Electric Cars

This year has thrown up two unforeseen events: the mainstream acceptance of electric vehicles (EVs) and the return of the sedan.Perfect timing, then, for the new Mercedes-Benz CLA electric.But, can the world’s oldest car company run with hip young things like the Polestar 2, Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4?And is this the Mercedes of compact EV sedans?The price leap going electric in this third-gen CLA four-door coupe is another surprise.Starting from $72,200 (all prices are before on-road costs), the CLA200 electric’s premium is a reasonable $5700 over the entry-level CLA180 petrol-electric hybrid version, and just $4000 more than the CLA200 hybrid equivalent.Now, most essentials are standard, with the following being standouts:a 14-inch central touchscreen and 10.25-inch driver display combo dubbed MBUX Superscreena fixed glass roofa heat pump for efficiency enhancing climate controlGoogle Maps with AI virtual assistant including car-to-X traffic communication for driving hazards alertsa 360-degree camera with parking assistartificial leather and suede-clad heated/powered front AMG sports seats with memory settingsAMG 18-inch alloys and body kitThen there’s the CLA350 4Matic Electric from $91,300, adding an electric motor up front for all-wheel drive, an 85kWh – rather than 58kWh – battery for longer range, faster charging and 19-inch wheels.But we recommend the Premium Package ($1800 in the CLA200/$2340 in the CLA350) for worthwhile kit like:head-up displayadaptive headlightskeyless entryan orchestral audio upgradea third, also 14-inch screen ahead of the front passengerSpeaking of which, compared to its Chinese-sourced Polestar 2 and Tesla Model 3 rivals, the German CLA does cost more, but Mercedes has been making cars for 140 years, not 14 years, and there’s some very advanced EV engineering going on underneath that pretty body.Distinctively Mercedes, the Ford AU Falcon force is still strong with this CLA.But thanks to the Stuttgart brand’s box-fresh MMA electric-first 800-volt platform, it matures as well as grows in every dimension, including in height and wheelbase, while super-slippery, aero-enhancing details promise to boost efficiency.The CLA’s interior aesthetics are dominated by the MBUX Superscreen slab that, with the Premium Package, is lit like a Christmas tree fever dream.Yet, when switched off and blacked out, one onlooker reckoned the dash is reminiscent of a Holden LH Torana’s. Iconic Aussie influences abound!Luckily everything including ambient lighting is configurable.Getting in and out is tight – a reminder that the CLA is essentially a four-door coupe.Once inside, though, the front seat area is amply spacious, including for heads, and there’s a lot to like, including the logical and slick operation of Mercedes’ latest, AI-enhanced multimedia system.Brilliantly supportive seats, a superb driving position, beautifully crafted textures and abundant storage also make this CLA appealing. The cheapness of old is gone, though the plastics below knee level feel disappointingly hard and hollow.And while we’re whining, the loss of buttons for the touchscreen-sited climate system, no overhead grab handles, cost-cutting absence of rear window switches for the driver (what is this, a Skoda?), and missing glass roof blockout are fixes for the facelift.On the flip side, that vast ceiling sky vista makes an already roomier rear seat feel even airier, while most expected comfort amenities are present.Further back, the boot is OK, though smaller than before at 405 litres and there’s no spare wheel. Boo.There’s also a 101L frunk up front – a first for a Mercedes.That’s because the CLA electric’s MMA platform diverges from its front-drive/transverse ICE counterparts by being rear-wheel drive (RWD) biased.This means the main, 165kW/335Nm permanently excited synchronous traction motor is located out back, sending drive to the rear wheels via a two-speed e-transmission.In the CLA200, the 0-100km/h takes 7.5 seconds, while a second electric motor up front in the CLA350 4Matic makes for a combined 260kW/515Nm, slashing sprint time down to a rousing 4.9s.And the EV changes don’t stop there, either, making the electric versions drive unlike any CLA that have come before.With its strong and linear power delivery, both CLA electrics step off the line rapidly, and glide along smoothly with a newfound sophistication and control, aided by a new multi-link rear suspension set-up and stiff architecture that, incredibly, relies on passive – rather than the ICE variant’s available active – dampers.This results in a ride suppleness alien to older CLAs and other modern smaller Benzes.Better still, over the warm dry roads of the Queensland hinterland as tested, the CLA200e has evolved athletically, brandishing a RWD attitude that allows it to seek out curves with a handling joy we’d frankly never have anticipated in this series. Balanced, fluid and confident.The CLA350 4Matic feels even more agile, and is stirringly quick point-to-point if you’re up for some fun. Just lovely.Some drivers might ask for more steering weight at lower speeds, but otherwise the connected dynamics, isolating refinement and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) tech tuning are outstanding, and worth the three-pointed star premium alone.You can also thank the CLA’s aero prowess for providing impressive efficiency, with both electrics sitting underneath the already decent 14.4kWh/100km (CLA200) and 14.9kWh/100km (CLA350 4Matic) official consumption averages, dipping well below 13kWh at one stage, despite being driven enthusiastically over rural back roads.That MMA 800V ultra-fast charging capability is a bonus, as is the standard 22kW AC charging set-up.EuroNCAP have awarded the latest CLA range a five-star gong, with a similar ANCAP rating expected, too.Mercedes’ obsession with pushing safety tech is undeniable, with all ADAS autonomous emergency brake (AEB) and lane-support systems present. On the airbag front, a front centre item is fitted, taking that total to eight.However, Mercedes’ five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty is nothing but average nowadays. Service intervals are every 12 months or 25,000km, and only pre-paid servicing in three-year ($2455), four-year ($3620) and five-year ($4295) blocks are available.

