Looking to step inside a low emission car, but not quite ready for the commitment of a full electric vehicle? Here are 15 of the hybrids with long electric ranges to ease you in to zero tailpipe emission driving.
1. Volkswagen Golf eHybrid - 89 miles
The introduction of the Mk8.5 Golf came with several updates, featuring a plug-in hybrid with an extended electric range of up to 89 miles. This is available in the eHybrid model, which produces a total of 204bhp through its combination of a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo engine, an electric motor, and a 19.7kWh battery—almost twice the capacity of its predecessor's 10.6kWh. Additionally, there's the more dynamic GTE option, which boasts an increased combined power output of 268bhp but a slightly lower, yet still notable, electric range of 82 miles. Furthermore, a Benefit in Kind (BiK) rate of only five percent is likely to attract company car buyers.
2. Skoda Superb Estate iV PHEV - 84 miles
The fourth-generation Skoda Superb introduces a plug-in hybrid powertrain exclusively for the estate model. It delivers a notable 84 miles of electric-only range—more than double the 35-mile range of its predecessor—thanks to its 19.7kWh battery, which is an upgrade from the previous 13kWh unit. It also shares the same powertrain as the Golf eHybrid mentioned earlier, featuring a 1.5-litre, 147bhp 4-cylinder turbo engine and an 114bhp electric motor mounted on the gearbox. The boot space remains generous at 510 litres, expanding to 1,770 litres with the rear seats folded down. Rapid charging from 10 to 80 percent on a 50kW charger takes just over 25 minutes.
3. Volkswagen Passat eHybrid - 82 miles
The third car on this list to appear from the Volkswagen Group is the Passat eHybrid, which can reach a respectable 82 miles of electric driving range. The design of the car is virtually identical to that of the Golf and the Superb, and the Passat has exactly the same amount of boot space as the Skoda.
4. Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e - 78 miles
You’ve probably seen many of these vehicles on the road in recent times, with the GLC being Mercedes’ best seller. Leading the electric range is the 300e, equipped with a 2.0-litre petrol engine combined with a 134bhp electric motor, providing up to 78 miles of electric range thanks to its 31.2kWh battery. Recharging fully takes approximately 30 minutes with the optional 60kW CCS fast charger, or slightly longer with the standard 11kW AC charger.
5. Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid - 77 miles
It's no shock to learn that its hybrid configuration mirrors the other VWs on here, featuring a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo, an electric motor, and a 19.7kWh battery. However, the all-electric range is slightly lower, at up to 77 miles. This is still ample for the average 27-mile UK commute. By utilising off-peak tariffs starting from under 10p per kWh, a full charge costs around £2.
6. Range Rover Sport P440e / P510e - 76 miles
A fully electric variant is scheduled to debut later in 2025. Currently, those seeking an electrified experience with the Range Rover Sport must opt for one of the plug-in hybrid options. There are two available: the P440e and the P510e. Both models are equipped with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine paired with a 141bhp electric motor and a 38kWh battery. The total power output for these models is 434bhp and 503bhp, respectively. Notably, both offer up to 76 miles of claimed electric range, which Land Rover estimates is sufficient for the typical Range Rover owner to complete up to three-quarters of their journeys without engaging the petrol engine.
7. Range Rover P440e / P510e - 75 miles
Those looking for a more luxurious ride? The fifth-generation Range Rover comes in identical to the plug-in hybrid setup of the Range Rover Sport, but manages a slightly lower 75 miles of fully-electric driving range due to its heavier build and reduced aerodynamics. The 38kWh battery present in the Range Rover will charge from 0-100% in about an hour on a 50kW DC charger. Alternatively, it will take around 5 hours when plugged into a 7kW home callbox, great for overnight charging.
