Drive Car of the Year 2025: Best Electric Luxury Car Under $150K

Electric vehicles are paving the way for the future of motoring, with new models offering cutting-edge technology, luxury, and zero-emissions motoring. As EV adoption grows, the Best Electric Luxury Car Under $150K category of the Drive Car of the Year 2025 award showcases the finest examples of electric mobility within reach of more buyers.

This year, a highly competitive lineup is set to challenge last year’s winner, the BMW iX, as manufacturers from around the globe introduce impressive new models to the Australian market.

The Contenders

BMW iX (Defending Champion)

The reigning champion, the BMW iX, returns to defend its title. Renowned for its futuristic design, luxurious interior, and advanced technology, the iX represents the benchmark in this category. However, this year’s fierce competition may make retaining the crown a challenge.

Polestar 3 & Polestar 4

Swedish electric vehicle brand Polestar enters the competition with two compelling options:

• Polestar 3: A large luxury SUV that directly targets the BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. Its spaciousness, advanced features, and striking design are expected to attract families and luxury SUV enthusiasts alike.
• Polestar 4: A mid-sized SUV positioned as the brand’s potential bestseller. Offering a blend of efficiency, performance, and premium features, the Polestar 4 takes a bold step with its unconventional design—such as the omission of a rear windshield.

Porsche Macan EV

The Porsche Macan EV marks the electric debut of the brand’s best-selling model. Known for sporty performance and premium appointments, the Macan EV is expected to appeal to Porsche loyalists, despite its near-$130,000 price point. Its combination of style, performance, and practicality makes it a formidable contender.

Cadillac Lyriq

American luxury icon Cadillac returns to Australia with the all-electric Lyriq. The model pairs high-performance capabilities with standout design and luxurious comfort, offering a compelling alternative to European stalwarts.

Zeekr 009

Geely’s luxury electric brand, Zeekr, enters the Australian market with the 009—a high-tech, seven-seat electric people mover. While its extensive equipment list and spacious cabin are notable, it remains to be seen if the brand can establish the prestige and status required to win this competitive category.

Mercedes-Benz EQV

The EQV brings a van-based design to the luxury EV space, blending spaciousness with Mercedes-Benz’s renowned comfort and technology. However, its availability before the December 2024 cut-off remains uncertain.

What Makes a Winner?

The Best Electric Luxury Car Under $150K category doesn’t just reward style and luxury—it also evaluates value. Eligible models must:

• Be priced under $150,000 before on-road costs.
• Feature an all-electric powertrain.
• Be all-new or significantly updated for the Australian market.
• Be available for road testing before December 31, 2024.

The winner will deliver an exceptional balance of performance, luxury, features, and on-road appeal, representing outstanding value for the modern luxury EV buyer.

What’s Next?

The finalists will be announced ahead of the winner’s reveal in February 2025. Each contender aims to embody the pinnacle of style, technology, and premium driving experiences without compromise.

Stay tuned as these vehicles are put through rigorous testing to determine which will emerge as the 2025 Drive Car of the Year for Best Electric Luxury Car Under $150K.