Q4 sees plenty of premium EVs along with some updated favourites — and the Cybertruck is delivering
Oct 24, 2023
Sami Haj-Assaad

It’s a quarter of practical and luxurious EVs with Maybach and Rolls Royce jumping into the ring alongside Kia and Ford

Without further delay, Electric Autonomy is diving into the EVs coming to market in Q4 2023. Image: Electric Autonomy

It’s a quarter of practical and luxurious EVs with Maybach and Rolls Royce jumping into the ring alongside Kia and Ford

As we flip the calendar through the fall months and into winter, we get yet another batch of new and updated EVs to check out.

While there are a few impressive new models to discuss, this quarter’s report also has some news on updated models and previews of things to come.

There are new brands and models joining the list of available EVs for consumers to choose from and that cater to a range of price points. (If you’ve ever wondered what a half-a-million-dollar EV looks like, now is your chance to find out!)

And in the category of hotly anticipated: whether you love or hate the look, Tesla confirmed this week that after a four-year wait its Cybertruck is starting deliveries (albiet on a micro scale) this quarter. The invitation-only Delivery Day event is happening at Giga Texas on November 30.

Without further delay, Electric Autonomy is diving into the EVs coming to market in Q4 2023.

2024 BMW i5 M60 Sedan

Red 2024 BMW i5 M60 Sedan
The 2024 BMW i5 M60 Sedan. Photo: BMW

After years of BMW trotting out PHEV versions of the 5-Series, the mid-sized executive sport sedan has gone fully electric. There’s more than meets the eye, as the only electric 5-Series is the high-powered M60 model, which packs impressive specs that might have prospective buyers thinking twice about the somewhat pricier Mercedes-AMG EQE Sedan and Audi e-tron GT.

For starters, the BMW i5 M60 Sedan uses an 84.3-kWh battery, which is just a bit smaller than those other German EVs, but features two electric motors that combine for about 600 hp. That helps this large four-door sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. That figure is just a notch below the aforementioned Mercedes and Audi offerings, but not by much.

Where the BMW i5 M60 really delivers is with its range, offering between 386 to 412 km per charge. That spread is dependent on the wheel size used, as smaller wheels offer slightly more range. When you need to recharge that battery the BMW i5 supports DC Fast charging speeds up to 205 kW, which can bring the battery from 10-80 per cent in just 30 minutes. Otherwise, it’ll take just under 10 hours to recharge the battery using a Level 2 charger.

The BMW i5 M60 has an MSRP of $95,000.

2024 BMW i7 M70 Sedan

Orange 2024 BMW i7 M70 Sedan
The 2024 BMW i7 M70 Sedan. Photo: BMW

The BMW i5 isn’t the only new EV from the German automaker for 2024. Its flagship i7 sedan has received a new trim with more power and better handling than before. Dubbed the i7 M70, this model features 650 hp and 749 lb-ft of torque from its all-wheel-drive powertrain.

That powertrain, when paired with the massive 101-kWh battery, allows for a maximum driving range of 468 km. That’s not bad for a large four-door that can hit 100 km/h from a standstill in just 3.7 seconds.

To help the large sedan feel more agile, the automaker has included an adaptive air suspension setup and variable steering rack. The i7 M70 starts at $185,000, which is $33,500 more than the i7 xDrive60 model, the previous range topping i7 trim.

2024 BMW iX2 EV Preview

Red 2024 BMW iX2 EV Preview
A preview of the 2024 BMW iX2 EV. Photo: BMW

During the reveal of the new BMW X2 subcompact crossover on October 11, the automaker let loose the news that an all-electric variant will debut sometime next year. Expect it to have 313 horsepower and 364 lb-ft of torque from its all-wheel-drive system, which is good enough for a 5.6 second 0-100 km/h acceleration figure. It should prove to be a worthy competitor to the likes of the Audi Q4 e-tron.

2024 Kia EV9

Blue 2024 Kia EV9
The Kia EV9. Photo: Kia

BMW isn’t the only automaker putting out new EVs this quarter. In the U.S., Kia has announced pricing for the EV9 SUV and Canada is sure to follow soon, since the vehicle is set to hit the showroom by the end of Q4 2023. In case you haven’t been following the news about this Korean three-row SUV, it packs a 99-kWh battery and can be equipped with either a single or dual motor configuration that aims to deliver around 480 km of range. That dual motor setup is the one with the most headlines and that’s because it features 379 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The automaker also suggests that the family-friendly SUV will tow 5,000 lbs.

