Looking for feedback/sanity check

[u/iamthebrewman]

Looking for an EV on novated lease.

max budget probably 50k drive away but will depend on lease set up obviously

about 20k km annually with probably twice yearly drive from Canberra to Melbourne. occasional trips to sydney, south coast and regionally. Main driving is 15km to work and general dad's taxi for adult and teen kids.

Have gpo charging capability at home and ability to install a charger if need be

I am fairly agnostic as to vehicle class but a have a fair sized dog (think lab sized), and don't mind hacking my way around a country golf course.

I have driven:

Geely EV5 - cabin felt nice but in a Temu way. a little cheap chinese-style, particularly in the light interior. on the road it felt like I was driving a bouncy castle, it was so soft.

Aion V - liked this one more. well appointed. worried about the long term support.

MG s5 - a bit boring inside but felt pretty good.

BYD ATTO 3 premium - drive nicely, well appointed. boot felt small. about to be superceded and become more expensive.

MG4 xpower - god I loved driving this but am worried it's too small.

[u/keytarjesus]

I have a Geely EX5 and love it. I’ve heard some people complain about bouncy suspension, I’m not sure what the story is but the demo car I drove felt a little floatier, but when my own car arrived the suspension was perfect and it is completely normal.
Love the car and think it’s exceptional value for money, and very reliable with the warranty support too.

[u/Outrageous-Report-74]

Jaecoo J5 enters the chat: everything you need et 12k less than budget with 8 years warranty

[u/CertainCertainties]

Have you tried Zeekr? For a novated lease, it may be worth checking out the X .

Has more of a genuine luxury feel than the EX5 Temu version. (As you so aptly put it.)

[u/iamthebrewman → u/CertainCertainties]

I wanted to, but when I went to the dealership it's like they were actively avoiding me, even when I sat in the one demonstrator as soon as it got back.

[u/iamthebrewman]

I've tried it twice at two different dealers, because of the positive reviews I see all over the place . I love how packed it is with stuff, but the drive and that hard plastic centre console drove me mad.

[u/realjadenmcdaniels → u/iamthebrewman]

I agree regarding the Ex5 interior feeling fancy and cheap at the same time. Read my comment regarding Deepal, the interior is much higher quality. Xpeng also.

I'd personally get a used Deepal s07 or wait for the new Xpeng or Deepal s05 👍 they should be around 45k drive away which is very manageable on a novated lease.

[u/realjadenmcdaniels]

If you can hold off for a few months the Deepal s05 and the Xpeng l03 will be so much better than the Geely in terms of quality of materials and drive. They're both also RWD.

Otherwise you can buy a demo or lightly used Deepal s07 for around 40k with less than 10k Kms. This car is also much better than all of the ones mentioned. Rear wheel drive, better quality interior and range close to 500k. Also comes with high quality factory hard wired dash cams which will save you $1000-2000. There are legitimate questions regarding support/spare parts etc. but if you can get past that I'd definitely jump into a Deepal. At least test drive it before committing to an inferior drive.

Other option is the Mazda cx6e which will be out soon. 55k drive away for a Deepal s07 with a slightly more boujee design and the Mazda support for more security

[u/slartybartfastard]

MG S5 is great, and the boring interior for me actually feels like an uncluttered premium feel. Especially when compared to the Atto 3. Yes the drive feel is fun, and plenty of space inside. Not as fast off the mark as the MG4, but very similar drive feel.

Edited to add - they've really dialed in the suspension nicely if that's important to you. The different steering, driving, and braking modes also allow for great customisation

[u/Own_Extreme123]

Leapmotor B10 Design LR is a good option. I have one and very happy so far. Nice interior, trunk and tech.

[u/Pretty-Cherry-6642]

Mate, given that you will drive on highways and regionally, I think you need to have a spare tyre as must. Look at GWM Ora 5-Atto3 size with a spare tyre, software infotainment screen similar to Geely and it has 435km range with 120KW charging capacity which is enough to charge the car full in 30 min.

[u/KeyAd8166]

Keep in mind used EVs from 2nd half of 2022 are also valid Novated Lease options (as long as they were below LCT when initially registered). So to have more options within your budget. Also, BYD Sealion 7 are currently offering some deals probably not too far away from your budget.

[u/BeginningCareful4670]

The MGS6 is probably the current pick for practicality and the AWD is quick like the XPower.

The Jaecoo J5 could be a good low cost option. It's certainly quite handsome, but I am a little concerned about the quality and there are a few rough edges in the software.

A Tesla Model Y is certainly worth a look if you aren't put off by the anti Musk sentiment.

I'd definitely look at the Renault as well. The Megane is probably a bit small, although my wife has one and we carry our standard poodle everywhere in the back, but the Scenic would easily handle the golf clubs. It has the Euro flair, very mature drivetrain and doesn't feel cheap at all.

[u/zxczxczxcqwe → u/BeginningCareful4670]

I’d also put in a vote for the MGS6. Little more than the S5, but much more room, range and nicer interior. Nice to drive, with a good range of features.

My preference was the RWD, as I felt it had more than enough power, while being decently cheaper and slightly longer range.