Not quite ready to ditch petrol entirely? These plug-in hybrids might be the perfect middle ground…
Omoda 9: 93 miles
The current plug-in hybrid range champion hails from China’s Omoda, whose flagship SUV, the 9, mixes muscle with efficiency. A 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine works alongside two electric motors and a hefty 34.46 kWh battery to produce 443 hp and 516 lb ft of torque. That’s good for 0–62 mph in 4.9 seconds and, more impressively, up to 93 miles on electricity alone. Prices start just under $57,000, and it’s loaded with every luxury feature you could wish for. Tempted?
Volkswagen Golf eHybrid: 89 miles
The refreshed Mk8.5 Golf brings a longer-lasting plug-in setup, offering up to 89 miles of electric driving in the eHybrid version. Its 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo engine, electric motor, and 19.7 kWh battery combine for 201 hp—nearly twice the energy capacity of the old 10.6 kWh model. Those wanting more punch can choose the sportier GTE, boasting 268 hp and still an impressive 82 miles of EV range. A company car favorite, it also qualifies for a mere 5 percent Benefit-in-Kind rate.
Audi A3 Sportback TFSI e: 88 miles
Following closely behind the Golf is Audi’s A3 Sportback TFSI e, sharing the same tech under the skin. Powertrain and range figures mirror the VW’s, but the A3 adds a touch more polish. Both now support 50 kW DC charging—enough to hit 80 percent in under 30 minutes—or around two and a half hours from a home wallbox. Elegant efficiency wrapped in Audi style.
Skoda Superb Estate iV PHEV: 84 miles
Skoda’s latest Superb arrives as an estate-only plug-in hybrid, with a huge 84-mile electric range—over twice that of its predecessor. The 19.7 kWh battery and 1.5-liter 147 hp turbo four share DNA with the Golf eHybrid, as does the 114 hp electric motor built into the gearbox. Cargo space remains vast at 510 liters (1,770 liters seats-down), and a 50 kW top-up from 10 to 80 percent takes just over 25 minutes.
Seat Leon e-Hybrid: 82 miles
Completing Volkswagen Group’s family trio, the Seat Leon e-Hybrid mirrors the Golf and A3 beneath the surface but slightly trails them at 82 miles of range—hardly noticeable in practice. The estate version delivers the same range with extra space, ideal for luggage or pets. Sportier Cupra variants are close behind, managing 81 and 80 miles respectively.
Volkswagen Passat eHybrid: 82 miles
Another VW Group entry—the new Passat, now sold solely as an estate—offers up to 82 miles of pure-electric range. It shares its tech platform and 510-liter boot with the Superb, but Skoda edges it on value: lower pricing (around $52,000) and a friendlier infotainment system make the Czech option slightly sweeter.
BYD Seal U DM-i: 78 miles
China’s BYD Seal U DM-i brings the brand’s flagship sedan powertrain into SUV form—“U” standing for “Utility.” It pairs a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with one or two electric motors and a choice of 18.3 or 26.6 kWh batteries. Go for the mid-range Comfort trim with the larger battery to reach 78 miles of EV range. BYD claims it’ll run as an electric vehicle about 90 percent of the time, with the engine acting mainly as a backup.
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e: 78 miles
The GLC remains Mercedes’ best-selling model, and the 300e hybrid blends performance and conscience beautifully. A 2.0-liter petrol unit joins forces with a 134 hp motor and a 31.2 kWh battery, delivering up to 78 miles on electricity. Recharge to 80 percent in half an hour using the optional 60 kW fast-charger—or a bit longer with the standard 11 kW AC setup. Pull up to the school run with silent confidence and a smug smile.
Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid: 77 miles
Yes, another VW—but this one’s the family favorite Tiguan. It carries the same 1.5-liter turbo, electric motor, and 19.7 kWh battery setup, managing 77 miles per charge. More than enough for the average 26-mile daily commute, it can be recharged for about $2 using off-peak energy—or free at work, if you’re lucky.
Range Rover Sport P440e / P510e: 76 miles
While an all-electric Range Rover Sport is on the horizon, the plug-in versions remain seriously capable. Choose between the P440e or P510e, both using a 3.0-liter straight-six paired with a 141 hp electric motor and 38 kWh battery. Outputs of 434 and 503 hp meet a 76-mile electric range—enough for most owners to complete 75 percent of their journeys without the engine ever firing up.
Range Rover P440e / P510e: 75 miles
The grander Range Rover matches the Sport’s hybrid lineup but drops slightly to 75 miles of range due to its extra weight and less aerodynamic shape. Its 38 kWh battery charges from 0–100 percent in about an hour on a 50 kW DC charger, or five hours on a home 7 kW unit. A luxury statement that happens to sip fuel like a saint.
Skoda Kodiaq 1.5 TSI iV: 75 miles
Skoda’s second-generation Kodiaq refines the formula further with 75 miles of electric range. It teams a 1.5-liter turbo four (147 hp) with a 114 hp motor, together producing 201 hp and 258 lb ft of torque. The 25.7 kWh battery (19.7 kWh usable) hides neatly beneath the rear seats and supports 50 kW charging—10 to 80 percent in under 30 minutes. One of the most rational family cars just became even more so.
