WhichCar By Wheels

MG Motor Australia has announced local pricing and specifications for its new QS seven-seat large SUV, which is now available to order. Priced from $46,990 drive away, the QS will be available in two grades, with both using a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine.

Competing against cars such as the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-80, Skoda Kodiaq and Nissan X-Trail, the MG QS features seven seats as standard equipment across the range. It’s launch price will undercut those rivals.

Measuring 4983mm long, 1967mm wide, 1778mm tall and riding on a 2915mm long wheelbase, the MG QS’ boot measures 203-litres with the third row up, 517L with just the third row folded and 1052L with both rows folded – those figures are likely to the window line.

Both QS models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine making 153kW of power and 360Nm of torque. That’s mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and while the Excite is front-wheel drive, the Essence is all-wheel drive.

The QS Excite is rated at 8.4L/100km for combine fuel consumption and the Essence 8.8L/100km.

Both use minimum 95RON premium unleaded fuel. Both models can tow a 2000kg braked trailer.

MG QS pricing (drive away):

Excite FWD$46,990
Essence AWD$50,990

MG QS Excite standard equipment:

Safety

MG QS Essence model adds:

The MG QS is now available to order ahead of imminent local deliveries.

Things we like

  • Strong value for money
  • Larger size unlocks more practicality
  • Fun rear-wheel drive chassis

Not so much

  • A longer range version would be a great addition…
  • As would the 170kW version sold in the UK
  • No spare wheel or front boot
Rating

The MG ZS EV was one of the first electric small SUVs sold in Australia when it arrived back in 2020. Priced from $44,990 plus on-road costs upon its release, the ZS EV cost significantly less than its Hyundai Kona Electric main rival and sold well. The ZS EV entered run out last year and now, its replacement has arrived with a new name and a broader range of talents. Enter the MGS5 EV.

Larger, better equipped and – predictably – more expensive than the ZS EV it replaces, the MGS5 EV is based on the same platform as the popular MG4 small car and offers range of up to 430km. It’s keenly priced from $40,490 drive away and is well equipped, even at the entry level Excite. Is it the electric small SUV to buy? We were given a preview first drive to find out.

Price and equipment

Pricing for the MGS5 EV starts at $40,490 drive away with two available battery sizes – 49kWh and 62kWh – and two models: entry-level Excite and the top-spec Essence that we tested, equipped with the larger battery.

Excite 49kWh$40,490
Essence 49kWh$42,990
Excite 62kWh$44,990
Essence 62kWh$47,990

MGS5 EV Excite standard equipment:

MGS5 EV Essence model adds:

Performance, range and charging

The MGS5 EV is available with either a 49kWh LFP battery or a larger 62kWh one for up to 430km of driving range (WLTP). That claim is for the Excite 62kWh with its larger battery and smaller wheels, with the Essence 49kWh and its smaller battery and larger wheels sporting a lower claimed range of 335km.

The smaller battery can charge at up to 120kW and the larger one 150kW for a 30 to 80 per cent charge time in as little as 19 minutes. Both models use a 125kW/250Nm rear-mounted electric motor and hit 100km/h in as little as 8.0 seconds, and a top speed of 170km/h.

On the road

Using the same ‘Modular Scalable Platform’ that underpins the MG4 and Cyberster, the MGS5 EV impresses from behind the wheel with a comfortable and refined driving experience that will suit its target market perfectly. Like the MG4, the MGS5 EV is rear-wheel drive and that gives it a dynamic edge over the BYD Atto 3. Thanks to its extra size and taller body, it’s not quite as dynamic as the fun MG4, but it’s still capable of putting a smile on your face. The ride quality is a touch firm over low speed bumps, but softens up nicely at higher speeds.

As with the MG4, there are multiple brake regenerative modes and driving modes to best suit a driver’s taste with low, medium, high, one-pedal and adaptive modes for the regen, and brake feel is stronger than the MG4. Put the drive mode into sport and the full 125kW is unleashed, but even in eco mode with its dulled performance for extra range, the S5 feels more than quick enough.

One area where MG has listened to customers is with the active safety features on the MGS5 EV. It’s fully featured across the range, with kit like AEB, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance and traffic sign recognition standard on all models – and they all work better than before.

In particular, the lane keeping assistance is less sensitive and the adaptive cruise control more accurate. The traffic sign recognition is still incorrect at times and can be annoying, but a screen shortcut to ‘MG Pilot Custom’ to pre-set safety settings – which must occur every time you turn the car on, thanks to ANCAP – has made it far easier to switch it off.

