Electrical car (EV) producers have realised they should capitalise on booming SUV gross sales worldwide, and the result’s a variety of fashions throughout a number of manufacturers combining battery drivetrains with lifted, sensible our bodies.

In Australia, there are presently extra 30 electrical SUVs being bought throughout 20 manufacturers (not together with particular person variants), starting from lower than $40,000 drive-away within the case of the MG ZS EV to $233,400 earlier than on-road prices for the BMW iX.

With such a variety of choices throughout totally different costs, it may be exhausting to determine on the very best electrical SUV.

That’s the place the CarExpert staff is available in to assist. Right here’s what now we have chosen as the electrical SUVs we’d be comfortable to see in our driveways, and which you may need to put in yours.

Alborz Fallah: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Should you had requested me this query two weeks in the past, I’d have in all probability stated a Kia EV6, however having spent final week drag racing hyper and supercars towards… a Hyundai and being blown away by the outcomes, I left with this loopy feeling of wanting to purchase an Ioniq 5 N.

Having tracked the automotive at Sydney Motorsport Park and now pushed it at speeds getting near 300 km/h, I can inform you this isn’t your common EV, neither is it your common SUV. It’s the very best of each worlds.

It’s mainly what BMW’s M division used to make with its previous-previous technology M vehicles – besides it’s quicker. The sweetness is that it really handles rather well, and the ‘faux’ sounds add a lot to the driving expertise of an EV that I’ve grow to be an advocate of pretend noise for electrical vehicles.

When you expertise it firsthand and realise that – if you happen to’re going to have an EV – it doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t have enjoyable together with your senses, then having these bizarre futuristic UFO sounds (I’m taking a look at you, Porsche) is senseless.

I’d additionally prefer to suppose that I’d be fairly eager on the brand new Porsche Macan EV. I reckon it seems to be wonderful, and if they will get it to carry out effectively, then it’s going to be a winner within the larger finish of the market.

MORE: Purchase a Hyundai Ioniq 5

Paul Maric: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

I used to be prepared to simply reply with the inventory customary Tesla Mannequin Y reply.

However…it truly is simply an equipment that goes from A to B – it’s unexciting and is sort of the Camry of electrical autos. Simply will get the job completed.

I just like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, however by no means actually beloved it sufficient as a sporty automotive compared to one thing like a Mannequin Y Efficiency or a Mannequin 3 Efficiency.

My notion on that has completely modified with the Ioniq 5 N. What they’ve completed with the bundle is critically bonkers.

It has the straight line acceleration – that’s actually simply the simple half with an EV, although – nevertheless it additionally has all the bells, whistles and equipment you need for a go-fast electrical car, with out the fixed compromise on trip and day-to-day liveability.

There are battery priming modes, artificial gear shifts to make it really feel like an inside combustion automotive and even the flexibility to utterly change the torque cut up on the transfer.

We additionally had the prospect to place it up towards a few of the world’s quickest vehicles final week as a part of a brand new video collection now we have coming… We did over 100 launches whereas filming and each time it delivered the identical consistency on the identical scrabbly floor.

It truly is a beast of a factor and it has modified my notion on efficiency EVs…it’s not only a straight line surprise.

MORE: Purchase a Hyundai Ioniq 5

Scott Collie: BYD Atto 3 or BMW iX M60

BYD Atto 3

On the reasonably priced finish of the market, it’s exhausting to look previous the BYD Atto 3. 

When BYD launched in Australia, we had loads of questions on its native distributor. We’re now greater than 12 months into life with the Atto 3 on native roads, and it’s not as if there’s horror tales on the market about service and help… so I’m prepared to again the Atto 3. 

It’s reasonably priced to purchase, with an fascinating inside and beneficiant record of normal tools, and it drives with loads of polish. Though the Mannequin Y stays the category chief, the Atto 3 comfortably undercuts it on worth – and $14,000 buys you plenty of electrical energy at quick chargers, not to mention on an electric-friendly house energy plan. 

MORE: Purchase a BYD Atto 3

BMW iX M60

Avert your gaze! It’s the BMW iX! 

When the iX debuted, it shortly grew to become a styling punchline. Then the XM rolled round, and put issues into perspective. 

Past the way in which it seems to be, the iX is simply a beautiful factor to spend time in. The inside is like an costly whiskey den on wheels, full of wealthy leather-based and fascinating trims, and the know-how is prime notch now BMW has realised it must put frequently-used capabilities just like the seat heating buttons in outstanding locations on the touchscreen. Who would’ve thought? 

The M60 is devastatingly fast in a straight line, handles like a smaller and lighter automotive within the corners, and rides like a limousine on rugged roads. 

MORE: Purchase a BMW iX

James Wong: Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo

Hyundai Ioniq 5

I’d actually want to not get a Tesla or BYD if I can keep away from it – the tech integration and ergonomics simply aren’t to my tastes.

For these that may be somewhat humorous with vary anxiousness, the entry-grade Ioniq 5 with the Prolonged Vary 77.4kWh battery and single-motor RWD affords over 500km of driving vary… and there’s an up to date mannequin on the way in which with an excellent greater battery and extra vary.

Even when it forgoes some niceties to hit the $71,00 worth level (plus on-road prices), the Ioniq 5 affords an ethereal, spacious cabin and the extra acquainted inside format of different Hyundai-Kia merchandise. The aforementioned replace will carry additional enhancements to design and inside know-how.

Hyundai hasn’t scrimped on security and help tech on the bottom mannequin – although I’d like Freeway Driving Help please – and the retro-inspired seems to be will make it really feel that little bit extra particular than a Tesla or BYD.

