Estate

Hatchback

Saloon

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the M8&nbsp;grand tourer, which costs more than £120,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has ten in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and XM, plus the electric iX3 and iX.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

Honda is a company that doesn’t like to follow the crowd. So, while it competes in most of the traditional sectors of the car market, in each case it does something a little bit different.

The Jazz, for example, might look like just another rival to Britain’s best-selling car, the Ford Fiesta, but it’s actually much more practical than its rivals, with a flexible boot and Tardis-like interior.

The bigger Civic is also a practical choice, but it’s mainly distinguished by having eye-catching, love-it-or-hate-it styling, despite competing in a sector of the market that’s usually more conservative than a blue rosette.

And while it may not seem so radical now, Honda’s large SUV, the CR-V, was one of the first to forego any pretence of being an off-roader and instead focus on on-road driving dynamics.

HONDA

Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.

Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.

As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

HYUNDAI

In the same way that Infiniti acts as Nissan’s premium arm, Lexus has a similar tie-in with Toyota. And since most of Toyota’s models are offered as hybrids, it’s no surprise to see the same from Lexus, although there are some traditional petrol engines, too.

The brand focuses heavily on SUVs – namely the NX and RX – but also has the CT hatchback, ES executive saloon and LS luxury car among its portfolio. More small and large SUVs are expected in the future.

Like Toyota, Lexus has built a very strong reputation for reliability and regularly finishes very close to the top of our annual Reliability Survey.

LEXUS

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

While Mitsubishi sells both the Mirage hatchback and the L200 pick-up truck in the UK, the core of its range is in SUVs – handy, since this is one of the largest markets worldwide.

There’s an SUV to suit everyone, too. If you’re a company car driver, the Outlander PHEV mixes low fuel bills with a spacious interior. The ASX, meanwhile, is attractively priced against key rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai and Seat Ateca. Or, if you prefer mud to asphalt, the Shogun offers genuine off-road ability.

More SUVs are on the way, too, including one that’s rumoured to bring back the ‘Evo’ name made famous in rallying.

MITSUBISHI

Porsche is best known as the quintessential sports car maker, but its line-up is increasingly diverse, interesting and successful, from its SUV family to the Panamera hatchback and shooting brake and, in time, a planned family of electric vehicles.

Whatever your choice, What Car?’s testers rate the cars highly; Porsche has an unusually high percentage of five and four-star cars.

Without exception, its sports cars are class leaders or among the class leaders, standing out for combining driving thrills with surprising luxury and comfort. Likewise, its SUVs are among the sharpest handling, as well as offering high levels of practicality and quality. Meanwhile, the Panamera is a true rival to the very best large executive saloons.

Porsche also sees itself as an electric car pioneer and has already enjoyed sales success with its plug-in hybrid range. Its first all-electric sports car is imminent, signalling the firm’s intent to stay relevant for many years to come.

PORSCHE

One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.

Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.

The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.

As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

SKODA

3 SERIES

5 SERIES

CIVIC

CR-V hybrid

IONIQ

KONA ELECTRIC

OCTAVIA

OUTLANDER PHEV

PANAMERA

Temporary taxonomy to get review live. Proper taxonomy to be investigated.

ChrisH 05/11/2019

X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid

best-used-hybrid-cars

5 Series

3 Series

Volkswagen

Passat GTE

Hyundai

Ioniq

Mercedes

C-Class

Volvo

XC90

Toyota

Corolla

Coupe

The 330e takes all that's good about the current <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/review/n91">BMW 3 Series</a> saloon - and that's a lot - and adds a plug-in hybrid capability that gives it up to 37&nbsp;miles of electric-only motoring. It goes without saying that it handles beautifully, rides well and is comfortable inside. It's also endowed with a great interior and a class-leading iDrive infotainment system. On top of that, it's really good value too. In short, it's a terrific buy.&nbsp;

We found: 2019&nbsp;BMW 330e M Sport, 43,000&nbsp;miles, £19,995

Read our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/used-review/n20393">used BMW 3 Series review</a>

Search for a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/bmw/3-series/bmw-3-series-330e-sport-4dr-step-auto/bmw-3-series-2018-330e-sport-4dr-step-auto-535c691e">used BMW 330e for sale</a>

BMW 330e

Available in both saloon and estate forms, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/passat/estate/review/n29">Volkswagen Passat GTE</a>&nbsp;is a smooth, quiet plug-in hybrid executive car with a smart, capacious interior. It can cover up to 31 miles on a full charge (39 miles in later versions), leading to potentially impressive fuel economy. It’s great to drive and impressively practical too, especially so in estate car form. With a strong reliability record and a long list of standard equipment, it's a great all-round package.&nbsp;

We found:&nbsp;2018&nbsp;Volkswagen Passat 1.4 TSI GTE Advance, 35,000 miles, £18,950

Read our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/passat-gte/estate/used-review/n18007">used VW Passat GTE&nbsp;review</a>

Search for a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/volkswagen/passat/volkswagen-passat-1.4-tsi-gte-advance-5dr-dsg/volkswagen-passat-2018-14-tsi-gte-advance-5dr-dsg-0164277e">used VW Passat GTE for sale</a>

Volkswagen Passat GTE

The Volvo XC90 T8 offers all the quality and practicality of the regular <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc90/4x4/review/n99">Volvo XC90</a>. It's good to drive and well equipped, too, with a wonderfully stylish and comfortable interior. What’s more, unlike some hybrid and plug-in hybrid SUVs, the T8 doesn’t lose its third row of seats, meaning it's still a full seven-seater. It can drive on its electric motor alone, and do so for around 25 miles - useful if you travel in town.&nbsp;

We found: 2016 Volvo XC90 T8 Momentum, 60,000 miles, £25,795&nbsp;

Read our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc90/4x4/used-review/n838">used Volvo XC90&nbsp;review</a>

Search for a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/volvo/xc90/volvo-xc90-2.0-t8-hybrid-inscription-5dr-geartronic/volvo-xc90-2016-20-t8-hybrid-inscription-5dr-geartronic-eabd6385">used Volvo XC90 for sale</a>

Volvo XC90 T8

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/jazz/hatchback/review/n17343">Honda Jazz</a> is the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-small-cars-2022/n16997"> small car</a> to beat for passenger and luggage space, while its unique and incredibly flexible rear seating only adds to its practicality. Visibility is excellent, too, which helps make it easy to manoeuvre and park, while generous standard equipment, strong resale values and low running costs make it even more desirable. It's good to drive and, so far, very reliable too.&nbsp;

We found: 2020 Honda Jazz 1.5 i-MMD Hybrid SE, 28,000 miles, £14,500&nbsp;

Read our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/jazz/hatchback/used-review/n24519">used Honda Jazz review</a>

Search for a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/volkswagen/golf/volkswagen-golf-1.4-tsi-gte-5dr-dsg/volkswagen-golf-2016-14-tsi-gte-5dr-dsg-81990d5e">used Honda Jazz for sale</a>

Honda Jazz

We love the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/saloon/review/n63">BMW 5 Series</a> – especially the plug-in <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-reviews/category/hybrid">hybrid</a> version. Like the rest of the range, the 530e is great to drive and wonderfully refined. It’s also able to see off the 0-62mph dash in less than six seconds and polish off motorway cruises in spectacular style. The 530e can officially cover up to 36 miles on electric power, leading to potentially low running costs for such a large, luxurious car. Inside, the 530e is spacious, comfortable and classy, with the most user-friendly infotainment system on offer.&nbsp;