Interior comfort, practicality and boot space

The interior of the MGS5 EV is warm, good quality and inviting, more so than the MG4 with its dark and sporty interior. The materials used are higher quality, with plenty of soft touch materials around – even on the centre console where you rest your knee – while it’s also more practical with a big centre tunnel with ample storage underneath, a big box underneath the central armrest and big door bins.

Centre of the interior is a 12.8-inch touchscreen with plenty of features, including wireless smartphone mirroring – in a first for the brand – and satellite navigation with live traffic updates. Buyers can also access the company’s ‘iSmart’ smartphone app to check its location, charging status and pre-heat/cool the cabin. In the upper-spec Essence, apps such as Spotify, YouTube and TikTok can also be downloaded for more entertainment options and you can even access features like weather.

It uses a higher-quality screen than the MG4 and further improves on that car with a set of dials and rocker switches for the temperature, volume and fan control below the screen. This makes it far easier to change the temperature on the move, while features such as the heated seats and steering wheel in the Essence are permanently located at the bottom of the touchscreen and not hidden in a menu. In this modern age of massive screens and no physical buttons to control them, it’s exactly how all new cars should be.

Visibility in the MGS5 EV is good with ample side and rear vision, while the mirrors are a good size as well. Front seat comfort gets a tick as well, though the seat bases are a bit soft. The driving position is quite adjustable, though under-thigh angle adjustment for the driver’s seat would add further. 

The rear seat of the MGS5 EV is spacious for its size and two taller adults will be comfortable as it has ample leg- and headroom. The amenities in the rear include door and map pockets, air vents, a single USB-C charging port and a central armrest with cupholders. There are also two ISOFIX points and three top-tether points for child seats, and the rear doors open wide for easier access, like when child seats need to be installed.

The boot of the MGS5 EV measures a healthy 453 litres with the seats up, and 1441L with them folded, which is much larger than the Kona Electric’s 407L/1241L boot. The boot features side storage, a dual-level boot floor, some hooks for hanging bags, the rear seats fold flat and in the Essence, a quick electric tailgate. Like most EVs, however, there’s no spare wheel, just a tyre repair kit, and no front boot either.

Service and warranty

As with other new MG products, the MGS5 EV is covered by an awesome 10-year/250,000km warranty with roadside assistance for the same length of time.

Servicing occurs once-yearly/every 25,000km (whichever comes first) and the five-year/125,000km service cost is $1,967 or $393 on average annually.

Verdict: Should I buy a 2025 MGS5 EV?

The MGS5 EV highlights MG’s continued ability to make a good car, and this is one of its best yet. Taking the platform that underpins the MG4 and adding extra practicality is a recipe for success. The MGS5 EV also builds onto the MG4 with a higher quality and more spacious interior, while it’s also clear that MG has listened to critics and made the infotainment system easier to use and more feature-packed.

While we’re yet to get proper efficiency readings for a proper range test, the MGS5 EV impresses on the road with solid dynamics and a comfortable driving experience. MG’s active safety features have also been improved and overall, it’s a strong all-rounder that we’re keen to test further. Based on this first brief drive, the MGS5 EV will sell well in Australia, and is well worth consideration.

MGS5 EV rivals

Kia EV3

BYD Atto 3

Hyundai Kona Electric

Slate, the electric vehicle startup backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has quickly made a splash in the EV market, announcing it has already received over 100,000 reservations for its new, affordable electric pickup truck.

At $50 per refundable reservation, Slate has generated more than $5 million in reservation fees within just two weeks of the truck’s debut, reported TechCrunch.

The strong early response signals a significant appetite in the U.S. market for a no-frills, budget-friendly electric truck – an under-served segment in the current EV landscape. Priced at under $25,000 after federal government incentives, Slate’s pickup undercuts nearly every electric truck currently on offer, positioning itself as a utilitarian solution rather than a luxury showpiece.

“We are truly humbled by America’s response to Slate’s brand launch and the launch of our truck,” said Jeremy Snyder, Slate’s Chief Commercial Officer, in a statement to TechCrunch. “We are excited for what the future holds.”