XPeng has revealed more details about its new luxury family SUV destined for Australia.The XPeng G9L is a large five-seater SUV about to go on sale in China.It is a long-wheel base variant of the existing G9 that has been available in China for a few years since 2022.Measuring at 5120mm long, 1999mm wide and 1795mm tall, with a 3100mm wheelbase, the G9L is slightly longer than the Kia EV9 electric three-row SUV ($97,000, before on-road costs).However, it will be a more direct rival to the incoming Zeekr 8X when it arrives in Australia.The car will launch in China with both fully-electric and range-extender set-ups in two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.The 2WD EV has a single rear-mounted electric motor, producing 270kW, while the AWD adds a front-mounted 160kW motor.Range-extender variants have a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine to power the battery, producing 110kW.The single electric motor in the range-extender makes 210kW, with the AWD adding an extra 160kW motor like the EV.The G9L EV comes in six separate variants for the Chinese market.They are equipped with either a lithium-iron-phosphate or nickel-manganese-cobalt battery, with a total driving range of up to 805km, according to generous CLTC standards.Electric-only driving range in the range-extender variant can be as much as 350km (WLTC).The car also rides on a 800-volt platform for super fast charging, meaning it can add 450km of range in only nine minutes, according to the brand.XPeng’s former distributor TrueEV said the G9L was due to arrive in the fourth quarter of this year.The factory-backed operation has not provided a specific updated timeline for the car’s launch, but it will be within the next six months as part of five new or updated models from the brand.The car was spied in camouflage in Melbourne last month, but whether this was testing ahead of its global launch or something more specific to Australia is unclear.We can expect more details on the G9L’s future in Australia before the end of the year.

Nissan has teased yet another Chinese-built SUV as part of its tie-up with Dongfeng, which could serve as a cut-price replacement for the Ariya.Dubbed the NX7, Nissan shared a single teaser image of the new model on its Chinese social media channels ahead of its reveal.In line with the naming practices used on cars in China, the NX7 will serve as a mid-size SUV, a segment below the five-meter long NX8 which has just hit the market overseas.While no details of the car are available yet, the shadowy teaser shows a car with similar design traits to the NX8, with split light clusters, a filled-in front panel and an illuminated Nissan badge. Its lower light fittings are distinct from the strip-style lights featured in the NX8’s design, while traditional wing mirrors and a Lidar cluster on the roof also feature.If it follows in the footsteps of the NX8, expect the NX7 to be offered with both a purely electric (EV) and range-extender (REEV) hybrid option.The NX7 will build on the success of Nissan’s Dongfeng joint venture, which has thus far produced the Frontier Pro PHEV ute as a BYD Shark 6 rival (expected to be called the Navara Pro in Australia), as well as the N6 and N7 sedans, which join the NX8 as important wins for Nissan as it experiences a shrinking footprint elsewhere in the world.While the company had a head start in the electrification space with the pioneering Leaf hatchback, it has struggled to remain competitive since the rise of Tesla and cut-price Chinese alternatives.To that end, under the leadership of relatively new CEO Ivan Espinosa, Nissan has stated it will lean more heavily into its successful Chinese joint venture to leverage ‘China Speed’ product development for the global market.The NX7 is the next in what the company said will be 10 new Chinese models to be revealed by 2027. To our count, the brand is up to five new models, or seven if you include the recently updated combustion models from the joint venture, the Teana sedan and Pathfinder large SUV.Locally, the NX7 could be more price competitive than the car which Nissan already offers in this mid-size space, the Ariya.Starting from $55,840, before on-roads, the Ariya goes head-to-head with the Tesla Model Y (from $58,900), BYD Sealion 7 (from $54,990) and Toyota bZ4X (from $55,990), although all of those rivals offer a longer driving range in their most basic forms.This leaves Nissan without a car to compete at the entry level of the mid-size SUV space, with the likes of the Geely EX5, GAC Aion V, and Leapmotor C10, all from the mid-$40k mark.It would also open the door to Nissan offering a REEV model to compete with the likes of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and BYD Sealion 6 at a competitive price.Nissan has been approached for comment on the new model’s chances for an Australian launch. While the company has alluded to exporting the Frontier Pro PHEV and NX8 to Australia in the past, it is yet to confirm timing for the models.

