83,700). The biggest challenge for the new SUV could be the Zeekr 7X from Polestar's Chinese sister brand under common Geely ownership, priced from just $57,900 before on-roads. It is likely the Polestar 4 SUV will be available in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive forms with the latter producing up to 406kW when it arrives in Australia. It will ride on the same 400-volt architecture as the existing Polestar 4, as opposed to the Polestar 3's 800-volt underpinnings. Driving range has been boosted by 10km to 630km for the rear-wheel drive variant, according to WLTP standards. Polestar has only revealed one teaser image of the car so far, showing the rear quarter. We will learn more about the Polestar 4 SUV in the coming weeks ahead of its September launch date.  The four-door coupe variant recently got an update and a price cut in Australia, with that model arriving later this month.  Its single-motor variant continues to start from $78,500, before on-road costs, while the dual-motor grade now starts from $86,350, which is $2000 cheaper.  It has proved to be the brand’s best-selling model in Australia, and it will continue to be offered alongside the new SUV.  Polestar is plotting more models in the coming years, including a Polestar 2 successor in 2027, and a Polestar 7 compact SUV in 2028.

Polestar has been banned from selling cars in the USA after the 2027 model year due to the country’s new ‘Connected Vehicle Rule’. The new rules in the US crack down on cars with technology sourced from China, including over-the-air connectivity features, with US regulators citing concerns around the amount of sensitive data being collected on its citizens. It is part of a wider protectionist regulatory push in the US to effectively ban Chinese vehicles to protect its large domestic auto industry. Polestar fell afoul of the new rules despite the Polestar 3 being built inside the US and the Polestar 4 being built in South Korea. Volvo, Polestar's sister brand under the same Geely ownership, was granted a specific exemption to the new rules. Policies like the Connected Vehicle Rule can effectively ban individual models or entire brands from sale in the country, but high tariffs are also wreaking havoc on the financials of both the Hyundai Motor Group and the biggest Japanese brands, including Toyota, Nissan and Honda, which all have partial manufacturing footprints in the US and now need to scramble to localise more parts or models. Polestar issued a statement confirming the US made up only a small portion (six per cent) of its current sales footprint, and that it would re-focus on the European market where it says nearly 80 per cent of its sales volumes are centred. The brand also re-committed to Latin America and Canada as important markets in the future. The company said it would sell the remainder of its Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 stock in the US and then wind up its sales operation, continuing to support existing owners through its service network. Polestar noted it is still committed to its future product line-up, which includes the Europe-built Polestar 7 small SUV (expected to share its underpinnings with the Volvo EX30 and Zeekr X) as its next key volume seller. It will also continue to roll-out the Polestar 5 grand tourer and launch a next-generation Polestar 2 in 2027. The future of the Polestar 3 mid-sized performance SUV, which is currently built in the US, is up in the air. The version of the car sold in Australia is still built in China. Polestar’s share price has taken a battering thanks to a range of recent events, which has seen the company’s once global aspirations shrink down to a strategic focus on just a few markets. The brand has closed all of its retail stores in China, where much of its range is built, after selling only a handful of vehicles in 2025. Instead it has shifted to a by-order-only online approach. Despite these developments, the brand reported its highest ever Q1 sales result earlier this year, off the back of stronger sales in Australia, Germany, Sweden, South Korea and the UK.

Polestar has updated and cut the price of its popular 4 coupe-SUV. The dynamic looking electric car has been given a refresh with some notable changes under the skin. It remains a two-tier range kicking off with the single rear motor version priced from $78,500, before on-road costs, which is the same as the outgoing version. The dual-motor grade is now $2000 cheaper starting at $86,350. The refreshed line-up is due in Australia from July/August. Polestar claims it has improved the vehicle's on road manners with tweaked suspension that includes revised high-capacity passive dampers, new spring and anti-roll bar settings and polyurethane rebound stops replacing internal rebound coil springs. This, the brand said, results in making the 4 more agile and comfortable in all driving conditions. Polestar has revised its option packs for the 2027 model year version. See table at the bottom for full details The brand also said the 4 now has a reduced carbon footprint compared to previous examples. There are some simple changes inside such as the black seatbelt and rotary control for the Rear Motor version that switches to black with a gold stripe for the Dual Motor and full Gold when paired with the Performance Pack. Technical details remain the same. Rear motor versions use a single motor that makes 200kW and 343Nm. Dual motor examples up the ante with 400kW and 686Nm. At its heart the 4 has a 100kWh battery that can absorb up to 200kW via a DC fast charger, or 11kW when connected to an appropriate AC charger. AC charging can be boosted to 22kW at a price. Driving range is 620km for the Rear Motor and 590km for the Dual Motor. Polestar CEO Michael Lohscheller said, “The upgraded Polestar 4 coupé is better than ever, offering a more refined ride with enhanced driving pleasure and stronger sustainability credentials. Overall, the Polestar 4 coupé delivers an even more compelling package without compromise.” Lohscheller also indicated to CarsGuide earlier this year the cost-of-entry for the more premium 3 would fall. He puts this down to production moving to the US from China, which consolidated manufacturing and reduced costs.  

