Luxury car features once came with six-figure prices. These six EVs are changing that
A luxury electric car can swallow the sort of money many buyers have earmarked for a house deposit, with flagship models now deep into six-figure territory. Yet the features that help define premium motoring, from ventilated and massaging seats to panoramic roofs, expansive screens and app-based cabin pre-conditioning, are increasingly turning up in EVs priced below $50,000.
That shift reflects the fast-changing contest for Australian car buyers, as a wave of new electric models takes on petrol-powered favourites and challenges established brands on equipment as well as price. Their spec sheets can read like a luxury-car brochure, but a long list of features doesn’t automatically deliver the hush, material quality, ride polish or sense of occasion expected of a true luxury model.
These six EVs show how much premium-style equipment buyers can now get for less, while also illustrating where the gap to luxury motoring remains. Prices are before on-road costs unless marked drive-away, so some will exceed $50,000 once registration, stamp duty and dealer delivery are added.
BYD Atto 2 Premium
From $35,990 plus on-road costs
The small Atto 2 Premium makes a strong case for spending more than the entry grade. It adds heated and ventilated front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, a panoramic glass roof with a sunshade, a power-adjustable driver’s seat and a 360-degree camera. Wireless phone charging and ambient lighting help lift the cabin atmosphere.
Its 130kW front-wheel-drive motor is paired with a claimed 345km WLTP range, making the Atto 2 more of a city and suburban runabout than a long-distance tourer. That said, the equipment list is generous for a small SUV at this price.
Smartphone, voice control and two-way charging tech promises are on point, too. The BYD app lets owners check the car’s status and remotely activate the air conditioning, interior controls can be controlled via GWM’s Coffee OS intelligent cockpit platform, while V2L capability allows the car to power small appliances and devices.
There are some clear signs of cost-consciousness: the Atto 2 Premium does not have a powered tailgate. It still offers a compelling spread of comfort and technology features, though, with equipment once reserved for much pricier cars.
GWM Ora 5 Ultra
From $36,990 drive-away
GWM has reshaped its electric Ora hatchback into a small SUV, with styling that stands out from the usual compact crossover crowd. The Ultra grade adds comfort features suited to Australian conditions: heated and ventilated front seats, driver’s seat memory, a heated steering wheel and a panoramic glass roof with an electric sunshade.
There is also a powered passenger seat, powered tailgate, 50W wireless phone charger, 360-degree camera and nine-speaker audio system. A 14.6-inch touchscreen supports voice control and over-the-air updates. Through the GWM app, owners can remotely lock or unlock the car, activate climate control and pre-condition the seats.
The electric motor produces 150kW and 260Nm, and the Ora 5 supports 6kW V2L output. Beware its driving range, though: GWM quotes up to 435km using the Chinese WLTC test cycle, which can differ greatly from real-world figures.
At its advertised drive-away price, the Ora 5 Ultra packs plenty of comfort and cabin technology into a budget normally associated with mainstream small SUVs.
Jaecoo J5 EV Summit
From $35,990 plus on-road costs
The Jaecoo J5 EV’s upright stance, stylish interior and rugged detailing have earned it the colloquial nickname “Temu Land Rover”. Australia gets a single, well-equipped Summit grade, with heated and ventilated front seats, six-way power adjustment for both front seats, a glass roof with powered sunshade, powered tailgate, 360-degree camera and 50W wireless charging. While emitting Land Rover vibes, the synthetic seat upholstery is designed to be easy to clean and is marketed as pet-friendly.
Its power specs are decidedly not at the luxury end of the market, but its 155kW motor and 58.9kWh battery do deliver a claimed 402km WLTP range which is suitable for typical daily needs and common road trips
Tech-wise, the J5 also has “Hello Jaecoo” voice control and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. One connected-car detail needs checking before purchase: while the car has smartphone mirroring, remote-control app functions are not yet available for the Australian model which has led to a local petition.
Nevertheless, the J5’s equipment and distinctive styling make it an interesting value play, even with the lack of a smartphone app.
Leapmotor B05 Design LR
$39,990 drive-away
The Leapmotor B05 is a rear-wheel-drive electric hatchback with a coupe-like roofline, frameless doors and a more expressive look than its price might suggest. Its Design LR grade adds a panoramic glass roof with electric sunshade, power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
The cabin is built around a 14.6-inch touchscreen and an 8.8-inch driver display, while other standouts include a 12-speaker surround audio system, voice control, multi-colour ambient lighting, an air-cooled 50W wireless charger and 21 driver-assistance features. A 360-degree camera and integrated dashcam add useful tech beyond the usual comfort list.
A 67.1kWh battery gives the Design LR a claimed 482km WLTP range. Its 160kW motor drives the rear wheels, and a heat pump helps manage cabin heating efficiently. The Leapmotor smartphone app offers remote climate control, vehicle location and digital-key access.
It misses out on ventilated or massaging seats, but the B05’s roof, audio system, connectivity and long-range battery give it a well-appointed feel. It is the hatchback choice for buyers who want premium touches without moving into SUV territory.
Geely EX5 Inspire Extended Range
$45,990 plus on-road costs
The Geely EX5 Inspire is the most overtly comfort-focused EV here. Its front seats are heated and ventilated, with six-mode massage. The front passenger gets an extendable leg rest, while the driver’s seat has memory settings. A head-up display, 15.4-inch touchscreen and ambient lighting add to the technology-rich cabin.
The updated Extended Range model has a 68.39kWh battery and a 160kW front-wheel-drive motorand its claimed range is a decent 450km WLTP.
Geely’s smartphone app supports remote vehicle functions, including climate control, charging and locking. Voice recognition and an in-car app store add to the digital experience. Buyers should check the connected-services terms: remote app functions are tied to a data service, and access may require a subscription after the included period.
At $45,990 before on-road costs, the Inspire sits close to the $50,000 mark and will likely exceed it drive-away. But massaging seats and a passenger leg rest are uncommon at this price, giving the Geely a particularly strong “luxe for less” claim.
BYD Atto 3 Evo Premium
$46,990 plus on-road costs
The Atto 3 Evo Premium is the most powerful and longest-range car in this group. It switches to rear-wheel drive, with a 230kW motor and a 74.88kWh battery. BYD claims up to 510km WLTP range and a 0–100km/h time of 5.5 seconds. Its 800V architecture supports DC charging up to 220kW.
Comfort equipment includes heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate and 50W wireless charging. The cabin has an 8.8-inch driver display and 15.6-inch touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The BYD smartphone app can show battery state and range, lock and unlock the car, and pre-heat or cool the cabin. That is particularly useful in an EV, where preparing the cabin while plugged in can help preserve driving range.
At $46,990 before on-road costs, this particular Atto 3 is likely to pass $50,000 drive-away. It belongs in this list by its vehicle price, but buyers should check the final figure. Its blend of speed, range, fast charging and comfort equipment brings it closest to the performance and technology brief of a more expensive EV.
