Electric cars were the future once. But the EU’s recent decision to exempt cars running on e-fuel from the 2035 petrol and diesel engine ban, coupled with the rising cost of electricity means there’s still a case for the combustion engine. The best hybrid cars combine some of the zero emission driving of an EV with the long-legged pulling power of the internal combustion engine. The best diesel hybrid cars really suit people who do a lot of city and motorway driving.
There aren’t many diesel hybrid cars currently on sale, which is a shame because these two technologies work incredibly well together. Especially plug-in hybrids, which can glide along on electric power in busy streets, then have a diesel engine fire up so it can economically fire down the motorway.
This list contains plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid cars as there aren’t any new diesel self-charging hybrids on the market.
Best diesel hybrids for 2024:
Editor's choice: Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Comfortable and luxurious cruiser, now with added zero emissions running
It's available with a broad range of engines on offer, but the one we’re talking about here is the diesel plug-in hybrid, badged E300de. It’s the pick of the range, with a powerful 306hp 2.0-litre diesel engine and battery pack capable of close to 30 miles. It’s truly an epic cruiser, being quiet, long-legged and fast.
To find out more, read the full Mercedes-Benz E-Class review
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Punchy performance
- Upmarket interior
Cons
- PHEV does affect boot size
- Expensive
BMW 3 Series
Family favourite is a superb all-rounder
It's family friendly because its spacious and it has a brilliant infotainment system. The fun element follows BMW stellar chassis set up and weight distribution, while the economy comes courtesy of a mild hybrid diesel engine. The 320d is the most popular choice of 3 Series because it’s smooth and fast, available with four-wheel drive and is capable of 50mpg in the real-world.
To find out more, read the full BMW 3 Series review
Pros
- Desirable
- Lots of tech
- Fast and frugal engines
Cons
- Boot isn't that large
- Firm ride on models with large wheels
The best 4x4xfar
There are two mild hybrid diesel options on offer. The D300 and D350 are essentially the same engine, with two different states of tune. The former has 300hp and the latter has 350hp, hence the names. These engines are quiet, powerful and surprisingly economical. You can expect close to 45mpg on a long run.
To find our more, read our full Range Rover review
Pros
- Decadent interior
- Clever infotainment
- Off-roading ability
Cons
- Enormous
- A lot of money
Audi Q8
Roomy, fast and very capable
There's just one option available, but the barrel-chester 3.0-litre V6 really is all you'll need. It's punchy, refined on the motorway and delivers effortless and swift performance. Just watch those options when you're pricing one up.
To find out more, read the full Audi Q8 review
Pros
- High-quality interior
- Spacious rear seats
- Long fuel range
Cons
- Rivals are more comfortable
- Rivals are better to drive
Mazda CX-60
Left field SUV choice
And it continues to go against the grain with its latest model. The CX-60 uses a 3.3-litre mild hybrid diesel engine. It’s powerful, punchy and unstressed. MPG in the 50s might be on the cards, which is commendable considering the size of the car. Other benefits include the interior, which can be specced with delicious white maple wood trim.
To find out more, read our Mazda CX-60 review
Pros
- Good value
- Zesty performance
- Premium interior
Cons
- Unimpressive ride quality
- Bigger than you might think
Impressively tech-laden large SUV
You also get plenty of tech and luxury, of course. There are twin 12.3-inch screens which look classy and are near endlessly configurable. The diesel plug-in hybrid system used here is the same one as in the E-Class at the top of this list, although it’s not quite as economical as it needs to ferry around a fair bit more weight.
To find out more read our Mercedes-Benz GLE review
Pros
- Cutting-edge interior
- Luxurious
- Seven seats
Cons
- Feels large on the road
- Infotainment is a bit fiddly
One of the best estate cars ever
The mild hybrid diesel on offer here is the same torquey, refined and surprisingly quick one you’ll find in the 3 Series.
To find out more, read our full BMW 5 Series Estate review
Pros
- Great to drive
- Intuitive infotainment
- High quality interior
Cons
- Not the most practical estate
- A little less refined than saloon
BMW X5
Trumps rivals for dynamism
You can, should you so wish, spec a 3.0-litre straight six mild hybrid diesel in your BMW X5. The 0–62mph sprint is dealt with in less than six seconds and it should see 40mpg. Incredibly smooth, too.
To find out more, read our full BMW X5 review
Pros
- Great to drive for such a large car
- Spacious interior and boot
- Ergonomic interior
Cons
- Feels big to manoeuvre
- Rear legroom could be better
A Range Rover that's been on a diet
There are the D300 and D350 engines nicked straight from the Range Rover, as well as the D250, which offers less power but is a bit cheaper and more economical.
To find out more, read our full Range Rover Sport review
Pros
- Remarkably good to drive
- Impressive interior
- Plenty of engine options
Cons
- Huge, but no seven-seat option
- Lots of money
Best diesel hybrid cars FAQ
What’s the difference between a diesel hybrid and a diesel plug-in hybrid?
Both types of diesel hybrid are powered by a combination of a diesel engine and an electric motor with battery pack. They’re a stepping stone between ICE and EV, offering some of the advantages and drawbacks of both – but bear in mind, both types of hybrid are rare.
The key difference between a diesel hybrid and a diesel plug-in hybrid is that the latter has a much larger battery and motor and needs to be plugged in to keep it topped up. The former’s battery is solely charged up by the engine, which means you don’t have to deal with cables and public charging.
Is diesel hybrid better than petrol?
It’s different. But certainly because of the fuel efficiency of diesel, you’ll go much, much further between pump refills than you will with a petrol hybrid. Although the diesel engine is more economical than its petrol counterpart, it’s also less refined and currently, more expensive to buy fuel for it.
What is a hybrid diesel car?
A diesel hybrid combines a diesel engine with an electric motor, and the two systems work with each other to move the vehicle. This allows the car to burn less fossil fuel, resulting in better fuel efficiency than a traditional engine. Electric power boosts the performance of the engine.
Hybrids charge the battery through its internal system, so they do not need recharging from an external source. Plug-in hybrids do, and run on both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. For the best results, you should charge its battery by plugging it in to an outside electrical source.