We found: 2018 BMW 530e M Sport, 45,000 miles, £20,990

Read our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/saloon/used-review/n991">used BMW 5 Series&nbsp;review</a>

Search for a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/bmw/5-series/bmw-5-series-530e-m-sport-4dr-auto/bmw-5-series-2018-530e-m-sport-4dr-auto-d7038bfd">used BMW 530e for sale</a>

BMW 5 Series

This latest <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/corolla/hatchback/review/n18901">Toyota Corolla</a> was a major step forward for the Japanese firm. It's a great family hatchback and a great hybrid car, and one of the few on our top 10 list here that's actually a self-charging rather than a plug-in hybrid. The 1.8 version we've found here even racked up a True MPG figure in our tests of 60.6mpg, and on top of that it offers a good driving position, plenty of kit&nbsp;and a comfortable ride, while Toyota's reliability record is second to none. You can also choose between&nbsp;a regular family hatchback or an impressive estate version known as the Touring Sports.&nbsp;

We found: 2020&nbsp;Corolla Touring Sports 1.8&nbsp;Hybrid Icon tech, 16,000 miles, £18,995

Read our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/corolla/hatchback/used-review/n20451">used Toyota Corolla&nbsp;review</a>

Search for a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/toyota/corolla/toyota-corolla-1.8-vvt-i-hybrid-excel-5dr-cvt/toyota-corolla-2020-18-vvt-i-hybrid-excel-5dr-cvt-a0718f3a">used Toyota Corolla for sale</a>

Toyota Corolla

BMW's plug-in hybrid version of its mighty <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x5/4x4/review/n38">BMW X5</a>&nbsp;is every bit as comfortable and luxurious as the petrol and diesel versions, and you barely notice the extra weight of its batteries, even in corners. You can't have seven seats, but that's the only significant downside. Indeed, it has a much longer electric range than the rival <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc90/4x4/review/n99">Volvo XC90</a> Recharge T8, and a far more user-friendly infotainment system. It's not as old as the XC90, so not as cheap, hence it doesn't finish further up our list.&nbsp;

We found: 2020 BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport, 60,000&nbsp;miles, £30,995

Read our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x5/4x4/used-review/n21110">used BMW X5 review</a>

Search for a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/audi/a3/audi-a3-1.4-tfsi-e-tron-5dr-s-tronic/audi-a3-2018-14-tfsi-e-tron-5dr-s-tronic-c0c51abc">used BMW X5 for sale</a>

BMW X5 

Here's a bit of a left-field choice. The BMW i8's Blade Runner looks are backed up by a novel plug-in hybrid set-up that combines a 228bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 129bhp electric motor. This not only gives it enough punch for a 0-60mph time of 4.4sec but also enables near-silent electric cruising for up to 34 miles, leading to&nbsp;some impressive fuel economy. You can expect to beat 40mpg – remarkable for a sports car. And it's fun to drive, with sharp handling. We think it's an investment - buy now and its prices will only go one way.&nbsp;

We found: 2016 BMW i8, 70,000 miles, £36,995

Read our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/i8/coupe/used-review/n876">used BMW i8 review</a>

Search for a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/bmw/i8?sort=priceAsc">used BMW i8 for sale</a>

BMW i8

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/octavia/hatchback/review/n39">Skoda Octavia</a> iV's official 282.5mpg shows what’s possible if you do lots of short journeys, and it can run for up to 34 miles on electric-only power from a full charge.&nbsp;Crucially, though, this is combined with a comfortable ride, loads of standard equipment and a boot that's big enough to house an aeroplane. It's a fantastic family car, and used prices are now looking quite tempting. Only issues with its infotainment system let it down.&nbsp;

We found: 2021&nbsp;Skoda Octavia 1.4&nbsp;TSI iV SE Tech, 28,000 miles, £18,000

Read our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/octavia/hatchback/used-review/n23452">used Skoda Octavia&nbsp;review</a>

Search for a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/hyundai/ioniq/hyundai-ioniq-1.6-gdi-plug-in-hybrid-premium-5dr-dct/hyundai-ioniq-2018-16-gdi-plug-in-hybrid-premium-5dr-dct-c606f909">used Skoda Octavia for sale</a>

Skoda Octavia iV

The<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-reviews/make/hyundai"> Hyundai</a> Ioniq was the first car to be offered on sale with three forms of electrification: as a hybrid model that combines a petrol engine with an electric motor, a plug-in hybrid version with a bigger battery that you can charge externally or an electric vehicle (EV). The plug-in version gives a good potential electric-only range of up to 30 miles in earlier models and 39 miles in post-2019 cars - which really helps the overall fuel consumption, especially if your journeys are mostly short. It's good to drive, well equipped and roomy inside, too.&nbsp;

We found: 2018 Hyundai Ioniq PHEV Premium SE, 48,000 miles, £12,000

Read our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/ioniq/saloon/used-review/n891">used Hyundai Ioniq review</a>

Search for a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/hyundai/ioniq/hyundai-ioniq-1.6-gdi-plug-in-hybrid-premium-5dr-dct/hyundai-ioniq-2018-16-gdi-plug-in-hybrid-premium-5dr-dct-c606f909">used Hyundai Ioniq for sale</a>

<hr />
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Hyundai Ioniq

With the Government proposing to <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/petrol-diesel-car-ban/n23064">ban the sale of new pure petrol or diesel-engined cars</a> from 2035 onwards, those anxious to dip their toes in the future can either opt for a full-fat <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric vehicle</a> now or experiment first with a little petrol-electric <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/hybrid-cars/n17013">hybrid</a> action, that is to say, a car powered by a petrol engine combined with an electric motor. There are two hybrid types: 'self-charging' models, which mix petrol and electric power to maximise efficiency, and plug-in hybrids that can travel many miles purely on electricity before their engines need to cut in. There are plenty of either to buy used now, so many in fact that picking your way through the maze isn’t as easy as it once was. So here we bring you our guide to the best used <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-hybrid-cars-2022/n17013">hybrid cars</a>.And our top pick? It's the brilliant <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/used-review/n20393">BMW 330e plug-in hybrid</a>. Read on to find out if there's one for you.

Best used hybrid cars

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Low running costs compared with solely petrol or diesel equivalents</li> <li>Very low official CO2 emissions to benefit company car drivers</li> <li>The same usability as a regular car</li> <li>Smooth transition between electric and engine power</li> <li>Small practicality compromise over conventional models</li></ul>

Not so long ago, hybrids were the preserve of Hollywood stars, environmentally conscious 'early adopters' and the odd&nbsp;minicab driver looking to save a bit of money on fuel.

Since the collapse in demand for diesel, however, they have become&nbsp;much more popular, and it's easy to see why, with&nbsp;low tax bills and&nbsp;impressive MPG figures&nbsp;just a couple of the perks they offer.

There are two types of hybrid: 'self-charging'&nbsp;models, which mix petrol&nbsp;and electric power in an effort to maximise&nbsp;efficiency, and&nbsp;plug-in hybrids that can travel many miles purely on electricity before their engines need to cut in. This category is for the former type of cars.

Hybrid

The DS 7 is a well equipped, relatively comfortable and practical hybrid SUV. However, the pricing is too close to established rivals such as the Lexus NX, and it doesn’t feel as refined or luxurious as that car. What’s more, cheaper alternatives such as the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson are better to drive, with tidier handling and more progressive braking.

