While 2023 was a whirlwind of a year and very busy with new car launches, 2024 is shaping up to be much the same, if not even bigger than before.
From new electric SUVs and sports cars to off-road-focused four-wheel drives, there is expected to be around 150 new cars or variants launching this year.
Here’s a quick look at some of the cars we’re most excited about driving in Australia during 2024.
The upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 5 N performance EV
You can learn more about the year ahead in Australian motoring with our extensive 2024 new car calendar guide.
Ford Mustang S650
We’ve very briefly driven the new Mustang Dark Horse on US soil
Although we’ve briefly driven the new S650 Mustang in the US, we can’t wait to see what the new generation muscle car is like on Aussie roads. It’ll still be available with a manual transmission and will feature a new electric hand brake for sideways antics.
One thing we can’t wait to try: the beefy, aggressively-styled Dark Horse V8
Pricing: $64,990 – $103,002
Power and torque: V8 now puts out 347kW/550Nm, four-pot produces 232kW/475Nm
When is it coming? First quarter 2024
BYD Dolphin Sport
The BYD Dolphin Sport promises a new look and more electric power
BYD’s Dolphin has already launched in Australia, yet it hasn’t pulled out its greatest party trick: a sportier version called, well, the Sport. Expect wild styling and more power from the electric motors.
One thing we can’t wait to try: enjoying the wide-body stance and greater electric punch from BYD’s smallest electric car in Australia
Pricing: $49,990
Power and torque: TBC
When is it coming? First quarter, 2024
GWM Tank 500
The GWM Tank 500 is very likely to be a key Prado rival
The model that could beat the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, the future GWM Tank 500 is set to potentially undercut the Prado on price whilst also delivering plenty of punch and standard kit for the money.
One thing we can’t wait to try: experiencing the thrust of the 500’s hybrid V6 engine on and off road, but can it outperform the Prado?
Pricing: $70,000 – $85,000 (est.)
Power and torque: 260kW/500Nm (petrol)
When is it coming? First quarter, 2024
Mercedes-AMG C63 hybrid
We are very interested to see how the new C63 drives in 2024
One of the most hotly anticipated models for 2024 will be the new-generation C63 that has had its V8 heart removed and replaced by a hybrid turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Can it live up to the hype? or will we miss the V8 rumble the model has been well loved for over the years?
One thing we can’t wait to try: working out how the complex hybrid drivetrain works, and whether or not overall performance is affected with a low battery
Pricing: $187,900
Power and torque: 500kW/1020Nm
When is it coming? January 2024
Subaru Solterra
Subaru’s BZ4X twin, the Solterra, is due in Australia shortly
The world has been talking about the Solterra for quite some time now (along with its Toyota twin, the BZ4X), but we are looking forward to experiencing how the Subaru-developed dual-motor all-wheel drive works out in the real world.
One thing we can’t wait to try: tackling the first off-road trail in typical Subaru fashion
Pricing: $77,990 – $83,690
Power and torque: 160kW/337Nm
When is it coming? First quarter, 2024
Toyota Tundra
The Toyota Tundra will go up against the Ford F-150 in Australia, just like it does in the USA
Toyota’s large size pickup truck has got a lot of Australians interested, ever since the introduction of models such as the Ram 1500 and the Ford F-150. The Tundra will use a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6 engine and is currently undergoing an evaluation program with selected customers. We are very much looking forward to driving one in the flesh.
One thing we can’t wait to try: experiencing the wide cabin environment of a large-size American pickup truck and the I-Force Max hybrid powertrain
Pricing: $TBC
Power and torque: 326kW/790Nm
When is it coming? First quarter, 2024
Volkswagen Touareg R
We’ve waited and waited for the R, but on paper it looks the goods
Volkswagen’s long overdue, yet first-ever performance hybrid SUV is set to be the star of the show when it launches in 2024. Using a hybridised 3.0-litre petrol V6 engine assisted by a 100kW/400Nm electric motor, the Touareg R will surely be as much of a beast in real life as what it looks on paper.
One thing we can’t wait to try: listening to the exhaust note of the Touareg R at full send
Pricing: $129,990
Power and torque: 340kW/700Nm
When is it coming? Second quarter, 2024
Mini Cooper Electric
We went to Munich in 2023 to check out the new Mini, but didn’t get a chance to drive it
In September 2023, we went to Munich to have the very first look at the next generation of Mini Cooper Electric, and we were only disappointed by the fact we didn’t get to actually drive it! The new model promises greater electric driving range, a revamped interior and brand-new technologies.
One thing we can’t wait to try: The new circular OLED screen that is arguably the centrepiece of the hatch’s interior
Pricing: $TBC, estimated around the $55,000 – $65,000 mark
Power and torque: 135kW/290Nm
When is it coming? Third quarter, 2024
BYD ute
A spy shot of the upcoming BYD ute, which will launch as a hybrid initially
BYD is promising to bring a serious capable ute to market this year, with its target set firmly on the likes of the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.
One thing we can’t wait to try: BYD’s new plug-in hybrid system, although the 2025/2026 full-force all-electric ute will be a very interesting thing
Pricing: $TBC, could be very competitive in typical BYD style
Power and torque: Unconfirmed, however could be around 150kW/500Nm to target other utes in the popular segment
When is it coming? Sometime in 2024
Polestar 3
The Polestar 3 aims to be a serious competitor for the BMW IX
What we think is one of the nicest-looking small SUVs is soon to be launched locally, with a long-range dual-motor configuration confirmed. It’ll compete with other electric SUVs such as the BMW iX and the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV.
One thing we can’t wait to try: Checking out the new adaptive air suspension, as well as new LIDAR technology which will be available in an options pack for buyers
Pricing: $132,900
Power and torque: 360kW/840Nm
When is it coming? Second quarter, 2024
Cadillac Lyriq
Cadillac is coming to Australia!
Exciting times are ahead for Cadillac as it re-enters the Australian market for the first time since 1969. It’s first model will be the Lyriq SUV.
One thing we can’t wait to try: Driving a right-hand-drive Cadillac on Australian soil for the first time in a very long time, can the Lyriq stand up against luxury European competitors?
Pricing: $TBC, estimated at over $100k before on-road costs
Power and torque: 382kW/610Nm
When is it coming? Fourth quarter, 2024
MG Cyberster
Expect a $100k price tag for the upcoming MG Cyberster
MG is coming back to sports car land – an area of motoring it used to be known for – with the new Cyberster electric sports car. MG has confirmed it is coming to Australia, however pricing is yet to be locked in for Australia. Expect the model to undercut one of its biggest luxury rivals, the future Porsche Cayman/Boxster electric duo.
One thing we can’t wait to try: Scissor doors might seem a little tacky, but will likely make you feel a little special, 400kW thrust with the top down on a nice mountain road
Pricing: $125,000 (est.)
Power and torque: Up to 400kW
When is it coming? Late 2024
