The Australian Automotive Landscape: A Glimpse into Upcoming Models and Innovations
Australia’s automotive market is on the cusp of a significant evolution, with a surge of new models set to hit our shores, promising a diverse range of powertrains, cutting-edge technology, and compelling performance. From electrifying newcomers to potent hybrids and refined combustion engines, the next 12-24 months are shaping up to be a thrilling period for car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
Performance Powerhouses and Electrifying Encounters
The performance segment is seeing a dramatic shift, with established players upping their game and new contenders entering the fray. Audi is poised to challenge the likes of BMW and Mercedes-AMG with its new RS5. Available in both sedan and Avant wagon configurations, this plug-in hybrid combines a potent 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 with a powerful electric motor, delivering a formidable 470kW and 825Nm. With a confirmed starting price of $179,900 (before on-road costs), it’s set to make a significant impact.
Meanwhile, Bentley is bidding farewell to its iconic 6.0-litre W12 engine in the Bentayga Speed, replacing it with a thunderous 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. This change not only boosts performance to an astonishing 478kW and 850Nm but also makes the luxurious SUV even faster and louder. Anticipate its arrival in the coming months with a price tag of $525,000 (before on-road costs).
BMW is also making waves with its anticipated ‘Neue Klasse’ iX3. Arriving in early July, this ultra-modern, all-electric mid-size SUV will initially launch with the 345kW/645Nm 50 xDrive model, priced at $109,900 (before on-road costs). A more accessible 235kW/500Nm iX3 40 ($89,900, before on-road costs) will follow in the fourth quarter, designed to slip under the Luxury Car Tax threshold.
The performance coupe segment welcomes a new all-wheel-drive variant of the BMW M2. The M2 xDrive will harness its 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six engine’s 353kW and 600Nm, putting that power to the ground for a blistering 3.7-second 0-100km/h sprint. Priced at $172,900 (before on-road costs), it’s expected in Q4.
BYD’s Atto 3 is set to receive an Evo version, which will introduce rear-wheel drive to the popular model. An all-wheel-drive flagship with 330kW will also be available. The all-new next-generation Atto 3 is likely to land in Australian showrooms sometime in 2027.
Adding to the ute market, Chery is preparing to launch its ‘KP31’ ute in Q4. This newcomer features a ladder chassis and a segment-first 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel and electric motor hybrid powertrain. A petrol-electric hybrid variant is slated for a 2027 arrival.
Cupra’s VZ5, a fire-breathing mid-size SUV, is powered by an Audi RS3-sourced 2.5-litre turbo-petrol five-cylinder engine, delivering 287kW and 480Nm to all four wheels. It achieves 0-100km/h in a rapid 4.2 seconds, making it one of the quickest combustion-powered SUVs available.
The burgeoning EV market sees further expansion with the Deepal S05 small-medium SUV, set to join the S07 mid-size SUV. Both are likely to be offered in range-extender hybrid and/or pure-electric forms, with ADR compliance confirmed and pre-orders open.
For those with an eye for the extraordinary, the Ferrari 849 Testarossa is set to arrive in Q4. This plug-in hybrid supercar boasts a twin-turbo V8 powertrain producing 611kW and 842Nm, capable of a mind-bending 2.3-second 0-100km/h sprint. A roofless Spider variant will follow in early 2027.
Geely is introducing the EX2, a budget-focused electric compact SUV expected to land in Q3 with a starting price potentially under $30,000 (before on-road costs). It features a single motor driving the rear wheels and offers two battery sizes for varying ranges.
Genesis is elevating its electric SUV offering with the GV60 Magma. Built on the same ‘E-GMP’ platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, this performance-focused EV boasts dual electric motors delivering 478kW and 790Nm, capable of 0-200km/h in 10.9 seconds. It arrives in July.
GWM is expanding its luxury offerings with the Wey G9, a plug-in hybrid people mover slated for Q4. A PHEV SUV variant, the V9X, will follow in 2027. The G9’s substantial 44.2 kWh battery provides a claimed pure-electric driving range of up to 170 km.
Honda is set to bring a smile to many faces with the Super One, a pure-electric ‘kei’ car with a likely starting price around $35,000. Its front-mounted electric motor produces 70kW and 162Nm, offering up to 274km of range.
Hyundai is enhancing its Palisade offering with the XRT Pro variant, a tough-looking rival to the Toyota LandCruiser. It features twin tow hooks, increased ground clearance, an electronic limited-slip differential, and new terrain modes for enhanced off-road capability.
The highly popular Isuzu D-Max could soon offer a pure-electric option. This EV variant would feature front and rear electric motors producing 140kW combined, with a 67kWh battery offering a 263km (WLTP) range. While not yet confirmed, Isuzu Ute Australia is monitoring the EV market closely.
Jeep is expanding its electrified line-up with the new Compass, expected to arrive in Q4. Built on the ‘STLA Medium’ platform, it will offer a choice of 106kW 48V eHybrid and 145kW plug-in hybrid powertrains.