DS 7

And the hybrid SUV to avoid...

best-hybrid-suvs-2024-–-reviewed-rated-and-ranked

hybrid-suvs

Lexus

Sportage

Santa Fe

Land Rover

Range Rover Sport

Range Rover Evoque

Sorento

Tucson

Ford

Kuga

When choosing a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743">plug-in hybrid</a>&nbsp;you naturally want the longest electric-only range possible, and the Mercedes GLC 300e has just that.&nbsp;

It can officially travel 80 miles on electric-only power, meaning that it tops both the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/lexus/nx/estate/review/n132">Lexus NX</a> 450h+ (45 miles) and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover-sport/4x4/review/n74">Range Rover Sport</a> P460e (76 miles).&nbsp;

Of course, that long official electric-only range brings low CO2 emissions and a low benefit-in-kind (BIK) rating, which makes the GLC 300e a brilliant choice for company car drivers.

However, it’s not just about the numbers. The GLC is comfortable to drive and practical, while the interior design (with its large central infotainment screen) presents a real wow factor that few rivals can match.

“It was easy for me to get comfortable inside the GLC, because it seat is set nice and high. This also helps visibility, because I get a good view when I'm trying to see at junctions.” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/will-nightingale/n1020">Will Nightingale</a>, reviews editor&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<h3 dir="ltr">Read our in-depth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/glc/4x4/review/n17345">Mercedes GLC&nbsp;review</a></h3>

Mercedes GLC 300e 4Matic

The Kia Sportage is popular for many reasons: it’s spacious, comfortable to drive, smart inside and very well equipped.

The regular <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-a-hybrid-car-and-should-you-buy-one/n1290">hybrid</a> version is also a good option if you’re looking for a car that offers strong performance and impressive real-world fuel economy. In fact, we recorded a 0-60mph time of 7.2sec at our private test track, while an average of 43.8mpg was clocked up during our real-world fuel economy test.

Even though the hybrid isn’t as refined as the PHEV version, it’s still whisper-quiet when running on electric power at low speeds. Plus, it’s quicker and a lot cheaper to buy outright than the PHEV.

“I love that the latest Sportage retains physical controls for its air conditioning system – they're so much easier to use than having to delve into a touchscreen or prod at a touch-sensitive panel, as you'd find on some rivals.” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/neil-winn/n1101">Neil Winn</a>, deputy reviews editor

&nbsp;

<h3 dir="ltr">Read our in-depth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/sportage/4x4/review/n17352">Kia Sportage review</a></h3>

Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid

The previous Hyundai Santa Fe was one of your best bets if you wanted a hybrid SUV with seven seats, and this all-new version aims to carry the same accolade.

It'll eventually be offered in both hybrid and plug-in hybrid forms, but it's the regular hybrid we're focussed on here. It uses a tweaked version of the 1.6-litre engine and electric motor from the old Santa Fe, and while it's not especially fast, it has no trouble in getting you up to motorway speeds and should be relatively cheap to run.

The latest Santa Fe is comfortable, too, even though the rival Peugeot <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/5008/estate/review/n17369">5008</a> feels a little more settled on faster roads.&nbsp;

Space was a big selling point in the old Santa Fe, and the new model continues that trend. Not only is access to the second and third rows fantastic, but once seated your passengers will have more room to stretch out than they would in most rivals. The boot is massive, too – in five-star mode it'll swallow even more than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/sorento/4x4/review/n18">Kia Sorento</a>.

“It might be boxy, but I like the various 'H' motifs which have been included in the latest Santa Fe's design. Look closely and you'll spot them in the headlights, tail-lights, even even within the front bumper.” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/stuart-milne/n25965">Stuart Milne</a>, digital editor

&nbsp;

<h3 dir="ltr">Read our in-depth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/santa-fe/4x4/review/n68">Hyundai Santa Fe review</a></h3>

Hyundai Santa Fe

The Range Rover Sport takes many features from the full-size Range Rover (including its plush interior and impressive off-road ability), but offers them at a slightly lower price.&nbsp;

There are two plug-in hybrid options to choose from, named the P460e and P550e. Our favourite of the two is the P460e, which combines a silky-smooth 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine with an electric motor to produce 454bhp.

With its vast 31.8kWh (usable) battery, the P460e can manage 76 miles officially on electric-only power. That’s almost as much as the 80 miles the Mercedes GLC 300e can manage officially.

Even though the Sport is slightly cheaper to buy than its full-size sibling, it still remains a pricey option.

"I think the Range Rover Sport's boot is especially clever, because not only can you drop the rear seatbacks at the touch of a button, but there's also a handy flip-up partition you can use to keep things separate in the back – or to even use as a makeshift seat.” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/darren-moss/n1005">Darren Moss</a>, deputy digital editor

&nbsp;

<h3>Read our in-depth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover-sport/4x4/review/n74">Range Rover Sport review</a></h3>

Range Rover Sport P460e

It may well be the Evoque’s looks that first pique your interest, but it’s a fine car on more objective levels, too.&nbsp;

It’s comfortable, really posh inside and even reasonably practical by class standards, with this PHEV losing no luggage space compared with its purely combustion-engined siblings, despite having a battery that's big enough for 38 miles of electric driving.

The PHEV is also the fastest engine option in the Evoque range (0-60mph takes just 6.1sec), while the hybrid system is smooth around town and punchy on the motorway.&nbsp;

Land Rover’s reliability record remains a concern, though – the brand finished in 28th position out of 32 manufacturers in our latest <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/reliability-survey-most-reliable-cars-brands/n26159">What Car? Reliability Survey</a>.

“While most of the Evoque's controls are now accessed through its touchscreen, at least shortcuts to some commonly-used ones – the climate, for example – are permanently displayed, so you don't need to go hunting for them.” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/doug-revolta/n1031">Doug Revolta</a>, head of video

&nbsp;

<h3 dir="ltr">Read our in-depth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover-evoque/4x4/review/n109">Range Rover Evoque review</a></h3>

Range Rover Evoque P300e

Even though the Lexus NX 450h+ can’t quite beat the Mercedes GLC 300e on electric-only range, it does top the rival <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q5/4x4/review/n41">Audi Q5</a> 50 TFSIe and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x3/4x4/review/n42">BMW X3</a> xDrive30e, being officially able to take you up to 45 miles.

It can also reach speeds of up to 83mph solely on battery power, and is exceptionally smooth and quiet, even when the battery has been exhausted and the 2.5-litre petrol engine has taken over propulsion duties. Plus, it delivers impressive straight-line performance.&nbsp;

Add in handling that inspires confidence, Lexus's superb reliability record, and an interior that's as classy as it is spacious, and you've got a hybrid SUV that’s a brilliant all-rounder.

“Usually, going for larger wheels on your new car can affect the ride quality. In the NX, however, you'll get a comfy experience whether you stick with the standard 18in alloys, or the upgraded 20in units.” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/lawrence-cheung/n23691">Lawrence Cheung</a>, new cars editor

&nbsp;

<h3 dir="ltr">Read our in-depth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/lexus/nx/estate/review/n132">Lexus NX review</a></h3>

Lexus NX 450h+

The Sorento's hybrid tech combines decent real-world fuel economy with comparatively low CO2 emissions, while the ride is comfortable and the steering accurate.&nbsp;

Throw in a nicely made and well equipped interior, a driving position that’s lofty enough to make HGV drivers jealous and Kia’s unmatched seven-year warranty, and the Sorento is a fine choice.&nbsp;

All models come with plenty of luxuries, although that’s largely a result of the Sorento being available in one fully-loaded trim level – Edition. As a result, the Sorento is more pricey than the rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/x-trail/4x4/review/n51">Nissan X-Trail</a>.