Audi RS5: Ready to enter the German ‘Big Three’ performance octagon with the BMW M4 and Mercedes-AMG C63S, the new Audi RS5, offered as a sedan and ‘Avant’ wagon, is a plug-in hybrid combining a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine with a powerful single electric motor for outputs of 470kW/825Nm. Pricing is already confirmed from $179,900, before on-road costs.  Read more Bentley Bentayga Speed: Swapping out the British brand’s epic (but emissions constrained) 6.0L W12 for a fearsome 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 has made this luxurious SUV even faster and louder. How about 478kW/850Nm and $525,000, before on-road costs, when it arrives here in the next couple of months? Read more BMW iX3: Arriving in early July, BMW’s much-anticipated 'Neue Klasse' iX3 is an ultra-modern mid-size five-door SUV with a pure-electric powertrain initially launching with one model, the 345kW/645Nm 50 xDrive (109,900, before on-road costs). The 235kW/500Nm iX3 40 ($89,900, BOC), which slips under the Luxury Car Tax threshold, will follow in Q4.   Read more BMW M2 xDrive: New compact muscle coupe variant picks up all-wheel drive to put the 353kW/600Nm produced by its 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder on the ground. Zero to 100km/h in 3.7sec with cost-of-entry at $172,900, before on-road costs when it arrives in Q4. Read more BYD Atto 3 Evo: Prior to the all-new next-gen Atto 3 likely hitting Aussie showrooms sometime in 2027, the Evo version of the current model gives it rear-wheel drive. There’s also an all-wheel-drive flagship with 330kW available. Likely local touchdown in Q3. Read more Chery KP31: And you thought there wasn’t room for another ute in the Aussie market. The subject of a local naming contest (Orca is looking likely, as it tops BYD Shark) the Chery ‘KP31’ is scheduled for a Q4 launch, featuring a ladder chassis and a segment-first 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel and electric motor hybrid powertrain. A petrol-electric hybrid will arrive in 2027. Read more Cupra VZ5: Fire-breathing mid-size SUV variant powered by an Audi RS3-sourced 2.5-litre turbo-petrol five-cylinder engine sending 287kW/480Nm to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission. Zero to 100km/h comes up in 4.2 seconds – 0.7 seconds quicker than the 228kW VZx, making it one of the fastest combustion-powered SUVs out there.  Read more Deepal S05: The Deepal S05 small-medium SUV joins the S07 mid-size SUV, likely offered in range-extender hybrid and/or pure-electric form. ADR compliance is locked in and pre-orders are open on the brand’s Aussie website. Read more Ferrari 849 Testarossa: Okay, the shopping list - milk, bread, eggs and a $932,648 Ferrari 849 Testarossa. Not for everyone, then. But what a car! Zero to 100km/h in 2.3sec courtesy of a twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain sending 611kW/842Nm to all four wheels. Coupe in Q4, with the roofless Spider arring in early ‘27.   Read more Geely EX2: Set to arrive in the third quarter, this budget-focused electric compact SUV could start under $30K, before on-road costs. It has a single motor driving the rear wheels and two battery sizes are offered in China, providing 310km or 410km of range, respectively.  Read more Genesis GV60 Magma: Part of the upcoming next-gen GV60 line-up, the Magma is a performance-focused pure-electric powerhouse SUV riding on the same ‘E-GMP’ platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Dual electric motors for 478kW/790Nm, 0-200km/h in 10.9sec and maximum velocity of 264km/h. Arrives in July. Read more GWM Wey G9: The Wey G9 (name yet to be confirmed for Australia) is a luxury plug-in hybrid people mover scheduled for Q4 with the V9X PHEV SUV spilling over into 2027. Its chunky 44.2 kWh battery provides a claimed pure-electric driving range of up to 170 km with a combined range of more than 1000km.  Read more Honda Super One: Super by name, super by nature, this pure-electric ‘kei’ car is guaranteed to put a smile on your face with a likely Aussie starting price around $35,000. A front-mounted electric motor produces 70kW/162Nm and Honda claims up to 274km of range.   Read more Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro: A tough looking Toyota LandCruiser rival with twin, chassis-mounted tow hooks as well as more ground clearance for useful approach, departure and breakover angles. Add a rear electronic limited-slip differential for better off-road capability as well as downhill brake control and new terrain modes for mud, sand and snow.  