It additionally affords a few of the quickest charging instances because of its 350kW DC charging capability… although we’re but to see any take a look at vehicles attain that peak.. Nonetheless, 230kW speeds is sort of much more than most rivals.

MORE: Purchase a Hyundai Ioniq 5

Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo

If a Subaru Outback identifies as an SUV, then so does this…

Given the SUV tag means I can’t select my beloved Audi e-tron GT, the crossover-styled Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo on frequent underpinnings will do me simply high quality.

The Taycan is a benchmark for efficiency and engagement within the EV market, and is one among few that may genuinely compete with combustion-engined efficiency vehicles. Right here, we simply add a lifted wagon physique with plastic cladding and voilá – the very best electrical SUV to drive.

I performed round with the Porsche Australia configurator and specified one in Paint to Pattern Porsche Racing Inexperienced with 20-inch Offroad Design wheels and… effectively… I would like a second. #savethewagons

MORE: Purchase a Porsche Taycan

William Stopford: Hyundai Ioniq 5

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is ostensibly an SUV, though it doesn’t appear to be one. It’s nonetheless my decide, even when – let’s be actual – it’s actually only a huge hatchback.

It mightn’t be as spacious as a Tesla Mannequin Y nevertheless it certain seems to be higher with its crisp retro-inspired traces.

The inside can also be enticing and stuffed with intelligent particulars. It drives effectively, too, with balanced dealing with and a clean trip. It’s not the sportiest EV available on the market although… until you step as much as the N.

I’ve pushed some highly effective, dynamic EVs, all the way in which as much as the likes of the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT, however the Ioniq 5 N is my favorite EV available on the market proper now.

The extent of adjustability with this automotive is insane. Wish to make this dual-motor 478kW all-wheel drive weapon sound like a petrol-powered automotive, even from the skin? Push a button and it’ll. Wish to ship torque solely to the rear wheels? That’s one other button. Wish to have simulated gear shifts? You guessed it – there’s a button that can make that occur.

If you wish to drive it like a quiet, mild-mannered electrical commuter automotive, you are able to do that.

I got here away totally impressed after driving this each on the street and on the monitor. I would like one.

Outdoors of the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 5 N, different electrical SUVs that stand out to me embody the BMW iX1 and Volvo XC40 Recharge underneath $100,000, and the Kia EV9 over it.

MORE: Purchase a Hyundai Ioniq 5

Jack Fast: Tesla Mannequin Y or Genesis Electrified GV70

Tesla Mannequin Y

If I used to be shopping for an electrical SUV in 2024 I’d be foolish to not contemplate the Tesla Mannequin Y given it was the world’s best-selling automotive final yr. It additionally simply obtained a minor spec tweak and worth reduce that makes it much more attractive.

The Mannequin Y continues to be the benchmark for electrical SUVs with cavernous inside storage and stellar electrical motor effectivity.

My best specification of the Mannequin Y could be the Lengthy Vary variant with the brand new Quicksilver exterior paint color possibility. I’d additionally stick to the common 19-inch Gemini wheels to maximise effectivity and the black inside. I do know which may be a bit boring however let me stay my fantasy.

Another notable mainstream electrical SUVs I’d say are price contemplating embody the BYD Atto 3 from a finances standpoint, in addition to the Hyundai Kona Electrical given it’s now one of many few EVs with a spare tyre.

MORE: Purchase a Tesla Mannequin Y

Genesis Electrified GV70

Despite the fact that it does have a wierd identify, if I had an infinite amount of cash to spend on an electrical SUV I reckon I’d go for the Genesis Electrified GV70.

This electrical model of Genesis’ top-selling mannequin does look similar to the petrol variations, although underneath the bonnet there’s a dual-motor all-wheel drive electrical powertrain that may ship the two.3-tonne SUV from 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds.

Certainly one of my favorite components about Genesis autos is how particular they really feel on the within, which is the place you spent the vast majority of the time. There are such a lot of soft-touch supplies and all the things feels high-quality.

MORE: Purchase a Genesis GV70

Josh Nevett: Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ioniq 5 N

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a superb instance of how far the Korean producer has come in recent times. All variants share the identical retro-cool styling and sensible inside area, whereas there may be additionally loads of tech throughout the vary.

Base fashions are moderately priced too, ranging from $65,000 earlier than on-road prices.

I don’t even want an infinite finances for my best choice, because the Ioniq 5 N borders on attainable at $111,000 plus on-roads.

After simply a short while behind the wheel of this N electrical sensation, I couldn’t be extra impressed. It seems to be and feels particular, to not point out it being blisteringly fast.

I used to be skeptical about the entire simulated engine and transmission factor, however each components simply made the automotive way more partaking. When you’re sick of getting enjoyable, Hyundai even makes it straightforward to attract the curtains on all of the theatre. My solely gripe is that the dashboard is somewhat too busy, however that’s simply forgiven.

MORE: Purchase a Hyundai Ioniq 5

Jordan Mulach: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

I needed to have some sort of unique thought, however my colleagues have made it exhausting to go previous the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N – I actually can’t consider one other electrical SUV that presents what I would like within the least-compromised packaged.

As quickly as the bottom Ioniq 5 launched, I fell in love with its design. Ignoring its massive footprint, it truly is a contemporary Lancia Delta Integrale.

Enter the 5 HF – sorry, 5 N. The temptation to purchase one and wrap one in a Nineties-style Martini livery could be very, very excessive certainly.

Not like my coworkers I’m but to get behind the wheel of the Ioniq 5 N, however there isn’t a single factor on the spec sheet which turns me off. I used to be even initially towards the artificial exhaust noise, although having seen movies I’m now satisfied it could give me pleasure daily.

So, who has the successful lotto numbers?

MORE: Purchase a Hyundai Ioniq 5