2. BMW X5
Best for: Performance
A refreshed version of the BMW X5 landed in showrooms in 2023 and, as before, the star attraction of the plug-in version is its creamy-smooth 3.0-litre straight six, which works in tandem with an electric motor to give both a startling turn of speed and surprisingly low running costs.
Given its head, this combination musters an impressive 485bhp and the electric motor has enough urge to make the car feel brisk enough while mooching around. Speaking of which, thanks to a 25.7kWh battery, the X5 can travel on pure electricity for up to 66 miles, which is both nifty and allows the car to qualify for the 8% BIK tax bracket.
In spite of the increase in kerb weight (this BMW causes the scales to creak under strain of 2495kg), the 50e drives as well as any BMW X5 there has ever been and, for those who don’t know, that’s a high dynamic marker for a large SUV. It’s polished, slick and refined, but also controls its mass well and handles neatly and with compelling poise for a big car.
Inside, cabin quality is good enough to compete with anything else on this list, and practicality is strong even though the packaging of the PHEV drive battery robs the car of its third row of seating and a little of its cargo capacity.
