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These are the midsize SUVs bound for Australia in 2024. Which will be the most compelling for Aussie car buyers? Read on...
JUMP AHEAD
- Audi Q4 E-Tron (electric)
- BMW X2
- BMW iX2 (electric)
- Cupra Terramar
- Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
- Jeep Wrangler facelift
- Kia Sportage Hybrid
- Maserati Grecale Folgore
- Mercedes-AMG GLC63
- Peugeot E-3008
- Polestar 4
- Porsche Macan E (electric)
- Skoda Enyaq
- Subaru Solterra (electric)
- Toyota BZ4X (electric)
- Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 (electric)
- Volkswagen Tiguan
Audi Q4 E-Tron (electric) – mid 2024
Audi Australia expects its third electric vehicle, the Q4 E-Tron, to become its best-selling electric model when it arrives here in 2024.
The local arm is looking to price the Tesla Model Y and Volvo XC40 Pure Electric rival – yet another using the Volkswagen Group MEB platform – at less than the $89,900 LCT threshold as it looks to make a bigger impression in a more affordable EV space.
Offered in a choice between traditional SUV and Sportback body types sitting on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform.
While local specs are still to be confirmed, we’ve sampled the E-Tron with two powertrains – a 150kW single-motor and more potent 210kW dual-motor model. Both run an 82kWh battery pack with an official WLTP range of 497km in Sportback models, with a second more conventional body style also part of the Australian line-up.
BMW X2 – First quarter
The coupe version of the X1, the second generation 'U10' X2 was unveiled last October and comes in two petrol all-wheel drive models, with the electric model badged separately as the iX2.
Larger than its predecessor, the X2 adds significantly more technology – including BMW’s ninth-generation iDrive system – but also adds weight and cost.
That sees more than a $10k jump for the entry-level xDrive 20i, which is now standard with all-wheel drive, while there’s a larger (570L) cargo area.
The fastest model – the X2 M35i – is 0.5 seconds slower than its predecessor but is still a rapid 5.4 seconds to match its X1 M35i sibling with which its shares its 233kW/400Nm B48 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine.
BMW iX2 (electric) – First quarter
The electric version of the new-generation X2 has spawned the first iX2.
The coupe version of the iX1, the iX2 brings sportier pretensions thanks to its swoopier body style, and while it loses boot space to the new petrol-powered X2 to house its electric gubbins, its 525/1400L capacity is larger than the previous X2.
No surprises in that the iX2 uses the same 230kW/494Nm electric motors and 65kWh battery pack as the iX1, with its130kW DC charging capability providing up to 80 per cent of its 449km WLTP range – nine more than the iX1 – in 30 minutes.
Priced at $85k, the higher equipped eDrive 30 will arrive ahead of the xDrive20 later in 2024 at $83k – $4000 above the entry level iX1.
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Cupra Terramar – Late 2024, possibly 2025
Named after a long disused, banked oval racetrack that stands as Spain's equivalent to Monza or Brooklands, the Terramar is due to go into production in 2024.
Built alongside the Audi Q3 in Hungary, the 4.5-metre long Terramar plug-in hybrid SUV replaces Cupra’s Ateca SUV but will push things more upmarket.
Cupra says Terramar will use a ‘new generation of hybrid’ powertrain promising around 100km of electric driving range – a significant jump from the Leon and Formentor’s 50-65km capability.
While details are yet to be confirmed, a 2.0-litre petrol engine is expected to be teamed with its electric motor and battery pack.
Cupra says Terramar will be its last internal-combustion engine product as it pursues its goal of an all-electric line-up by 2030.
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid – First half?
The recently facelifted Hyundai Tucson line-up will finally have a hybrid model to take on the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid in the mid-size SUV sales race.
The hugely popular RAV4 Hybrid made up almost three-quarters of RAV4 sales in 2022 with long waiting lists now the norm, yet Hyundai Australia has been unable to tap into Tucson hybrids offered overseas due to a lack of right-hand drive availability.
That will change in 2024 when an electric-hybrid Tucson which, while specific details are yet to be confirmed, is likely to bring a 171kW/350Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that recharges a 1.49kWh battery.
Pricing is expected to be around $50k with a choice of front-wheel and all-wheel drive.
Jeep Wrangler facelift – April
Messing with an icon is always fraught with danger, but the facelifted Jeep Wrangler manages to bring a freshly fettled seven-bar grille and trademark headlights without losing its classic Jeep look.
It has lost its V6 engine, though, with all models now using the four-cylinder petrol engine that now has 200kW/400Nm.
The first facelift since 2017, the Australian Wrangler line-up expands to three trim levels with the addition of the entry-level Sport S joining the Overland and Rubicon four-door models.
