The 10 best plug-in hybrids on sale today

Plug-in hybrids have gown hugely in popularity recently, as motorists seek to change to electrified motoring, but with the confidence of having an engine there for longer ranges and better performance over longer distances.

As well as saving private buyers fuel, plug-in hybrids are also often fantastic company cars as their low CO2 emissions equal a lower Benefit-in-Kind tax band, and subsequently cheaper company car tax bills. Unsurprisingly, many businesses are now pushing their employees to have these as company cars.

Plug-in hybrids – or PHEVs – range from small hatchbacks through to large SUVs and sports cars, meaning there is something to suit nearly everyone.

Here we round up our top 10 plug-in hybrids on sale, and what you can expect to pay for them on the used market. Please note that all new prices include the government’s £2,500 plug-in car grant, unless mentioned otherwise.

Audi A3 e-Tron

If you don’t wish to shout about the fact you’re driving a plug-in hybrid, the A3 e-Tron is an ideal choice. Featuring Audi’s typical well-built interior and a combined power figure of just over 200bhp, it’s an ideal companion into the world of electrified motoring.

New price from: £33,955

Used prices from: £16,500 (2015 model)

Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in

The Hyundai Ioniq is an interesting proposition from Hyundai, as it’s available as a conventional hybrid, a fully electric model and as a plug-in hybrid. Ultra-low CO2 emissions of 26g/km and a bold claimed fuel economy figure of 247mpg will also mean low running costs, too.

New price from: £25,345

Used prices from: £21,000 (2017 model)

Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine hybrid

The XC90 T8 Twin Engine hybrid shows that plug-in hybrids don’t have to be small, and that big SUVs need not be thirsty. The XC90 is a luxurious, practical and safe SUV, and as a plug-in hybrid it makes a fantastic alternative to a diesel XC90. It’s worth noting the XC90 does not qualify for the plug-in grant, because its emissions are too high, and because its list price exceeds £50,000.

New price from: £62,570

Used prices from: £42,000 (2016 model)

Toyota Prius Plug-in

The Prius was the car that really got the ball rolling in terms of hybrid powertrians. First launched as a conventional hybrid, it has since been offered as a plug-in hybrid option. Offering an impressive all-electric range and a lengthy equipment list, it’s worth considering.

New price from: £29,195

Used prices from: £23,500 (2017 model)

BMW i8

The BMW i8 is definitely one of the most exciting plug-in cars out there, particularly with its futuristic looks. The i8 ultimately shows that electrified cars don’t have to bland and slow, and that supercars can be cheap to run. The i8 does not qualify for the plug-in car grant.

New price from: £112,755

Used prices from: £50,000 (2014 model)

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Outlander SUV has been a huge success for Mitsubishi, and is the best-selling plug-in car overall in the UK. It might not have the refinement of rivals, but it’s an economical and practical choice, and you can’t argue with the buying power of the general public…

New price from: £32,305

Used prices from: £11,500 (2015 model with high mileage)

Volkswagen Passat GTE

The Passat GTE retains all the great characteristics of the standard Passat, as it’s well-equipped, premium and practical, but ties this in with low running costs from the plug-in hybrid version. It’s also available as both a saloon and an estate, although Volkswagen has currently suspended new Passat GTE sales because of “unprecedented demand”, so your only current options are to choose used.

New price from: £37,430

Used prices from: £25,000 (2016 model)

Range Rover P400e

The Range Rover P400e is Land Rover’s first plug-in hybrid vehicle and, like the Volvo, it shows the variety of plug-in hybrids on sale. As many Range Rovers now spend most of their time in the city, the 31-mile electric-only range in the P400e makes a lot of sense, and is paired with Land Rover’s four-cylinder ‘Ingenium’ petrol engine. If you purely value your SUV for luxurious silent motoring, the P400e is the pick of the Range Rover line-up.

New price from: £105,865

Used prices from: N/A

Kia Niro Plug-in

The Kia Niro Plug-in is one of the latest hybrids to go on sale. While it might not look particularly exciting, the Niro is very well-equipped and you also have the benefit of Kia’s lengthy seven-year warranty, too.

New price from: £27,995

Used prices from: £23,000

Porsche Panamera Turbo S E Hybrid

Porsche is no longer selling any new diesel vehicles in the UK, and is therefore expanding its plug-in hybrid range. The monstrous 671bhp Panamera S E Hybrid is one of the latest hybrids in the firm’s repertoire. While it’s no more efficient in the real-world than your average thirsty saloon, we admire that it exists for those that want to at least pretend that they’re saving the environment. It does not include the government grant – not that a £2,500 saving would make much difference on a car of this value.

New price from: £137,140

Used prices from: £129,000 (2017 model)

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