Smart, the electric brand formed by automotive power couple Mercedes-Benz and Geely, is hinting that the arrival its smallest car the #2 is near as colour murals appear around the world including Australia.Paris, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Melbourne have all seen advertisements in the form of hand painted murals pop up in their cities recently.Melbourne’s version features the small red two-door hatch against a backdrop of the city’s landmarks including Flinders St Station and a tram with the tagline “It’s back #2.”The only Smart models currently available are the #1 small SUV and the #3 mid-sized SUV. The “It’s back” tagline is referring to the original Smart Fortwo tiny hatch which was popular in Australia when the brand first landed here more than 20 years ago.The Smart #2 is only 100mm longer than the original Fortwo at a diminutive 2792mm end-to-end and also has just two seats but this time around it will be a bench seat which the company says creates more cabin room.The little city hatch will be fully electric and is expected to have a 35kWh battery and about 300km of driving range from a full charge. Fast DC charging from 10-80 percent will take just 20 minutes, Smart says.Smart Global CMO Kang Yi, said the Smart #2 was designed to express individuality and playfulness.“The Smart #2 is the evolution of a revolution,” he said “We designed this vehicle to bring playfulness, premium sophistication, and effortless agility back to the modern urban jungle. By teasing our defining halo product through this unconventional artistic exposure, we are building immense anticipation for its return and showcasing our commitment to creating vehicles that are not just means of transportation, but true expressions of individuality.”The Smart #2 will make its global debut at the Paris motor show in October.As for its arrival locally despite the marketing proclaiming the Smart #2 to be back in Melbourne, Smart's Australian distributor told CarsGuide the vehicle was not confirmed for our market.If it was to launch here it wouldn't be until 2027.

