3 Luxury EV SUVs Under RM300K You Really Should Consider In 2023

As 2022 slowly draws to a close, we’ve seen plenty of new Electric Vehicles (EVs) launched in the local market thus far. If anything, the arrival of these new cars only signals the growing demand from local car buyers for more of such, especially in SUV flavour.

With that, we’re also certain that there will be a growing number of those seeking a ‘luxury’ EV SUV – one that’s equally posh and plush as it is eco-friendly and highly-charged. But what if you’re on a bit of a budget, and at the same time, you’re still not keen on some of the new upstart Chinese brands that have landed?

Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 AMG Line.

L-R: Hyundai Ioniq 5, Volvo XC40 Recharge Ultimate.

Well, fret not as we at CariCarz.com have applied some science to this and find out what’s realistically accessible. Thankfully, we’ve identified at least 3 prime choices priced below the RM300,000 mark, thus making them somewhat affordable for ‘premium’ offerings thanks to the current EV Tax Incentives.

So, if you’re keen on electrifying yourself in 2023 with some degree of luxury, then pay attention as these candidates might just be what you’re looking for.

1. Hyundai Ioniq 5 – RM238,408 (Plus)/RM270,408 (Max)

We start with Korean brand Hyundai and, in the case of its Ioniq 5 model, it seems there’s a variant to suit any budget and need. However, for those seeking something that’s a little bit more posh, we’ll focus on both the Plus and Max variants specifically as both variant pack loads more luxury and tech on board.

Beginning with the Plus, this variant of the Ioniq 5 harnesses a 58 kWh battery pack as found in the base Lite variant, which juices a single electric motor that develops a respectable 168 HP and 350 NM to drive the rear wheels. As for range, Hyundai is claiming a rather decent 385 KM with each full charge.

The Plus variant’s kit list is equally respectable too. It features plush faux leather cabin and seat upholstery, 8-way power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, as well as a sizeable 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment unit brimmed with both Apple and Android smartphone connectivity, as well as a respectable 6-speaker hi-fi setup amongst many key highlights.

Opt for the range-topping Max variant and the Ioniq 5 benefits with a larger 72.6 kWh battery pack plus a dual-motor and all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup. The latter sees peppier outputs of 305 HP and 605 NM, as well as a sportscar-like 0-100 KM/H sprint time of 5.2 seconds (8.4 seconds for the Max). It also boasts a longer claimed maximum travel range of 430 KM on a single charge too.

On board, Ioniq the 5 Max gets bolstered with a premium 7-speaker Bose hi-fi audio system, and powered rear seat adjustment on top of sharing much of the high tech and plush luxuries seen in the Plus variant below it. It also rocks a larger and snazzier 20-inch alloy wheels as opposed to the Plus variant’s 19-inch types, which matches with the projector LED lighting brimmed in both too.

More importantly, both the Plus and Max variants are primed with the Hyundai SmartSense advanced driver assistance (ADAS) in full swing as standard. This adds key features such as adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane-departure and -keeping assists, blind-sport monitor and warning, as well as forward collision warning (FCW) and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) amongst many others.

As you can see, the Ioniq 5 in both Plus and Max forms stands almost equal with the bulk of its European offerings, but it does the same for arguably less at RM238,408 and RM270,408 respectively. On top of which, said prices include a 2-year or 50,000 KM standard warranty plus an 8-year or 160,000 KM EV battery warranty.

By the way, there’s also an optional 5-year or 100,000 KM extended warranty that includes a 3-year of 50,000 KM service package to consider, but this comes at the extra cost of RM10,000.

2. Volvo XC40 Recharge Ultimate – RM278,888

Not keen on the left-field Korean fighter we detailed above? Then why not consider an equally brilliant European alternative in the form of the Volvo XC40 Recharge Ultimate, then? This is perhaps the freshest of the lot right now given the fact that it was just recently face-lifted with a host of mild exterior design tweaks matched with a freshened up interior too.

Volvo’s sole sub-RM300k EV offering is primed with a respectably large 78 kWh battery pack that juices a dual-motor and AWD driveline setup similar to the range-topping Ioniq 5. This setup also stands as the peppiest of all three choices, offering a whopping 402 HP and 660 NM, allowing it to despatch 0-100 KM/H in a blistering 4.9 seconds too, and there’s respectable range too with Volvo claiming up to 418 KM.

This Swede Sensation of sorts really stands out thanks to its striking squared exterior design that sports a host of uniquely ‘Scandinavian’ styling touches too like the brand’s signature Thor’s Hammer LED headlights, as well as the snazzy new set of 19-inch five-double spoke black diamond cut wheels. Overall, it’s hard not to loathe the way this Volvo looks.

