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Sedans. Not fashionable perhaps, but still very important and relevant to a vast number of Australian new-vehicle buyers. Especially in the premium end of the market, sedans matter!
Some of the trusted old names like Subaru Liberty and Holden Commodore may have faded, but that’s just an opportunity for newer models – and fresh buyers – to swoop in.
So, sit back and take a peek at what’s happening with sedans in 2021. There’s more activity than you probably realise!
Best sedans arriving in 2021
- 01. Genesis G70 - June
- 02. Kia Cerato - June
- 03. Audi A3 sedan - Second half
- 04. Lexus LS - February
- 05. Mercedes-Benz S-Class - April
- 06. Volkswagen Arteon - October
- 07. Maserati Ghibli and Quattroporte Trofeo – March
- 08. Toyota Camry - April
- 09. Hyundai Sonata - June
- 10. Mercedes-Benz C-Class - Fourth quarter
- 11. Lexus ES - Second half
- 12. Mercedes-Benz CLS - Fourth quarter
- 13. Other new models coming in 2021
01. Genesis G70 - June
Barely two years after landing in Australia, Hyundai’s BMW 3 Series rival, the Genesis G70, went under the knife in June, with a sharp new nose and a remodelled bootlid and tail-lights that more closely link the sedan with the luxury brand’s GV80 SUV.
Most of the cabin remains unchanged, save for a larger, now 10.25-inch touchscreen and an upgraded multimedia system as well as minor trim and material upgrades.
An improved single-turbo four-cylinder and twin-turbo V6 petrol powertrains are also included, along with a Shooting Brake wagon in the near future.
Genesis G70
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
02. Kia Cerato - June
Kia launched a facelifted Cerato in June, with it bringing a sleeker headlight treatment as per the recently revealed Stinger sports sedan, a revised ‘tiger nose’ grille, reprofiled bumpers (featuring reshaped air intakes up front), restyled alloys and changed tail-light graphics.
Inside, there’s a larger, 10.25-inch touchscreen; updated multimedia and altered cabin trim, while improved driver-assist safety also arrived.
Australia sticks with the trusty old 2.0-litre naturally aspirated and 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines for now.
Kia Cerato
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
03. Audi A3 sedan - Second half
Audi’s second-generation A3 sedan arrives in the second half of 2021, bringing with it many of the driver-assist safety and multimedia upgrades slated for the closely related Volkswagen Mk8 Golf due in the second quarter.
More of a (much more) aerodynamic reskin inside and out, rather than an all-out rebirth, it will be powered by the existing 110kW/250Nm 1.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, driving the front wheels via a new eight-speed torque-converter automatic.
Further down the track will be 2.0-litre quattro AWD options, including inevitable S3 and RS3 high-performance flagship iterations, along with plug-in hybrid powertrain models – if we’re lucky.
Audi A3
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
04. Lexus LS - February
Lexus’ Mercedes-Benz S-Class-rivalling LS facelift arrived in February with restyled headlights featuring a trick auto high-beam system, a different grille and bumpers, new side vents and some minor tail-light alterations.
The central screen gained touch-input functionality and Apple CarPlay Android Auto support (at last), and there’s a new camera-based rearview mirror and Active Noise Control and Engine Sound Enhancement tuning for quieter progress, among other upgrades.
Meanwhile, the adaptive suspension has been retuned for better comfort, the hybrid LS500h’s 3.5-litre V6 receives more electric motor assistance, and the same engine but with twin turbos in the LS500 now has greater low-end torque and revised transmission ratios for stronger throttle responses.
Finally, an upgrade to the driver-assist safety tech saw adaptive cruise control and full park assist improvements.
Lexus LS500
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
05. Mercedes-Benz S-Class - April
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The benchmark luxury sedan from Mercedes-Benz morphs into an ultra-aero understated eco warrior from April.
Sumptuous, spacious interiors are a given, but the S-Class’ stunning new cascade-effect console, minimalist dash design and latest MBUX multimedia interface stand out, as do multi-configurable seating, rich natural materials and claimed cocooning silence.
Engine choices will be limited to the 3.0-litre in-line petrol six with 48-volt mild-hybrid tech in 270kW/500Nm S450 guise initially, with it including 4Matic all-wheel drive. V8s and plug-in hybrids will also follow, while ground-breaking driver-assist tech, active air suspension and four-wheel steering will be available.
