Some of the best luxury hybrid and electric vehicles on the market.
Electric and hybrid propulsion is becoming the norm in the motoring industry, and with many shoppers wanting to soothe their conscience by opting for fewer emissions – while benefiting from a smaller fuel budget – manufacturers have been updating their products accordingly.
Gone are the days when electric or hybrid cars meant they were slow, unattractive, and nothing more than a barebones commuters; today, the list of premium vehicles with green technology under the hood is longer than ever.
Premium Hybrid Vehicles
For some, going fully electric may still seem to be too much of a leap. Hybrid power is a good stepping stone and provides peace of mind by having an internal combustion engine to fall back on. And some of the best hybrid luxury cars come from known and respected brands, meaning you can retain status and swag while enjoying the benefits of the tech.
With technological advancement, hybrid vehicles include improved fuel economy, performance gains, and fewer emissions. And, since these compete in the premium segment, you also get spacious cabins with upper-tier materials, loads of features, gorgeous trim, and handsome designs. They don’t necessarily come cheap, though, but savings on gas bills should make it worthwhile in the long run. And this isn’t unexpected, either, considering many premium brands have gotten in on the action – regular Porsche, Lexus, Acura, BMW, and Land Rover models aren’t on the cheap side to start with, so expect even higher starting prices.
There are various body styles to choose from among hybrid premium vehicles, with sexy coupes like the Lexus LC Hybrid, sedans such as the Audi A7 Hybrid, or even crossovers like BMW’s X3 Hybrid. And even off-roading legends like the Land Rover Range Rover Hybrid tick the boxes – ample horsepower and loads of torque make this beast ideal for taking on the road less traveled. Not only is it capable, but it’s got enough cargo space and a spacious back seat to make urban cruising equally pleasant.
Here is a summary of advantages and disadvantages of opting for a luxury hybrid car:
Pros:
- Less range anxiety due to ICE backup
- Hybrid models are often halo models in the range – so expect the best in features and specifications
- Plush seating and handsome interior designs
- Packed with tech so expect good safety ratings
- Models from top brands carry over the reliability and reputation of gas models
Cons:
- Hybrid tech merged with premium appointments means a higher sticker price
- PHEVs need to be charged and can take time
- Heavier curb weights affect economy and driving feel
Luxury EVs
If you’ve decided to go all the way and forego combustion power entirely, perusing the scores of electric vehicles could seem overwhelming. But, if you’re shopping among luxury electric vehicles for your next ride, you’re in for a treat. In the USA, the list of luxury EVs is long, and the advantages are numerous.Â
Naturally, mpg figures are a thing of the past, and you’ll only have to deal with charging times instead. But in comparison to models with a gas engine, these electric cars are not just better for the environment, they come in various configurations ranging in size. Some of the best new EVs cost a pretty penny, however, so don’t expect cheap MSRP numbers – but we still think it’s worth every cent.
In the segment, you can look at German competitors from Porsche in terms of the Taycan – whether in Cross Turismo guise or as the Sport Turismo version, the car is excellent. Naturally, Tesla variants make it onto the list, although there has been some question as to whether they are truly as luxurious as some of the competition. Still, Tesla provides undeniable performance that will push you back in your seat – the Tesla Model X Plaid comes with an almost-ridiculous 1,020 hp that dispatches the 0-60 mph sprint in just 2.5 seconds – and it has seating for six people, to boot.
New additions to the EV segment include the BMW iX and the Cadillac Lyriq, both all-electric SUVs that look as striking outside as they do inside. And there are even more exciting models on the horizon. Acura will bring a ZDX to the United States soon. For now, we have other fun electric SUVs to enjoy, including the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Audi e-tron.
Pros and cons of the EV segment are important to look at before you fork over your hard-earned money:
Pros:
- Various body styles and shapes
- Most are spacious and comfortable at this price point
- Opulent and posh inside
- Potent electric powertrains make for thrilling acceleration
- Federal tax rebates are attractive
- Loads of features and on-board tech
Cons:
- High starting cost
- Charging times can be long if you don’t have the right setup
- Heavier than gas-fed cars due to electronics – which can affect handling
Also Read: How to Maintain a Green Lifestyle on Campus