While over 100,000 reservations is an eye-catching milestone, industry watchers remain cautious. Reservation numbers don’t always equate to real-world sales. As Motor1 noted, examples abound: Cadillac’s ultra-luxury Celestiq drew enough reservations to cover a year and a half of production but ultimately sold fewer than 25 units. Similarly, Fisker hyped more than 60,000 reservations for its Ocean SUV before filing for bankruptcy. Even Tesla’s highly publicized Cybertruck, once rumored to have two million reservations, has reportedly seen tepid delivery numbers and growing inventory piles.

Still, Slate’s pickup could prove to be a more realistic offering. Its utilitarian design, affordable price, and straightforward value proposition appeal to a broader base of drivers, especially those who need a functional vehicle rather than a tech-laden luxury ride.

Production is expected to begin next year, with Slate’s Indiana factory aiming for an annual output of 150,000 units by 2027. That puts the company on a promising trajectory – provided it can overcome the many manufacturing, supply chain, and regulatory hurdles that have tripped up many EV startups before it.

In the meantime, prospective US buyers can explore the truck through Slate’s detailed online configurator, which includes options for three body styles and a wide range of accessories. “Great cars got too pricey. We fixed that,” proclaims Slate’s website, and “Designed for real life”.

Slate’s launch may mark the beginning of a new era for affordable electric utility vehicles – and so far, the American public seems more than ready to get on board. Could Australia – still in love with large, tech-heavy vehicles – follow suit?

At exactly 15:00 on 13 May 1950, the roar of engines echoed across England’s Silverstone circuit as cars surged off the grid in what would become the very first Formula 1 World Championship race.

Seventy-five years later, Formula 1 is marking the milestone anniversary with a powerful tribute: the release of restored and colourised footage of that iconic event.

The once black-and-white film has been transformed using advanced AI software, reference photography, and meticulous manual painting techniques. The result is a vivid recreation of the day Italian driver Giuseppe “Nino” Farina triumphed in his Alfa Romeo, becoming the inaugural World Drivers’ Champion.

The newly enhanced footage not only revives a pivotal moment in sporting history but also immerses fans in the atmosphere of that groundbreaking race like never before.

Every frame of the footage has been carefully enhanced to reflect the original colours of the 1950s scene. Technicians at Formula 1 have individually coloured elements such as skies, grass, car liveries, and even facial details using historical references and archival footage to ensure authenticity.

This release forms the centrepiece of a day-long celebration of Formula 1’s legacy. Fans across the globe can tune into a special 24-hour YouTube stream showcasing seven full-length classic races, memorable highlights from each decade, and heartfelt reflections from today’s drivers and team principals on their first memories of the sport.

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, reflected on the occasion: “75 years ago today our sport roared to life, and we are privileged to continue the incredible legacy of the brave drivers who raced for the ultimate prize… It is fantastic to see this footage brought to life in full colour, and an amazing way to mark this historic moment.”

Formula 1 also released the following statistics on the past 75 years of racing…

75 years of Formula 1 in numbers:

Age statistics:

• Max Verstappen is the youngest driver to win a race, aged 18 years, 7 months, and 15 days at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix.

• Luigi Fagioli is the oldest driver to win a Grand Prix at 53 years and 22 days in the 1951 French Grand Prix.

• The record for the youngest driver to lead a race was broken this year in Japan, when Kimi Antonelli led at the Suzuka Circuit at 18 years, 7 months and 12 days. Previously, Max Verstappen held the record, after leading the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix at 18 years, 7 months and 15 days.

• The oldest driver to lead a race was also Luis Fagioli at 52 years and 9 days, which strangely, came a year before his record for the oldest race winner. This is because Fagioli was credited with a race win, alongside Fangio in the 1951 French Grand Prix when Fangio replaced Fagioli, taking control of his car in the middle of the Grand Prix, which was running midfield, before Fangio went on to claim the victory.

• Sebastian Vettel is the youngest driver to win a World Championship, aged 23 years, 4 months and 11 days.

• Juan Manuel Fangio is the oldest, at 46 years, 1 month, and 11 days.

• Max Verstappen is the youngest driver to ever start a race at the 2015 Australian Grand Prix aged 17 years, 5 month and 13 days.

• Louis Chiron from Monaco is the oldest driver to start a Formula 1 race, when he competed in his home Grand Prix at 55 years, 9 months and 19 days.

• The youngest driver to qualify on pole position for a Grand Prix is Sebastian Vettel at the 2008 Italian Grand Prix for Red Bull, aged 21 years, 2 months and 11 days, whilst the oldest pole position came from Italian Nino Farina at the 1954 Argentinian Grand Prix, aged 47 years, 2 months and 18 days.

