New Car Release Dates In Australia: When To Expect Them

when are new cars released australia

Australia's new car market is booming in 2025, with a host of new models and brands arriving in showrooms. This year, buyers can expect to see a range of electric vehicles (EVs), hybrids, and traditional petrol and diesel cars. Among the most anticipated releases are the conventionally-powered Kia Tasman diesel, the plug-in hybrid Ford Ranger PHEV, and the all-electric BYD Sealion 7, Volkswagen ID.4, and Tesla Model Y. Other notable mentions include the Hyundai Inster, a high-riding hatchback priced at around $40,000, and the Volvo EX90, an all-electric flagship SUV. With so many options, Australians looking to buy a new car in 2025 are spoilt for choice!

Characteristics Values
Year 2025
Number of new brands Unprecedented
Origin of new brands Mostly Chinese, but also European, Japanese, and American
Types of cars SUVs, utes, electric, hybrid, petrol, and diesel
Examples of new cars Kia Tasman, Ford Ranger PHEV, BYD Shark 6, Hyundai Inster, Cupra Tavascan, Volvo EX90

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Electric vehicles

The Australian market is set to welcome a range of new electric vehicles (EVs) in 2025 and beyond. The year is expected to be a significant one for EVs in Australia, with many brands introducing their latest battery-powered models.

One of the new entrants to the Australian market will be a Toyota Corolla-sized hatch from Aion, owned by China's fifth-biggest carmaker, Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor (GAC Motor). GAC Motor sold 2 million cars in 2024 and is now expanding to Australia.

Another Chinese brand, Foton, will relaunch its commercial brand in Australia with the Foton Tunland G7, an electric dual-cab that will rival the LDV eT60 and the Radar/Riddara RD6 and Tembo Tusker. The Foton Tunland G7 is powered by a single e-motor that delivers 130kW and 330Nm, with a range of around 500km.

Skoda will also be releasing its second electric vehicle in Australia, the Elroq, in July 2025. The Elroq will introduce Skoda's 'Modern Solid' design language and will be available in four interior themes. It will be built on the Volkswagen Group's MEB platform and will offer multiple drivetrain configurations.

Other upcoming EVs in Australia include the Nissan Ariya midsize electric SUV, which was confirmed for the market in 2021 but has faced delays, and the affordable Tesla Model Q, which is expected to be priced around $45,000.

In addition, Xpeng, a well-known Chinese EV brand, will introduce the sleek G6 electric SUV to Australia, with two variants starting from $54,800. Emerging Chinese car company Leapmotor will also bring its first EV to the country, the C10 electric SUV, promising one of the lowest-cost electric SUV offerings.

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New car brands

Australia's new-car market is expected to witness the arrival of numerous car brands in 2025, with many of them introducing electric vehicles (EVs) in popular segments like SUVs. Here is a list of some new car brands that are expected to enter the Australian market in 2025:

Cadillac

Cadillac, an American luxury brand, is making a comeback in Australia with the launch of the Cadillac Lyriq electric SUV. Priced at $122,922.50, it offers a 388kW dual-motor powertrain and a 102kWh battery pack with a claimed range of 530km. The Lyriq is expected to be accompanied by a range of Cadillac EVs in Australia, including the smaller Optiq and the larger seven-seat Vistiq SUVs.

Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC Motor)

GAC Motor, also known as the Guangzhou Automobile Group, has appointed a local distributor (AGA Auto) and is preparing to launch SUVs and hatchbacks in 2025 under its Aion electric car brand. The 2025 GAC Aion V small SUV is expected to be released in mid-2025, followed by the 2025 GAC Aion UT hatchback in the second half of the year.

Geely

Geely is another brand that is expected to launch multiple vehicles in Australia in 2025. The Geely EX5, a potential hit in Australia due to its affiliation with SUVs from brands like Volvo and Polestar, is one of the anticipated models. Additionally, the Geely Starray PHEV family SUV is primed for release in Q4 2025, while the Geely Okavango, a rival to the Hyundai Santa Fe, is also expected to launch in Australia at an unspecified time.

Leapmotor

Leapmotor is expected to introduce several vehicles to the Australian market in 2025 and beyond. The Leapmotor C16, a mid-sized SUV, is tentatively scheduled for release in 2025, with a price in China starting at around $31,000. The Leapmotor T03, a budget-priced compact EV targeting Europe, and the Leapmotor B01, a Model 3 rival offering more space and tech, are also anticipated for release in 2025 and 2026, respectively.

Zeekr

Zeekr, a member of the Geely stable, is bringing its premium focus to Australia with the Zeekr X, an all-electric small SUV. The Zeekr X is available to order, with pricing starting at $63,052.20 for the single-motor/rear-wheel-drive model and offering a range of 445km. The Zeekr 009 electric people-mover is another model from the brand that is expected to launch in Australia soon, priced at $135,900 plus on-road costs.

These brands represent just a fraction of the new car brands and models expected to enter the Australian market in 2025 and beyond. With an unprecedented number of new entrants, the competition in Australia's new-car market is expected to intensify in the coming years.