However, it’s difficult to fault the Sorento on the practicality front. All three rows of seating are spacious, while the boot is vast (we managed to fit 10 carry-on suitcases below the parcel shelf with five seats in place).

“Smoothness is something the Sorento does very well – whether it's the way it switches between petrol and electric power, the progressive feeling of the brakes or simply changing gear, the Sorento does it all in a calm and sophisticated way.” <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/dan-jones/n23433">Dan Jones</a> – reviewer

&nbsp;

<h3 dir="ltr">Read our in-depth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/sorento/4x4/review/n18">Kia Sorento review</a></h3>

Kia Sorento 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid

The Tucson is available with a wide range of engines, including petrol, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-a-mild-hybrid-and-should-you-buy-one/n22776">mild hybrid</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-a-hybrid-car-and-should-you-buy-one/n1290">hybrid</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743">plug-in hybrid</a> units.

Our favourite of the bunch is the regular hybrid, which is quick, quiet and efficient. It pairs a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to produce 227bhp, while a small battery allows for short bursts of electric power at low speeds, which helps boost refinement and fuel economy around town.&nbsp;

However, the achilles heel of the Tucson is its sibling, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/sportage/4x4/review/n17352">Kia Sportage</a>. While that car is slightly more expensive, it does feel more polished to drive, with better judged brakes, tidier handling and a slightly more comfortable ride.&nbsp;

"While we recommend going for SE Connect trim to help keep your costs sensible, it's worth looking at range-topping Ultimate versions if you're likely to have multiple people driving your car, because this&nbsp;gets you a fully electric driver's seat with a memory function." – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/mark-pearson/n1035">Mark Pearson</a>, used car editor&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<h3 dir="ltr">Read our in-depth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/tucson/4x4/review/n103">Hyundai Tucson review</a></h3>

Hyundai Tucson 1.6 TGDi Hybrid 230

Ford knows a thing or two about making a car that’s good to drive, and the Kuga lives up to that reputation.&nbsp;

In our favourite ST-Line Edition trim, it’s one of the more engaging <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/family-suvs/n17116">family SUVs</a> to drive, with quick steering and a firmer suspension set-up that allows it to follow the contours of the road more easily than the entry-level versions.

The Kuga’s engine range includes two hybrid options: a regular <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-a-hybrid-car-and-should-you-buy-one/n1290">hybrid</a> and a PHEV. The former&nbsp;is our recommended option for private buyers, and it pairs a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and battery pack. The system is smooth and easy to drive, although the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/tucson/4x4/review/n103">Hyundai Tucson</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/sportage/4x4/review/n17352">Kia Sportage</a> are slightly quicker and equally as efficient.&nbsp;

Those cars also have more spacious and practical interiors (but only just), while quality isn’t as good for the price.

“Hybrid SUVs can sometimes feel more wallowy through corners than their combustion-engined siblings because of their extra weight. However, with the Kuga hybrid, it handles with such precision that you'd be hard pressed to tell it apart from the regular car.” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/george-hill/n23609">George Hill</a>, staff writer

&nbsp;

<h3 dir="ltr">Read our in-depth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/kuga/4x4/review/n57">Ford Kuga review</a></h3>

Ford Kuga 2.5 FHEV

The&nbsp;Lexus RX of the early 2000s was one of the first <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/luxury-suvs/n17036">luxury SUVs</a> to use a hybrid system, and this latest version is proof of the firm’s expertise.

The plug-in hybrid RX 450+ is incredibly quiet and refined, while reliability remains a strong point for Lexus. In fact, the RX should be more dependable than the Range Rover Sport P460e.

While the electric-only range with the 450h+&nbsp;isn’t as long as the Range Rover Sport or Mercedes GLC 300e’s, those cars are more expensive to buy outright. There’s also a more affordable regular <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-a-hybrid-car-and-should-you-buy-one/n1290">hybrid</a> version available, which is a good choice if you don’t have easy access to a charger.

“I enjoyed how serene the RX is, because there's hardly any wind or road noise on the motorway. Plus, when its petrol engine needs to wake up and take over from the electric motor around town, the changeover is seamless.” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/claire-evans/n1100">Claire Evans</a>, consumer editor

&nbsp;

<h3 dir="ltr">Read our in-depth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/lexus/rx/4x4/review/n137">Lexus RX review</a></h3>

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter&nbsp;<a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a>

Lexus RX

Not so long ago, if you wanted an SUV, it was almost always best to go for a diesel engine. However, changes to the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/company-car-tax-calculator">company car tax</a> system, combined with improvements in <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/hybrid-cars/n17013">hybrid car</a> technology, means cars which mix petrol and electric power are now great for your wallet as well as your conscience.In addition, the number of hybrid SUVs available has exploded in the last couple of years. But this increased choice can be a negative as well as a positive, making it harder to decide what to go for.So, here we count down our current top 10 across both regular hybrid and plug-in hybrid SUVs, starting with the our experienced team of road testers has determined to be the class leader – the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/glc/4x4/review/n17345">Mercedes GLC</a> 300e – and reveal the model that's best avoided. As well as our reviews, we'll show you the best hybrid SUV deals available for these models.

While the prices you'll see for models below reflect the car's range as a whole, you can click through to the relevant page on our free <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Deals</a> service to see the price for the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models we're looking at here.Learn more about <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-we-test-cars/n17596">how we test cars</a>

Best hybrid SUVs 2024 – reviewed, rated and ranked

hybrid SUVs

the-best-plug-in-hybrid-company-cars-you-can-get-in-the-uk

If you're getting a new fleet car, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) can make a lot of sense. After all, you'll save on company car tax compared with a non-PHEV petrol or diesel but won't have the charging worries electric car drivers can face.

Car manufacturers have been quick to recognise this, and plenty of traditional company car favourites are now available in plug-in form – the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes C-Class, for example.

So, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743">PHEV</a>&nbsp;model should you choose as your next company car? That's what this top 10 will tell you. Our list includes SUVs as well as more traditional saloon cars&nbsp;to reflect the huge popularity of higher-riding models.

Read on to see which plug-in hybrids we recommend to company car drivers...

Slideshow story: please click the right-hand arrow above to continue, or simply scroll down if you’re reading on your mobile

The best plug-in hybrid company cars you can get in the UK

Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition. In fact, it&nbsp;tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from a tiny EV (the Ami) through to the C3 small hatchback and&nbsp;the large van-based&nbsp;Spacetourer MPV.

Its range of SUVs are all badged Aircross, and like the rest of its range place emphasis on comfort, not speed.

