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Top 10: The best plug-in hybrid cars of 2019

Alvaro Avilés 5 July 2019 9 min.

Top 10: The best plug-in hybrid cars of 2019

Here is our ranking of the best plug-in hybrid vehicles, a very worthwhile alternative if you want to stop being a VIP at the petrol station and enjoy the advantages of the Zero Emissions label (Etiqueta 0).

Plug-in hybrid cars are a hot topic today. Every brand is working to bring its range closer to electrification, so we are already finding electrified models in the line-up of a large number of manufacturers.

This type of vehicle sits between conventional hybrid cars and pure electric ones. It has a combustion engine and, alongside it, an electric part that allows it to run solely on electricity, recharged at a charging point. One of the fundamental points for this type of car is that they must have a minimum range of 40 kilometres in electric mode, which allows them to carry the DGT’s Zero Emissions label.

That is why we bring you one of our Top 10 focused on the best plug-in hybrid vehicles on the market: let’s get started!

Hyundai Ioniq PHEV

The Hyundai Ioniq is a very versatile car, since within its range we find a conventional hybrid version (HEV), a plug-in hybrid version (PHEV) and an electric one (EV). The model that opens this list is therefore the intermediate version.

Its propulsion system combines a 1.6 TGDI engine with an electric motor delivering 44.5 kW, or what is the same, 60.5 CV. When both parts work together, the total power is 141 CV. The electric range of the Hyundai Ioniq PHEV ranges between 40 and 50 kilometres.

One of the main drawbacks of the Hyundai Ioniq PHEV is the loss of 104 litres of boot space compared with the conventional hybrid version, due to the space taken up by the batteries. Even so, this car is a really interesting option, especially considering it is the cheapest plug-in hybrid on the market, with a price starting at 20,900 euros.

Kia Niro PHEV

The Kia Niro PHEV is the sibling of the Hyundai Ioniq PHEV, so its propulsion technology and platform are exactly the same. Choosing between one or the other will depend on aesthetic tastes and price.

As with the Hyundai model, the Kia Niro PHEV loses 80 litres of boot capacity compared with the conventional hybrid version, so its boot is rated at 324 litres.

The brand offers three equipment levels: Concept, Drive and Emotion. Standard equipment across all of them is already quite complete, although the higher versions add features such as a rear-view camera or the Eco Driving programme. This works through the navigation system and indicates the best moments on the route to stop accelerating and thus recharge the batteries. The price of the Kia Niro PHEV starts at 29,200 euros.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the undisputed leader in the plug-in hybrid car market, and in our test it showed us why. This Japanese crossover has been on the market for some years, although it received an update earlier this year.

In this update, the SUV combines a 2.4-litre petrol combustion engine with an electric motor. With this combination it has a combined output of a respectable 240 CV, so the driver responds when pressing the accelerator. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV can cover a distance of 54 kilometres in fully electric mode.

Mitsubishi offers two trims for the Outlander: Motion and Kaiteki. The standard equipment of the most basic version is already very complete, with elements such as satellite navigation, blind-spot detection, keyless entry and start, rear camera… The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has a starting price of 35,345 euros.

BMW 225 Xe

The BMW 2 Series was a pioneer in its range, as it became the brand’s first MPV and also the first to feature front-wheel drive. The BMW 225 xE has recently received an update both inside and out.

The differences with its conventional siblings are very slight, so on the outside it can only be told apart by looking at the eDrive badges. The installation of the batteries that make this model a plug-in hybrid raises the rear seats by 30 mm, and its boot loses 68 litres compared with the conventional versions.

The BMW 225 xE combines a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that drives the front axle with an electric motor that drives the rear. The combined output of both motors is 224 CV. In addition, its fully electric range reaches 45 kilometres. Its price starts at 38,750 euros.

DS-7 Crossback e-Tense

The DS7 Crossback has just received a new plug-in hybrid powertrain, hence the e-Tense suffix. The drivetrain of the DS7 Crossback e-Tense consists of the 200-CV 1.6 PureTech engine and a pair of electric motors that add another 109 CV. The total power is therefore 300 CV.

