best-hybrid-executive-and-luxury-cars

Hatchback

Skoda

Superb

Saloon

3 Series

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the M8&nbsp;grand tourer, which costs more than £120,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has ten in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and XM, plus the electric iX3 and iX.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

5 SERIES

<h2>Best hybrid executive and luxury cars</h2><h3>3. BMW 5 Series 530e SE</h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/bmw/5-series/saloon/deals">View BMW 5 Series deals &gt;&gt;</a>

We're big fans of the BMW 5 Series: it's our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/awards/category/luxury">favourite luxury car</a> and was even our overall Car of the Year in 2017, having beaten rivals such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a6/saloon/review/n61">Audi A6</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jaguar/xf/saloon/review/n85">Jaguar XF</a>. The plug-in hybrid 530e version can cover about 20 miles on electricity alone in real-world conditions before switching to petrol power, so it's a great option for those living in the city. It's also officially the most frugal 5 Series model, as well as the cheapest to tax.<a href="A plug-in hybrid is also available and is highly recommendable. This version is badged 1.4 TSI iV 218 and uses an 85kW electric motor paired with a 1.4-litre petrol engine. With a total power output of 215bhp, it's one of the quicker versions of the Superb (0-62mph takes 7.7sec), and it also has an official electric-only range of 35 miles. ">Read our full BMW 5 Series review &gt;&gt;</a><hr /><h3>2. Skoda Superb 1.4 TSI iV</h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/skoda/superb/hatchback/deals">View Skoda Superb deals &gt;&gt;</a>

If you'll mainly be driving in town or can at least make good use of its electric power reserves, this plug-in hybrid version of the Skoda Superb is highly recommendable. It's powered by an 85kW electric motor working in team with a 1.4-litre petrol engine, for a total output of 215bhp. That makes it one of the quicker versions of the Superb, and as well as covering the 0-62mph sprint in 7.7sec, it can also travel on electric power alone for 35 miles. Plus, as with other Superbs, it's simply enormous inside, and very comfortable.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/superb/hatchback/review/n93">Read our full Skoda Superb review &gt;&gt;</a><hr /><h3>1. BMW 3 Series 330e</h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/bmw/3-series/saloon/deals">View BMW 3 Series deals &gt;&gt;</a>

The latest BMW 3 Series picked up no less than three trophies at the most recent <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/awards/">What Car? Awards</a> – one for safety, one for being our favourite executive car and another for being our favourite plug-in hybrid – and two of those trophies were lifted by the same version: the 330e. It really is an excellent all-rounder, with decent electric range, wonderful long-distance comfort and an engaging driving style. Add in lots of luxuries and an infotainment system that's easy to get along with, and it's very easy to recommend.<h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/review/n91">Read our full BMW 3 Series review &gt;&gt;</a></h3><hr /><h2><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-hybrid-suvs/n15862">&lt;&lt; Previous</a> | <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-hybrid-performance-cars/n15864">Next: Best hybrid performance cars &gt;&gt;</a></h2>Page 3 of 4

<h2>Best hybrid executive and luxury cars</h2><h3>3. BMW 5 Series 530e SE</h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/bmw/5-series/saloon/deals">View BMW 5 Series deals &gt;&gt;</a>We're big fans of the BMW 5 Series: it's our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/awards/category/luxury">favourite luxury car</a> and was even our overall Car of the Year in 2017, having beaten rivals such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a6/saloon/review/n61">Audi A6</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jaguar/xf/saloon/review/n85">Jaguar XF</a>. The plug-in hybrid 530e version can cover about 20 miles on electricity alone in real-world conditions before switching to petrol power, so it's a great option for those living in the city. It's also officially the most frugal 5 Series model, as well as the cheapest to tax.

<a href="A plug-in hybrid is also available and is highly recommendable. This version is badged 1.4 TSI iV 218 and uses an 85kW electric motor paired with a 1.4-litre petrol engine. With a total power output of 215bhp, it's one of the quicker versions of the Superb (0-62mph takes 7.7sec), and it also has an official electric-only range of 35 miles. ">Read our full BMW 5 Series review &gt;&gt;</a><hr /><h3>2. Skoda Superb 1.4 TSI iV</h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/skoda/superb/hatchback/deals">View Skoda Superb deals &gt;&gt;</a>

Best hybrid executive and luxury cars

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Low running costs compared with solely petrol or diesel equivalents</li> <li>Very low official CO2 emissions to benefit company car drivers</li> <li>The same usability as a regular car</li> <li>Smooth transition between electric and engine power</li> <li>Small practicality compromise over conventional models</li></ul>

Not so long ago, hybrids were the preserve of Hollywood stars, environmentally conscious 'early adopters' and the odd&nbsp;minicab driver looking to save a bit of money on fuel.

Since the collapse in demand for diesel, however, they have become&nbsp;much more popular, and it's easy to see why, with&nbsp;low tax bills and&nbsp;impressive MPG figures&nbsp;just a couple of the perks they offer.