In terms of seating, the three rows are far from basic, and the second row even features a lounge function with leg rests and all the same amenities you’d expect up front, like heated and ventilated seats.

Kia Canada opened up its reservation books for the EV9 back in July and had to close them this fall due to the immense demand. In the U.S., the vehicle starts at $54,900. Expect it to be closer to $65,000 in Canada.

Kia EV5 Preview

Silver Kia EV5
A preview of the Kia EV5. Photo: Kia

During Kia’s EV Day preview on Oct 12, 2023, the automaker detailed the upcoming EV5, which is like a mini EV9. Boxy and cute, this is a family-oriented compact SUV and uses the same E-GMP platform as the EV6. Produced in both China and Korea, there are several different configurations including a model that uses a 66-kWh battery with a 225 hp rear-mounted motor, and an all-wheel-drive model with a larger 88-kWh battery. The addition of this model, which will begin production later this year, and the EV3 and EV4 models, which were shown off in concept form, will help Kia have a complete range of EVs to offer shoppers in a couple of years.

2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 250

Red 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 250
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 250. Photo: Mercedes

Mercedes announced a facelifted version of the EQB-Class, which is an electric compact crossover with seven seats. It’s expected to be in showrooms by the end of the year.

While the automaker detailed the changes to the front-wheel-drive model, it also announced an all-wheel-drive variant will arrive in the future. The 2024 model gets a new look inside and out, with a new head and taillights that evoke the brand’s other, more premium EVs on the market. Inside, the crossover gains a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and an optional Burmeister sound system. Additionally, the vehicle’s safety and driver assistance systems have been updated.

The automaker has yet to provide pricing for the newly updated model, but that should be coming very soon.

2024 Mercedes-Benz Maybach EQS 680 SUV

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz Maybach EQS 680 SUV. Photo: Mercedes

For the high-rollers out there, earlier this year Mercedes-Benz trotted out a Maybach edition of the EQS, which is super plush and luxurious.

Natural Resources Canada has given the Maybach an estimated driving range of 451 km, which isn’t too shabby considering the ultra-luxurious SUV features 649 hp and 701 lb-ft of torque. Of course, buyers don’t flock to the Maybach for its performance, but rather its luxurious attention to detail.

In this example of electric extravagance, you’ll find no third row, but rather a second row with tons of space along with Maybach-branded pillows, champagne flutes and a dining table. All of that is sure to impress even the most hard-to-please EV shopper, but it will come at an as-yet-unannounced (hefty) price. According to the automaker, customer deliveries will begin in November 2023.

2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre

Yellow 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre
The 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre. Photo: Rolls Royce

Mercedes isn’t the only name in high-end luxury with a new EV in the pipeline. Rolls-Roycecustomers who ordered the 2024 Spectre should be receiving them soon.

These pricey two-door luxury cars may not feature the most range (between 425 and 451 km), but they make the drive effortlessly luxurious, with sublime ride quality, instant performance and a completely customizable cabin that can meet the unique ideas of each customer.

The Spectre starts at an astonishing $495,600.

2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally

Yellow 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally
The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally. Photo: Ford

The off-road niche is yet to be completely saturated by EVs, so Ford is jumping on it early with a rugged version of the Mustang Mach-E. Called the Mach-E Rally, it takes the powerful GT Performance model, spikes up the suspension by 20 mm, and tweaks torque delivery from the all-wheel-drive system that’s optimized for a more responsive feel on off-road settings. The Michelin CrossClimate2 tires should provide plenty of confidence in the mud, gravel and sand, but there’s also a RallySport mode that allows for more wheel slip in inclement conditions.

Pricing hasn’t been announced but you’ll love to see these things frolicking in the winter conditions.

2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Flash Trim/Platinum Black Trim

Silver 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Flash Trim
The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Flash Trim. Photo: Ford

Ford is also delivering more trim levels of the F-150 Lightning, which makes sense given how popular the all-electric pickup truck is. On the top end, there’s a Platinum Black trim, which is the automaker’s first matte-wrapped production truck. Limited to just 2,000 models, these are just blacked-out versions of the already familiar EV truck.

However, the Flash Trim may be more appealing, as it adds extra value for buyers, sitting between the entry-level XLT model and the more premium Lariat model. It pairs the 131 kWh larger battery (compared to the 98 kWh battery found on the standard Pro) with other amenities like a big infotainment screen, and more equipment for work like the Pro Trailer Backup Assist and a trailer brake controller. It’s worth pointing out all 2024 Ford F-150 Lightnings will get a standard heat pump which should improve range and reliability in cold weather.

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