CITROEN

C5 X

What Car? rating&nbsp;4/5 
Cheapest version for BIK tax&nbsp;Plus 
List price&nbsp;£38,165 
Monthly BIK tax at 20%&nbsp;£76.33 
Monthly BIK tax at 40%&nbsp;£152.67

The C5 X is the only&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/estate-cars/n16998">estate car</a>&nbsp;on this list, and also quite an unusual one&nbsp;because of its slightly raised ride height and focus on comfort rather than sportiness.&nbsp;If that appeals, it's a great choice. Indeed, with a system called Progressive Hydraulic Cushions, Advanced Comfort Seats and a noise-blocking laminated windscreen, it's perfectly suited to long stints of motorway driving.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/c5-x/estate/review/n24291">Citroën C5 X review</a>

10: Citroën C5 X 1.6 Plug-in Hybrid 225

<h3 dir="ltr">Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Competitively priced</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Plush ride</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Upmarket interior</li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr">Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Roly-poly handling</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Boot could be larger</li>
	<li dir="ltr">PHEV sits in a higher tax band than some rivals</li>
</ul>

Land Rover is synonymous with SUVs, and especially with the Defender – the rugged runabout that has seen service in war zones across the world, but also as part of the Queen’s personal garage.

If off-road prowess is one of Land Rover’s core values, though, the other is luxury. Indeed, the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar are among the best luxury SUVs you can buy.

The Discovery, meanwhile, is a practical rival for the Audi Q7 and BMW X5, while the stylish Evoque (which is available as a three-door convertible as well as a traditional SUV) goes head to head with Audi’s Q3 and BMW’s X1.

In the coming years, we’ll see a new road-biased ‘Road Rover’ as well as an all-new Defender.

LAND ROVER

RANGE ROVER EVOQUE

What Car? rating&nbsp;5/5 
Cheapest version for BIK tax&nbsp;S 
List price&nbsp;£48,945 
Monthly BIK tax at 20%&nbsp;£97.92 
Monthly BIK tax at 40%&nbsp;£195.75

The Evoque lets you tap into the indulgent feel, high interior quality and famed off-road ability of a full-size&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover/4x4/review/n17353">Range Rover</a>&nbsp;on a more modest scale and budget. PHEV tech suits it well too, allowing you to drive near-silently around town, with a smooth switch to petrol power when required. You'll also appreciate the excellent driving position and superb ride comfort when you're out on the road on business.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover-evoque/4x4/review/n109">Range Rover Evoque review</a>

9: Range Rover Evoque P300e

<h3 dir="ltr">Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Great driving position</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Well-equipped</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Slow depreciation</li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr">Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Limited boot space</li>
	<li dir="ltr">So-so fuel economy and emissions</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Land Rover's reliability record</li>
</ul>

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

What Car? rating&nbsp;4/5 
Cheapest version for BIK tax&nbsp;Sport 
List price&nbsp;£36,345 
Monthly BIK tax at 20%&nbsp;£48.50 
Monthly BIK tax at 40%&nbsp;£96.92

The A3 has long been one of the best family cars you can buy, and Audi has integrated PHEV technology into the model extremely well, making it a great choice if you're looking for a smart and wieldy company car. You get a superb interior, sharp handling, brisk performance and an excellent driving position.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a3/hatchback/review/n77">Audi A3 Sportback review</a>

8: Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSIe

<h3 dir="ltr">Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Sharp handling</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Excellent driving position</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Strong and frugal engines, including the excellent plug-in hybrid</li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr">Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Interior quality is good but could be better</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Fiddly infotainment system</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Audi's unimpressive reliability record</li>
</ul>

Buyers seeking value for money should have Kia towards the top of their shopping list.

Although once a niche brand in the UK, today Kia outsells many more established brands, helped by its market-leading seven-year warranty and a strong reputation for reliability; in fact, Kia regularly finishes towards the top of our reliability surveys.

There are plenty of models to choose from, too, ranging from the small Picanto city car to the Ceed family hatchback and the Sorento large SUV. The Picanto was the first Kia to win its class at the What Car? Car of the Year awards.

SPORTAGE

What Car? rating&nbsp;5/5 
Cheapest version for BIK tax&nbsp;GT-Line 
List price&nbsp;£40,520 
Monthly BIK tax at 20%&nbsp;£54 
Monthly BIK tax at 40%&nbsp;£108

The Sportage is our current favourite family SUV and is one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-most-popular-company-cars-in-the-uk/n26284">most popular company cars</a>&nbsp;out there, so it's a very solid choice. For a modest salary sacrifice you'll be getting a comfortable motorway companion that also offers great driver and passenger space, and a big boot. The interior is smart and feels solidly put together with plenty of tech, and Kia has a strong&nbsp;reliability record.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/sportage/4x4/review/n17352">Kia Sportage review</a>

7: Kia Sportage 1.6T GDi 248 PHEV

<h3 dir="ltr">Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Lower-spec models are great value</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Smart interior</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Generous rear leg room and boot space</li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr">Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Rear head room compromised with panoramic roof</li>
	<li dir="ltr">No clever rear seat functions</li>
</ul>

What Car? rating&nbsp;5/5 
Cheapest version for BIK tax&nbsp;Sport 
List price&nbsp;£46,930 
Monthly BIK tax at 20%&nbsp;£93.83 
Monthly BIK tax at 40%&nbsp;£187.75

You could call the 3 Series the classic exec company car, so it's no surprise there's a PHEV version to tap into&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-to-keep-your-company-car-tax-bill-low/n22614">BIK tax savings</a>. The model's big strength is performance and handling – it's a fun car to drive between meetings. You also get a class-leading infotainment system, which lets you dial up selections on the touchscreen with a rotary controller.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/review/n91">BMW 3 Series review</a>

6: BMW 3 Series 330e

<h3 dir="ltr">Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Brilliant fun to drive</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Class-leading infotainment system</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Great range of engines</li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr">Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Ride is rather firm – particularly in M Sport versions</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Not as well finished inside as an Audi A4</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Voice command or fiddly touchscreen only way to adjust climate control</li>
</ul>

What Car? rating&nbsp;4/5 
Cheapest version for BIK tax&nbsp;450h+ 
List price&nbsp;£54,895 
Monthly BIK tax at 20%&nbsp;£73.17 
Monthly BIK tax at 40%&nbsp;£146.42

Lexus has gone all-in on hybrid tech with the NX (you can get a regular hybrid as well as a PHEV), and that focus was rewarded at our&nbsp;2023&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/awards/new-car-awards">Car of the Year awards</a>&nbsp;with the Best Plug-in Hybrid&nbsp;title. Along with its high-quality interior, good driving manners and decent practicality, the NX also offers rock-solid Lexus dependability.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/lexus/nx/estate/review/n132">Lexus NX review</a>

5: Lexus NX 450h+

<h3 dir="ltr">Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Strong performance</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Promise of stellar reliability</li>
	<li dir="ltr">PHEV has an impressive electric range</li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr">Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Petrol engine isn't the smoothest</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Choppy high-speed ride on F Sport versions</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Takumi versions are pricey</li>
</ul>

E CLASS

What Car? rating&nbsp;4/5 
Cheapest version for BIK tax&nbsp;AMG Line Advanced 
List price&nbsp;£67,965 
Monthly BIK tax at 20%&nbsp;£56.67 
Monthly BIK tax at 40%&nbsp;£113.25

Our road testers describe the latest E-Class as "spacious, comfortable and easy to drive" – and all three will be great news if you spend lots of time on the road&nbsp;while also needing family practicality at the weekends. The PHEV version is quick – with 0-62mph&nbsp;in 6.5 seconds – and can officially manage more than 70 miles on electricity alone (the real-world distance will be much less, though).