Read more Isuzu D-Max EV: One of the most popular utes in the county could get a pure-electric option powered by front- and rear-mounted electric motors, producing 140kW, with front motor torque at 108Nm and rear motor torque at 217Nm for a maximum 325Nm and full-time 4WD. A 67kWh battery offers a driving range of 263km (WLTP). No launch confirmation yet, but Isuzu Ute Australia says “it will continue to monitor local needs and evaluate the reception of BEVs”.  Read more Jeep Compass: Potentially a Q4 arrival, the new Compass rides on the same ‘STLA Medium’ platform as Stellantis stablemates such as the Peugeot E-3008 and E-5008. It will join the smaller Avenger in Jeep’s electrified line-up. There should be a choice of 106kW 48V eHybrid and 145kW plug-in hybrid powertrains, both likely based on the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine carried over from the current-generation.  Read more KGM Musso Q300: Dual-cab only, powered by a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 150kW/441Nm mated to a six-speed torque-converter auto transmission with 4WD and a locking rear differential. Coil- or leaf-spring rear suspension options with a payload of 500kg for the former and 700kg for the latter. Features a 12.3-inch digital dash and matching multimedia touchscreen.    Read more Kia Seltos: Coming in Q4, We’re expecting a front-wheel drive version with outputs to be approximately 113kW/265Nm, plus an all-wheel drive with 131kW, though its rear wheels will be powered by an electric motor and not mechanically connected to the front wheels. The all-new Seltos should start around $30K, before on-road costs. A specific Australian suspension tune is already in the works.   Read more Leapmotor B05: Lobbing in Q4, the Leapmotor B05 is a five-door, electric, rear-wheel drive, hot-ish hatch with 180kW/320Nm in the flagship Ultra variant. A choice of 56.2kWh or 67.1kWh battery, delivers a range of 500km or 600km (CLTC) and we’d be shocked if it wasn't among the cheapest warmed-over hatch offerings in the local market.    Read more Lexus ES: Electric versions of the striking all-new Lexus ES have been approved for Australian sale, the dual-motor, all-wheel drive ES500e flagship producing 252kW. The ES350e is powered by a single front-mounted electric motor delivering 170kW. However, the brand has confirmed hybrid powertrains will eventually be offered locally.   Read more Mazda CX-6e: Set to challenge the Tesla Model Y on price, the Mazda CX-6e is likely to land with a starting price around $54K. A 78kWh battery delivers a 450km (WLTP) range, the rear-mounted 190kW/290Nm electric motor drives the rear wheels and 0-100km/h comes up in 7.9sec. Its 195kW DC charging capacity is good for a 10-80 per cent top-up in under 25 minutes. Read more Mercedes-Benz GLB: Launch line-up of the pure-electric small SUV will be single-motor rear-wheel drive (200kW/335Nm) GLB250+ or dual-motor all-wheel drive (260kW/515Nm) GLB350. Its 800-volt architecture allows an ultra-rapid DC charging rate of up to 320kW. Three hybrid powertrains will be added later in front- or all-wheel drive all using a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 48-volt assistance.  Read more MG QS PHEV: Launched in plug-in hybrid form in the UK with an Aussie introduction likely this year. Plug-in hybrid uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor for around 220kW combined. A 24.7kWh battery pack grants it a WLTP-certified electric range of 100km. Read more Mitsubishi Pajero: One of the year’s most significant arrivals comes with the return of the Mitsubishi Pajero, with sights set on the upcoming Y63 Nissan Patrol and current Toyota LandCruiser 300. Most likely powertrain is an updated version of the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel powering the current Triton range (150kW/470Nm). Looking like a Q4 launch. Read more Nissan Patrol: Nissan Australia has confirmed orders for the new ‘Y63’ Patrol will “open in coming months” with vehicles on the ground at the end of the year or very early next. Its 3.5-litre V6 turbo-petrol engine is derived from GT-R’s and produces 317kW/700Nm, dwarfing the 298kW/560Nm outputs of the soon-to-be-defunct V8 of the Y62 Patrol.  