Mercedes-AMG S63
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
06. Volkswagen Arteon - October
After more than a year’s hiatus, the Passat-based Volkswagen Arteon returns in October 2021 with a host of changes.
Along with a fresh face (new headlights, a full-length LED bar and reshaped bumpers), it also brings redesigned alloys and tail-lights, while a restyled upper dash, centre stack, instrumentation, steering wheel and climate controls complete the updates inside. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto arrives, too, as well as improved driver-assist safety.
A high-performance R with 235kW is also on the horizon, while an all-new Shooting Brake wagon will be available from launch.
Volkswagen Arteon
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
07. Maserati Ghibli and Quattroporte Trofeo – March
Look out, BMW M5, because Maserati’s 5 Series-sized Ghibli and Jaguar XJ-esque Quattroporte scored a Ferrari-built, 441kW/730Nm 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 from March.
Badged Trofeo, they can storm the 0-100km/h sprint time in 4.3 and 4.5 seconds respectively, while a 326km/h is possible in both, making these sedans the fastest Maseratis in history.
You’ll be able to pick the Trofeo by their redesigned grilles, bumpers and Maserati 3200GT-referencing boomerang-style tail-light clusters, while the Ghibli also scores a bulgier bonnet for that blown V8.
A new 2.0-litre turbo-petrol mild hybrid will also be joining the Ghibli range at the same time.
Maserati Ghibli
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
08. Toyota Camry - April
With nearly 70 per cent of the sub-$60K medium-sized sedan market, the Camry is king, but that didn't stop Toyota releasing a revamped version in April.
Restyled headlights, grille, bumpers and alloy wheels are the main visual giveaways, with a choice of two looks for the refreshed front end, depending on whether you prefer ‘classy’ or ‘sporty’ spice.
Similarly subtle changes mark the facelifted Camry’s cabin, with a new ‘floating’ touchscreen in either 7.0 or 9.0 inch sizes, repositioned air vents and updated trim. Expanded safety includes autonomous emergency braking now supporting night-time pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection as well as intersection assist, improved road-sign recognition functionality and a child-in-car reminder.
While the recently updated hybrid versions (with the old 245V nickel metal hydride battery replaced by a 259V lithium-ion unit last July) carries over, the 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine is actually new, while the 3.5-litre V6 has been axed.
Toyota Camry
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
09. Hyundai Sonata - June
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Hyundai is committed to the mid-size sedan segment, having brought in its new-generation Sonata in June, but is taking a different tactic.
The Sonata is available in a single, highly specified grade that leans more towards sportiness and styling.
The Sonata N Line is priced at $50,990 before on-road costs, but comes loaded with equipment and safety as well as a punchy 213kW/422Nm 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine.
Hyundai Sonata
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
10. Mercedes-Benz C-Class - Fourth quarter
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The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class will arrive in local showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2021, with all engines now featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology for improved fuel efficiency.
The Australian line-up is still yet to be finalised, but the fifth-generation C-Class is offered with petrol and diesel engines ranging in power from 125-195kW overseas.
A plug-in hybrid version will also be made available at some point, doubling its all-electric driving range to around 100km compared to its predecessor.
Mercedes-Benz C200
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
11. Lexus ES - Second half
Lexus will usher in the return of the petrol engine with its new ES line-up due in the second half of 2021.
Whereas before the large luxury sedan was exclusively available with a 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid powerplant, the upcoming ES250 will open the range with a 152kW/243Nm 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine.
Pricing is still to be confirmed for the new ES range, but for reference, the current range kicks off at $62,525 before on-road costs.
Lexus ES300H
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
12. Mercedes-Benz CLS - Fourth quarter
Need the practicality of a sedan but want the style of a coupe? Mercedes-Benz has your answer with its updated CLS due to hit local showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2021.
A fresh face and wheels highlight the changes to the updated CLS, while inside a redesigned touchpad and steering wheel also feature.
Exactly which engines will be offered in Australia is still to be confirmed, but the current line-up is offered in CLS450 and AMG CLS53 flavours.
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
13. Other new models coming in 2021
Want to know what other new models are arriving in 2021? Check out our rolling coverage below.
- The best new cars coming to Australia in 2021
- Best 4x4 and off-road vehicles arriving in 2021
- Best crossovers arriving in 2021
- Best hatchbacks arriving in 2021
- Best sedans arriving in 2021
- Best electric cars arriving in 2021
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