The ability to charge your hybrid vehicle has been a transformative but relatively new concept in the world of hybrids, with the first plug-in hybrid sold in Europe being the Opel Ampera in 2011, over a decade after the first mass produced hybrid, the Toyota Prius was released. 

Since then, plug-in hybrids have carved out a significant segment of not only the electric vehicle market, but the market for new vehicles as a whole, offering better MPG than internal combustion engines, and more usability than electric only ones. Here are some of the best PHEVs currently available.

Best Plug-in-Hybrid SUVs

Volvo XC60 PHEV - £54,375

Volvo were almost a very early adopter of the PHEV powertrain, developing a working V70 plug-in hybrid in 2009. Whilst that model didn't get put into production, the XC60 PHEV certainly did, and is now one of Volvo's highest selling models.

The XC60 is the sweet spot for SUVs, especially to be driven in the UK. It’s large enough to give the road presence and higher driving position of a traditional SUV, but is easier to park than the huge XC90. It also comes with a ridiculous 455hp powertrain.

Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid - £39,885

Toyota are usually a safe bet, and they certainly know their stuff when it comes to hybrids.

The new RAV4 is a good example of the PHEV format, offering a respectable 46 miles of EV-only range, perfect for a short commute, with a high-tech but not underpowered 2.5-litre petrol engine to take over. 

At just under £40,000 the Design spec is quite good value, with a usable 218hp and a 10.5” touchscreen for nav, entertainment and various vehicle controls.

Its exterior styling might not be to everyone's taste, with the front grille looking a little too angular, the inside is functional and stylish.

KIA Sorento Plug-in Hybrid - £47,295

If you’re looking for a fairly economical - to buy and run -  7 seater SUV hybrid, the Sorento PHEV is definitely worth investigating. 

It comes with a host of safety features such as anti-collision and parking assistants to help day to day, and an official MPG of over 170 (it’s more likely to be around 45 in rear usage, though). 

Alongside the hybrid motor and battery combo, there's a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Whilst this may seem fairly small for a car of this size, it puts out a combined power of 212hp, so shouldn’t feel too sluggish in real conditions. 

Best Plug-in Hybrid Luxury Cars

Range Rover Electric Hybrid - £104,025

The Range Rover could definitely also fall into the SUV category above, but considering its comfort and opulence, I think the standout feature is how luxurious it is, rather than the ride height. The new Range Rover Electric Hybrid has a starting price of just over £104,000.

As it has a price higher than any car on this list, the cheapest “full-fat” Range Rover plug-in hybrid rightly delivers on style, features and comfort. 

You get a lovely panoramic roof, Meridian sound system and LED headlights as standard. 

Audi A8 TFSI e - £92,380

The A8 has been a model aimed at the top end of the market since its introduction in 1994, competing with the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series. The new plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers power and efficiency in abundance, with 455 hp and nearly 40 miles of EV-only range.

Alongside the hi-tech hybrid system is a 3.0 litre V6 twin-turbo petrol engine, inside the cabin is a great blend of high-quality leathers, plastics and metals, complete with a large infotainment screen and four-zone climate control.

Jaguar F-Pace P400e - £59,035

Like most manufacturers Jaguar has recently been pushing to ditch all their traditional petrol and diesel-engined vehicles, pledging to stop production of anything but electric vehicles by 2025. 

Best get your order in quick for their handsome hybrid SUV; the F-Pace P400e!

The P400e has an electric-only range of 29 miles and is also equipped with a high-tech suspension system, improving handling at speed, despite its significant proportions. 

Whilst we wouldn't suggest taking it too far off the beaten track, its 4WD system should help should the road get slippery!

Best Plug-in Hybrid Sports Cars

Porsche Panamera 4S E-Hybrid - £102,100

If anyone can make a well-handling hybrid, despite their unavoidable weight, it is Porsche, the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid is the natural predecessor to the brand's first plug-in hybrid, in the previous Panamera released in 2014.

Performance is suitably astounding with 750 NM of torque and the ability to hit 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Whilst the Panamera has 4 doors and a decent-sized boot, it still holds its own in the handling stakes and has been well-reviewed across the board. 

BMW M5 Touring Plug-in Hybrid - £113,405

Releasing in 2025 this will be BMW’s first hybrid M5, offered as an estate or saloon. 

It has a twin-turbo V8 engine combined with a powerful hybrid system to create an incredible 727 hp, more than any M-car currently made. 

The interior is set to be suitably high-end BMW, with a very modern twist in the form of a large, curved infotainment display, prominently facing the driver. The new M5 will have 41 miles of electric-only range and will start at £113,405.

Ferrari Purosangue - Around £400,000

This one does stand out a little, but it is a plug-in hybrid. The latest mid-range supercar come SUV from Ferrari, the Purosangue, is likely to feature an 830 horsepower powertrain from a V8 turbocharged engine and battery/motor combo. Full details have not yet been revealed, but if you’re in the market for a half-million pound PHEV, this might be for you!

As you’d expect of a Ferrari, it is beautiful, with styling somehow more reminiscent of the brand's low-slung supercars than a high-up SUV. This despite its obvious heft compared to a 458 or similar model. 

What are the Advantages of a Plug-in Hybrid?

Since plug-in hybrids can act as purely electric vehicles, you’ll likely find yourself using far less fuel for day-to-day activities. If you have a short commute and can charge at home, you may not need to use petrol or diesel to get to work, but you can still use the car for longer journeys such as holiday road trips.

What are the Disadvantages of a Plug-in Hybrid?

They are heavier and more complex than both electric vehicles and internal combustion engined vehicles, meaning once the battery is depleted the motorway fuel economy is often not the best.

Also, because plug-in hybrids still need to make room for the petrol engine, the batteries are small, only offering 40 miles or less of electric-only range. 

What Plug-in-Hybrid Has The Best Range?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 350de currently has the longest electric-only range of 66 miles, thanks to its large 31kWh battery. 

The GLE 350de retails for around £87,000 and is on sale in the UK now.

Is it Worth Buying a Plug-in-Hybrid?

That depends on your usage. If you have the facility to charge at home or work, but cannot commit to an EV yet because you need more range, a PHEV could be the perfect option. 

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Author - Joseph Law

Joseph has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.