Electric small car

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Hybrid family car

Electric small SUV

Hybrid small SUV

Electric family SUV

Hybrid family SUV

Electric 7-seater

Hybrid 7-seater

Electric estate

Hybrid estate

Electric executive car

Hybrid executive car

Electric luxury car

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Readers' choice

Category winners

Electric Car Awards 2024

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test </li> <li>Quick charging times and compatibility with the most ubiquitous types of public charging points </li> <li>Priced to be within the grasp of more than just the privileged few </li> <li>As with any car, ride comfort, practicality and ownership costs can’t be ignored</li></ul>

We define an electric car as one that runs purely on battery power and has no tailpipe to puff out nasty chemicals.

The best of the breed offer sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test cycle.

Electric

<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

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Usefully long electric-only range</li> <li>Exceedingly frugal</li> <li>Cheap company car tax rates</li> <li>Smooth switching between electric and petrol power</li></ul>

If you're not ready to commit to a fully electric vehicle&nbsp;but have the capacity to charge your car at home or at work, a plug-in hybrid could be the perfect compromise. Electric batteries paired with a petrol or diesel&nbsp;engine means you'll never be left short of charge&nbsp;but can capitalise on cheap running costs, thanks to a surprisingly long electric-only range.

There's plenty of choice, too, whether you're after a sporty saloon like the BMW 3 Series, the 330e variant of which providing up to 36 miles of electric-only driving on a full charge, or a large load-lugging large SUV, including the Volvo XC90 T8, which claims an extraordinary&nbsp;113mpg.

Throw in competent handling and driving prowess, despite the added weight of the electric batteries, and a plug-in hybrid&nbsp;makes a compelling case for frugal buyers.&nbsp;

Plug-in hybrid

With electric and plug-in hybrid cars now coming in all shapes and sizes – and available to suit every budget – we’ve named the best new and used models in every class

Electric Car Awards

A former motorsport team and independent tuning company, Abarth has long&nbsp;produced high performance versions of Fiat's cars.

In recent years, Abarth has been established&nbsp;as a standalone brand – in the same way that Citroën split off its DS luxury division several years ago. However, the major difference is that DS cars look completely different from the Citroëns on which they’re based, whereas Abarths rely on bodykits and big wheels to mark them out.

The Abarth 500e is a sporty version of the Fiat 500 Electric, whilst the Abarth 595 is a beefed-up version of the older Fiat 500 hatchback.

ABARTH

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

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

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.

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

The sportiest Seats have long used the&nbsp;Cupra name, but it's now been turned into a standalone sub-brand, in much the same way as Fiat's sportiest models are badged as Abarths.

Like Abarth, some of Cupra's models including the Ateca and Leon are extensively reworked Seats, but models such as the Born and Formentor are exclusive to Cupra.

Whilst Cupras are closely related to equivalent models from Seat and Volkswagen, they are generally tuned to provide a more engaging driving experience.

CUPRA

If you want a new car but would rather not spend much, Dacia is a great place to start your search.

This budget brand builds some of Britain’s cheapest new cars, including the Sandero hatchback. And don’t think cheap automatically means corners have been cut, because the Sandero has been commended at the annual What Car? Car of the Year awards on numerous occasions.

Other Dacia models include the&nbsp;higher-riding Sandero Stepway, seven-seat Jogger, and rugged Duster SUV. And while these cost slightly more than the Sandero, they’re still priced aggressively enough that they’re really only competing directly with used cars.

Dacia manages this by borrowing mechanicals and technology from its owner, Renault, to minimise development costs.

DACIA

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.

Modern Fiats fall into two categories: the retro models and those with more functional designs.

Cars in the first camp appeal to the heart and include the 124 Spider sports car and the 500 series: a hatchback, a convertible, an SUV and two MPVs.

By contrast, the remaining models rely on their practicality and attractive pricing, with the Panda city car, Tipo hatchback and Fullback pick-up truck all prime examples.

Fiat can trace its roots back to the 19th century but is now part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group, along with Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep and Maserati.

FIAT

Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

FORD

GENESIS

GWM ORA

Honda is a company that doesn’t like to follow the crowd. So, while it competes in most of the traditional sectors of the car market, in each case it does something a little bit different.

The Jazz, for example, might look like just another rival to Britain’s best-selling car, the Ford Fiesta, but it’s actually much more practical than its rivals, with a flexible boot and Tardis-like interior.

