In recent years, the car industry has witnessed a significant shift towards more eco-friendly and fuel-efficient vehicles. One such innovation that has gained traction is the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Plug-in hybrids combine an electric motor with an internal combustion engine to deliver better fuel economy and lower emissions, and they differ from traditional hybrids in that they can be charged by plugging them into an external power source, for example, a home charging station or a public charging point (this means that they have larger battery packs than traditional hybrids).
In North America, PHEVs have become increasingly popular due to their ability to offer electric driving without the range anxiety associated with fully electric vehicles. There are several advantages to owning a plug-in hybrid car. One of them is the potential for lower fuel costs, as well as lower emissions compared to traditional gasoline vehicles. In terms of disadvantages, a plug-in hybrid can be more expensive to purchase than traditional gasoline vehicles, and the battery range may not be sufficient. Additionally, the charging infrastructure for PHEVs is not as well-developed as that for fully electric vehicles. Beyond all this, it is clear that they have an important role in today's market, and it is worth knowing the best models.
10 BMW 3 Series 330e
The BMW 3 Series 330e is an impressive plug-in hybrid that combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor, generating 288 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The plug-in powertrain offers a harmonious relationship between the gas and electric elements, and there is the Xtraboost function that provides a burst of power that feels like a small shot of nitrous. The powertrain is paired with an exceptionally smooth eight-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive. The rear-drive, plug-in-hybrid variant has an all-electric range of 23 miles and a combined estimate of 28 MPH. However, both numbers drop a little bit for the all-wheel-drive PHEV version. As for the price, this model is around $45,900. As you can see, its performance is impressive, and its driving experience is exceptional.
9 Volvo S60 Recharge
The Volvo S60 Recharge is a hybrid sedan that boasts a range of 41 miles on a single charge. It packs a powerful punch with its 455 horsepower engine and also comes with a 12-inch driver display that presents information within the driver's line of sight, ensuring optimal visibility. One of the most notable features of the S60 Recharge is its advanced air purifier, which blocks up to 95% of dangerous PM 2.5 particles from entering the cabin. Of course, the S60 Recharge is equipped with all the safety mechanisms that are synonymous with Volvo, ensuring that you stay safe on the road. With a typical charging time of three hours using a 3.6 kW single-phase 16A AC charger, it is fair to say that the S60 Recharge is a practical and reliable choice.
8 Toyota Prius Prime
The Toyota Prius Prime is a classic in this segment, and it has been recently redesigned for the 2023 model, which has significantly improved one of its most negative aspects: its exterior design. It is powered by two electric motors, one that drives the wheels and another that controls the gas engine's power output: this powertrain delivers 220 horsepower. The 2023 Prius Prime boasts a combined EPA fuel economy rating of up to 53 MPG and an overall rating of 121 MPGe, which makes it one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class. It comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard, while a larger 12.3-inch unit is available as an option on the XSE Premium trim. The Prius Prime has a starting price of $33,400 for the base version and goes up to $40,200 for the XSE Premium trim.
7 BMW 5 Series 530e
The BMW 5 Series 530e is a little ahead of its 330e. It is a really comfortable car with optional multi-contour front seats that provide massage, ventilation, and heat. With a 0-60 MPH acceleration time of 5.6 seconds, it delivers a smooth and powerful driving experience. The 530e model is a rear-wheel-drive with an EPA-estimated electric range of 21 miles. Once the battery runs out, it has an EPA-estimated 26 MPG in combined city and highway driving. While the rear legroom and headroom are relatively adequate by midsize sedan standards, they are not exceptional. However, one impressive feature of the BMW 5 Series is its parking cameras that help render 3D images of the outside of the car. Considering the performance and reliability, the price is not bad at all: $58,500.