• The youngest average age of a Formula 1 podium was at the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen, Pierre Gasly, and Carlos Sainz made up the top three, with an average age of 23 years, 8 months and 23 days. The oldest average age of an F1 podium is 46 years, 8 months and 20 days, when Nino Farina, Luigi Fagioli and Louis Rosier made up the top three at the Grand Prix in Switzerland in 1950.

Mahindra has launched new end of financial year deals for its XUV700 and Scorpio SUVs, which cut $3000 from the price. Available until June 30 or until stocks last, the Scorpio is priced from $38,990 drive away and the XUV700 $1000 more at $39,990 drive away.

The new deal means that the upper-spec XUV700 AX7L is now priced from $39,990 drive away, which is the same price as the entry-level AX7.

Standard equipment on the AX7L includes automatic LED headlights, two 10.25-inch screens – one for the touchscreen and one for the driver – a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry with push button start and for MY25 cars, a black interior, cooled front seats and newly-wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring.

Mahindra Scorpio

The XUV700 range is powered by a 149kW/380Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels. Its fuel consumption is rated at 8.3L/100km.

The same deal applies to the Scorpio off-roader, which drops to $38,990 drive away for the Z8 and $41,990 for the top-spec Z8L.

The Scorpio uses a 129kW/440Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which sends power to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

Mahindra XUV700

The base Scorpio Z8 is equipped with a sunroof, automatic LED headlights, off-road driving modes, dual-zone automatic climate control and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Mahindra’s discounted pricing is available until June 30, or while stocks last.

Data from insurance company Rollin’ has shown that Queensland and New South Wales drivers are the worst for using their phones while driving. The company analysed over 18 million kilometres of real-world driving and found that drivers in Cairns and the Central Coast have a one-in-four-trip phone usage, which is the highest in the country.

Using smartphone sensors to assess things like acceleration, braking, cornering, and phone usage, the app calculates a safe driving score, helping identify the safest drivers across the country. The research found that a staggering 91 percent of Rollin’s customers were detected using their phone while driving. 

Cairns in Queensland and the NSW Central Coast take the top spots as the cities where drivers are most likely to use their phones. Drivers in these cities are the worst offenders for phone use, reaching for their devices once every four trips on average. Not far behind, Queensland’s Sunshine Coast takes second place, with drivers using their phones once every five trips.

On the flip side, Wollongong, NSW drivers are the least likely to use their phones behind the wheel, averaging one in 10 trips. South Australia’s capital Adelaide ranks in second place, with drivers reaching for their phones once every nine trips on average. 

In fact, South Australian drivers are the least likely to use their phones while driving, averaging just one instance every nine trips. Surprisingly, Queenslanders, despite having the toughest penalties for mobile phone use, rank joint second alongside those living in New South Wales and the ACT.

Victoria and Western Australia rank among the worst states for phone use while driving, with drivers reaching for their phones once every six trips on average, more frequently than those in South Australia, Queensland, the ACT, and New South Wales.

In some non-phone related results, Geelong takes the top spot for the safest drivers among all Australian cities, earning an impressive safe driving score of 92.0. This high rating is driven by their exceptional performance in smooth acceleration and turning, showcasing their steady and controlled driving habits.

South Australia is the safest state behind the wheel, with a driving score of 90.3. Drivers here ranked second in braking performance and maintained the lowest average speeds overall. The most dangerous time to drive is Friday between 5-6pm, as traffic and weekend travel peak. Weekend lunchtimes (12-2pm on Saturdays and Sundays) also see more incidents.

“Our analysis of over 18 million kilometres of driving data from our app reveals that, while many Australians earn an A on their safe driving score, there’s still room for improvement. Habits like phone use and harsh braking remain common on Australian roads, putting drivers, passengers and pedestrians at risk,” says Rollin’s Executive Manager, Brendan Griffiths.

New teaser images have given fans of the Toyota RAV4 a small glimpse of the coming updated model to be launched in May 21.

Selling almost 60,000 units in Australia in 2024 and with its 2025 numbers already up 10.2 per cent over this time last year, the current-generation Toyota RAV4 has been a big success for its maker.

Despite its potential wait list and that many rivals offer newer models, the RAV4 still does big sales
numbers and it’s clear to see why: it’s an excellent all-rounder that’s also very fuel efficient.

What will the interior of the new RAV4 look like?

