Electric cars
are more popular than ever, but some American drivers remain skeptical about their long-term viability as an alternative to gas-powered cars. They may not have won everyone over, but EVs continue to rack up awards and surpass important milestones. One of them could even be named Kelley Blue Book’s
(KBB) Car of the Year. There are 10 total semifinalists in the ‘car’ category are three all-electric vehicles and one hybrid-only model. Read on with the car ownership experts with Jerry to learn what cars made the cut, and why each of these EVs could take home the title of KBB’s ‘Car of the Year’.
Which all-electric cars are semifinalists?
Among the 10 semifinalists is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes EQE, the 2023 Genesis Electrified G80
, and the 2023 BMW i4, while the all-new 2023 Toyota Crown comes solely as a hybrid. The other gas-powered finalists include the Acura Integra, Genesis G90, Mercedes-Benz C Class, Nissan Z, Subaru WRX, and Toyota GR Corolla. It’s a great lineup, but the all-electric vehicles stand out for making the cut in such a competitive segment.
2023 BMW i4
Starting at $51,400, the new 2023 BMW i4 will be a great choice for anyone who wants all the luxury qualities of a BMW with none of the gas.
SUVs have reigned supreme in popularity for some time now, but thankfully BMW is still putting significant effort into compact four-door sedans like the i4. The i4 is based on the 4 Series Gran Coupe but with an all-electric powertrain.
To get the maximum 301-mile range, go for the eDrive40, but it’s still not too far off from the more affordable eDrive35, which gets 260 miles of range on a single charge. Also exciting for 2023 is the new M50 variant, which produces 536 horsepower.
Another perk of the 2023 i4 is manufacturing transparency. The lithium used in this EV’s battery is mined sustainably in Australia, and the battery pack’s aluminum case comes from a hydroelectric-powered plant in Munich.
2023 Genesis Electrified G80
Genesis has been racking up awards left and right, so it makes sense to see the new Electrified G80 on this list. The Electrified G80 starts at $79,825 and comes in exactly one fully-loaded trim.
The Electrified G80 also comes standard with all-wheel drive, two motors, and a full suite of other add-ons like a massaging driver's seat, advanced safety features, and driving aids.
Based on the current wave of success that Genesis is riding, we’d normally peg this luxury electric sedan as a shoo-in for first place, but its rollout comes with a few surprising caveats. Most notably, it’s only available in eight states starting in September.
The electrified G80 also only offers a maximum range of 282 miles. That’s not bad, but for the luxury category, it does fall short when compared to a few key competitors.
The Electrified G80 will surely be a great deal when compared to other luxury sedan EVs, but that might not be enough to make it stand out in its category.
2023 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-EQ EQE
The all-new EQE is a bit of a puzzle—it would make the most sense that this would be an electric version of the E-class sedan, but there are a few key differences that set them apart.
The EQE is based on a more compact version of the EQS’ EV chassis, and the interior is roomier than an E-class.
The EQE’s cabin is a few inches longer, and sits a bit higher than the E-Class, giving it more of a hatch-back style look.
Compared to segment competitors, the new 2023 Mercedes-EQ EQE 350 has big advantages when it comes to build quality, interior space, and range. Other perks include an expected range of over 300 miles, a standard panoramic sunroof, and an even sportier version on the way.
The Mercedes-AMG EQE will sport two motors that produce 617 horsepower and a massive 701 lb-ft of torque.
The Mercedes-EQ EQE is expected to start at about $70,000, while the Mercedes-AMG EQE, which arrives for sale in early 2023 with more power and 4MATIC all-wheel drive, is expected to start at $90,000.
Which car is most likely to win?
Of the three all-electric models that made the cut, the 2023 BMW i4 offers the best value for the price. The new i4 manages to surpass the 300-mile range marker while still keeping things under $55,000, which is quite a feat in itself.
It also gets extra points for its added sustainability. Many automakers are adopting EVs to meet new emissions standards, but BMW is going the extra mile in adopting more sustainable material sourcing and manufacturing practices as well.
Regardless of which of the 10 semifinalists wins, this year’s list has been a testament to how far EVs have come.
If you’re thinking about buying a new EV and looking for a great deal on car insurance, the Jerry
app is a good place to start. A licensed broker, Jerry does all the hard work of finding cheap quotes from the top name-brand insurance companies and buying new car insurance. Sign up today!
4.7
.webp&w=384&q=75)
