The top 5 longest-range electric cars in Australia

There was once a time when the question “What are the longest-range EVs in Australia?” would immediately elicit an answer that had the brand name Tesla in it.

However, you might be surprised to learn that this is no longer the case. In May 2023, Tesla quietly withdrew the previous range leader - the Tesla Model S - from the market.

And, the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz EQE to the local EV market in early 2023 has now knocked the Tesla Model 3 Long Range off the top five perch. So what are the five longest-range EVs now, you may ask? And which gives you the most range for the price? Read on to find out.

Mercedes-Benz EQE 300

Range: 626km

While the EQE 300 is the “entry-level” variant for the Mercedes-Benz’ latest electric addition to the market, there is nothing modest about its driving range figures.

It has, thanks to a decent energy efficiency figure of 16.3kWh/100km, and a 89kWh battery, the longest official WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) range in Australia, coming in at 626km, making it the longest range electric car available in Australia (at the time of writing).

This equates to around 560km real world driving range. But perhaps more notably, it has attracted positive reviews from automotive media, who have noted its spaciousness compared to the BMW i4, thanks to the dedicated EV2 platform.

In terms of price, the EQE 300 is $134,900 before on-road costs, putting it at $215 per km WLTP range.

BMW i7 xDrive60

Range: 625km

The BMW i7 xDrive60 is hands-down the highest priced EV in this top five long-range EVs list.

It comes in just behind the EQE 300 in range, with official figures putting it at 625km WLTP from its 101.7kWh battery (usable) and 22.2kWh/100km energy efficiency.

The i7 xDrive60 is $297,900 before on-road costs, and brings with it the most power (400kW maximum), and highest top speed at 240km/hr. These specs mean it can scoot from 0-100 in just 4.7 seconds, barely losing against its iX stablemate.

As an exercise in high-end luxury, it also goes above-and-beyond with premium tech and plush style to match. Beware, however, for these top shelf specs you’ll be paying whopping $477 per kilometer range.

BMW iX xDrive50 Sport

Range: 620km 

The 2022 BMW iX xDrive50 Sport boasts the third most range of EVs currently on the market in Australia.

Roughly the same size as the X5 SUV, this all-electric AWD has the fastest acceleration of the five proffering 765Nm torque - but also the highest energy efficiency at 23kWh/100km. This gives it 620km out of its 105.2kWh battery (usable) - about 550km in real world combined conditions.

With solid reviews for its ability to flick from a smooth highway ride to a nimble sport driving experience, the iX xDrive50 Sport is priced from $180,400 before on-roads, putting it at a lofty $291 per kilometre WLTP range.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 Dynamiq

Range: 614km

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 Dynamiq is the only rear wheel drive (RWD) model in this list, this uniquely designed aerodynamic “streamliner” takes its raison d'etre to heart.

With a generous 614 WLTP range, it comes in with the best energy efficiency figures - a miniscule 14.9kWh/100km.

It also gets a big thumbs-up for decent fast-charging capabilities, able to top-up its 74kWh battery (usable) from 10-80% in just 16 minutes on a suitable ultra-fast DC charger. And let's not forget its vehicle-to-load charging function – useful for the office on the go.

And all this for just $121 per kilometre WLTP range makes the Hyundai Ioniq 6 Dynamic an attractive proposition.

Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor

Range: 610km 

The Polestar 2 makes the final in the top five long range EVs for 2023. With 610km WLTP range to boast it’s no slouch either - 360kW power and a very hefty 840Nm torque make for a punchy ride.

And, it uses an average of 17.2kWh per 100km which is a decent figure for the specs it packs. Perhaps not least though - the Polestar 3 brings with it the fastest charging capabilities of the lot, offering a maximum rate of 250kW.

Worth mentioning also is the fact this is Polestar’s first EV with vehicle-to-load capabilities (and when available, potentially Vehicle-to-grid also.) Priced from $132,900 before on-road costs, its price per kilometre comes in at a middling $218 WLTP range.

Comparison table