The batteries of the DS7 Crossback e-Tense allow it to cover 58 kilometres running solely on its electric motors. Furthermore, these can operate at speeds of up to 135 km/h.

As for its aesthetic differences from the rest of the family, it features specific 19-inch alloy wheels and the Crystal Pearl colour, exclusive to this version. The price of the DS7 Crossback starts at 50,400 euros.

Volkswagen Passat GTE

The Volkswagen Passat GTE returned to the market a few months ago after its production was halted last summer due to the new WLTP emissions regulations. During this pause, the brand took the opportunity to increase the capacity of its batteries, which went from 9.9 kWh to 13 kWh.

In the plug-in hybrid version of this German saloon, we find a 156-CV TSI petrol engine combined with an electric motor with 114 CV. The total output of both powertrains comes to 218 CV. The range the brand promises for the Volkswagen Passat GTE is around 55 kilometres.

In addition, one of the features that sets this model apart from most of its rivals is that Volkswagen has taken a sportier approach, which makes it the most attractive option in the range. The price of the Volkswagen Passat GTE starts at 45,290 euros.

Volvo XC40 T5 Twin Engine

The Volvo XC40 plug-in hybrid was recently presented at the Beijing Motor Show, joining the already wide range of PHEVs offered by the Swedish brand. This small Swedish SUV pairs a 195-CV 1.5-litre turbo engine with an electric motor that raises its output to 262 CV. Thanks to this combination, consumption is below 2 l/100 km and it is capable of covering 45 kilometres without using the combustion engine.

The Volvo XC40 T5 Twin Engine has five driving modes to vary the response of its electric motors according to the driver’s needs. On the other hand, the plug-in hybrid option will be available in the Momentum, Business Plus, Inscription and R-Design trims. Their prices start at 45,150 euros.

Mercedes-Benz S-560e Class

This version joined the range of the brand’s large luxury saloon at the end of last year. The Mercedes S-560e Class combines a 367-CV 3.0-litre V6 with an electric motor of 122 CV, giving a more than respectable 475 CV. Its batteries can power the electric motor so that it is capable of covering 100 kilometres without needing help from the conventional engine.

One of the usual drawbacks of plug-in hybrid cars is the loss of boot space and, although we are already at very high levels, this model is no exception: the boot offers 395 litres, a figure well short of the 510 litres of the other versions.

The trims of the Mercedes-Benz S-560e Class live up well to what is expected of it, so this version remains just as luxurious and exclusive as the rest of the range. Its starting price is 118,200 euros.

Range Rover P400 E

Now that we have reached the most luxurious level within the plug-in hybrid car segment, the Range Rover P400 E had to make its appearance. The brand offers this version in both the standard and long-wheelbase body configurations.

The British luxury SUV mounts a 300-CV 2.0 four-cylinder petrol engine combined with a 116-CV electric motor, so they deliver 404 CV in total. This set is paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and, as it could not be otherwise, four-wheel drive. The Range Rover P400 E has a fully electric range of 51 kilometres.

As the most luxurious division of Land Rover has accustomed us, the flagship of the range offers an atmosphere of luxury and comfort on another level. In addition, it has genuine off-road capabilities, so it is not just another SUV. Of course, all this comes at a price, and the most basic version costs 121,300 euros.

Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid

We are now dealing with another concept: yes, it is a plug-in hybrid, but it also has the performance of a genuine supercar. This version has the responsibility of being the sportiest of the luxury saloon from Porsche.

For this reason, the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid borrows the engine of the conventional Porsche Panamera Turbo and spices it up with a hybrid powertrain that raises the total output to 680 CV and gives an incredible torque of 850 Nm.

With this combination, the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and has a fully electric range of 50 kilometres. If you want this model, get your wallet ready, since its prices start at 194,819 euros.