The best electric cars in Australia in 2024 between $80,000 and $100,000

Australia’s EV options are ever-increasing, not least in the talent-packed sub-$100,000 arena.

Here you’ll find superb all-rounders from Hyundai, Tesla and Kia, plus entry-level versions from premium players like BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.

Our experts rank the best electric cars on sale costing between $80,000 and $100,000.

  1. Hyundai Ioniq 5 Epiq AWD – $84,000
The updated Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a new Epiq model with cameras replacing side mirrors
The updated Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a new Epiq model with cameras replacing side mirrors

Hyundai’s superstar. The Ioniq 5 oozes retro cool, has rapid 230kW charging, ample performance and healthy, trustworthy 454km range.

Comfy cabin and tech aplenty. Wobbly handling aside, a super smooth overall drive. A desirable, tough-to-fault all-round package.

Epiq grade flashes the goodies, including panoramic sunroof (with cover), digital side mirrors, a high efficiency heat pump and battery conditioning.

Read more: EV Central’s Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD seven day test

Read more: EV Central’s Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD review

2. Telsa Model Y Performance – $91,400

Tesla Model Y Performance
Tesla Model Y Performance – not pretty, but a superb all-rounder

Australia’s best-selling EV – by miles – for good reason.

Huge cabin space for a family of five, and this tree-topping Performance is a rocketship: 100km/h is up in 3.7 seconds.

Range is a solid 514km and the user experience, goodies and public charging bests all other EVs. A firm ride, it won’t win any style awards… and they’re bloody everywhere.

Read more: EVCentral’s Tesla Model Y Performance v Model Y RWD test

Read more: EVCentral’s Kia EV6 GT vs Tesla Model Y Performance test

3. Kia EV6 GT – $99,590

2023 Kia EV6 GT
Kia EV6 GT – spectacular and proper performance credentials

Mad performance, superb cabin practicality and looks like nothing else on the road.

Hefty 430kW/740Nm from twin motors brings supercar performance: 100km/h arrives in 3.5 seconds, and it’s a playful big thing.

Manageable 424km range, charging’s a rapid 230kW, cabin feels special but its firm ride can grate.

Read more: EVCentral’s seven-day Kia EV6 GT test

Read more: EVCentral’s Kia EV6 GT review

4. BMW iX3 M Sport RWD – $89,100

BMW iX3
All-electric BMW iX3 – priced to near-match petrol or diesel BMW X3s

Conservatively-styled (for a modern BMW) electric X3, and on near price parity with petrol and diesel versions.

An easy transition to EVs as it’s so very BMW X3-like, with the luxury and engaging drive experience you’d expect.

Its 210kW/400Nm single motor, up to 461km electric range and 150kW charging fit the pragmatic remit.

Read more: EVCentral’s review of the BMW iX3

5. Polestar 2 Dual Motor Performance Pack – $85,400

2024 Polestar 2 LR Dual Motor
2024 Polestar 2 LR Dual Motor with Performance Pack – gold calipers are the giveaway

Flagship Polestar 2 challenges the Tesla Model 3 Performance with mighty 350kW/740Nm dual motor combo and properly capable suspension, brakes and tyres to match.

Does 0-100km/h in 4.2-seconds, range is an excellent 568km and charging rate’s now 205kW.

Lovely body and cabin style, but misses some expected specification and can’t quite match the Tesla package.

Read more: EVCentral’s Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor PP review

Other options:

Mercedes-Benz EQB 250 seven seats – $90,700

Volvo XC40/C40 Recharge Pure Electric Twin – $85,990/$87,990

Hyundai Ioniq 6 Epiq AWD – $87,288

BMW iX1 30 M Sport – $84,900

Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 – $82,300

Lexus UX300e Sports Luxury – $87,665

Read more: Got more to spend? EVCentral’s guide to the best EVs between $100,000 and $150,000

Iain Curry

A motoring writer and photographer for two decades, Iain started in print magazines in London as editor of Performance BMW and features writer for BMW Car, GT Porsche and 4Drive magazines. His love of motor sport and high performance petrol cars was rudely interrupted in 2011 when he was one of the first journalists to drive BMW's 1 Series ActiveE EV, and has been testing hybrids, PHEVs and EVs for Australian newspapers ever since. Based near Noosa in Queensland, his weekly newspaper articles cover new vehicle reviews and consumer advice, while his photography is regularly seen on the pages of glossy magazines.