MG HS: 75 miles
Among MG’s top sellers, the HS got a serious makeover in 2024, transforming it from sensible to surprisingly stylish. You can choose between a petrol-only model or a plug-in hybrid featuring a 1.5-liter engine, an electric motor, and a 24.7 kWh battery. Together, they deliver 303 hp and up to 75 miles of electric range. Gone is the bouncy ride of its predecessor—this one feels planted and composed. It also gains clever vehicle-to-load (V2L) tech, letting you power camping gear straight from the car. Starting at around $40,000, it’s one of the most affordable long-range PHEVs on the market.
Volkswagen Tayron eHybrid: 75 miles
Feeling déjà vu? The Tayron steps in where the Tiguan Allspace left off, sitting neatly between the Tiguan and the Touareg—about 10 inches longer than the former and 4 inches shorter than the latter. It brings two plug-in hybrid options, both pairing a 1.5-liter petrol engine with an electric motor to produce either 201 hp or 268 hp. Thanks to a 19.7 kWh battery, both versions offer up to 75 miles of electric range. Just note: in plug-in form, the Tayron seats five rather than seven. Still, that’s a small price to pay for such smooth hybrid cruising.
Mercedes-Benz E300e: 70 miles
Another Mercedes joins the lineup—the latest E-Class sedan, now in its sixth generation. UK buyers can pick from a turbo petrol, turbo diesel, or a plug-in hybrid that teams a 2.0-liter turbo engine with a 127 hp electric motor for a combined 308 hp. The PHEV sprints to 62 mph in 6.4 seconds, powered by a 25.4 kWh battery offering about 70 miles of electric range. The estate version, a touch heavier, manages roughly 68 miles. Either way, it’s a serene and silent way to cover serious ground.
Mercedes-Benz C300e: 69 miles
Top Gear once called the C300e “possibly the best PHEV in the world,” and it’s easy to see why. With up to 69 miles of range and performance that shames many rivals, this compact executive hybrid feels both quick and cultured. The wagon version drops slightly to 67 miles but rewards you with a roomier boot—ideal for road trips or a furry companion. It’s proof that hybrid doesn’t have to mean compromise.
Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe 300e: 69 miles
If you want your hybrid to look as good as it drives, the CLE Coupe is the sweet spot. It replaces the two-door C-Class and E-Class models and now offers the same plug-in hybrid setup as the E-Class sedan. The sleek coupe skips the convertible’s compromises, maintaining its sporty stance and practicality—enough, Mercedes claims, to fit three golf bags in the trunk. We’ll take their word for it… depending on the size of those bags.
Mercedes-Benz GLE 400e: 68 miles
Love the GLC but crave something a bit larger? Enter the GLE 400e. It features the same hybrid system as its smaller sibling but with an upgraded 2.0-liter petrol engine and a strong electric range of up to 68 miles. Because of the battery’s placement under the boot floor, it only comes as a five-seater—though let’s be honest, how often do you really use that third row anyway?
Audi A5 e-hybrid: 67 miles
Audi’s A5 lineup now embraces electrification, with a PHEV setup that combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine, an electric motor, and a 20.7 kWh battery. The result? Up to 67 miles of pure-electric range and a punchy 295 hp with 332 lb ft of torque. That’s more range than the BMW 3 Series plug-in rival, which manages 52–62 miles. The A5’s blend of refinement, pace, and efficiency makes it a near-perfect daily driver.
BMW X5 xDrive50e: 67 miles
BMW’s 2023 X5 facelift brought major hybrid upgrades. Beneath its familiar body, the 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six and electric motor now churn out 95 hp and 74 lb ft more than before. A larger 25.7 kWh battery—up by nearly 25 percent—doubles its charging capacity to 7.4 kW. The payoff? 0–62 mph in 4.8 seconds and up to 67 miles of EV range. Impressive stats for a 2.5-ton luxury SUV that feels as athletic as ever.
Renault Rafale E-Tech PHEV 300: 65 miles
A surprise entrant from France—the Renault Rafale E-Tech PHEV 300. It’s powered by a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine and three electric motors (front, rear, and one integrated into the gearbox), all backed by a 22 kWh battery. Together they generate 296 hp and around 65 miles of electric range. Renault claims a jaw-dropping 403 mpg combined, or roughly 49 mpg with an empty battery. Add four-wheel steering, all-wheel drive, and adaptive suspension, and you’ve got one very sophisticated SUV.
BMW 530e: 64 miles
The newest 5 Series continues BMW’s PHEV tradition with two flavors: the 530e and 550e xDrive. The former pairs a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with an electric motor and 19.4 kWh battery, good for up to 64 miles of electric range. The more powerful 550e swaps in a 3.0-liter six-cylinder and offers around 55 miles. Go for the Touring estate, and you’ll sacrifice a mile or two—but gain one of the best-driving wagons in the business. The rivalry with Mercedes’ E-Class? Very much alive and well.
