If you think all the best hybrids are all penny-pinching econoboxes, think again. Even proper premium manufacturers like BMW and even Bentley are wheeling out luxury hybrid cars. With sizeable electric-only ranges, punchy performance and low company car rates, they’re a tempting choice.
In this list, we’ll cover mild hybrids, self-charging hybrids and plug-in hybrids in a variety of body styles. So whether you’re looking for a chunky 4×4 like the Range Rover, an imposing saloon such as the Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid or even the Lexus LC500h sports car, we’ve got you covered.
Before comparing, it’s important to know what you want from your hybrid purchase. If you’re buying privately or just can’t plug in anywhere a full- or mild-hybrid car may be the best bet. A full hybrid is usually a cheaper option than a PHEV on account of its smaller battery. You won’t get mpg into the hundreds, but you will get a useful economy boost, especially around town.
A plug-in (PHEV) has many advantages, and can massively reduce a company car driver’s BIK bill, in some cases to well below far cheaper conventional cars. Some can also travel in excess of 50 miles on a single charge, potentially making for even cheaper running costs. As the name suggests, a mild hybrid is the weakest type. Batteries and motors are far smaller, with only enough punch to assist the combustion engine under acceleration or power ancillaries such as the air-conditioning when you’re stationary.
Thankfully we’ve selected 10 of the best mild, full and plug-in choices in a range of bodystyles.
Top 10 luxury hybrid cars 2024
Editor’s choice: Range Rover
Parkers award-winning mega-SUV is an absolute pleasure to drive
Pros:
✅ Roomy adaptable interior
✅ Excellent battery-only range
✅ Fabulous driving position
Cons:
❌ Expensive optional extras
❌ Long waiting list
Although the Range Rover’s mild-hybrid assisted six-cylinder diesels are exceptionally good, you shouldn’t discount the plug-in hybrid. With a larger battery and more powerful, smoother engine than the Defender, it has much lower BIK costs and one of the best electric only ranges in the class.
Read our full Range Rover review
Mercedes-Benz S580e
If you want a luxury saloon, here’s the state of the art
Pros:
✅ Unbeatable comfort and luxury
✅ Brilliant handling
✅ Plug-in has 65 miles of range
Cons:
❌ Infotainment takes acclimatisation
❌ Lots of tech is optional
Plug-in hybrid S-Classes have been on sale for a while now, but the latest is a real corker. The six-cylinder petrol engine and sizeable electric motor means it’s refined when you want it to be, yet has plenty of performance, too. A 65-mile electric only range and rapid charge capability also impresses.
Read our full Mercedes-Benz S-Class review
BMW X5 50e
Brilliant plug-in SUV that’s rewarding for drivers and passengers
Pros:
✅ Excellent handling and steering
✅ Practical, spacious interior
✅ Effortlessly quick
Cons:
❌ Rear legroom could be better
❌ If you want seven seats, get an XC90
We love the BMW X5 45e, but the recent facelift has increased power and EV range while also boosting charging speeds. The vital stats are now 489hp, up to 67 miles of all-electric running and the ability to charge at 7.4kWh or twice as quickly as before. It’s not the most efficient PHEV with a flat battery, and you lose the seven-seat option, though.
Read our full BMW X5 review
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Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid
Fabulous luxury saloon that turns any journey into an occasion
Pros:
✅ Lovely interior
✅ Silent, luxurious performance
✅ Elegant looks inside and out
Cons:
❌ A lack of luggage space
❌ Ride quality could be better
Along with the Bentayga Hybrid, the Flying Spur Hybrid proves that even plutocrats care about the environment (or appear as if they are). We prefer the Flying Spur as although it doesn’t have a great electric range, performance is in keeping with the Bentley badge unlike the plug-in Bentayga.