Read more Omoda 4: New entry-level model for the brand with edgy, angular looks and a choice of internal-combustion, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure-electric power in the domestic Chinese market. Riding on Chery’s ‘T1X’ platform, the Omoda 4 is a likely Toyota Corolla Cross competitor. Read more Polestar 5: Headed our way in Q3, the 5.1m long ultra-slippery (Cd 0.24) Polestar 5 offers the performance, comfort and touring ability of the Porsche Taycan and its Audi e-tron GT sibling at an appreciably lower price. Two versions coming, both powered by dual motors - the Dual Motor (550kW/812Nm) at $171,100 and the Performance (650kW/1015Nm) at $193,100 (both before on-road costs). Read more Porsche Cayenne Electric: Dropping in Q3, as the name implies, this is a pure-electric beast with even the entry-grade (of three) Cayenne Electric ($167,800, before on-road costs) featuring dual motors, all-wheel drive and producing 325kW. The flagship Turbo accelerates from 0-100km/h in hypercar-equalling 2.5sec thanks to its stonking 850kW/1500Nm outputs.   Read more Renault Symbioz: On course for a July touchdown, the Symbioz is a Hyundai Kona and Toyota Corolla Cross rival with an entry-level mild-hybrid 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine powertrain producing 104kW/245Nm. A 1.8L full-hybrid boosts that to 116kW/265Nm. Pricing starts from $36,990.  Read more Smart #5: It’s been a long time in the offing but the Smart #5 plug-in hybrid SUV is a likely Aussie arrival in the second half of the year. It offers up to 252km of pure-electric range and up to 320kW of total power from its 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, four-cylinder engine and three-speed hybrid transaxle motor powertrain. Claimed fuel economy is as low as 4.4L/100km (when its battery is depleted).  Read more Toyota RAV4 PHEV: Another significant new entry. FWD variants of the RAV4 PHEV will be powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and front-mounted electric motor, producing 201kW. AWD variants add a rear-mounted motor, increasing power to 227kW. Pricing will start from $58,840, before on-road costs, making it roughly $15K more expensive than the car's base standard hybrid variant ($45,990).   Read more Volkswagen T-Roc: Sleeker looking and bigger, with a more premium vibe, VW’s small SUV also features new powertrains. A 1.5-litre turbo-petrol mild-hybrid in two states of tune (85kW and 110kW) for FWD versions and a more powerful 2.0L mild-hybrid arriving later. A T-Roc R is confirmed to follow, too.   Read more XPeng G9: As the legal cage fight between previous XPeng importer True EV and the XPeng factory continues, the priority is getting G6s back into showrooms. But the luxury G9 electric SUV is a possible addition. Rear- or all-wheel drive with two battery options, a driving range of up to 680km and loads of included features for an estimated starting price in the region of $70K. Read more Zeekr 8X: Upper mid-sized, plug-in hybrid luxury SUV to sit above the mid-size fully electric 7X and below the flagship three-row 9X. Pairs a 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol, four-cylinder engine (205kW/410Nm) with dual electric motors for a combined 660kW/935Nm and a 0-100km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds. A 55kWh or 70kWh battery pack with a 900-volt architecture allows ultra-fast charging and either a 320km or 410km EV driving range. Probable starting price in the $80K band. Read more Zeekr 9X: Ultra-luxury, upper-large, three-row SUV offering a dual- or tri-motor plug-in hybrid system, backed by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and a massive battery pack. The result is either 660kW/935Nm of combined power for the two lower variants, or 1030kW/1410Nm for the top-spec car, as well as between 300 and 380km of fully electric driving range. Standard equipment and features are suitably extensive. Expect a starting price just over $100K. Read more