The same story applies with the XC40 Recharge Ultimate’s innards. Things here remain very posh and plush overall despite this latest refresh’s switch to the new Charcoal Connect Suede textile upholstery instead of the combination leather/Nubuck textile offered previously. On top of which, there’s also a new backlit Topography trim décor replacing the R-Design Cutting Edge décor featured in its prior version.

Whilst on the cabin still, there’s plenty of tech to back in too such as the Android Automotive OS-powered infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen and built-in Google services, followed by a 12-inch digital instrument display panel, thumping 13-speaker and 600-watt Harman Kardon premium hi-fi audio, Qi wireless charging pad, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, as well as powered front seats.

More importantly, this Volvo stays true to its offer of unrivalled safety as it comes primed with a full range of ADAS features as standard too. Highlights include the City Safety suite (collision avoidance & mitigation with intersection support; pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection), front and rear collision warning and mitigation support, Driver Alert Control, Lane Keeping Aid, Run-Off Road Mitigation with Road Edge Detection, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Steer Assist and Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) with Autobrake.

In short, this Swede Sensation remains fully loaded with all the posh and high tech kit all around to keep it properly premium. What’s more is the fact that this EV is proudly locally assembled (CKD) in Shah Alam, thus explaining its somewhat accessible price tag of RM278,888 too. Based on the current EV tax incentive for CKD EVs, the XC40 Recharge’s price is expected to remain as such until the end of 2025 too.

Moreover, said price includes both a 5-year, unlimited mileage vehicle warranty and separate 8-year or 160,000 KM EV battery warranty which, aptly, should offer peace of mind for those planning on long-term ownership. Clearly, this is one Swede Sensation that’s built to woo many into its favour indeed.

3. Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 AMG Line – RM298,888

Now, we can’t talk about ‘luxurious’ motoring without including at least one of the two German premium marques present in this market space. However, it seems the evergreen three-point star is the only one that presently offers an electrified EV SUV for less than RM300k, and it’s none other than the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 AMG Line.

Effectively, this is an electrified offshoot of the current generation GLA-Class crossover SUV. We’ve sampled it recently and, from our experience with it, we’re certain that this Merc has got enough going for it to woo prospects who are both new and familiar with the brand indeed.

Locally, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia offers the EQA in its ‘mid-plus’ spec as featured, which comes primed with a 66.5 kWh battery pack that powers a single, front-mounted motor and front-wheel-drive (FWD) driveline. The setup offers a decent 188 HP and 375 NM output figures, though this is the slowest car listed here as it takes 8.9 seconds to despatch 0-100 KM/H.

Nevertheless, speed isn’t as crucial as range when it comes to EVs and, thankfully, this Merc has an equally decent claimed maximum range of 429 KM to boot. Above all, as a Mercedes-Benz, it has enough levels of luxury and tech on board to warrant its status as a ‘premium’ offering, with many of these presented in a rather familiar fashion that will easily woo and convert existing Merc owners into its favour.

On the exterior styling front, we’re certain the EQA 250 AMG Line’s looks will appeal to most fans of the three-point star brand. Adding some flavour to its stance are the signature Mercedes-EQ design touches seen in the faux front grille, both the head- and taillights design that strechtes across the car front and rear fascias, not forgetting the rather striking set of dual-tone 19-inch AMG wheels it rolls on.

Highlights of the EQA 250 AMG Line’s classically posh innards include the presence of open-pore wood trims matched with a combination leather and ‘Artico’ microfibre seat and cabin upholstery, as well as classy use of shiny brightworks present in things like the air-cond vent surrounds. It also feels a touch sporty here thanks to the AMG Line interior it’s fashioned with.

What will be a hoot for many prospects here too is the inclusion of Merc’s latest MBUX connected infotainment features and functions. This sees the 10.25-inch touchscreen offer loads of functions such as both Apple and Android smartphone connectivity, navigation, as well as interactive voice command abilities that’s easily prompted by just saying “Hey, Mercedes…”

Crucially, like the other two offerings listed, this is yet another ‘safe’ EV SUV as it comes fully loaded with an arsenal of Merc’s latest ADAS features. It includes an ‘active’ (not adaptive) cruise control suite, both FCW and AEB, both lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist functions, as well as both blind-spot info and warning functions amongst them too.

At RM296,888, the EQA 250 AMG Line barely sits under our RM300k budget cap, but we’re certain you’ll agree there’s enough here to justify its steep asking price. There’s also both a 4-year, unlimited mileage vehicle warranty and a separate 8-year or 160,000 KM EV battery warranty included in said price. Above all, there’s also the stellar after-sales treatment offered by the brand’s core dealers to look forward to.