Best Plug-in Hybrid Cars

BMW’s 330e brings all of the usual 3 Series qualities into an efficient plug-in hybrid package. It’s refined, comfortable and easy to drive, while the 2.0-litre petrol engine that you can fall back on once this car’s electric range has been depleted offers a decent amount of punch. Speaking of electric range, the latest generation of 330e can manage up to 63 miles from its 19.5kWh battery, while CO2 emissions of 19g/km make this a very clean-running model. Available in both saloon and Touring - or estate - models, the 330e offers something for everyone. It’s worth bearing in mind that the hybrid does bring a slightly smaller boot capacity than standard petrol and diesel models, mind you.

While the Passat might be seen in something of an old-school light, the latest generation of this famous load-lugger punches well above its weight when it comes to electric range. In efficient eHybrid form, you get an electric-only range of up to 77 miles, which is one of the best in the business. Plus, since it accepts DC fast charging, it can be taken from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 26 minutes when you’re connected to a suitably speedy charger. Available only in spacious estate form, the Passat has a 1.5-litre petrol engine at its heart. You’re also getting a 530-litre boot which, though smaller than the 690 litres you’d get on petrol and diesel models, is still more than useful in size.

Volvo’s seven-seater XC90 has become a mainstay of the family car range and, in more recent times, has been a go-to option for drivers after a plug-in hybrid, too. The latest T8 model uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and though that may sound small for this size of car, it’s enough to bring a 2,400kg towing capacity - so it still pulls well. With a 19kWh battery, the XC90 T8 can also deliver up to 44 miles of electric-only range and, like all XC90s, remains spacious and practical inside with a flexible seating arrangement which feels designed specifically for families.

Mercedes has been quietly furthering its expertise in the world of plug-in hybrids and though this German brand might be best known for its performance engines, its PHEVs are particularly impressive, too. Take the GLC 300e. It’s housed within Mercedes’ popular and upmarket GLC SUV bodystyle, bringing a practical interior and a large boot. However, thanks to its larger 31.2kWh battery - the same as fitted in some compact EVs - the GLC300e can return up to 83 miles of electric-only runtime, meaning that even longer trips can be undertaken without needing the petrol engine.

However, if you’re looking for an alternative to an SUV, then the Mercedes E300e could be the best way to go. As a luxurious saloon, it’s got all of those classic Mercedes hallmarks such as a comfortable, refined ride and a high-end interior. Its super-large infotainment screen is impressive to look at and easy to use, too. In terms of powertrain, the E300e uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, combined with an electric motor and a 25.4kWh battery for an electric-only range of up to 71 miles. It’s one of the best electric ranges that you’ll get from the saloon class, in fact.

MG has quickly changed to become one of the better-known electric brands within the UK, having previously maintained a reputation for its sports cars and classic saloons. Its HS is its largest SUV and one which is available with an efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain, capable of delivering up to 75 miles of electric-only power. The HS is also a large, spacious SUV with loads of interior room and a decent amount of leg space for those sitting in the back. Its 507-litre boot is also generously sized and easy to access thanks to a load lip.

The Audi A3 may be best known for providing upmarket and practical transportation, but in recent years, it has added excellent efficiency to that list of accolades. It’s mainly down to this car - the A3 TFSIe - which is the core plug-in hybrid offered within the A3 range. It’s great to drive, with pleasant handling and excellent refinement which makes those longer journeys fly by. But you’ve also got an impressive 88-mile electric range from its 24.5kWh battery and because of a 50kW rapid charge capacity, can be taken from 10 to 80 per cent in under 30 minutes.

If you’re after space and rock-solid build quality from your next PHEV, then the Hyundai Tucson should be firmly on your list. As with other Hyundais, the Tucson feels very nicely finished inside, with good materials and a solid level of build quality throughout. It’s also got a very futuristic exterior design which helps it to stand out from the busy family SUV segment. While it’s also available as a regular hybrid, the Tucson can also be specified in ultra-efficient plug-in hybrid specification, which brings a very usable electric range of up to 43 miles from a single charge.

Toyota has been producing hybrids for decades. Its Prius, of course, is one of the best-known electrified vehicles around, and for quite a while its RAV4 SUV has been using hybrid powertrains, too. In more recent times, that has expanded to plug-in hybrid models. With the RAV4 plug-in hybrid, you’re still getting the boxy shape, rugged interior and high level of standard equipment that you’d get from the standard car, but alongside that there’s a 46-mile electric-only range. Surprisingly, the RAV4 plug-in hybrid develops an impressive 305bhp, meaning it’ll sprint to 60mph from a dead stop in just six seconds - not bad for a car of this size.

In a similar vein to Toyota, Lexus is a brand which has been producing hybrids for a number of years and has included the technology in a variety of its cars, from saloons to large SUVs. It has also applied to clever plug-in hybrid tech to its popular NX model, which brings a very innovative interior finished in high-quality materials. In fact, there’s barely a squeak or a rattle to be found in the NX’s interior, making it a great choice for drivers after a car which feels reassuringly solid. You should get up to 40 miles of electric-only power from the NX 450+, too, and once that power is depleted the NX turns back into a self-charging hybrid, meaning that you’re always get some form of efficiency-boosting electrification no matter where you’re heading.