The bigger Civic is also a practical choice, but it’s mainly distinguished by having eye-catching, love-it-or-hate-it styling, despite competing in a sector of the market that’s usually more conservative than a blue rosette.

And while it may not seem so radical now, Honda’s large SUV, the CR-V, was one of the first to forego any pretence of being an off-roader and instead focus on on-road driving dynamics.

HONDA

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

Jeep only makes SUVs, but it has plenty of them for you to choose from. So, whether you want something rugged enough to ford streams and climb mountains, or a more luxurious and family-friendly car, it has something to suit you.

Despite its all-American image, Jeep is actually owned by Fiat, meaning Jeeps often share parts with cars from the Italian giant; the entry-level Renegade, for example, has plenty in common with Fiat’s 500X.

However, perhaps the most widely recognised Jeep is the Wrangler, a model that has a dedicated fan base and which closely resembles the original Jeep which saw service in World War 2.

The brand’s future plans include new small and large SUVs, plus the introduction of fully electric models.

JEEP

Buyers seeking value for money should have Kia towards the top of their shopping list.

Although once a niche brand in the UK, today Kia outsells many more established brands, helped by its market-leading seven-year warranty and a strong reputation for reliability; in fact, Kia regularly finishes towards the top of our reliability surveys.

There are plenty of models to choose from, too, ranging from the small Picanto city car to the Ceed family hatchback and the Sorento large SUV. The Picanto was the first Kia to win its class at the What Car? Car of the Year awards.

LEAPMOTOR

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

Fancy something small, lightweight and fast? Then Lotus possibly has the right car for you. In fact ‘simplify then add lightness’ was the mantra of company founder Colin Chapman as far back as 1952.

These days, Lotus sells four models, with the core of the range being the Elise. Then there’s the more hardcore 3-Eleven, the sporty Exige and the Evora – which is pitched as a rival to the Porsche Cayman.

Big changes are afoot, though, because Lotus plans to build its own SUV in the near future, with the hope of broadening the brand’s appeal to families. The planned car will use Volvo underpinnings and will tackle rivals such as the Porsche Macan and Maserati Levante.

LOTUS

MAXUS

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

MG has a long heritage in the UK, and while these days it is owned by Chinese firm SAIC, it is slowly but surely beefing up its model range.

Kicking things off is the MG 3, a rival for affordable hatchbacks such as the Dacia Sandero and Skoda Fabia. Then there’s the ZS small SUV, which faces off against the likes of the Renault Captur and Seat Arona. And at the top of the range is the GS, which goes up against Dacia’s Duster and the Ssangyong Tivoli.

While any future MG products are likely to be introduced in China before coming to the UK, design work is still undertaken in the UK. MG’s design studio is based at Longbridge, where the brand made its name with models such as the MGB GT.

MG MOTOR UK

Talk about taking an idea and running with it. The big-selling Mini hatchback is still at the core of the firm’s range, but its cute styling and relatively compact dimensions have been spun off into an estate (the Clubman) and an SUV (the Countryman), as well as a convertible.

Despite its small size, the Mini is a firmly premium product, and the three-door hatchback counts the Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo among its key rivals.

The fact that Mini is owned by BMW brings some big advantages –&nbsp;not least the fact that its infotainment system is based on BMW’s industry-leading iDrive.

MINI

Nissan turned up early to the SUV party, with its Qashqai paving the way for the countless models we see today. The Qashqai continues to sell in big numbers in the UK, too, and was also our overall Car of the Year in 2014.

Don’t think Nissan is just about SUVs, though. As well as the Qashqai, the smaller Juke and the larger X-Trail, the Japanese brand has the Micra hatchback, GT-R sports car and Navara pick-up truck.

Nissan was also one of the first big car makers to launch a fully electric car, with its latest Leaf being one of the best on the market.

Despite being based in Japan, Nissan has long committed to building cars in the UK, making several of its best-selling models at a huge factory in Sunderland.

NISSAN

OMODA

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

Polestar is a relative newcomer to the new car market, having been born as a motorsport team later bought by Volvo. Today it produces a range of upmarket, fully-electric vehicles and as a brand now sits independently of Volvo.

Its models are given numerical names, and unusually these don’t denote the size of the model, rather they indicate the order in which they’re launched. The now-discontinued Polestar 1 was the firm’s first model and the Polestar 2 is an executive hatchback which is a direct rival for the Tesla Model 3. The Polestar 3 is an electric SUV, Polestar 4 a coupé and Polestar 5 a performance car.

