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BMW unveiled an all-new electric vehicle (EV) model this week that it hopes will signify the next chapter in the German luxury brand’s century-long history.
Codenamed the ‘Neue Klasse’ (or ‘New Class’) the i3 arrives early in 2027 with a number of innovations, including clean styling after years of controversial design, a progressive dashboard layout meant to minimise distraction and next-level driving characteristics.
But the biggest headline is a battery breakthrough that brings up to 900km between charges (if you’re wealthy enough to afford the 50 xDrive version with a massive 108kWh battery pack and an anticipated $100k price tag), making the i3 the EV with the longest range in history. For now, anyway.
That’s the distance from Perth to Carnarvon, according to its industry-standard World harmonised Light vehicle Testing Procedure (WLTP) range.
Note, though, that as with all vehicle efficiency figures, including those for internal combustion engine (ICE) models, the actual real-world consumption numbers are generally between 10 to 20 per cent higher. And, also, that new models are coming on the market all the time so this data may be outdated within a few weeks.
Still, EVs, have literally come further than anybody has ever expected.
Below we break down the EV’s that are best on range overall, and the best on range that are under $40,000.
Best EVs on range overall
BMW iX3 50 xDrive
No surprise here, since this is the SUV version of the i3 sedan that consumers demand nowadays, built on the same architecture and utilising the 108kWh battery.
Sales start in Australia in a few weeks, but do note that the extra bulk and mass means the $109,900 (all prices are before on-road costs) 50 xDrive grade ‘only’ manages 850km of WLTP range. Still hugely impressive.
Tesla Model 3 Long Range
Built in China for Australia, the American mid-sized four-door sedan from $61,900 features a 75kWh battery pack in the Long Range RWD rear-wheel drive grade, bringing 750km of WLTP range. Exceptional aerodynamics within a low profile certainly help efficiency here.
Tesla Model Y L Long Range
The newly-released extended-wheelbase version of what is by-far Australia’s most-popular EV is here now, upping its WLTP range due to a larger, 86kWh battery, to 691km.
Some way off the iX3 50 xDrive, then, but from $74,900, this Chinese-made family-sized SUV does provide a lot of distance for your money.
Polestar 5 Dual Motor
Another newcomer from China, though this time via Sweden thanks to a Volvo connection, this sleek and stylish high-performance five-door liftback luxury sedan comes in at an eye-watering $171,100 before any options.
To help justify the expense, the Polestar 5 boasts a WLTP range of 678km, while also being able to accelerate faster than most Porsches.
IM IM5
No, it’s not a British spy network, but MG of China’s new medium-sized luxury five-door liftback, aimed straight at Tesla. Fitted with a 96.5kWh battery, the $69,990 Platinum grade can achieve a WLTP range of 655km.
Best EVs on range below $40,000
GAC Aion UT
Just launched in Australia, this is a neatly-designed, Toyota Corolla-sized five-door hatchback form China with a 60kWh battery pack offering 430km of range from just $31,990. To put that in perspective, the similarly-priced BYD Atto 2 manages 345km WLTP from a 25 per cent smaller battery, highlighting the GAC’s value for money.
Chery E5 Urban
Based on the ageing ICE Chery C5 (previously known as the Omoda 5), the E5 also delivers a WLTP range of 430km from a similarly-sized battery pack, but does start from $36,990.
BYD Dolphin Premium
Also getting old is the Dolphin, which shadows the Chery E5 in price and battery size, though it delivers slightly less WLTP range at 427km.