The electric car sales boom is still in full swing, with the latest data revealing a record-breaking month for Tesla in Australia. Tesla sold 6433 units in May 2026, equating to the highest single month recorded for the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) ever.  This sales surge has been mainly driven by the Tesla Model Y SUV, which achieved 5605 sales in May 2026, more than 2000 units up compared to May 2025. This latest data likely cements the Model Y as the best-selling electric vehicle in Australia, with the BYD Sealion 7 and Zeekr 7 still trailing the popular Tesla. The Model 3 sedan has also seen a big sales boost for May, more than doubling its total compared to the same time last year.  Tesla’s increasing sales comes after the brand launched its six-seater Model Y L in Australia, adding further diversity to its lineup.  Tesla experienced a tricky April this year, with both its Model Y and Model 3 copping big downturns in sales. The brand said delivery cycles impact how sales numbers look on a month-to-month basis, with differing numbers of cars being imported into the country.  Polestar has also experienced some sales growth, with its Polestar 4 up nearly 40 per cent on year-to-date.  It comes as high fuel prices continue to weigh on the minds of buyers, accelerating the EV transition. EVC Chief Executive Officer Julie Delvecchio said this data was a crucial point in the EV push. "May 2026 is an important moment for Australia's EV transition - the strongest month on record for combined Tesla and Polestar sales,” Delvecchio said.  “When fuel prices hurt, people look for alternatives. Electric vehicles offer exactly that - no trips to the servo, no price spikes at the pump, savings of around $3,000 a year. “We know Australians buy cars that save them money, suit their lifestyle and perform well. Record EV sales suggest more Australians are finding electric vehicles tick all three boxes.” Chinese brands such as BYD have also been getting in on the increasing popularity of EVs, with its Sealion 7 mid-sizer expected to continue its strong sales performance in Australia. 

Polestar global CEO Michael Lohscheller has shed fresh light on the upcoming new-generation Polestar 2, confirming launch timing, bodystyle and positioning within the Swedish EV maker’s line-up. Asked when the much-anticipated newcomer will hit showrooms, Lohscheller told CarsGuide, “The middle of 2027, which is super fast considering we just announced it. “We started in the first quarter of last year, right? So, that’s speed which is not common in the industry,” he said. And on the subject of the new 2’s body shape he added, “Look, obviously it will be a complete new car.  “There will be new technology in there but why change a winning team because Polestar 2 was very, very successful. “For us, it’s the basis of our brand. I mean, it’s a bit like Golf was for VW back in the day. “We have more than 200,000 people driving Polestar 2 and we want to keep them. Therefore the (sedan) bodystyle will be similar,” he said. When it comes to positioning for the next-gen car, Lohscheller gives a thumbnail outline of the brand’s emerging line-up. “It depends on whether you look at size or price, but I would say the Polestar 7 is a compact SUV (also due in 2027) and the 2 is a larger sedan. Those to me are the two entries into the range price-wise. “Some prefer SUVs, some sedans but this is how you come in. Then we have the Polestar 4, which is a bit bigger, also a bit more expensive. Then you have the Polestar 3 and up to the Polestar 5. Our numbers don’t align. We are like Apple.  “People ask me will you call (the new 2) the Polestar 8 and I say no, no way, it’s a 2,” he said. Lohscheller was also at pains to point out that although the company will always look for synergies within its Geely parent’s product portfolio, the new Polestar 2 will stand apart from Geely, Volvo or Zeekr models that may ultimately use its EV-specific platform. “It will be a very different car and the reason is we start obviously with the design here (in Sweden) and we put our Polestar DNA into the car. “There are things only Polestar will have - chassis tuning, some of the driving characteristics and that is ‘us’. We are not giving that away. “There are other areas where we will use things together, and it’s very beneficial that we have access to the best technology in the world. “But we will do Polestar, with Polestar DNA,” he said.  And it’s worth noting Polestar Australia Managing Director Scott Maynard supports Mr Lohscheller’s position, previously telling CarsGuide, "The 2 will be a dynamic looking car, but it won't take on a full SUV platform. That gong goes to Polestar 7 which we see a bit later on. "We'll get access to it as soon as the rest of the world does. So we'll be online when Europe is. “It just takes a little bit of time to get them here. So we're hopeful to see them on the ground in 2027," Maynard said.