Wrangler three-door remains Rubicon spec only.
Range-wide there’s an updated interior with a new instrument cluster, power adjustable driver’s seat and curtain airbags.
There’s also a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, customisable home screen and enhanced voice recognition.
For off-roading, the antenna is now integrated into the windscreen – which uses new tougher ‘Gorilla glass’ – while Rubicon Wranglers score a full-float Dana rear axle and standard front TrailCam.
Kia Sportage Hybrid – Early 2024?
The Kia Sportage Hybrid will be offered in front-wheel drive guise only when it lands in Australia, with all-wheel drive on the cards for down the track.
The Sportage Hybrid will share its powertrain with the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and Kia Sorento hybrid, meaning it is not a plug-in, but uses its 1.6-litre petrol engine to charge its battery pack to reduce fuel consumption.
Sourced from South Korea – not the Slovakia-built version sold in Europe – it will be offered across multiple trim levels with equipment levels that will mirror the existing petrol/diesel line-ups, from S through to GT-Line.
The Sportage is not expected to be available in significant numbers as a challenger to the Toyota RAV4 or Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV in the sales race, according to Kia Australia.
Maserati Grecale Folgore – Q4
The first electric Maserati dons the Italian car maker’s ‘Folgore’ – meaning lightning – sub-brand nomenclature and is scheduled to arrive in Australia in late 2024.
The Grecale Folgore takes the Porsche Macan-sized SUV – Maserati’s most popular car here – and runs a quad-motor set-up (two on each axle) with 400V architecture and 105kWh battery for a suggested 400kW/800Nm output, with the final specs still to be confirmed.
On paper, that should give the all-wheel drive electric Grecale rapid pace and competitive driving range, with more recycled materials inside a car that will largely look similar to the existing petrol-powered versions already on sale.
Mercedes-AMG GLC63 – Q2
The Mercedes-AMG GLC63 is a technological tour de force.
The fast SUV equivalent to the C63 sedan, the GLC63 uses the same 350kW four-cylinder petrol engine with an F1-dervived electrical turbocharger and a 150kW electric motor integrated into its limited-slip diff.
There are eight driving modes as well as four regenerative braking choices and three ESP settings. There’s all-wheel steering, adjustable damping and active anti-roll bars.
Despite weighing 2310kg – 150 more than its predecessor – it reels of 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds.
Well balanced weight distribution makes it a lively handler, too – but it will come at a yet-to-be-confirmed price of more than $200,000.
Peugeot E-3008 – Late 2024
French style in an electric medium SUV with 700km range? Welcome to the Peugeot 3008-E.
The 3008-E promises the furthest range of any EV sold in Australia – the official number yet to be confirmed – as the first vehicle to use Stellantis’ new STLA Medium architecture.
That endows the 3008-E with 400V architecture which enables a 20-80 per cent charge of its 98kWh battery in 30 minutes.
The game-changing 700km range being chased comes from a 170kW motor and larger 98kWh battery combo, one of three electric powertrains are offered in Europe.
The 3008-E is longer, wider and taller than the previous 3008, and sports Peugeot’s ornate, concept car-like interior with its 21-inch centre screen and focus on lightweight, sustainable materials.
The line-up will see Allure and GT trim levels with pricing expected to start around $75,000.
Polestar 4 – Third quarter
Is this Polestar’s new best seller? The Swedish brand thinks the fastest Polestar yet will also fly out of Australian showrooms more rapidly than any model before it.
With its handsome design shown in the Precept concept, the Polestar 4 ‘SUV Coupe’ sits between the forthcoming Polestar 2 and Polestar 3 in terms of size with a footprint similar to the Audi Q5 and Porsche Macan.
While previous models have used existing Volvo platforms, the Polestar 4 is the first to use parent company Geely’s all-new Sustainable Experience Architecture electric vehicle (SEA).
With prices expected to start around $100k, there’s a standard single-motor version with 200kW/343Nm with a claimed 600km range.
It’s the 4’s Dual Motor Long Range Performance variant packing a 400kW/686N set-up that can reel of that brand-record 0-100km/h 3.8-second sprint.
Porsche Macan E (electric) – Late 2024 likely, possibly 2025
The electric Macan is two years overdue, but its late-slip reads ‘fast forward’ as the Stuttgart brand finally adds electrification of any sort to the decade-old SUV.
Porsche hasn’t delivered a hybrid Macan yet, so the leap to the new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) 800V architecture that the Macan E will share with Audi brings the car several steps forward.
Macan-E will use a 100kWh battery and is expected to use two electric motors across three spec levels – Macan E, Macan 4S and Macan Turbo – in the same format as the Taycan.
The handsome SUV has a core focus on handling – with passive four-wheel steering – and a sub-four second 0-100km/h, with the 270kW rapid charging rate offering up to 80 percent charge in 18 minutes.
