Volvo’s XC40 has been instrumental in the growth of this Swedish car firm, with this compact SUV going down a treat with buyers, as well as opening Volvo up to a new audience. While launching in 2017 with conventional engines, it was in 2021 when the line-up expanded to include an electric version.

There’s a choice of a single-motor, front-wheel-drive car or the model we’re focusing on here, which gets twin motors allowing for all-wheel-drive. Packing more than 400bhp, this unassuming Volvo is remarkably quick off the line, yet still manages to offer the comfort and refinement levels that this firm’s cars are renowned for.

While it might be relatively compact, the XC40’s interior is very practical, with a big boot and plenty of rear-seat space making it ideal for families.

The number of seven-seat electric cars on the market is quite limited, and especially at the more compact end of the spectrum. But one model that manages it is the Mercedes-Benz EQB, which comes as standard with three rows of seats, despite its relatively compact footprint.

Based on the firm’s GLB, sold with conventional petrol and diesel engines, the EQB gets a specific ‘electric’ look, most noticeably with full-width light bars at the front and rear.

All EQB models also come as standard with Mercedes-Benz’ 4Matic four-wheel-drive system, which is there predominantly to aid traction. Two versions are available – a 225bhp model and the range-topping 288bhp. The EQB is also generously-equipped and can travel up to 253 miles on a single charge.

While Jaguar is transitioning to become an all-electric brand by 2025, still its first and only model is the I-PACE. Introduced in 2018, it was one of the first electric 4x4s and continues to be an impressive choice, especially used as there are some terrific deals to be had.

Every I-PACE features a four-wheel-drive system, which is called the ‘EV400’. It uses twin electric motors to produce a significant 395bhp, allowing for a 0 to 60mph time of just 4.5 seconds. A claimed range of up to 292 miles also remains competitive, even next to far newer electric SUVs.

With a high-quality interior, enjoyable driving experience and sleek styling, there are plenty of reasons to consider this Jaguar.

The e-tron was the car that kickstarted Audi’s electric car offensive, and it made quite an impact, remaining one of the most popular premium EVs yet. It was packed with technology, including twin touchscreens, one for the infotainment and another for the climate, and was one of the first production cars available with camera-based door mirrors, known as ‘Virtual Mirrors’, which were offered as an option or fitted to top-spec e-trons.

All e-trons use a Quattro all-wheel-drive system, with a choice of ’50’ and ’55’ versions – the latter getting more power and a bigger battery. Audi claimed up to around 260 miles to a charge.

The e-tron is a practical electric SUV that offers superb comfort and refinement. It’s an ideal EV for longer trips, helped along by its impressive rapid charging speeds, while steep initial depreciation makes this Audi a great used buy.

BMW’s flagship electric SUV, the iX, certainly attracted plenty of attention when it launched, not least because of its controversial design. But behind that questionable front-end styling is a seriously impressive EV.

The iX is packed full of technology and is available with all manner of options to help it feel more special. These include quilted leather, crystal-like buttons and modern touchscreens that really lift this BMW’s interior. It really is one of the best around.

All iX models also come with four-wheel-drive, with the flagship M60 version producing a monstrous 611bhp, allowing for 0 to 60mph in as little as 3.6 seconds. With an exceptional range of up to 382 miles, this is a cracking electric 4×4 SUV. Unsurprisingly, values have held up far better than other rivals.

Launched back in 2016, the Model X was one of the first out-and-out electric SUVs, and even against far newer rivals, it’s more than able to hold its own.

As one of the largest electric 4×4 SUVs on the market, it is hugely spacious and ideal for families wanting loads of room. It’s available with five, six or seven seats, with the latter being the most useful. Like Tesla’s other models, the Model X is packed with technology, including various assisted driving features and a large touchscreen that handles the majority of functions.

Unlike other Tesla models, all Model X examples are all-wheel-drive too, with various versions available, depending on whether performance or range is a priority. The firm boasts a range of up to 358 miles, but check individual versions as the ranges might be different.

You might regard Porsche for its petrol sports cars, but in more recent years, it’s built up a specialism in electrified models. Starting with hybrid versions of cars like the Cayenne and Panamera, it launched its first EV in 2020 with the Taycan.

It’s gone on to become one of Porsche’s most popular cars, and is considered as the best-driving electric car yet. Packing a stunning interior filled with the latest technology and high-end materials, it is a great premium electric 4×4.

Available as a saloon, estate (Sport Turismo) and rugged (Cross Turismo) version, the majority of models come equipped with four-wheel-drive. With a whole suite of versions, including extreme ‘Turbo’ models, and a range of up to 300 miles, it’s well worth considering.

It was the Model S that was the car to get Tesla noticed, with this practical large hatchback being an ideal choice for showing just how usable EVs could be. At launch, all versions boasted a range of more than 200 miles (the most of any electric car at the time), with the latest versions being able to achieve double this on a single charge.

Renowned for its performance, the Model S is dominated by its large central touchscreen that handles the majority of this EV’s key functions. You can also easily access Tesla’s dedicated network of Superchargers, which are widely considered some of the most reliable and quickest around.

The majority of used Model S examples will use all-wheel-drive, but the firm did sell rear-wheel-drive models, too. The easiest way to make sure you’re buying a 4×4 version is because it will have a ‘D’ at the end of its model name – such as P85D.

BMW now has one of the most extensive line-ups of electric cars around, and if you’re looking for a ‘4×4’ that’s not really a 4×4 to look at, you should take a look at the i4. A rival for the popular Tesla Model 3, it arrived in 2021 as the all-electric equivalent to the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.

This is a coupe-styled hatchback that is surprisingly practical while retaining BMW’s fantastic reputation for being great to drive.

If you want all-wheel-drive, it’s only the top-spec M50 version to choose from. This is developed by BMW’s ‘M’ division and uses a twin-motor electric powertrain that develops a huge 536bhp. This enables the i4 to reach 60mph in just 3.6 seconds.

Kia has established itself as a key player in the electric car world, with the EV6 being its first specific battery-electric model. Built around a new platform, it allows the firm to be more flexible when it comes to its design and interior packaging – both of which are apparent when you see the EV6’s futuristic design for yourself.

Helping to move Kia upmarket, the EV6 features a high-quality and practical interior that can take the fight to more premium rivals on paper.

The other great thing about the EV6 is how quickly it can charge, as thanks to an 800-volt architecture, its battery can be rapid charged in as little as 18 minutes. You can choose between rear- or all-wheel-drive, but it’s the latter you’ll want if after a ‘4×4’.