SUV News

How much does an electric vehicle (EV) cost? It’s a bit like asking ‘how long is a piece of string’, because obviously EVs come in various shapes, sizes and brands, but there has been a common answer in recent years - too much.

Could Australia be next for this iconic Chinese off-roader?

Audi has globally revealed the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of its new, third-generation Q5 mid-size SUV ahead of a launch in European markets in the third quarter of 2025.Available in both Q5 and Q5 Sportback guises, the PHEV powertrain is offered with two different system output tunes – 220kW/450Nm and 270kW/500Nm. This is unchanged from the previous-generation model, with Australia only getting the higher tune.Both new Q5 PHEVs feature a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 185kW and an electric motor integrated into the dual-clutch automatic transmission.Audi claims the 220kW version can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.2 seconds, whereas the 270kW version can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.1 seconds. Both claims are regardless of the body type.A big change with the new-generation Q5 PHEV is it now gets a larger 25.9kWh (up from 17.9kWh) battery pack that’s claimed to offer up to 100km of electric range, according to WLTP testing.The previous-generation Q5 PHEV only offered 55km of electric range, according to lenient NEDC testing.The peak AC charging rate has been increased from two-phase 7.4kW to three-phase 11kW. This allows the battery charge to charge from 0-100 per cent in 2.5 hours.In addition, Audi has increased the regenerative braking performance. The car’s electric motor can now recover up to 88kW of power when slowing down and feed this into the high-voltage battery.Audi claims 90 per cent of the deceleration process can now be done by the electric motor regenerative braking, meaning the hydraulic wheels braked are only used for harder braking manoeuvers.There are now also three levels of regenerative braking that can be chosen with the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. There’s also an automatic mode that uses navigation data to predict how much regenerative braking to use.Two drive modes are available, EV and hybrid. The former operates exclusively on battery power at speeds up to 140km/h until the charge is depleted.Hybrid mode, on the other hand, operates strategically to choose which energy source is the most efficient depending on how and where you’re driving. In the city it’ll use EV power and at higher speeds it’ll use the petrol engine.Like many PHEVs, the car is capable of charging the battery using the petrol engine when on the move. Below speeds of 65km/h the battery charge is maintained, but above this speed the battery can be charged up to 75 per cent.As standard the car comes with sport suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers, under centre console storage, 15W ventilated wireless charger, two USB-C ports in the front and rear, tri-zone climate control and sport front seats with leather/artificial leather upholstery, and sliding and reclining second-row seats.Opting for the 270kW version gets you LED headlights ‘plus’ and LED tail-lights.Boot space for the regular Q5 PHEV is 438 litres with the second row upright, expanding to 1358 litres with the seats folded.With the Q5 Sportback PHEV, on the other hand, it has 433 litres of boot space with the second row upright, expanding to 1300 litres with the seats folded.Pricing for the Audi Q5 PHEV in Europe starts at €63,400 (~A$113,200), and extends to €74,300 (~A$132,650).At this stage it’s still unclear if or when the new Audi Q5 PHEV will be coming to Australia. We’ve reached out to Audi Australia and will update this story once we hear back.The outgoing Audi Q5 55 TFSIe PHEV first arrived locally back in 2023 and is offered in both regular wagon and Sportback body styles.The regular combustion-powered third-generation Q5 range still hasn’t launched in Australia yet, despite it being revealed in September last year. It’s still expected to arrive in the second half of 2025.

BYD is on an absolute tear, revealing new models at break-neck speed. The latest vehicle is from its FangChengBao (FCB) range, which will be branded Denza in Australia.

Chery sticks it to its key Chinese rivals with ultra-affordable plug-in hybrid versions of its two mid-size SUVs

The Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series Hybrid has been confirmed for Australia, with a 2026 launch locked in.Details revealed on United Arab Emirates spec vehicles, show the fitment of hybrid tech to the model's twin-turbo petrol V6 engine would make it one of the most powerful vehicles in Australia, with total system output a sizeable 340kW and 790Nm.Those numbers far outshine the outputs on offer from Australia's diesel LandCruiser, with its 3.3L twin-turbo V6 producing 227kW and 700Nm.According to Toyota in the UAE, the new model boasts "powerful performance, legendary capability, and reimagined efficiency to conquer what’s next."That engine remains paired with a 10-speed automatic, with Toyota in the UAE promising fuel use of 10.9L/100km. In the UAE, the LandCruiser Hybrid is offered both as a regular VXR model, but also as a GR Sport."For generations, the LandCruiser has mastered every terrain. Now, the legend has evolved to lead a new era," the brand said in a statement."Introducing the New Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid - boasting powerful performance, legendary capability, and reimagined efficiency to conquer what’s next."Under the hood, a 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid Engine delivers 457 horsepower and 790 Nm of torque. Inside, a cabin crafted for comfort and control surrounds you with advanced technology and refined detail."Toyota has also moved to quell fears that electrification will impact capability, saying in a statement:"The LandCruiser HEV’s hybrid system has been designed with true off-road reliability in mind. Even in the unlikely event of hybrid unit failure, the vehicle can continue operating solely on the combustion engine, ensuring peace of mind in remote areas. The hybrid battery area has been specially waterproofed to maintain the LandCruiser’s famed fording ability, allowing it to tackle rivers and water obstacles with confidence. Additionally, the vehicle also offers a third-row seat and cargo layout specifically optimised for the addition of the HEV system, ensuring no compromise in versatility or interior space."A hybrid LandCruiser has been of part of Toyota Australia's strategy to electrify its model lineup by 2030."There are no plans to announce today, but we have a goal and that is to reduce our carbon footprint by 90 per cent on 2010 levels. So, to achieve those types of results globally, we have to play a role, and of course at some point over the next decade all our models, well maybe not all, but the majority will have some form of electrification," Toyota Australia's Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Sean Hanley, told CarsGuide previously.But the company executive has long-vowed that capability and dependability will remain at the core of the LandCruiser story, no matter what is powering it.“What I would say to our loyal LandCruiser owners is one thing they can be sure of whatever we do with LandCruiser in the future is we will make sure that car is every bit as capable and lives up to the legend that is LandCruiser in the future regardless of powertrain,” he said.“We will move as we have to move, but we will never bring a LandCruiser to market that is not capable of doing the things that people want it to do – because LandCruiser is an icon. One thing we’ve learnt is don’t mess with the LandCruiser.”

BYD and Tesla might soon be in a three horse race for global EV domination.

A mini 4WD revolution is underway with a wave of cut-price, cute and capable off-roaders in the works.

Jaguar has just confirmed its launching a special, final edition of the fire-breathing F-Pace SVR exclusively for Australia.

BYD will expand its line-up with two key models in critical segments.