Full capacity even in the 477kW flagship Turbo is more than 500km.
Space saving innovations include an Integrated Power Box (IPB) combining the AC charger, high-voltage heater and DC/DC convertor, with more space overall than ICE-powered Macan models.
Skoda Enyaq – July 2024
Skoda Australia’s first battery-electric vehicle, the Enyaq will also be the brand’s most expensive to wear the Czech brand’s badge as it takes on the likes of the similarly sized Kia EV6.
Starting at an estimated $80k, the Enyaq uses the same MEB underpinnings and electric powertrain as Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 electric SUVs but will be available in coupe and wagon body styles.
It will be offered in two trim levels: the entry-level RWD Long Range and the all-wheel drive RS.
Whichever you choose, you’ll have the most powerful Skoda ever offered here, with the rear-wheel drive Enyaq delivering 210kW for a 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7 seconds and – despite the punch – a WLTP electric range of 570km from its 82kWh battery.
The RS makes 250kW and – with all-wheel drive – reels off 0-100km./h in 5.5 seconds with a WLTP range of 547km.
Inside, the 13-inch centre screen is Skoda’s largest and is accompanied by physical buttons for major items in the roomy front row, while the Skoda visual flavour is bolstered outside by an illuminated front grille section.
Waiting lists in Europe have pushed the Enyaq’s arrival here back 12 months but by all accounts the coupe-like SUV will be worth the wait.
Subaru Solterra (electric) – First quarter
The all-wheel drive Solterra SUV is Subaru’s first battery-electric vehicle.
It’s twinned with the Toyota BZ4, which looks very similar as a result, although the Solterra – meaning ‘sun’ and ‘earth’ – benefits from a swoopier roofline.
Priced below key rivals, Solterra follows the Subaru brand identifier of wheel-arch cladding, signature all-wheel drive and has 210mm ground clearance, only 10mm less than its Forester SUV.
It’s also longer than a Forester, but shorter than an Outback wagon, and uses a pair of 80KW electric motors – one on each axle – for 160kW total output, with a 71.4kWh battery and claimed 460km range.
Toyota BZ4X (electric) – First quarter
Toyota has been criticised for lagging behind rivals in introducing electric models to its showrooms, but the all-electric BZ4X is set to spearhead its EV onslaught.
The first of its ‘Beyond Zero’ electric models, the BZ4X will share its platform with the electric Subaru Solterra and is similar in size to a Toyota RAV4.
The BZ4X uses a 64kWh (71.4kWh gross) lithium-ion battery pack and two electric motors with a combined 160kW/337Nm output for an official range of 461km, with rapid charging time of 28 minutes.
While full details are yet to be released, pricing is expected to be above $70k – more than a Tesla Model Y – with the cabin including an updated 12.3-inch touchscreen, digital instruments and a rear seat noticeably larger than a RAV4’s.
Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 (electric) – Late 2024
The electric ID.4 mid-size SUV will be the first Volkswagen sold in Australia using its MEB (Modular Electric Drive Matrix) architecture and ‘toolkit’.
It will land here with the larger ID.5 – using the same MED underpinnings – following updates in Europe delivering more competitive versions to Australia showrooms in late 2024.
Targeting the Tesla Model Y, Volkswagen will offer two variants of each: a rear-wheel drive model and a performance-focussed all-wheel drive GTX.
Both are simplistic, single-motor set-ups, the Pure Performance delivering 150kW/310Nm with a 77kWh battery pack for a claimed 522km range.
The Pro Performance increases this to 210kW/545Nm, a 77kWh battery and range of 556km – but 2.1 tonnes in the ID.5 making anything below the flagship GTX feel not so athletic.
Both bring a 12.9-inch centre touchscreen in a decluttered dash – which has its pros and cons – but some cheaper materials that Volkswagen has pledged to upgrade ahead both cars arriving in Australia.
Volkswagen Tiguan – Late 2024
The Tiguan will grow with the third generation of Volkswagen’s formerly Golf-based SUV, becoming a seven-seat replacement for the current Volkswagen Allspace.
The new model was revealed in November 2023 but won’t make it here until late 2024, brining similar overall dimensions and packaging in a conservatively styled exterior that now boasts LED lighting.
The biggest changes are inside, where a 12.9-inch centre screen – 15-inches in higher-spec Tiguans – brings a new infotainment menu and fresh graphics. There’s also a Mercedes-style transmission stalk, head-up display and new OLED-equipped centre console rotary controller.
Despite plug-in hybrid versions in Europe, Volkswagen Australia has confirmed the new Tiguan will be petrol-powered only, leaving the electric ID.4 to fill that space.
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