Welcome to the fourth and final instalment of our four-part introduction to some of the best new cars which will make their debut in Arnold Clark showrooms across the country in 2020. Today, we’re focusing on the best electric cars.
BMW i4 — Late 2020
Fuelled by the early success of its i3 range, the new electric i4 will raise the bar again for the German carmaker as it goes after the likes of the Tesla 3
The new i4 certainly has impressive figures: 523bhp, a top speed of 125mph and 0-62mph in 4.0 seconds. And thanks to its large 80kWh battery pack, it should have a range of 373 miles.
Not only does it promise to be something of a head turner; the cabin should be pretty plush and special too. Plus, given its 3 Series background, it’ll be pretty cracking to drive too, in terms of handling dynamics.
Price: From £50,000 (est)
Fiat 500E — Summer 2020
Fiat will introduce an electric version of its best-selling 500 model. Fitted with bespoke underpinnings, it’s been redesigned to accommodate EV powertrains. That means a battery and motor which will combine to cover around 200 miles on a single charge. That might even stretch to 300 miles for the more expensive versions.
What about looks? Well, it’ll retain the retro design (concept pictured), but is expected to have rear doors to help maximise versatility and practicality.
Price: From £25,000 (est)
Ford Mustang Mach-E — Summer 2020
Ford is planning to somewhat rock the establishment with the introduction of its all-electric Mustang-inspired Mach-E SUV. Not only will it deliver 333bhp and cover 0-62mph in less than 7.0 seconds, but it’ll travel more than any current rival on one charge: 370 miles.
Going by the styling seen in the teaser image (pictured), the newcomer will boast sporty looks and coupé-like roofline. Inside, the cabin will accommodate five adults, and include digital dials and a 15.5-inch touchscreen.
Price: From £50,000 (est)
Honda e — Spring 2020
When it was unveiled at last year’s Geneva Motor Show, Honda’s new all-electric car grabbed all the headlines. Now set to enter showrooms in spring, the all-electric e hatchback shows what a modern-day city car should look like.
Power comes from a 35.5kWh battery pack, which sits low down and is positioned centrally within the chassis. The result is a claimed 50:50 weight distribution and a WLTP range of 125 miles. Charging? That comes from either Type 2 AC or CCS2 DC charging, the latter giving 80% of charge within half an hour.
Inside, the rear-wheel drive e gets a rather posh cabin, featuring digital dials, twin touchscreen and monitors for the camera-based door mirrors.
Price: From £26,160 (inc govt. grant)
Kia Soul EV —Early 2020
The all-electric Soul could be one of the most important new EVs of 2020. With its eye-catching combo of sharp looks, impressive power pack, competitive pricing and range of 280 miles, it’s certainly an attractive proposition.
Power comes from a 64kWh battery pack, with its single electric motor providing 201bhp and impressive 395Nm of torque. That’s all good for a 0-62mph time of 7.1 seconds.
Inside — and there will only be one high-spec model offered — the Soul EV delivers a 10-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system; wireless smartphone charging, and heated leather seats.
Price: £33,795 (including a £3500 government grant)
Mercedes-Benz EQA — Autumn 2020
The latest arrival from Mercedes-Benz all-electric EQ sub-brand will be the smallest: the EQA. Set to go head-to-head with the VW ID.3, the new Merc was first seen as the Concept EQA (pictured) in 2017. It will have a range of up to 250 miles on a single charge. Power — in the top-spec production car — will come from a 60kWh battery, deliver 286bhp through all four-wheels and cover 0-62mph in 5.0 seconds. As for charging, we should expect at least 110kW.
Price: £35,000 (estimated)
Volkswagen ID.4 — Late 2020
The second model in Volkswagen’s new family of all-electric cars, following on the heels of the Golf-sized ID.3, will — perhaps not surprisingly — be a family SUV.
The ID.4 uses much of the same technology as first seen in the ID.3, but will use two electric motors — one for each axle — rather than just one. Combined, they produce 302bhp and, powered by an 83kWh battery, we should except a range of 311 miles. It’ll also be capable of receiving an 80% charge in 30 minutes. The line-up is also likely to include models with smaller batteries, which will cost less.
Though we’re still waiting for images of the ‘production-ready’ ID.4, it’s likely to be heavily based on the ID Crozz concept (pictured) which has been appearing at motor shows around the world over the past two years. Measuring 4625mm long, 1891mm wide and 1609mm tall, it will sit between the five-seat Tiguan and seven-seat Tiguan Allspace.
Price: £40,000 (estimated)