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/e-class/saloon/review/n17174">Mercedes E-Class review</a>

4: Mercedes E-Class E300e

<h3 dir="ltr">Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Spacious and sumptuous interior</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Impressive infotainment system</li>
	<li dir="ltr">PHEV's class-leading electric range</li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr">Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">No air suspension or rear-wheel steering in UK</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Boot space in PHEV is compromised</li>
</ul>

What Car? rating&nbsp;5/5 
Cheapest version for BIK tax&nbsp;M Sport 
List price&nbsp;£80,780 
Monthly BIK tax at 20%&nbsp;£107.67 
Monthly BIK tax at 40%&nbsp;£215.42

The X5 will cost you a fair bit more in BIK tax than the GLC listed above, but if luxury is your top priority, this is likely to be the PHEV SUV choice to make. It drives incredibly well for such a big car, and is very quick – we managed 0-62mph in less than five seconds. The interior is exquisite and the boot has 500 litres of storage and a&nbsp;handy split tailgate (although unlike non-PHEV versions, you can't have the xDrive50e with seven seats).

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x5/4x4/review/n38">BMW X5 review</a>

3: BMW X5 xDrive50e

<h3 dir="ltr">Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Fantastic plug-in hybrid version</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Great to drive</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Classy, well-designed interior</li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr">Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Wide standard tyres generate road noise at speed</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Third row of seats costs extra</li>
	<li dir="ltr">There are more spacious and practical rivals</li>
</ul>

What Car? rating&nbsp;4/5 
Cheapest version for BIK tax&nbsp;Urban Edition 
List price&nbsp;£58,655 
Monthly BIK tax at 20%&nbsp;£48.92 
Monthly BIK tax at 40%&nbsp;£97.75

Like the closely related C-Class, the GLC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/family-suvs/n17116">family SUV</a>&nbsp;gets rear air suspension on PHEV versions to cope with the extra battery weight, and it does a good job of keeping you comfortable over most road surfaces. Again like the C-Class, the electric-only range is excellent, so you get a lot of car for not too much tax. Plus, it's a practical choice if you often use your company car for family days out.

2: Mercedes GLC 300e

<h3 dir="ltr">Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Well equipped</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Plug-in hybrid has impressive electric range</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Spacious interior</li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr">Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Slightly firmer ride than rivals</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Stylish interior doesn't feel the most sturdy</li>
</ul>

C CLASS

What Car? rating&nbsp;5/5 
Cheapest version for BIK tax&nbsp;AMG Line 
List price&nbsp;£51,970 
Monthly BIK tax at 20%&nbsp;£69.33 
Monthly BIK tax at 40%&nbsp;£138.58

The Mercedes C300e is the&nbsp;best PHEV company car in the UK right now because it's&nbsp;an excellent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/executive-cars/n2004">executive car</a>&nbsp;in its own right, has a class-leading electric-only range and integrates plug-in hybrid tech seamlessly. With rear air suspension as standard, it rides as well as non-plug-in versions, and performance is brisk, with 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds. If you practically live on motorways, the C300e is very hard to beat.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/saloon/review/n70">Mercedes C-Class review</a>

1: Mercedes C-Class C300e

<h3 dir="ltr">Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Plug-in hybrid has an impressive ride</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Fuel economy and emissions compare well with rivals</li>
	<li dir="ltr">C300e has a very low company car tax rate</li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr">Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">Disappointing interior quality</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Not as much fun to drive as a BMW 3 Series</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Some road noise</li>
</ul>

<hr />
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter&nbsp;<a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a>

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-company-cars/n22605">Read more: The best company cars</a>

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/company-cars">Read more fleet and company car advice</a>

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Usefully long electric-only range</li> <li>Exceedingly frugal</li> <li>Cheap company car tax rates</li> <li>Smooth switching between electric and petrol power</li></ul>

If you're not ready to commit to a fully electric vehicle&nbsp;but have the capacity to charge your car at home or at work, a plug-in hybrid could be the perfect compromise. Electric batteries paired with a petrol or diesel&nbsp;engine means you'll never be left short of charge&nbsp;but can capitalise on cheap running costs, thanks to a surprisingly long electric-only range.

There's plenty of choice, too, whether you're after a sporty saloon like the BMW 3 Series, the 330e variant of which providing up to 36 miles of electric-only driving on a full charge, or a large load-lugging large SUV, including the Volvo XC90 T8, which claims an extraordinary&nbsp;113mpg.

Throw in competent handling and driving prowess, despite the added weight of the electric batteries, and a plug-in hybrid&nbsp;makes a compelling case for frugal buyers.&nbsp;

Plug-in hybrid

2024-porsche-panamera-revealed-and-driven

2024-porsche-panamera

Audi

RS 7

8 Series Gran Coupe

On sale March 2024 Price from £80,000 (est)If you’re the kind of person who isn’t quite ready to embrace a future dominated by electric cars, then the new <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/panamera/hatchback/review/n17212">Porsche Panamera</a> might be for you. You see, while we know Porsche can do exciting <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric cars</a> very well – the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/taycan/saloon/review/n20184">Porsche Taycan</a> is, after all, our reigning <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/car-of-the-year-awards-2023-performance-car-of-the-year/n25373">Performance Car of the Year</a> – there will still be a good cross-section of buyers who might want good old-fashioned petrol power. And for those drivers, the new Panamera will keep things partly traditional by offering V6 and V8 petrol engines from the outset.We say partly, because, as with today's car, most of those engines will be paired with an electric motor, turning the Panamera into a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743">plug-in hybrid</a>. The hybrid launch range consists of a 4.0-litre V8 option which, together with its electric motor, develops a heady 671bhp. That means the Panamera can reach 0-62mph in just 3.2sec if you see fit to deploy all of its pulling power at once. And if you can keep its 25.9kWh (gross capacity) battery topped up, this Panamera's 56-mile electric range could mean a significant reduction in your fuel bills.More hybrid options will come later, pairing Porsche's 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine with an electric motor. For now, however, drivers can order that V6 engine on its own, and in rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive forms. In the former, simply called the Panamera, the engine develops 348bhp, can reach 62mph in 5.1sec, and offers official fuel consumption figures of 29.4mpg. In the four-wheel drive Panamera 4, that consumption drops to 27.9mpg, but the 0-62mph sprint time also falls to 4.8sec.

With statistics like those, our hopes are high for this Panamera to be engaging and agile, while still offering comfort and family friendly practicality. Is it worth a place on your shopping list, then, over rivals including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a7/hatchback/review/n151">Audi A7 Sportback</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/cls/coupe/review/n146">Mercedes CLS</a>? <h2 dir="ltr">What’s the 2024 Porsche Panamera like to drive?</h2>We’ve driven the range-topping V8-engined plug-in hybrid version of the Panamera, badged as the Turbo e-hybrid, in late-stage prototype form in Germany. And it’s good news for anyone who has worried that the time of the V8 petrol engine is over – because the one in the Panamera delivers exactly the kind of pace you’d want. Put your foot down and it rumbles into life, thrusting you forward with grin-inducing urgency. We just wish it sounded a little more raucous when you want to push on, like the V8 engine in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/rs-7/hatchback/review/n17275">Audi RS7 Sportback</a>.Switch into electric-only e-power mode using the small dial on the steering wheel, and the Panamera will rely mostly on electric power – at least until you put your foot down, at which point the petrol engine again joins the fray. Hybrid mode, by contrast, mixes petrol and electric power efficiently, while Sport and Sport Plus let the V8 engine play a little, by letting it rev higher before changing gear, and upping the noise level a little.

