Mid-size electric sedans available in Australia in 2023

9 June, 2023 By: Byron Mathioudakis

For other electric vehicle categories, see SUV EVs, Large EV sedans, Small EV sedans, EV utes and EV vans.

BYD Atto 4 from $50,000 (estimated)

The Atto 4 – or Seal as it’s known in China – is BYD’s answer to the Hyundai Ioniq 6, Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2, and after extensive delays is due well before the end of 2023.

Along with sleek styling and an upmarket-looking interior, the five-seater sedan might slip in from $50,000, making it substantially cheaper than other similarly-sized and specified EVs.

Larger than a Model 3, generous interior space is the upshot of a lengthy 2920mm wheelbase.

Like its rivals, the Atto 4 kicks off as a single-motor rear-wheel drive. There are three power outputs – 150kW, 230kW and 390kW – with the latter also adding a 230kW rear-mounted motor unit and all-wheel drive, for rapid performance.

An advanced electric modular architecture with 800-volt battery capability also means the Atto 4 can offer up to 570km of range. You can also charge other electric appliances via the car.

Tesla Model 3 from $57,400

America’s Tesla Model 3 is one of Australia’s bestselling cars.

Reasons include strikingly sleek styling, with a modern, minimalist and airy cabin, searing performance and phenomenally stable and secure handling. They’re fun to drive, as well as quiet and relaxing.

Tesla’s own Supercharger network can replenish most battery packs in under one hour.

Using a 50kW DC public charger, the 60kWh battery takes 60 minutes for a 10 to 80 per cent top-up, against the 80kWh’s 75min. For a 100 per cent fill using an optional 7kW Wallbox, the 60kWh battery needs 10 hours or 30 hours plugged in at home, while the 80kWh extends that to 12 hours and 39 hours respectively.

The Model 3 can seem minimalist, but most essential equipment is there. However, patchy quality, technological glitches, a fiddly tablet interface, heat from the glass roof, tight headroom and limited dealer access are downsides.

Since 2021, Model 3s for Australia have been made (better) in China.

Polestar 2 from $67,400 (estimated)

Volvo’s in-house EV performance brand has had a strong start with the Polestar 2 – a handsome high-riding five-door hatchback/crossover aimed at Tesla’s Model 3.

The original 170kW single-motor (SM) front-drive (from $63,990) and 300kW twin-motor (TM) all-wheel drive EV series gives way from late 2023 to a substantially changed product.

The MY24 Polestar 2 SM swaps to rear-drive – just like the related latest Volvo XC40/C40 twins – while all models gain revised motors (SM: 220kW, TM: 310kW), better efficiency, stronger performance, longer range, faster charging, improved suspension and updated safety.

A 69kWh battery is all-new, along with an optional 82kWh long-range (LR) battery.

A 50kW DC public outlet will charge either battery sizes from 10-80 per cent in about 70 minutes, or to 100 per cent in 11 hours with an optional 7kW Wallbox and 35hr using a household plug (LR is 13hr and 40hr respectively).

Beautifully executed and with quality materials, the Polestar 2 for 2024 is more compelling than ever.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 from $74,000

This super-streamlined four-door sedan follows the closely-related Ioniq 5 hatchback in being based on Hyundai’s advanced E-GMP dedicated EV architecture, but looks completely different.

The Ioniq 6 arrives in 168kW/350Nm single-motor rear-drive and 239kW/605Nm dual-motor all-wheel drive guises for now, and employs a 77.4kWh battery pack.

Range varies from 519km to a brilliant 614km – due in part to the Hyundai’s outstanding aerodynamics.

Like all E-GMP platform cars, the Ioniq 6 can take an ultra-fast 350kW charger. Find one and 10 to 80 per cent charging is complete in 18 minutes. Using a 50kW DC charger needs just 70 minutes to achieve the same goal, an optional 7kW Wallbox requires about 12 hours and a household plug nearly 40 hours. The car can also power external appliances.

Low and long, the Ioniq 6’s interior is futuristic, and offers high specification levels as well as plenty of safety equipment. Brilliant in so many ways.

BMW i4 from $99,900

Based on the midsized 4 Series Gran Coupe – itself a 3 Series spin-off – the low-slung i4 EV is taking aim at the influential Tesla Model 3.

Being a medium-sized five-door, five-seater liftback with a big boot and a decent level of passenger space gives the BMW a versatility edge.

The rear-drive eDrive40 uses a single, rear-mounted 250kW motor while the 400kW M50 slingshot adds a second one up front for all-wheel drive grip. One for BMW purists.

Fitted with an 84kWh battery, the eDrive40 has a WLTP range of 590km, against 510km for the M50.

Recharging to 100 per cent using a household socket needs about 42 hours, or 13 hours with an available 7kW Wallbox. A 50W DC public charger will go from 10 to 80 per cent full in around 75 minutes.

The German-built i4’s eco credentials include the way it’s made, with plenty of secondary raw and recycled materials deployed where practical.

Mercedes-Benz EQE Sedan from $134,900 (estimated)

The elegant EQE sedan is a high-tech express, employing the larger EQS flagship’s bespoke EVA architecture that’s designed to maximise efficiency.

A major benefit is astounding packaging. Inside you’ll find expansive space for five as well as an ultra-modern dash with massive touchscreens and digital-everything.

Exceptional range of up to 508km is another bonus. That’s for the back-axle-mounted single-motor, rear-drive 180kW/550Nm EQE300. Next up, the 215kW/765Nm EQE350 4Matic adds a second motor up front for all-wheel drive, while things get racier with the 460kW/950Nm EQE53 4Matic that’s also available with a 505kW/1000Nm ‘AMG Dynamic Plus’ upgrade.

A 50kW DC charger needs about 80 minutes to replenish the 90kWh battery from 10 to 80 per cent. With the included 7kW Wallbox count on around 15 hours, or nearly 50 hours using a regular socket.

Finally, serene refinement, a sumptuous ride with the available air suspension and next-level driver-assist safety tech are further EQE highlights.

Electric range is quoted using the World harmonised Light vehicle Testing Procedure (WLTP), or otherwise are manufacturers’ claims.