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Updated models

Australia's new car market is expected to expand in 2025 and beyond, with multiple new models and brands arriving in showrooms. This includes an unprecedented number of new brands, mostly from China, as well as new launches from European, Japanese, and American manufacturers.

Among the most anticipated arrivals are a range of utes, such as the conventionally-powered Kia Tasman diesel, the plug-in hybrid Ford Ranger PHEV, and the BYD Shark 6. For those seeking electric options, there is the BYD Sealion 7, Volkswagen ID.4, and an updated Tesla Model Y.

Other updated models include the refreshed Kia Sportage, GWM Haval H6, and Cupra Terra. The GWM Haval H6 will be released in the second quarter of 2025 as a petrol and front-wheel-drive hybrid, with the AWD hybrid and PHEV versions expected in the fourth quarter. The long-awaited new-generation Jeep Compass will also be unveiled in Europe in spring 2025, potentially arriving in Australia later in the year.

Additionally, Volkswagen will continue its ID electric car rollout with new family SUVs and updated favourites. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz GTX is expected in mid-2025, while the new Volkswagen Caravelle, Tayron, Transporter, and Multivan Style are scheduled for the second half of 2025.

Hyundai is introducing the Inster, a high-riding hatchback with a starting price of around $40,000, and the Ioniq 9, an all-electric luxury liner priced above $100,000. Both models are due for release in the first half of 2025.

Finally, for those seeking a more affordable option, the Cupra Tavascan, a sleek and athletic electric medium SUV, will be available from below $70,000.

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SUVs

Australia's new car market is expanding, with new models and brands arriving in 2025 and beyond. This includes a range of SUVs, from small to large, and electric to traditional petrol and diesel models.

2024 Releases

The 2024 Skoda Kodiaq, a mid-size SUV, is expected to arrive in Australia in the second half of 2024. It will feature a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and a modernised interior with an 11.6-inch touch screen.

The 2024 Volkswagen Touareg, VW's flagship SUV, will also arrive in Australia in March 2024. It boasts a sophisticated exterior design, a premium cabin, and a large 15-inch central touch screen.

The 2024 Toyota Prado, a large off-road SUV, will make its debut in Australia around August 2024. It will offer a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine and is expected to be one of the hottest new models of the year.

The 2024 Pajero Sport is another SUV to look out for, with improved engine performance and towing capacity, as well as enhanced infotainment features.

2025 Releases

The 2025 Hyundai Inster, classified as an SUV, is expected to launch in the first half of 2025. With a starting price of around $40,000, it offers a compact and affordable option with a 327km range.

The 2025 Cupra Tavascan, an electric medium SUV, will launch in Australia in 2025. It is expected to be priced below $70,000 and offer a driving range of up to 534km.

The 2025 Volvo EX90 is an all-electric flagship SUV from the Swedish luxury brand. While Volvo initially aimed to become all-electric in Australia by the end of 2025, this deadline has been pushed out, but the EX90 remains a significant part of their strategy.

The 2025 Peugeot e-3008 is a mid-size SUV with an impressive EV range of up to 700km.

The 2025 Deepal S05 is a small and affordable SUV expected to arrive in the second half of 2025.

The 2025 KGM Torres is a uniquely styled Korean mid-size SUV, although its specifications and pricing may face challenges from Chinese competitors.

Future Releases

The Aion V is an electric SUV that is expected to arrive in Australia in 2026.

The Alfa Romeo large SUV is anticipated to replace the Stelvio in 2026.

The Cupra Formentor is an electric SUV that is projected to launch in 2028.

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Utes

In 2024, several new ute models are set to launch in Australia. The sixth-generation Mitsubishi Triton is one of the most anticipated releases, with an upgraded 2.4-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine, increased towing capacity, and additional safety features. Toyota is also updating its HiLux model with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. Other releases include the INEOS Quartermaster, a European dual-cab 4x4 ute, and the updated Jeep Gladiator, which features a new seven-slot grille and a larger touchscreen.

In 2025, the Kia Tasman will be released in Australia, marking the brand's first entry into the ute market. The Foton Tunland will also make a return to Australian dealerships, offering dual-cab V7 and V9 variants. The RAM 1500 will undergo a significant change, replacing its long-serving V8 engine with a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6.

While the exact release dates are unknown, upcoming years will see new utes from America, Thailand, and France enter the Australian market.

Frequently asked questions

New cars are released in Australia throughout the year. Some of the upcoming models expected to launch in 2025 include the Zeekr X, the Hyundai Palisade, the Toyota Tundra, and the Volkswagen ID. Buzz GTX.

Yes, several new electric vehicles are expected to be released in Australia in 2025. These include the Zeekr X, the Hyundai IONIQ 9, the Peugeot e-208, and the MG QS.

Yes, a variety of new SUVs are expected to be released in Australia in 2025. Some of these include the Leapmotor C16, the MG Cyber X, the Peugeot e-3008, and the Hyundai Palisade.

Yes, a few luxury brands are expected to release new cars in Australia in 2025. These include the Lexus LC F, the Lotus Evija, the Volvo ES90, and the Porsche 718.

Yes, a number of Chinese car brands are expected to launch new models in Australia in 2025. Some of these brands include BYD, Denza, Leapmotor, and Zeekr.

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