Steering is well weighted and direct, giving you a good sense of what the front wheels are up to. This in turn gives you confidence to push on through corners, even on the rain-lashed roads of our German test route. The ride on standard air suspension is firm but well controlled, much like that of the current Panamera. Larger lumps and bumps are well taken care of, and the car resists body roll through corners well.For keener drivers, plug-in hybrid versions of the Panamera will be offered with a new active system dubbed Porsche Active Ride, which adjusts each corner of the car to counter body roll even more through corners, or to stop any pitching under acceleration or braking. It’s impressive to see in action, but you’ll need to be pressing on to notice the biggest differences.<h2 dir="ltr">What’s the 2024 Porsche Panamera like inside?</h2>The centrepiece of the new Panamera is a trio of screens which put a vast amount of information right in front of you. First up is the 12.6in digital instrument cluster, which isn’t as configurable as what you’ll find in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/8-series-gran-coupe/saloon/review/n20185">BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé</a>, but it looks sharp, and can be optionally supplemented by a large head-up display.Then there’s the central infotainment screen itself, which runs Porsche’s own software. It responded quickly enough to our inputs, but if you’d rather use apps from your smartphone, there are also wireless connections for <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193">Apple Carplay</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194">Android Auto</a>.The third screen is a 10.9in unit which sits in front of your passenger, and offers them the same functionality as the driver. This could let them change the radio station, for example, while you keep an eye on the sat-nav map. This screen also offers Netflix streaming, among other features, but is tinted so it cannot be seen by the driver.

The technology-fest continues in the rear seats, where your passengers have access to another 7.0in screen which shows most of the same car and journey information as the main screen.In an extra nod to usability, we’re pleased to see that changing the temperature in the Panamera can be done using physical switches below the infotainment screen, alongside touch-sensitive icons for your heated seat and other features.Nobody should worry about their devices running out of charge, because as well as a wireless charging pad in the centre console, there are also four USB-C charging ports inside the Panamera.As you’d expect for a car at this price, everything in the Panamera feels premium and built to last. The front seats are pleasantly supportive, and while headroom is at a premium for taller passengers in the rear, there is at least plenty of legroom – even if you’re sitting behind a tall driver.Porsche hasn’t confirmed how big the new Panamera’s boot is, but it’s a usefully square shape, and we’d suggest that your holiday luggage is unlikely to pose a problem. On non-plug-in hybrid models, there’s also a deep well under the boot floor, which could provide somewhere to put your walking boots or hide items away from prying eyes.

<h2 dir="ltr">Verdict</h2>The new Panamera is more comfortable than ever before, and features more technology designed to take the stress out of long journeys – whether your trip ends in Crawley, Cornwall or Cannes.The range-topping V8-engined plug-in hybrid we’ve tried so far shows that this new car isn’t short on pace, or driver engagement, but given its price tag of £141,400 – and the fact that Porsche doesn’t do discounts – we suspect that most drivers will be better served by the lower-powered but cheaper V6 plug-in hybrid option, which starts from £79,500. That said, it's hard to ignore the low Benefit-in-Kind rate attached to this range-topping Panamera if you're lucky enough to be considering one as a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-company-cars/n22605">company car</a>.For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="http://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a><hr /><h3 dir="ltr">Porsche Panamera prototype</h3>Price £141,400 Engine V8, 3996cc, turbo, petrol, plus electric motor Power 671bhp  Torque 686lb ft Gearbox 8-spd automatic 0-62mph 3.2sec (est) Top speed 196mph Fuel economy 235mpg CO2, tax band  26g/km, 8%RivalsBMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Audi RS7 SportbackFor all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a><h2>Read more: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/performance-cars/n23035">Best and worst performance cars</a> &gt;&gt;</h2>

2024 Porsche Panamera revealed and driven

2024 Porsche Panamera

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Entertainingly agile handling</li> <li>Eye-widening acceleration</li> <li>Fruity exhaust note</li> <li>Punchy and characterful engine</li> <li>Great driving position</li> <li>Everyday usability</li></ul>

The best performance cars combine sports car-rivalling acceleration with&nbsp;engaging handling. However, they also retain the&nbsp;impressive everyday usability of the conventional saloons and estates on which they're based.

Performance car

There are some versions of the DS 7 SUV that are worth considering, but the E-Tense is let down by sloppy handling and a crashy ride, while the integration of its motors and engine is anything but seamless.

DS 7 E-Tense

And the hybrid car to avoid...

best-hybrid-cars-2024-–-plug-in-and-regular-hybrids-rated

hybrid-cars

Honda

Civic

Jazz

Our reigning&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/car-of-the-year-awards-2023-family-car-of-the-year/n25357">Family Car of the Year</a> is also the best hybrid car on the market. The Honda Civic is a highly efficient hatchback, easily capable of returning 49mpg in ordinary driving. Sure, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/corolla/hatchback/review/n18901">Toyota Corolla</a> is even more frugal, but the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/honda">Honda</a> more than compensates in other areas.

Performance is impressive by class standards; the Civic can dash from 0-60mph in 6.8sec, meaning it’s faster than not just the Corolla, but also rivals such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/focus/hatchback/review/n37">Ford Focus</a> Ecoboost Hybrid 155 and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/review/n17371">Volkswagen Golf</a> TSI 130, too. Good grip and precise steering help make the Civic fun to drive, although it can’t quite match the&nbsp;Focus for sheer driver enjoyment.

Read our in-depth <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/civic/hatchback/review/n82">Honda Civic review</a>&nbsp;&gt;&gt;

Honda Civic e:HEV

If you’re a company car driver, on the hunt for a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/large-suvs/n17006">large SUV</a> with a premium badge, the Mercedes GLC 300e will surely appeal. Its official electric-only range of 80 miles means monthly payments are lower than for the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/lexus/nx/estate/review/n132">Lexus NX</a> 450h+ (which can officially only travel 45 miles on electric power alone).

Plug-in versions of the GLC come with rear air suspension as standard, which helps hide the weight of the batteries, resulting in a composed ride. All versions of the GLC get a spacious and stylish interior, but the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q5/4x4/review/n41">Audi Q5</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x3/4x4/review/n42">BMW X3</a> feel more solidly built.

At the time of writing, prices for the GLC 300e start from £63,210.

Read our in-depth <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/glc/4x4/review/n17345">Mercedes GLC&nbsp;review</a>&nbsp;&gt;&gt;

Mercedes GLC 300e

The latest <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/lexus/nx/estate/review/n132">Lexus NX</a> is one of the most compelling reasons to go green that we've seen. The 45-mile electric-only range of the plug-in hybrid variant puts it in a lower company car tax bracket than an equivalent Audi Q5 or BMW X3.

It’s good to drive, too; the hybrid system in the PHEV produces 305bhp, allowing the NX 450h+ to outsprint the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/glc/4x4/review/n17345">Mercedes GLC</a> 300e from 0-62mph by half a second. And, while the NX is far from being a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/sports-suvs/n20200">sports SUV</a>, it corners with&nbsp;precision.&nbsp;

Inside, the NX is hard to fault. The interior strikes a great balance between build quality and plushness, and feels well able to withstand the rigours of daily family use.

At the time of writing, prices for the NX 450h+ start from £52,652.