There are two types of hybrid: 'self-charging'&nbsp;models, which mix petrol&nbsp;and electric power in an effort to maximise&nbsp;efficiency, and&nbsp;plug-in hybrids that can travel many miles purely on electricity before their engines need to cut in. This category is for the former type of cars.

Hybrid

Whether you're looking for a family hatchback, an SUV or a performance car, there's a hybrid to suit. We take a look at the top three models in each sector

Best hybrid executive and luxury cars        

Estate

Alfa Romeo now has one of its strongest-ever model line-ups, after years of living off past glories.

The BMW 3 Series-rivalling Giulia executive saloon is one of the best cars in its class to drive, while the closely related Stelvio and smaller Tonale both competes in the booming SUV class.

It’s all a long way from the days when Alfa Romeo just had a couple of dated hatchbacks (the Mito and Giulietta) and the niche 4C sports car in its range.

ALFA ROMEO

Yes, Aston Martin is the preferred manufacturer of a certain (not so) secret agent, but its latest cars offer a lot more than the chance to indulge your Bond fantasies.

The DB12 is a very fast and very luxurious long distance cruiser, and the DBS is arguably one of the most glamorous cars around.

Proving it's not afraid to move with the times, Aston has also embraced&nbsp;the march of the SUV; its DBX707 is a stunning example of what's possible when building a fast, expensive and sporty SUV.

ASTON MARTIN

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

In many ways, modern Bentleys offer the best of both worlds, blending traditional British craftsmanship with modern mechanicals developed with the help of the company’s owner, Volkswagen.

The Bentayga SUV, for example, is closely related to Audi’s brilliantly engineered Q7 (another VW Group car). Yet the Bentayga still feels every inch a Bentley, thanks to its hand-finished interior and sonorous V8 engine.

Other Bentleys you can buy today include the Flying Spur&nbsp;saloon&nbsp;and the Continental GT coupé and convertible.

BENTLEY

Alpina has produced high-performance versions of BMW's range since the 1960s, and is now considered to be a manufacturer in its own right.

Whilst it cars are typically fast, and are often considered alternatives to BMW's M models, they are typically more comfortable with engines that provide a more relaxed power delivery.

Its models have similar naming conventions to the equivalent BMW: the B3 is based on the BMW 3 Series and the B4 Gran Coupé started life as a 4 Series Gran Coupé, for example.

BMW ALPINA

BYD is one of the biggest names in electric cars globally, but only launched in the UK recently.

Even so, it has a fast-growing dealer network, and it's models - most notably the Tesla Model 3-rivalling Seal - are gaining attention for impressive tech and good driving ranges.

Other BYDs include the MG4-sized Dolphin and Nissan Qashqai-sized Atto 3.

Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition. In fact, it&nbsp;tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from a tiny EV (the Ami) through to the C3 small hatchback and&nbsp;the large van-based&nbsp;Spacetourer MPV.

Its range of SUVs are all badged Aircross, and like the rest of its range place emphasis on comfort, not speed.

CITROEN

DS has only existed as a standalone manufacturer since 2015&nbsp;(prior to that the badge was used on upmarket&nbsp;Citroëns), but it is now the premium brand in the Stellantis group, which also includes&nbsp;Citroën, Peugeot and Vauxhall.

The first DS models were essentially rebadged Citroëns, but more recently its cars are now standalone models in their own right. Yet under the skin, they're still very closely related.

Its models are&nbsp;influenced by the French fashion industry and are designed&nbsp;to take on the ubiquitous offerings of Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

GENESIS

Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.

Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.

As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

HYUNDAI

Jaguars are consistently among the best-handling cars of their kind, with the firm’s model range encompassing the XE, XF and XJ saloons, the F-Type sports cars and multiple SUVs.

Jaguar was actually relatively late to launch its first SUV, the F-Pace, but it quickly followed it up with the smaller E-Pace and the all-electric I-Pace.

That SUV range will keep growing, too, with larger and more luxurious SUVs planned to take on the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover from sister brand Land Rover.

JAGUAR

In the same way that Infiniti acts as Nissan’s premium arm, Lexus has a similar tie-in with Toyota. And since most of Toyota’s models are offered as hybrids, it’s no surprise to see the same from Lexus, although there are some traditional petrol engines, too.

The brand focuses heavily on SUVs – namely the NX and RX – but also has the CT hatchback, ES executive saloon and LS luxury car among its portfolio. More small and large SUVs are expected in the future.

Like Toyota, Lexus has built a very strong reputation for reliability and regularly finishes very close to the top of our annual Reliability Survey.

LEXUS

Do you look at the models of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz and find them all a bit too… common? Well then, Maserati might be up your street.

This Italian car maker has one SUV in its line-up – the Porsche Cayenne-rivalling Levante – but also the Ghibli and Quattroporte saloons, GranTurismo coupé and GranCabrio drop-top.

Despite its long history, Maserati has been through several periods of inactivity but is now in better health thanks to being part of the large Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group.

In the future, we’re expecting to see Maserati grow its SUV range with new models to sit above and below the Levante, as well as a new range-topping sports car.

MASERATI

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

MAZDA

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

Porsche is best known as the quintessential sports car maker, but its line-up is increasingly diverse, interesting and successful, from its SUV family to the Panamera hatchback and shooting brake and, in time, a planned family of electric vehicles.

