With the electric revolution of the motoring world well underway, more and more premium manufacturers are getting on board and equipping their vehicles with cleaner powertrains – with some even offeing zero-emission driving.
We take a look at the best luxury electric and hybrid vehicles currently available…
Mercedes E350e
The E350e features a 2.0-litre petrol engine alongside its electric motor, which gives it an electric range of 21 miles. The 282bhp internal combustion engine has an impressive torque figure of 550Nm, giving it excellent pulling power, while like all E-Classes it’s beautifully finished inside and out.
BMW 740e
The 740e is a car that’s become a firm favourite with urban chauffeur companies as its Plug-in Hybrid drivetrain exempts it from congestion charges. It’s a handsome car, with acres of rear legroom, a high tech interior and exceptional refinement. It has an electric range of around 29 miles before the 2.0-litre petrol engine takes over.
Range Rover Sport P400e
The Sport is the first Range Rover to benefit from a Plug-In Hybrid powertrain and will go up to 35 miles on a single charge before its 85Kw electric motor runs out of juice. A 296bhp 2.0-litre four cylinder then takes over, and while it copes admirably with the Sport’s weight, it’s in electric mode where the Range Rover really excels.
Tesla Model S
The technologically brilliant Model S is a car that, in real world terms, is one of the most practical electric cars you can buy. It can be fast-charged via a network of charging points across the country and it will do up to 383 miles on a single charge. It’s also stunning to drive and look at – but Tesla’s don’t come cheap!
BMW X5 iPerformance
As the largest electrified model that it currently provides, the BMW X5 iPerformance offers all the practicality you need alongside an efficient and well-balanced powertrain. Although you only get 19 miles of charge for the electric motor, it returns upwards of 80mpg and emits less than 80g/km CO2 - great returns for a large hybrid.
Volvo XC90 Twin Engine
The XC90 is an extremely well designed SUV that’s also a pleasure to drive, while in T8 Twin Engine form it also has a plug-in hybrid system that gives it 27 miles of EV range before its petrol engine takes over. It’s a particularly appealing choice for company car drivers who want a tax-efficient high-end SUV.
Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
Porsche’s newly announce E-Hybrid variant of the Cayenne SUV is a bold step for the brand, as the previous plug-in Cayenne wasn’t as good to drive as it could be. The new one, however, is every inch a Porsche, with exceptional handling and a sub five second 0-60mph time. It has a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine and an electric-only range of 27 miles.
Volvo S90 T8
The S90 Twin Engine T8 adds plug-in capability to the already exceptional S90 model range. It’s both a technological tour de force and a supremely comfortable cruiser, while the electric range of 27 miles makes it ideal for congestion charge-dodging chauffeurs. It’s good value compared to other premium brands, too.
BMW 5 Series iPerformance
As one of the best premium saloons available, it only made sense that BMW introduced a hybrid version. It has all the same quality and style as the conventionally powered 5 Series, but here has 28 miles of all-electric driving, emissions around the 50g/km CO2 mark and can achieve 141.2mpg - mightily impressive for a luxury saloon.
Jaguar I-PACE
The latest model in the Jaguar line-up is one of the brand’s most audacious launches yet – a fully electric luxury coupe with a hint of SUV to its styling, and a driving range of just under 300 miles on a full charge. The I-PACE is a wonderful car to drive, with a fabulous cabin and distinctive, avant-garde styling, and – as it’s cheaper than a Tesla - is probably the best luxury EV on the market today.