The extent of Mazda’s transforming business has been made evident in its latest quarterly financial report which details global sales up until March of 2026.Key takeaways from the report include Mazda pinning much of its future global growth on the launch of its Chinese-built electric duo of the Mazda 6e liftback and CX-6e SUV, with the incoming next-generation CX-3 also predicted to be a big driver for markets like South East Asia and Australia in 2027.The brand also noted strong demand for the plugless hybrid CX-50 in North America. While this model isn’t headed to Australia, it bodes well for the future CX-5 hybrid which is due in Australia in 2028.The company spent minimal time on the results for its large platform vehicles (CX-60, CX-70, CX-80, and CX-90) which were previously a big investment for Mazda in moving to a semi-premium price space, debuting a new rear-drive architecture and family of inline-six engines.The CX-70 and CX-90 were both down significantly in the North American market they were expressly designed for.The company said the CX-60, however, had been performing notably well in Australia, up 13 per cent year-on-year, against the backdrop of a 22 per cent decline year-on-year.Mazda’s global operation described Australia as a “tough environment” citing strong demand for “low-priced battery EVs and HEVs amid rising fuel prices,” alluding to cut-price Chinese rivals leaping up the sales charts.Again, the company called out the 6e and CX-6e as a particular vector for “expanding sales” in Australia as models which meet “market demand and environmental regulations.”Australia has long been one of Mazda’s strongest markets globally, although our market’s influence looks to be waning as the Japanese brand’s share shrinks in the face of said “tough” conditions.For the first quarter of 2026, which this global report details, Mazda’s sales in Australia amounted to 19,000 units, down 22 per cent, while the brand’s sales in China were headed in the opposite direction, up one per cent to 18,000 units year-on-year.Meanwhile in Europe, which also depends on electric sales of the Chinese-built electric models, sales were up significantly to 43,000 units, more than doubling the brand’s tally in Australia over the same time period.With Mazda’s China operation soon to overtake Australia, and its European operation in significant growth, the company may shift its priorities away from our market as it senses growth to be had elsewhere.The USA, which is Mazda’s largest market, is also up but largely due to the domestically built CX-50 hybrid which does heavy lifting in dodging a challenging tariff environment and coming with an in-demand plugless hybrid drivetrain.After the launch of the CX-6e in Australia imminently which is priced from a competitive $53,990, before on-road costs, Mazda will bridge the gap to the long-awaited CX-5 hybrid with the next-generation CX-3 small SUV.The company reiterated in its financial results that CX-3 production will begin in Thailand before the end of the year and will go on sale in markets like Australia in early 2027.As to Mazda’s larger models, the brand acknowledged the need to put them back on track if it wants to replicate the success of models like the CX-7 and CX-9 which they replaced at a more premium price-point.The company’s North American CFO said the large SUV situation is “not acceptable” in comments reported by industry source Automotive News, adding deeper upgrades would be on the way to make the CX-70 and CX-90 specifically more competitive.Details on what these upgrades may include or when they might arrive for the Japan-built pair are yet to be confirmed.Locally, the CX-60 is down 7.0 per cent year-on-year according to more recent local VFACTs numbers, with Mazda introducing price tweaks and a new base G25 four-cylinder variant to the range in order to increase its appeal.The CX-80, the smaller of the two three-row options in the range is also performing decently after a significant price cut earlier this year, while the CX-70 and CX-90 are also languishing in our sales charts despite also receiving price adjustments.

Australians are still buying cars in greater quantity than ever before, despite tough economic conditions.The new vehicle market recorded its strongest ever July result off the back of the same feat in June. Toyota has had a resurgent month up against its Chinese challengers BYD and Chery, led by its new-generation RAV4 SUV. Electric car sales are also showing no signs of slowing down in Australia, accounting for more than one-in-five cars sold. Chinese brands are becoming a staple high up the sales charts in Australia, with many budget-focused models continuing to drive sales. Toyota achieved 20,409 registrations for July, more than double what BYD managed.The Japanese juggernaut has taken out the top-two spots for July with its RAV4 family SUV and HiLux ute.The RAV4 has shot up the sale charts to take out pole position, with 5564 units, wrestling back against early supply issues plaguing the new version of the hugely popular family model. Plug-in hybrid variants of the RAV4 have received some serious attention from buyers, accounting for nearly 40 per cent of the SUV's total sales.Toyota's HiLux ute was not far behind, boasting 4721 units and overtaking the Ford Ranger (4042) in July. The brand also experienced its best month in 2026 for its Land Cruiser Prado and 300 Series 4WDs.Fully-electric cars represented more than one-fifth of all sales in July, with rising fuel prices continuing to influence buyer choices.The Tesla Model Y registered another month as the best-selling EV in Australia, with 4644 units in July between its five- (2215) and six-seater (2429) variants according to EV Council data. BYD’s Sealion 7 mid-size SUV was another strong performer, with 2548 examples sold last month, keeping its tag as the brand’s best-selling model for another month.The Geely EX5 (2034) made another appearance in the top 10 best sellers, followed by the Zeekr 7X (1892). The Chery Tiggo 4 (2156) small SUV has continued its run as one of the best-selling small SUVs, holding off competition from the Hyundai Kona (2096) and Mazda CX-5 (1836).BYD held onto second position in the overall sales standings for July (7857), despite a noticeable drop-off from June. In addition to the Sealion 7, its Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute registered another confident registration figure, with 1216 units, along with the Atto 2 small SUV (1214).Chery, Geely, GWM and MG all made the top 10 best-selling brands for the month.