8. Skoda Kodiaq 1.5 TSI iV - 75 miles
The second-generation Skoda Kodiaq introduces the Czech manufacturer's latest hybrid technology, offering up to 75 miles of all-electric range. This system combines a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, producing 147bhp, with a 114bhp electric motor integrated into the gearbox, resulting in a total output of 204bhp and 350 Nm of torque. The 25.7kWh battery (with 19.7kWh usable capacity), positioned under the rear seats, supports up to 50kW charging. This capability enables a 10-80% charge to be achieved in under half an hour.
9. Mercedes-Benz E300e - 70 miles
Having already featured one Mercedes on this list, expect to encounter several more. Leading the lineup is the sixth-generation E-Class saloon, available in the UK with three powertrain options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine, or a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 127bhp electric motor, delivering a total output of 308bhp. The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle variant is the quickest, achieving 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds. Its 25.4kWh battery provides a claimed electric-only range of 70 miles. Additionally, the E-Class is offered in an estate version, although the increased weight of this model reduces its electric range to up to 68 miles.
10. Mercedes-Benz C300e - 69 miles
The c300e has an impressive range of 69 miles, and the same as the E-class, there’s also an estate version to choose from. The estate offers a 67 mile range, as well as obviously more cargo space in the boot, making it the perfect selection for weekend adventuring.
11. Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe 300e - 69 miles
Is style a priority when selecting your plug-in hybrid? Consider the Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe. This model supersedes the two-door variants of the C-Class and E-Class. Although initially offered only with mild hybrid options, it is now equipped with the same PHEV powertrain as the E-Class, a distinction that sets the Coupe apart from its Cabriolet counterpart.
12. Mercedes-Benz GLE 400e - 68 miles
If you find the Mercedes-Benz GLC appealing but require a slightly larger vehicle, consider the mid-size GLE plug-in hybrid. In its 400e configuration, it features an enhanced 2.0-litre petrol engine while sharing identical electric components with its smaller counterpart. This model offers a substantial electric-only range of up to 68 miles. It is important to note, however, that due to the battery's placement beneath the boot floor, the GLE 400e is available only with five seats, unlike other variants in the GLE range that offer an optional seven-seat configuration.
13. BMW X5 xDrive50e - 67 miles
The BMW X5 underwent a mid-life refresh in early 2023, with notable updates made to the xDrive50e plug-in hybrid variant. The revised model features a 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six engine and an electric motor, which together deliver an additional 95bhp and 100Nm of torque compared to the outgoing version. The battery capacity has been increased by nearly 25% to 25.7kWh and now supports a maximum charging capacity of 7.4kW, double that of its predecessor. These enhancements result in a 0-62mph acceleration time of just 4.8 seconds and an all-electric range of up to 67 miles- impressive figures for a vehicle weighing two and a half tonnes.
14. Renault Rafale E-Tech PHEV 300 - 65 miles
The Renault Rafale E-Tech PHEV 300 integrates a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with three electric motor- one at the front, one at the rear, and a gearbox-integrated starter generator- alongside a 22kWh battery. This configuration delivers a combined output of 296bhp and a claimed electric range of up to 65 miles. Renault estimates a combined fuel consumption of 403.5mpg, or 48.7mpg even when the battery is depleted. Additional features include four-wheel steering, four-wheel drive, and a self-adjusting suspension system.
15. BMW 530e - 64 miles
The eighth-generation BMW 5 Series offers two plug-in hybrid variants: the 530e and the 550e xDrive. The 530e features a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the 550e xDrive is equipped with a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine. Both engines are paired with an electric motor and a 19.4kWh battery, providing up to 64 miles and 55 miles of electric range, respectively. The estate variant offers slightly less range. These figures position the 5 Series closely to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, indicating a competitive landscape with more developments to come.
Transitioning to a low-emission vehicle doesn't have to mean jumping straight into a fully electric car. The 15 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) listed above offer a compelling middle ground, providing substantial electric ranges that can ease you into the world of zero tailpipe emission driving. From the Volkswagen Golf eHybrid with its impressive 89-mile electric range to the BMW 530e offering a respectable 64 miles, these vehicles cater to a variety of needs and preferences.
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