As well as confirming that the new RAV4 will be revealed this month, Toyota has also shown pictures of its interior for the first time. From the teaser pic (below), we can see that a new digital display for the driver will feature, as well as a large new touchscreen with a new software system. The company will introduce new indicator and wiper stalks, as well as a new steering wheel design. There is also a place for a head-up display at the foot of the windscreen.

In another teaser, the new RAV4’s centre console is sleek with a tiny gear lever – like the new C-HR – and a big wheel sitting on the dashboard, like a LandCruiser Prado to potentially change drive modes. We can also see the usual big cupholders in the centre console, and an opening for a tray, likely with a wireless phone charger.

What will the new RAV4 look like?

Like the current Camry, which is a heavily revised version of the old model, we expect the body of the new RAV4 to largely stay the same as the current shape car and use the same ‘TNGA-K’ platform as well. While the front and rear ends will likely be different and use the brand’s latest design language, the general shape will be largely identical with unchanged window shapes to avoid spending big money.

Considering that the recently-revealed facelifted Corolla Cross will include a GR Sport model in Australia for the first time, it’s likely that the RAV4 GR Sport – previously offered only overseas – will be making it Down Under for the first time as well. This model will likely add sportier styling and interior details, and potentially changes to the suspension as well.

What will power the new RAV4?

As with the current model, which became a hybrid-only line-up locally in 2024, it’s expected that
the new RAV4 will follow suit – in Australia, at least. The new Camry upgraded to the brand’s latest
fifth-generation hybrid when it launched with newer battery tech, a move that we expect the RAV4
to follow. Both front- and all-wheel drive variants will be offered again.

But judging from public comments made by the brand’s local arm, we could also see the plug-in hybrid RAV4 offered locally for the first time as well. Toyota has offered a powerful 224kW RAV4 PHEV overseas for this generation, but Australia’s slow-until-now PHEV uptake meant that it missed the boat. Thanks to new emissions regulations and advancements in battery tech for more than 100km of electric driving range, the RAV4 PHEV could be sold locally for the first time.

How much will the new Toyota RAV4 cost?

Of course, pricing and specifications for the new RAV4 are yet to be revealed but given the price

increases with the latest Camry when it launched, we can expect a reasonable increase to the current model’s $42,260 plus on-road costs price, marking a dramatic increase to when the current shape launched here in 2019 priced from just $30,990 +ORC.

Given the likely inclusion of a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, the current model’s top-spec Edge’s $58,360 +ORC asking price is also likely to increase. Could we see the first $70,000+ RAV4 in Australia? Potentially.

When will the new Toyota RAV4 debut?

Toyota has confirmed that the new RAV4 will debut next week on May 21st, with a likely-2026
Australian release date. Be sure to check in to the WhichCar website then for the latest details.

While some may consider some Australian road rules to be a a bit nutty, a search of global motoring road rules reveals that some countries are on another planet. We all know the basic traffic laws such as obeying traffic signals, no speeding, and giving way to pedestrians, but did you know there are truly bizarre road rules in different parts of the world? Here are our favourites in no particular order:

Norway

Reindeer are legally protected and always have right of way.

Turkmenistan

In the capital city, Ashgabat, motorists must drive a light-coloured car as it’s believed that they bring good luck.

Japan

In a typical Japanese way, it’s illegal – not to mention, quite disrespectful – to splash pedestrians by driving through puddles. The consequence? An AU$80 fine and a few ruined days.

Tonga

Need to drive to church or the shops on a Sunday? You can’t, because it’s illegal to drive on that day, a law that’s shared with Zimbabwe to promote exercise and a clean environment.

Brunei

It’s illegal to eat or drink anything at all while driving, same with Cyprus, which gets you an AU$140 fine and the loss of three demerit points.

Kyrgyzstan

Motorists are required to carry a fire extinguisher in their vehicles at all times.

United Arab Emirates

Major highways in the UAE have different signposted speed limits in different lanes, and it’s illegal to drive too slowly in the fast lane and block faster moving vehicles.

France

A breathalyser must be kept in vehicles at all times.

Mauritius

It’s illegal for drivers to smoke when behind the wheel.

Uzbekistan

It’s illegal for vehicles to have tinted windows – no light tint, no privacy glass, nothing.

Oman

All cars must be clean and drivers can be fined for it – same in Russia, specifically Moscow, and Iran as well.

Brazil

It’s illegal to drive while wearing thongs/flip flops – similar to Paraguay, where drivers must wear shoes at all times behind the wheel.