KGM is introducing the Musso Q300 dual-cab ute. Powered by a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 150kW and 441Nm, it features a six-speed automatic transmission, 4WD, and a locking rear differential. It also boasts a 12.3-inch digital dash and multimedia touchscreen.
The Kia Seltos is set for a Q4 arrival, with expected outputs of approximately 113kW/265Nm for the front-wheel-drive version and 131kW for the all-wheel-drive model, which will utilise an electric motor for rear-wheel power. Pricing is expected to start around $30,000 (before on-road costs), with a unique Australian suspension tune in development.
Leapmotor is launching the B05 in Q4, a five-door, electric, rear-wheel-drive hot hatch. The flagship Ultra variant offers 180kW and 320Nm, with battery options providing up to 600km of range. It’s anticipated to be a highly competitive offering in its segment.
Lexus is bringing electric versions of its all-new ES to Australia. The ES500e flagship will feature dual motors and all-wheel drive, producing 252kW, while the ES350e will be powered by a single front-mounted electric motor delivering 170kW. Hybrid powertrains will also be offered locally.
Mazda is preparing to challenge the Tesla Model Y with its C6e. Likely to start around $54,000, it will feature a 78kWh battery offering 450km (WLTP) range and a rear-mounted 190kW electric motor. Its impressive 195kW DC charging capacity allows for a 10-80 per cent charge in under 25 minutes.
Mercedes-Benz is launching its all-electric small SUV, the GLB. The initial line-up includes the single-motor rear-wheel-drive GLB250+ (200kW/335Nm) and the dual-motor all-wheel-drive GLB350 (260kW/515Nm). Its 800-volt architecture enables ultra-rapid DC charging up to 320kW. Three hybrid powertrains will be added later.
MG’s QS PHEV is likely to be introduced in Australia this year, following its UK launch. This plug-in hybrid combines a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor for approximately 220kW combined, and a 24.7kWh battery pack provides a 100km WLTP electric range.
A significant return to the Australian market will be the Mitsubishi Pajero, aimed squarely at rivals like the upcoming Nissan Patrol and Toyota LandCruiser 300. The most probable powertrain is an updated 2.4-litre turbo-diesel from the Triton range, with a Q4 launch expected.
Nissan Australia has confirmed that orders for the new ‘Y63’ Patrol will open in the coming months, with vehicles arriving by year’s end or early next. Its 3.5-litre V6 turbo-petrol engine, derived from the GT-R, produces a substantial 317kW and 700Nm.
Omoda is introducing the 4, an entry-level model with sharp styling and a choice of powertrains, including internal-combustion, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and pure-electric variants in the Chinese market. This model is expected to compete with the Toyota Corolla Cross.
Polestar is bringing its 5 to Australia in Q3. This sleek, aerodynamic electric sedan aims to offer the performance and comfort of rivals like the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT at a more accessible price point. Two dual-motor versions will be available: the Dual Motor (550kW/812Nm) at $171,100 and the Performance (650kW/1015Nm) at $193,100 (both before on-road costs).
Porsche is launching its pure-electric Cayenne Electric in Q3. Even the entry-grade model will feature dual motors, all-wheel drive, and produce 325kW. The flagship Turbo variant will accelerate from 0-100km/h in a hypercar-rivalling 2.5 seconds, thanks to its immense 850kW and 1500Nm outputs.
Renault’s Symbioz is set to arrive in July, positioned as a rival to the Hyundai Kona and Toyota Corolla Cross. It will offer a mild-hybrid 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (104kW/245Nm) and a full-hybrid option (116kW/265Nm). Pricing starts from $36,990.
After a long gestation, the Smart #5 plug-in hybrid SUV is a likely arrival in the second half of the year. It boasts up to 252km of pure-electric range and a combined output of up to 320kW from its 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and hybrid system.
Toyota’s RAV4 PHEV is another significant new entry. Front-wheel-drive variants will produce 201kW, while all-wheel-drive models will offer 227kW. Pricing will start from $58,840 (before on-road costs), making it a considerable step up from the standard hybrid.
Volkswagen is updating its T-Roc small SUV with a sleeker design and new powertrains. Mild-hybrid options include 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines (85kW and 110kW) for front-wheel-drive versions, with a more powerful 2.0-litre mild-hybrid to follow. A T-Roc R variant is also confirmed.
XPeng’s luxury G9 electric SUV is a potential addition to the Australian market, pending the resolution of legal disputes. It will offer rear- or all-wheel drive, two battery options with up to 680km of range, and an estimated starting price around $70,000.
Zeekr is expanding its Australian presence with the 8X, an upper mid-sized plug-in hybrid luxury SUV. It pairs a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with dual electric motors for a combined 660kW and 935Nm, achieving 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds. Pricing is expected to start in the $80,000 band.
The ultra-luxury Zeekr 9X will be an upper-large, three-row SUV offering a plug-in hybrid system with dual or tri-motor setups. Power outputs range from 660kW to a colossal 1030kW, with electric driving ranges between 300 and 380km. Expect a starting price just over $100,000.