Whatever your choice, What Car?’s testers rate the cars highly; Porsche has an unusually high percentage of five and four-star cars.

Without exception, its sports cars are class leaders or among the class leaders, standing out for combining driving thrills with surprising luxury and comfort. Likewise, its SUVs are among the sharpest handling, as well as offering high levels of practicality and quality. Meanwhile, the Panamera is a true rival to the very best large executive saloons.

Porsche also sees itself as an electric car pioneer and has already enjoyed sales success with its plug-in hybrid range. Its first all-electric sports car is imminent, signalling the firm’s intent to stay relevant for many years to come.

PORSCHE

When it comes to making a statement about how successful you are, there is no brand that shouts “I’ve made it!” more emphatically than Rolls-Royce.

If that’s all you want from your car, look no further. The firm has expanded its range in recent years, with the top-of-the-range Phantom saloon being joined by the Cullinan SUV, and other models including the Wraith and Ghost.

Whichever way you go, if you have to ask how much it costs, the chances are you can’t afford it. And, even then, the base price is unlikely to be what you end up spending, such is the list of alluring options on offer.

It’s also a moot point whether the cars themselves – rather than the image they portray – represents the very best way to spend your money. What Car?’s testers rate all of them positively but reckon that – if you’re buying with your head rather than your heart – there are other cars that you should also consider.

ROLLS-ROYCE

Once best known for its flame-spitting, rally-bred Imprezas, Subaru’s focus now is on cars that will appeal to a far wider audience, and especially one that values go-anywhere ability and no-nonsense values above all others.

The result is a mixed bag of offerings, none of which rise beyond being average in their class but most of which have facets that make them stand out from their rivals. Core to its range are the Forester and Outback SUVs, while the Levorg is a more conventional estate.

At other extremes, there’s also the BRZ, an entertaining coupé that is let down by its price and resale values, and of course the Impreza, which comes in a variety of forms, including a hot model.

SUBARU

Tesla is a US brand&nbsp;that revolutionised&nbsp;the car industry, putting <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">electric cars</a> in the limelight&nbsp;for the first time – helped by the personality and profile of boss Elon Musk.

Today, Tesla has a broader&nbsp;line-up than ever, with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-3/saloon/review/n19010">Tesla Model 3</a> saloon&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-y/hatchback/review/n23624">Tesla Model Y</a> SUV the company's cheapest models. For those with bigger budgets or a need for more space, there's the larger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-s/hatchback/review/n150">Tesla Model S</a> saloon and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-x/hatchback/review/n161">Tesla&nbsp;Model X</a> SUV.&nbsp;A&nbsp;new Roadster, complete with supercar-beating acceleration, is also in the works.

&nbsp;

TESLA

Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

TOYOTA

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

2 SERIES

3 SERIES

7 SERIES

8 SERIES GRAN COUPE

Lionel Messi has won football’s Ballon d'Or a record eight times, but he’s still got nothing on the BMW 5 Series, which has won 27 What Car? Awards over the years – more than any other model.

Part of the reason for the 5 Series' sustained success is that BMW has done a great job of keeping it&nbsp;up to date. The latest version is even available as a fully <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric car</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/i5/saloon/review/n26177">BMW i5</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;which you can read about in our separate review. However, here we’re focusing on the other variants.

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dLbmLA8Pd_Q" width="560"></iframe>

The cheapest option is the 520i, which uses a 205bhp 2.0-litre <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-a-mild-hybrid-and-should-you-buy-one/n22776">mild-hybrid</a> petrol engine, and there are also two plug-in hybrids&nbsp;(<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743">PHEVs</a>): the 530e, which produces 295bhp, and the 550e, with a whopping 482bhp.

Rivals include the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a6/saloon/review/n61">Audi A6</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/e-class/saloon/review/n17174">Mercedes E-Class</a>&nbsp;so in this review we’ll look at how the latest BMW 5 Series compares with those cars in key areas. We'll cover&nbsp;everything from the way it drives to how practical it is and how much it will cost to run.

The 5 Series combines a classy, user-friendly interior with impressive refinement and handling

BMW 5 Series

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Effortless long-distance capability</li> <li>Strong standard specification</li> <li>Low running costs</li> <li>Comfortable driving position</li> <li>Comprehensive yet easy-to-use infotainment system</li></ul>

Executive cars are often the choice of company car drivers, so factors such as CO2 emissions (which govern your monthly tax bill) are just as important as cruising refinement for those long motorway journeys, a plush cabin and (whisper it) the image of the badge on the bonnet.

The good news is that there are options for all budgets and tastes.

NEW REVIEWS:

Best hybrid executive and luxury cars

Whether you're looking for a family hatchback, an SUV or a performance car, there's a hybrid to suit. We take a look at the top three models in each sector...

Best hybrid executive and luxury cars

3. BMW 5 Series 530e SE

2. Skoda Superb 1.4 TSI iV

1. BMW 3 Series 330e

Read our full BMW 3 Series review >>

<< Previous | Next: Best hybrid performance cars >>

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