6 Volvo S90 Recharge
Whether this Volvo is better than the previous BMW or not is a matter of taste. What is certain is that the Volvo S90 Recharge is an impressive luxury sedan that stands out for its security mechanisms and reliability. It boasts up to 38 miles of electric range and has a combined horsepower of 455 horsepower, so it can accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in just 4.6 seconds. Additionally, this car delivers 66 MPGe in terms of fuel efficiency, which is a pretty good number. The S90 Recharge comes standard with fine Nappa leather upholstery, which gives it a luxurious and distinguished look. As if that were not enough, another standout feature is the handcrafted crystal gear shifter made exclusively for Volvo. The starting price of $70,500 can be a bit intimidating, but this car is worth the effort.
5 Audi A7 Plug-In Hybrid
Although the Audi A7 Plug-in Hybrid has been discontinued recently, it remains one of the best vehicles in its segment. In 2021, Audi introduced the A7 55 TFSI e, a plug-in hybrid version of the A7 available in two trims: Premium Plus and Prestige, with a starting price of $75,900. It features an output of 362 horsepower, with a 17.9-kWh battery pack that can keep the car going for 26 miles in all-electric mode. The A7 PHEV can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 5.6 seconds. It also has an interesting combined fuel economy of 27 MPG, resulting in a fuel economy of 70 MPGe when factoring in the electric range. About the technological aspect, the car features a two-step dashboard with two displays, the upper being a 10.1-inch screen.
4 Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid
Porsche did not want to be left out of this market segment: the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid is equipped with a powerful 455-hp powertrain, while the 4S E-Hybrid boasts a 552-hp setup. However, the top-of-the-line Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid models take the cake with a whopping 690 horsepower, and 642 pound-feet of torque. When it comes to acceleration, the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid accelerates from 0 to 60 MPH in just 4.2 seconds, providing an exhilarating driving experience that combines speed and efficiency. Despite the power under the hood, the Panamera E-Hybrid offers plenty of space inside. Besides, with 18 cubic feet of cargo space, this car provides ample storage room as well. The center of the dashboard features a large and visually appealing 12.3-inch touchscreen display, which provides easy access to various features and functions.
3 Mercedes-AMG S63
As in almost any list of the best cars, there had to be a Mercedes. The Mercedes S63 AMG boasts a powerful hybrid powertrain that consists of a 4.0-liter biturbo V-8 and an electric motor that provides a combined output of 791 horsepower and 1,055 pound-feet of torque. This makes it the most potent S-class model ever produced by AMG. The S63 AMG is equipped with two gearboxes, a nine-speed for the V-8 engine and a two-speed transmission for the electric motor, that power all four wheels. The electric motor draws its energy from a 13.1 kWh battery pack, providing an all-electric driving range of 20 miles. Finally, this car is capable of accelerating from 0-60 MPH in just 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of 180 MPH.
2 Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid
This car is a real gem. Its 2.9-liter V-6 engine combined with an electric motor produces 536 horsepower, resulting in a quick 3.9-second run to 60 MPH. The car can also operate on electric power alone at speeds of up to 87 MPH, with an estimated electric driving range of 21 Miles. The base model starts at $217,500, while the Hybrid S version is priced at $243,200. The interior is filled with sumptuous leather, genuine wood trim, and real metal accents. The car's dashboard features a large 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen situated between large swaths of wood trim. The suspension consists of control arms and multilink systems, while the brakes are vented discs measuring 16.5 inches in the front and 15 inches in the rear.
1 Ferrari SF90 Stradale
This car, of course, is a whole other league. The Ferrari SF90 Stradale is an incredible feat of engineering, with a hybrid powertrain that combines a turbocharged V-8 engine with an electric motor, producing a jaw-dropping 986 horsepower. This results in a blistering 0 to 60 MPH acceleration time of just 2.5 seconds, and a top speed of 211 MPH. The car's exterior design is equally impressive, with sleek curves and sharp lines that contribute to its aerodynamic efficiency. Active aerodynamics are also a key feature, with an active front diffuser and rear spoiler that deploy automatically at high speeds. Despite the car's focus on performance, Ferrari has not neglected luxury and comfort, with attention to detail and high-quality materials used throughout the cabin. The SF90 Stradale's 7.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides a pure electric range of around 16 Miles and is situated low in the center of the car to optimize weight distribution and handling.