Long-distance driving puts a spotlight on what really matters in a car: fatigue-busting seats, whisper-quiet cabins, refined suspension, reliable range and fast, predictable charging. EVs have an advantage here — low vibration, strong thermal management and instant torque make motorway cruising and overtaking effortless. But not all EVs are equal when it comes to comfort over hundreds of kilometres.
This guide breaks down the EVs that make long trips easier in 2025 — what to look for, how to prioritise features for Aussie touring, and the standouts you should test-drive before your next interstate run.
Table of contents
- What “long-distance comfort” really means
- Key features that matter on long trips
- The top picks: most comfortable EVs for cruising (what they excel at)
- Practical buying and trip-planning tips for long-distance EV owners in Australia
- Real-world factors: charging networks and regional realities
1. What “long-distance comfort” really means
Comfort for a long drive is more than soft seats. Think of it as an experience that reduces driver fatigue and keeps passengers fresh after several hours:
- Ergonomic, supportive seats (with ventilation and massage options)
- A quiet, well-insulated cabin (low NVH from road, wind and drivetrain)
- Smooth suspension that soaks up Australian highway imperfections
- Reliable climate control and battery thermal management for consistent range and fast-charge behaviour
- Driver aids that reduce workload (adaptive cruise, lane centring, good ergonomics)
- Realistic usable range and strong DC charging speeds for short stops
If a car nails these, a 6-8 hour day becomes notably more tolerable.
2. Key features that matter on long trips
When evaluating EVs for touring, prioritise these technical and comfort traits:
Seats & cabin comfort
- Multi-way adjustable seats with lumbar support, heating/cooling and optionally massage.
- Low vibration and comfortable seating angles for reduced pressure points.
Ride quality & suspension
- Adaptive air or multi-mode suspension that isolates bumps without becoming floaty.
- Good tyre choice from factory (comfort-biased, not performance thin-sidewalls).
Noise, vibration & harshness (NVH)
- Battery mounts and structural bracing that reduce torsional noise.
- Acoustic glazing and active noise cancellation are major pluses.
Climate & thermal management
- Strong HVAC systems and battery pre-conditioning for fast-charging stops and consistent range in heat or cold.
Range and charging
- Real-world range that matches your driving speeds and load; DC fast-charge acceptance that allows short stops to add substantial kilometres.
Driver assistance & ergonomics
- Reliable adaptive cruise with steering assist and comfortable controls for long motorway stretches.
3. The top picks: most comfortable EVs for cruising
Below are EVs that, in 2025, consistently appear in reviews and buyer feedback as long-distance standouts. Each pick focuses on comfort, range, and real-world touring practicality.
How I picked these: models were chosen for the combination of refined ride, long usable range, cabin quietness, and charging practicality — plus availability or realistic importability for Australian buyers.
Mercedes-EQS (and EQS SUV) — ultra-quiet, lounge-like refinement
Why it works: the EQS is engineered as a flagship comfort sedan: silkily damped air suspension, superb seats with massage and climate control, and market-leading NVH suppression. Its extended real-world range and high-efficiency cruise make long runs less frequent and stops shorter. The EQS’s long-distance credentials are backed by its class-leading drag figures and battery capacity.
Best for: buyers who want lounge-like luxury and near-silent cruising.
Tesla Model S (and Model 3 Long-Range) — range, charging network and efficiency
Why it works: Tesla combines very high usable range with the widest fast-charging footprint (Supercharger network) which turns long drives into a series of short, reliable stops. The cabin is quiet, steering and cruise aids are excellent for motorway work, and charging sessions are often predictable and short. If you value fewer and faster stops, Tesla is hard to beat.
Best for: drivers prioritising range, charging predictability and fast turnaround.
Lucid Air — long-range serenity and fast charging
Why it works: Lucid’s big battery and efficient platform offer some of the longest single-charge ranges in production, paired with rapid charging capability. The ride is composed, the seats are luxury-class, and the cabin feels spacious and quiet — ideal for long interstate legs. For maximum single-leg distance, Lucid ranks near the top.
Best for: those wanting the longest possible distance between stops with top-tier comfort.
Hyundai Ioniq 6 — long-haul efficiency with a cosseting ride
Why it works: The Ioniq 6 blends excellent aero efficiency with a comfortable ride and good interior ergonomics. It’s often praised for its real-world highway consumption and supportive seats — an efficient, refined package that suits frequent regional runs.