Read our full Bentley Flying Spur review
Land Rover Defender
Luxury car? Oh yes… this utilitarian off-roader is brimming on-road appeal
Pros:
✅ Unbeatable off-road
✅ Seriously good on road
✅ Civilised, calm and roomy inside
Cons:
❌ Extras seriously jack up prices
❌ Seven-seater configuration is optional
While you can buy a plug-in hybrid Defender, we wouldn’t bother. After all, the Range Rover Sport is a better PHEV, while the mild-hybrid enhanced diesel engines are a perfect match for the Defender. Performance is good, economy bearable, and it’s unlikely you’ll have any trouble towing.
Read our full Land Rover Defender 110 review
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Lexus LC500h
An imposing grand tourer with stand-out looks and interior quality
Pros:
✅ Superb long-distance comfort
✅ Surprisingly economical
✅ Beautifully-constructed interior
Cons:
❌ In reality, it’s a luxury car for two
❌ Very limited luggage space
Although (whisper it) we prefer the LC500 V8, the LC500h combines 354bhp, potentially over 30mpg and CO2 figures that are far easier to swallow than you’d think. Just bear in mind that Porsche will be announcing hybridised 911s very shortly.
Read our full Lexus LC review
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Volvo XC90 Recharge
Range Rover rival that cuts a dash in the luxury car park
Pros:
✅ Excellent comfort levels
✅ Space for seven
✅ Well-judged design
Cons:
❌ Beginning to feel old
❌ Expensive optional extras
If the BMW X5 50e’s lack of a third row of seats is a dealbreaker, we’d point you towards the seven-seat Volvo XC90 Recharge. Now with an electric-only range of 41 miles and a boost to 455hp, it’s both faster and cheaper to run than its smaller-batteried predecessor.
Read our full Volvo XC90 review
Volvo XC90 lease deals | VIEW OFFER
Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid
A Porsche that rewards those in the rear as much as the driver
Pros:
✅ Fast and luxurious
✅ Fabulous handling and ride
✅ Cutting-edge tech inside
Cons:
❌ Looks old hat compared with Porsche Taycan
❌ Infotainment intimidating and complex
Sharing a powertrain with the Flying Spur Hybrid, think of the Panamera S E-Hybrid as a cheaper, sportier alternative to the big Bentley. Yes, a Turbo S E-Hybrid is even faster, but the regular S has plenty of poke for significantly less cash.
Read our full Porsche Panamera review
Lexus NX
The perfect hybrid SUV for luxury down-sizers
Pros:
✅ Unmatched interior quality for the price
✅ Comfortable and refined
✅ PHEV has excellent battery range
Cons:
❌ Steering wheel controls are confusing
❌ Practicality is only average
The RX might be where Lexus cut its hybrid SUV teeth, but it’s the smaller NX that’s our recommendation. Available with full and plug-in hybrid powertrains, it utilises the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine for both. Shared with the Toyota RAV4 PHEV, its slightly gruff edge sits more comfortably in this class than the one above.
Read our full Lexus NX review
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
Luxury combined with an convertible hood is an irresistible option
Pros:
✅ Excellent performance and efficiency
✅ High quality interior
✅ Refined at speed, even roof down
Cons:
❌ Lacks exclusivity
❌ Less roomy in the rear than the coupe
For open-topped motoring with a mild hybrid twist, you need an E-Class Cabriolet. All bar the entry-level diesel get an electric boost of between 14 and 22hp, and the mHEV bits allow greater engine off time when at the lights or coasting. Not only are the engines good, it’s a lovely way to get around on a cloudless day.
Read our full Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet review
Are luxury hybrids worth it?
Tough question. It depends on the car. With some models, the added hybrid gubbins take away virtually nothing from the luxury experience, and simply add mpg. While with others the added complication can make the car less comfortable or easy to use.
What hybrid luxury cars get the best mileage?
Plug-in hybrid cars, such as the Volvo XC90 in this list, have the best mpg scores assuming you use them correctly and plug in regularly.
Alan Taylor-Jones
Alan Taylor-Jones is the New Cars Editor for the Bauer Digital Automotive Hub, working on both Parkers and sister title CAR. He’s been reviewing cars for nearly a decade, so really knows his onions.
