It’s a huge week for the Australian EV market. With the summer road-trip season in full swing, we are seeing three of the most anticipated SUVs finally go head-to-head on our local roads.

At EV Evolution, we don’t just look at spec sheets; we look at how these cars handle a humid Queensland highway, a narrow Melbourne laneway, and the dreaded family “luggage Tetris.” Welcome to the SUV Showdown, where we pit the established king against the hungry new disruptors.

🚗 The MG S5: The “New Normal” for Families

Starting Price: From $40,490 drive-away

For years, the MG ZS EV was the “budget” choice, but it always felt like a petrol car with a battery crammed inside. The MG S5 changes everything. Built on the same dedicated EV platform as the award-winning MG 4, this is a night-and-day improvement.

The Hands-On Verdict

• The Drive: Because it’s Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), the S5 feels surprisingly agile. It doesn’t “scrub” its front tires when you accelerate out of a corner, and the weight distribution is spot on. It’s significantly more refined than the old ZS.
• The Cabin: The big win here? Buttons. MG has listened to feedback and kept tactile controls for key functions. The 12.8-inch screen is crisp, but having physical toggles makes it much safer to use while driving at 100km/h on the M1.
• Space: It’s punchy for a “small” SUV. The rear legroom is class-leading, easily fitting two adults or three kids without a squeeze.

Pros & Cons

• ✅ Pros: Exceptional value; RWD handling; excellent local warranty (10 years!); physical ergonomics.
• ❌ Cons: The Lane Keep Assist can be “bossy” and intrusive; the digital driver display feels a bit dated compared to Tesla.

EV Evolution Verdict: The S5 is the most “normal” EV on the list. If you’re coming from a Toyota RAV4 or a Mazda CX-5, this will feel like home—only quieter and cheaper to run.

⚡ The Leapmotor B10: The Tech Disruptor

Starting Price: From $38,990 drive-away

Leapmotor has arrived in Australia with a massive splash, backed by the global power of Stellantis (the folks who own Jeep and Peugeot). The B10 is currently the cheapest electric SUV in the country, and it’s gunning for the BYD Atto 3.

The Hands-On Verdict

• The Drive: This is the B10’s secret weapon. It was tuned by European engineers (including those from Alfa Romeo), and you can tell. It’s supple over potholes but stays flat in the corners. It’s the most “European” feeling Chinese car we’ve tested.
• The Tech: The 14.6-inch 2.5K screen is stunning. It’s powered by a Snapdragon chip, so there’s zero lag. However, the lack of Apple CarPlay at launch (coming via update in Jan 2026) is a minor sting for December road-trippers.
• Charging: With a 168kW DC peak on the Design LR model, you can do a 30-80% charge in about 20 minutes. That’s significantly faster than the MG.

Pros & Cons

• ✅ Pros: Incredible price point; sophisticated ride quality; massive high-res screen; fast charging.
• ❌ Cons: No CarPlay/Android Auto until 2026; very minimalist interior (almost everything is on the screen); soft suspension means some “body lean” on twisty roads.

EV Evolution Verdict: The B10 is for the early adopter who wants the most tech for the least amount of money. It’s a bold, high-quality entry that makes the big brands look overpriced.

👑 The Tesla Model Y (Refreshed “Juniper”)

Starting Price: From $58,900 plus on-roads

The king of the segment has received its first major overhaul since launch. The “Juniper” update isn’t just a facelift; it’s a total personality transplant focused on Refinement.

The Hands-On Verdict

• The Silence: Tesla claims a 22% reduction in road noise, and our decibel meters agree. With double-glazed acoustic glass all around and new suspension bushings, this is finally a “luxury” feeling ride. It no longer feels crashy over suburban speed bumps.
• The Interior: It’s plusher. You get ventilated seats (a godsend for an Aussie summer), customizable ambient lighting, and a new 8-inch screen in the back so the kids can control their own carols and climate.
• The Stalk Situation: Interestingly, Tesla kept the indicator stalk for the Australian Model Y (unlike the Model 3), but moved the gear selector to the screen. It takes ten minutes to get used to, and then you never think about it again.

Pros & Cons

• ✅ Pros: Unrivalled Supercharger network; massive 2,100L+ storage; the best software in the business; significantly quieter cabin.
• ❌ Cons: Price jump for the RWD model; no front-view bumper camera (relying on “Vision”); the minimalist interior still divides opinion.

EV Evolution Verdict: If you have the budget, the Model Y is still the benchmark. The range, the software, and the charging network make it the ultimate stress-free “Silent Sleigh.”

🏁 The Final Showdown: Which is for you?

This summer is the most competitive we’ve ever seen. Whether you’re chasing the $38k bargain or the $60k flagship, there is no longer a “bad” choice in the Aussie EV market.

Have more questions? Ask the AI.

Deciding between LFP and NMC batteries for your summer towing? Wondering about the real-world range of the MG S5 on the Hume Highway?

Start a conversation with the EV Evolution AI chatbot. Our AI is trained on the latest 2025 specs and local Australian road tests.

Ask us anything:

• “Which of these SUVs has the biggest boot for a double pram?”
• “Can the Leapmotor B10 power my coffee machine via V2L?”
• “What are the current wait times for the Tesla Model Y Juniper in Sydney?”
• “Compare the service costs of MG vs Leapmotor over 5 years.”

About EV Evolution

EV Evolution is the leading online platform dedicated to Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts. We foster a vibrant community, delivering essential EV news and insights, and enhancing user engagement through our innovative, AI-powered chatbot for dynamic discussions. Our mission is to empower Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts by fostering a vibrant, AI-driven online community that connects, informs, and advances the nation’s electric vehicle landscape.