This budget EV is about to get even cheaper for Aussie buyers. GAC is preparing to launch an ultra-affordable variant of its Aion UT electric hatch Down Under before the end of this year. This variant will become the new entry level to the Aion UT range, priced from less than the current Premium grade ($31,990, drive-away).It will give GAC a direct rival to other affordable-pitched electric hatchback variants the BYD Dolphin ($29,990) and incoming Geely EX2 ($26,490), both before on-road costs.Here is what we know about it so far.It will have a smaller battery than the 60kWh unit currently available in Australia.The Aion UT is offered in China with 35kWh and 44kWh battery variants. It is more likely GAC brings the 44kWh battery, offering a driving range of 330km, according to more generous CLTC standards.The current 60kWh Aion UT on offer in Australia comes with significantly more range at 430km (WLTP).The incoming more affordable variant has a front-mounted electric motor, producing 100kW according to overseas specs, compared to the 150kW output of its up-spec sibling. Other details on the car remain scarce, with the hatchback still going through its final checks before an official announcement. The new Aion UT variant does not have an official launch date, but it is expected to be here before the end of the year. The car has not been approved for sale yet, meaning it will likely launch in late Q4 2026, potentially December.While we don't have an exact Aussie price for it yet, it will be less than $30,000 when it arrives here.The 44kWh battery Aion UT is priced in China up to 102,000 yen, which is roughly $22,000. Cars from China usually carry around a 20 per cent hike when put on sale here, suggesting a potential price of around $27,000.

Subaru's first foray into the electric small SUV segment does a lot right, but might make one critical mistake.

Audi's incoming budget-friendly EV is getting closer.The Audi A2 e-tron is an electric compact SUV scheduled to launch in Europe by November.It could be the brand’s cheapest EV on sale to date. The A2 e-tron will provide competition for other small electric rivals, the recently-launched Volkswagen ID.3 Neo and the Volvo EX-30.Audi is eager for its new model to follow in the efficient footsteps of its previous A2 practical hatchback.The A2 powered by a 1.2 turbo-diesel engine, offering a sensational 3.0L/100km fuel efficiency. The Audi A2 e-tron will be powered by a single electric motor, with three different power outputs.The base car produces 140kW, while up-spec models make 170kW/350Nm or 240kW/545Nm. Audi claims the A2 e-tron will be its most efficient model on sale.It has a preliminary energy rating of 12.8kWh/100km, according to WLTP standards.This means its 61kWh battery should provide a total driving range of up to 476km - a strong figure compared to other small car rivals. Audi says an improved drag coefficient of 0.24 has boosted energy efficiency by 0.9kWh/100km. The car can DC fast charge at 105kW, so a 10 to 80 per cent fill-up takes 26 minutes. It also offers bi-directional charging, meaning it can power external devices and act as a home power supply. There is no official word on the A2 e-tron launching in Australia. It could complement Audi’s Australian lineup as a more affordable EV offering, but it might be subject to hefty shipping costs from Europe. The A2 e-tron’s Europe by November launch date places any potential Australian introduction in 2027.Audi Australia has been contacted for comment to see if the local branch is interested in the car, and when it might launch Down Under.

Honda has just priced its first EV in Australia.The Honda Super-One is an ultra-compact electric car that will start from $36,900, drive-away.This places it as the second cheapest car in Honda’s lineup, costing $4000 more than the base HR-V small SUV. The top-spec grade starts from $37,400. It adds a two-tone purple exterior colour that mirrors the popular Super-N Kei car the Super-One is based on. Honda said it has had more than 6500 expressions of interest for the Super-One in Australia, which is more than the new-generation Honda Civic Type-R.Pre-orders are open now, with deliveries beginning on 1 October 2026.There will only be 130 units available in this first batch, but more examples will arrive in early 2027. The Honda Super-One is based on the brand’s N-One Kei car, which is designed to meet specific requirements for Japan’s smallest car segment. The Super-One is substantially longer, wider and taller than the N-One to ensure it meets Australia Design Rules. The Super-One will still be one of the smallest cars available.It shares similar dimensions to the Kia Picanto petrol-powered hatch (3595 mm long).It will be a more direct rival to the BYD Atto 1 electric hatch that starts from $23,990 (before on-road costs), and the more pricey Hyundai Inster (from $39,000, before on-road costs). The Super-One is powered by a single electric motor, making 47kW and 162Nm. The car has a special hot hatch setting if Boost Mode is selected that increases power to 70kW. Simulated gear shifts for a seven-speed transmission mimic the experience of a petrol engine. The car’s 30kWh lithium-ion battery offers a driving range of up to 253km, according to WLTP standards, and features regenerative braking. The car can charge from 15 to 80 per cent in 30 minutes. On the inside, there is a 9.0-inch central touchscreen and 7.0-inch digital driver display, along with an eight-speaker Bose sound system.