Best for: buyers seeking efficiency and comfort at a more affordable price.
Genesis Electrified G80 / Electrified G80 (and comparable premium Koreans) — luxury features that matter
Why it works: Genesis’ electric luxury sedan delivers supple suspension, quiet cabins and premium seating plus thoughtful comfort tech. These cars are tuned for refined long-distance cruising and come loaded with comfort-first features. (Genesis has been singled out in recent reviews as a rival to traditional European luxury.)
Best for: shoppers wanting near-Mercedes comfort without the badge premium.
BMW i7 / i4 (where available) — composed chassis and supportive seats
Why it works: BMW’s larger electrics blend classic chassis tuning with luxury comfort and long-range variants. If you favour driving dynamics that remain composed at speed plus comfortable seats and good ADAS, these are worthy contenders.
Best for: drivers who want a blend of driving feel and long-haul comfort.
4. Practical buying and trip-planning tips for long-distance EV owners in Australia
Match real-world range to your routine
Manufacturers quote WLTP or EPA numbers — but real highway consumption (120–110 km/h) and loaded conditions reduce that figure. Aim for a usable range giving at least 300–400 km between practical stops at highway speeds for confidence.
Pay attention to thermal management
Cars that pre-condition batteries before charging (to optimise DC acceptance) and maintain pack temperatures during long fast-charge sessions will return to the road quicker with less slowdown.
Prioritise comfort upgrades
If you regularly do long legs, choose ventilated seats, active lumbar support and adaptive cruise with hands-off capability. These reduce fatigue more than a marginal extra 20 km of range.
Choose a car with a predictable charging ecosystem
Availability and reliability of chargers matter more than peak kW figures. A strong fast-charging network can transform comfort by minimising uncertainty — something Australian travellers should factor in heavily. The Supercharger network remains a leader for predictable fast charging.
Test long drives, not just 30-minute city blasts
During a test drive, evaluate sustained motorway noise, seat comfort after an hour, and how easy it is to set and hold a cruising speed using the ADAS features.
5. Real-world factors: charging networks and regional realities in Australia
Australia’s public fast-charging rollout has grown rapidly, but regional and remote corridors still vary widely. Recent projects (state EV corridors and new fast-charger clusters) make longer trips more realistic — though some remote routes still require careful planning and occasional patience at less reliable sites. A practical touring setup combines a car with good range, knowledge of charger locations, and contingency plans for slower or offline chargers.
6. FAQs
Q: Is a luxury EV automatically more comfortable for highway driving?
A: Often yes, because luxury EVs prioritise suspension, NVH and seat quality — but mid-range models with good ergonomic seats and adaptive suspension can be equally comfortable at a fraction of the cost.
Q: How much does payload and passengers affect range?
A: Heavily. More weight, roof boxes and towing can cut range significantly — plan stops accordingly and expect higher consumption on hills.
Q: Should I prioritise peak charging kW or average real-world charging rate?
A: Average real-world charging behaviour often matters more. A car that can sustain higher rates for longer and a charger network that’s reliable is preferable to a single headline kW number.
Q: Can software updates improve touring comfort?
A: Yes — manufacturers can improve suspension tuning, thermal control and ADAS behaviour via OTA updates that enhance long-distance performance over time.
Conclusion
Comfort on long EV trips is a blend of people-first features (seats, quiet cabin), chassis and suspension tuning, efficient powertrain design and dependable charging. In 2025, the Mercedes-EQS and similar flagship saloons set the benchmark for lounge-level comfort; Tesla and Lucid are unbeatable on range and charging practicality; and models like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 offer a brilliant mix of efficiency, refinement and real-world usability for a lower price.
If long drives are a regular part of your life, prioritise seat comfort, thermal management and charging ecosystem reliability over headline specs. Test-drive candidates on long stretches where you’ll actually use them, and you’ll quickly find which EV makes your interstate runs feel effortless.
Thinking of a specific route or vehicle? Tell me your typical trip (distance, passengers, towing) and I’ll recommend the best EV match and a charging plan.
Meta description: Looking for the comfiest EV for long Aussie drives? Discover 2025’s most relaxing electric cruisers — from Mercedes-EQS to Tesla and Lucid — plus what features truly matter for interstate comfort.