Read our in-depth <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/lexus/nx/estate/review/n132">Lexus NX review</a>&nbsp;&gt;&gt;

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/jazz/hatchback/review/n17343">Honda Jazz</a> is the small car to beat for passenger and luggage space, while its unique and incredibly flexible rear seating only adds to its practicality. Visibility is excellent, too: the tall windscreen, narrow front pillars and deep side and rear windows help make the Jazz easy to manoeuvre and park.

It is rather expensive, but it makes up for this with generous standard equipment and strong resale values, as well as low running costs thanks to its fuel-sipping hybrid system. It’s neither as fun to drive nor as comfy as some other <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-cars/n16997">small cars</a>, but it still comes out on top overall.

Read our in-depth <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/jazz/hatchback/review/n17343">Honda Jazz review</a>&nbsp;&gt;&gt;

Honda Jazz 1.5 Hybrid

The plug-in hybrid system fitted to the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/saloon/review/n70">Mercedes C-Class</a> C300e is the best you’ll find in an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/executive-cars/n2004">executive car</a>. The C300e can officially travel 30 miles further on electric power alone than the equivalent <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/review/n91">BMW 3 Series</a> (the 330e), and the punchy electric motor means the C-Class can get up to motorway speeds comfortably without the engine needing to cut in.

As in the GLC 300e, standard-fit rear air suspension disguises the added bulk of the PHEV’s batteries, although the C300e still isn't quite as capable around corners as the BMW 330e.

Unfortunately, interior quality in the C-Class is poor. The dashboard is littered with cheap plastics which wouldn’t feel out of place in a small car, a far cry from the top-notch materials found in an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a4/saloon/review/n105">Audi A4</a>.

At the time of writing, prices for the C300e start from £52,025.

Read our in-depth <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/saloon/review/n70">Mercedes C-Class review</a>&nbsp;&gt;&gt;

Mercedes C-Class C300e

If you’re in the market for a relatively compact plug-in hybrid with a premium badge on its nose, we’d recommend taking a look at the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a3/hatchback/review/n77">Audi A3</a> 40 TFSIe. Its strong performance and engaging handling make the plug-in A3 one of the best PHEVs to drive, while its official electric-only range of 40 miles keeps company car tax bills low.

Yes, a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/a-class/hatchback/review/n88">Mercedes A-Class</a> A250e has a slightly cheaper purchase price and a marginally better electric-only range, but it’s not as refined, it doesn’t handle as well and at times its ride is more fractious.

At the time of writing, prices for the 40 TFSIe start from £33,974.

Read our in-depth <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a3/hatchback/review/n77">Audi A3 review</a>&nbsp;&gt;&gt;

Audi A3 40 TFSIe

If you’re looking for a combination of plug-in hybrid efficiency and supreme luxury, you’ll be pleased to know that, as well as being one of our favourite hybrids, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover-sport/4x4/review/n74">Range Rover Sport</a> P460e is our reigning <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/car-of-the-year-awards-2023-luxury-car-of-the-year/n25367">Luxury Car of the Year</a>.

Its interior is covered in the same sorts of premium materials you’d find in the bigger (and much more expensive) <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover/4x4/review/n17353">Range Rover</a>, and the Sport cossets its occupants with&nbsp;standard air suspension which isolates them from bumps in the road.

The plug-in hybrid system makes the Range Rover Sport a sensible company car option, too: the P460e’s 31.8kWh battery (which is bigger than the batteries in some small <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric cars</a>) provides an official electric-only range of 75&nbsp;miles.

At the time of writing, prices for the P460e&nbsp;start from £89,081.

Read our in-depth <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover-sport/4x4/review/n74">Range Rover Sport review</a>&nbsp;&gt;&gt;

While the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/corolla/hatchback/review/n18901">Toyota Corolla</a> isn’t quite as brilliant as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/civic/hatchback/review/n82">Honda Civic</a>, it’s still a remarkable hybrid <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/family-cars/n16996">family car</a>. Its 1.8-litre hybrid system returns excellent fuel economy (it managed 50.5mpg in our real-world test), and has more than enough performance for everyday driving.

The Corolla is also well equipped, and feels solidly built, however its interior looks a little conventional next to some rivals’ more outgoing designs. Space for rear passengers is disappointing, so anyone who regularly carries six-footers in the back might be better off looking elsewhere.

Read our in-depth <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/corolla/hatchback/review/n18901">Toyota Corolla&nbsp;review</a>&nbsp;&gt;&gt;

Toyota Corolla 1.8 Hybrid

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover-evoque/4x4/review/n109">Range Rover Evoque</a> is a stylish and well-equipped SUV, and the P300e plug-in hybrid is our pick of the range. It offers the best performance – it’ll do 0-60mph in 6.1sec – and is very smooth and fairly hushed. It has an official electric-only range of 38 miles, meaning most typical journeys can be made on electric power alone (as long as you charge it regularly).

The interior has a premium look and feel to it, and the driving position is excellent, too. There’s plenty of space for six-footers in front and rear, although you can fit less in its boot than in a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x1/estate/review/n25006">BMW X1</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc40/estate/review/n119">Volvo XC40</a>.

At the time of writing, prices for the P300e&nbsp;start from £47,654.

Read our in-depth <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover-evoque/4x4/review/n109">Range Rover Evoque review</a>&nbsp;&gt;&gt;

In conventional petrol-powered form the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/sportage/4x4/review/n17352">Kia Sportage</a> is the best <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/family-suvs/n17116">family SUV</a> you can buy. This hybrid variant brings both extra performance and improved fuel economy, making it an excellent electrified alternative to the standard car.

The Sportage is very spacious, meaning it’s prepared for the various demands of family life, and the interior feels well-screwed together. It’s not quite as comfortable as a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc40/estate/review/n119">Volvo XC40</a>, and is pricier than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/tucson/4x4/review/n103">Hyundai Tucson</a>, but the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/kia">Kia</a> still makes the best all-round package.

A plug-in hybrid Sportage is also available, but the increase in performance is minimal, and the added cost means it’s only worth considering as a company car.

At the time of writing, prices for the hybrid versions of the Sportage&nbsp;start from £33,750.

Read our in-depth <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/sportage/4x4/review/n17352">Kia Sportage review</a>&nbsp;&gt;&gt;

<hr />
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Previously the reserve of budget-conscious minicab drivers and city dwellers, hybrid cars are now a mainstream alternative to conventional petrols and diesels thanks to the promise of lower fuel bills.The thing is, though, knowing which to consider and which to avoid can make the difference between a fuel-sipping investment and a costly mistake. So, after extensive testing of every hybrid car on sale by our experienced team of <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-we-test-cars/n17596">road testers</a>, we reveal the top 10 hybrid cars you can buy – and name the ones to avoid.

It's important to note that we're combining both <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743">plug-in hybrids</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/hybrid-cars-you-dont-have-to-plug-in/n17700">hybrid cars that you don't have to plug in</a> on this list, so whether you have access to a charging point or not, you'll find something that meets your needs. However, if you're simply looking for the best hybrid car money can buy, then that would be the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/civic/hatchback/review/n82">Honda Civic</a>; it offers quick performance, impressive fuel economy and a very practical interior.If you take a liking to the Civic or any other cars on this list, you can click on the relevant links to find out more or see further discounts with our free <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Deals</a> service. Please note that the prices you see here will in some cases reflect the non-hybrid version of the car – we've noted the prices for hybrid versions as of the time of writing alongside each car, but you can also find them by following the links through to the relevant model.

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