NIO EL7 in der Speicherstadt. Foto: NIO

From small e-Jeep to luxury limousine: Seven exciting newcomers in 2023

Anyone planning to switch to an electric car this year will be spoiled for choice, but must also have a certain soft spot for SUVs. It feels like 80 percent of all e-car market entries belong to this body type – with small variants as small, coupe or luxury SUVs. Station wagon lovers will find what they are looking for at Peugeot, and NIO is launching a real drawing card with the EL7. In the current eMove360° magazine (Download-PDF  in German language) we present some of our favorites.

Jeep-Avenger: Already a favorite
The Jeep Avenger, the first of four electric vehicles the brand plans to bring to the European market by 2025, has entered series production. Measuring just four meters in length, it joins the growing B-SUV segment. An electric powertrain combines the 400-volt electric motor with 115 kilowatts and 260 newton meters of maximum torque with a 54-kilowatt-hour battery. The range is stated as up to 400 kilometers in the combined WLTP cycle and more than 550 kilometers in the WLTP city cycle – depending on the Avenger, Avenger Longitude, Avenger Altitude or Avenger Summit model variant. In Germany, the basic version costs from 37,000 euros, minus a total of 7177.50 euros in environmental bonus (federal share and manufacturer share including VAT). By the way, the Avenger has already won some laurels: It was voted European Car of the Year 2023.

Polestar 3: Scandinavian power package
Polestar is also catering to the demand for SUVs and is expanding its model range with the Polestar 3. At market launch in the fourth quarter of 2023, the 2.5-ton SUV will be offered exclusively in the “Long Range Dual Motor” variant: two electric motors with a combined 490 hp and 840 Nm of maximum torque. For an additional charge, there is a performance package that provides up to 517 hp. The 111 kWh battery provides up to 610 kilometers of range according to WLTP. Novelty: The Polestar 3 is the first Polestar vehicle to be equipped with the NVIDIA DRIVE Core computer with software from Volvo Cars. NVIDIA’s powerful automotive platform processes data from the vehicle’s numerous sensors and cameras to enable advanced driver assistance safety features and driver monitoring. The base price is 89,900 euros.

Nio EL7: XL family car with pulling power
Following the ET5 e-sedan, the all-electric car brand NIO, is launching the EL7 family SUV on the German market. A generous trunk with a maximum volume of 658 liters offers enough storage space for the next family outing. The electric trailer hitch is approved for caravans and camper trailers with a maximum towing capacity of 2000 kg. The NIO EL7 has an unladen weight of 2360 kg. Its range, measured according to WLTP, is 391 kilometers with the 75-kWh standard battery and 509 kilometers with the 100-kWh long-range battery. The pre-sale price starts at 73,900 euros, plus battery, which can either be bought (from 12,00 euros) or rented (from 169 euros a month).  Those who choose to rent have access to the Power Swap Station (PSS), a technology and energy solution that enables fully automatic battery swapping in around five minutes.

EQS SUV: Range-topping luxury
Big, bigger, EQS: 5,125/1,959/1,718 millimeters are the detailed dimensions of the new EQS SUV. The interior dimensions benefit from these generous SUV dimensions and the advantages of the Purpose design tailored to the electric platform. The second row of seats can be electrically adjusted as standard. Up to four golf bags fit in the trunk. A third row of seats with two additional individual seats is available as an option, as is extensive comfort equipment for all passengers. The EQS SUV is the first all-electric luxury SUV from Mercedes-EQ. At market launch, the model range will include three variants: EQS 450+, EQS 450 4MATIC, each with 265 kW output, and the EQS 580 4MATIC. Prices start at 110,658.10 euros for the EQS 450.

Aiways U6: Lifestyle-oriented SUV coupé
The Aiways U5 has been given a coupe offshoot with a striking, aerodynamically optimized shark front and an all-new interior. The efficient sandwich battery pack with CATL cells and 63 kWh capacity enables a WLTP range of 400 kilometers. Partly responsible for this are the relatively low kerb weight of 1790 kilograms and the favorable drag coefficient of 0.248; also the heat pump installed as standard. The electric motor delivers an output of 160 kW/218 hp, and maximum torque is 315 Nm. It takes exactly 7.0 seconds from zero to 100 km/h. The only available equipment variant costs 47,588 euros, including all subsidies 41,000 euros are due. Aiways currently (still) does without a classic dealer network and works with selected Euronics branches.

Peugeot E-308 SW: Finally an electric station wagon
If you’re looking for a compact station wagon with an all-electric drive, you’re looking for a needle in a haystack. Electric station wagons are in absolute short supply. The brand with the lion has seen sense and is launching the new all-electric Peugeot E-308 SW in the middle of the year. The output of its electric motor is 115 kW/156 hp and, depending on equipment, a range of over 400 kilometers. The maximum torque is 260 Newton meters. Drive is exclusively via the front wheels. Average consumption is stated at 12.7 kWh/100 km combined. However, the price of the two equipment variants of the new PEUGEOT e-308 SW, Allure and GT, has not yet been published.

VW ID.7: E-limousine with smart climate control
Since the unveiling of the still heavily camouflaged vehicle at the CES 2023 trade show in Las Vegas, it is officially certain: the new electric sedan is called ID.7 and will present the top model of VW’s electric cars. The almost five-meter-long and emphatically aerodynamic four-door is scheduled for market launch in the second half of the year – with a 700-kilometer range and a new intelligent automatic climate control system.