Switzerland

Cleaning your car on a Sunday is a big thing for a lot of Aussies, but in Switzerland, that is actually not allowed.

Man cleaning car

Phillipines

In an attempt to limit traffic while commuting on weekdays, cars that have a 1 or a 2 at the end of their licence plate aren’t allowed to drive on Mondays, cars with a 3 or a 4 aren’t allowed to drive on Tuesdays, and so on.

New Zealand

Such is the importance of sheep in NZ, if a farmer is moving stock between paddocks on a country road, then drivers must do whatever they say. 

Australia

A homegrown law that you may consider crazy is that in some states, it’s illegal to leave your car unlocked. Even if you’re stepping away from the car for just a moment, it must be locked. 

USA

Finally, the country with the nuttiest road rules. For example, in Vest Virginia, road kill is fair game for anyone. In Texas, all vehicles must have windscreen wipers – regardless of if they have a windscreen or not. In Montana, sheep must be chaperoned at all times and not left in the back of trucks or utes while parked. In Denver, Colorado, black cars cannot be driven on Sundays. In Illinois, you can be arrested for driving without a steering wheel and finally, in California, it’s illegal for an unoccupied vehicle to go faster than 60mph. Think about that one again…

GM Special Vehicles Australia has launched its latest product into local showrooms: the GMC Yukon Denali, which also marks the first time that the GMC brand has been sold locally. Sitting atop the GMSV range in sizing, the Yukon Denali is an eight-seat upper large luxury SUV with a 6.2-litre V8 and a 3628kg braking towing capacity.

Under the bonnet of the Yukon Denali is a 6.2-litre petrol V8 engine, making 313kW of power and 624Nm of torque, which is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and a part-time four-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer case.

Its claimed fuel consumption is 12.8L/100km on a combined cycle and it needs minimum 95RON premium unleaded fuel to fill its 91-litre fuel tank.

Measuring 5337mm long, 1943mm tall, 2058mm wide and riding on a 3071mm long wheelbase, the Yukon Denali’s maximum boot capacity with all the rear seats folded is 3480-litres. Its kerb weight is 2813kg.

According to GMSV, the Yukon Denali’s 3628kg braking towing capacity is best-in-class, and more than the 3500kg rating of rivals like the Nissan Patrol and Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series.

GMC Yukon Australian pricing (plus on-road costs):

Denali: $174,990

GMC Yukon Denali standard features:

The GMC Yukon Denali is now in local GMSV showrooms, with the first deliveries due to commence soon.

In an innovative collaboration set to reshape novated leasing for those in the market for a new car, leading novated lease provider Smart has joined forces with BMW Financial Services, the finance arm of BMW Group Australia, to streamline and simplify the process for both employees and employers.

For the first time, customers can now complete the entire novated leasing process directly at BMW and MINI dealerships. From selecting a vehicle and arranging finance to signing the lease agreement, every step can now be handled on-site to improve the convenience of the process.

At the heart of the offering is the fully maintained lease, which consolidates all major vehicle running costs – servicing, tyres, registration, insurance, and fuel – into a single, regular payment. Importantly, part of this payment is drawn from the employee’s pre-tax salary, reducing taxable income and unlocking substantial financial savings.

BMW will bring the entire novated leasing process into its dealerships in partnership with Smart

Additional advantages include GST savings on both the vehicle purchase and its running costs, further enhancing affordability.

The benefits are even more compelling for electric vehicle (EV) drivers. Thanks to the current Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption on eligible EVs priced below the $91,387 luxury car tax threshold, employees can access a cost-effective path to driving electric.

“Today’s customers want simplicity; they want to walk into a dealership and drive away knowing everything, including finance, has been taken care of,” said Sid Jha, Smart’s Group Executive for Novated Leasing & Electric Vehicle Services. “This partnership delivers one of the most affordable ways to own and enjoy a BMW or MINI.”

May Wong, CEO of BMW Financial Services Australia, added: “We’re proud to launch this first-of-its-kind partnership with Smart. By bringing the entire novated leasing process into our dealerships, we’re offering a seamless approach and opening the door for more Australians to enjoy the benefits of BMW and MINI ownership – especially those considering EVs.”

Those considering a novated lease are advised to always seek their own financial advice about their suitability for this form of finance, based on their salary and other financial commitments.

The innovative partnership between Smart and BMW not only enhances convenience but is also designed to encourage smarter, more sustainable vehicle ownership across Australia.