Polestar has a focus on sustainability: in 2020 was the first car maker to release a study to show the carbon footprint of its cars, and in 2021 it started a project to ensure rare-Earth materials such as cobalt – used in many electric car batteries – are sourced responsibly.

POLESTAR

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

Hatchbacks, SUVs, hybrids, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, meaning&nbsp;it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of all its cars is design, with them instantly recognisable as members of the Renault family, without being so similar that they fall&nbsp;into the Russian doll trap. However, in terms of ability they're a mixed bag,&nbsp;ranging&nbsp;from very good to no better than average.

Models that fall into the former camp include the Clio small hatchback and Megane E-Tech electric car, while the smaller Zoe electric car is also impressive in most respects; it's just a pity Renault omits key safety kit.

On the other hand, the Captur, Arkana and Austral SUVs are all outclassed by several rivals.

Renault has some exciting new models planned, including a new Scenic (this time it will be an electric SUV instead of a conventionally powered MPV) and two cars that reimagine classic Renaults: the 4 and 5.

RENAULT

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

One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.

Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.

The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.

As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

SKODA

Owned by Mercedes-Benz and with a reputation for making small, clever cars, Smart offers a striking, upmarket alternative to more conventional rivals.

It currently has a two-car line-up, the smaller of the two being the distinctive Fortwo, which, as its name suggests, is an ultra-short two-seater that uses an unusual rear-engined configuration to deliver the sort of turning circle that even London taxis can only dream of. It's a doddle to park in small spaces, too.

Smart's 'family car' is the Forfour, which is little more than a stretched version of the Fortwo, with a second row of seats and a larger boot. It's more of a natural rival for cars like the Hyundai i10 or Kia Picanto.

On paper, both cars come at a considerable price premium when compared with rivals, something it says is justified by its badge appeal and the technology in the cars.&nbsp;However, sales have been slow and there are often keen Target Price deals to be found.

SMART

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

Vauxhall has an incredibly diverse range of cars on sale, a few of which stand out above the class average. Add in the fact that it still offers some of the largest Target Price discounts in the market (something it is trying, without huge success, to cut back on), and there are very good reasons to consider buying one of its better models.

However, you need to choose carefully, because it is also a brand in transition. It has a newish parent company – the same one that owns Citroën, DS and Peugeot. And while Vauxhall’s newer models tend to be competitive, some of the others feel dated; a quick check of our star ratings will reveal which is which.

Still, given the recent success of sister brands Citroën and especially Peugeot, each new launch should make its range more appealing to buyers.

VAUXHALL

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

Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase.

After a string of strong launches – notably with the Mk2 XC90 and XC60 SUVs – it struck gold in early 2018 when it launched its smallest SUV, the XC40. When our testers compared the car with its rivals, they concluded that it was the best launch of the previous 12 months, earning it our coveted overall Car of the Year Award.

The good news is that, like many car makers, Volvo now uses the same structure underneath most of its cars – so if they get it right on one model, it usually bodes well for the rest. That’s the case here, with Volvo’s subsequent saloon and estate launches complementing the SUVs and making for a generally extremely appealing line-up.

VOLVO

XPeng

City-Car

Coupe

Estate

Hatchback

Saloon

Sports

2008

3008

5008

ACEMAN

ARIYA

Astra Electric

ATTO 3

AVENGER

BERLINGO

BORN

BZ4X

C4 X

CAPRI

COMBO LIFE

COOPER

CORSA

COUNTRYMAN

CYBERSTER

DOLPHIN

DS 3

e-C3

E NY1

E-TRON GT

EC40

Electrified GV70

ELETRE

ENYAQ

EX30

EX40

EX90

EXPLORER

FORFOUR

FORTWO COUPE

GRANDLAND

GV60

HASHTAG 1

HASHTAG 3

HONDA e

I-PACE

ID. BUZZ

ID.3

ID.4

ID.5

ID.7

INSTER

IONIQ 5

IONIQ 5 N

IONIQ 6

JUNIOR

KONA

LEAF

MACAN ELECTRIC ESTATE

MEGANE E-TECH

MIFA 9

MIRAI

MODEL 3

MODEL S

MODEL X

MODEL Y

MOKKA

MUSTANG MACH-E

MX-30

NIRO

SCENIC E-TECH

SEAL

Entry-level Advance gives you way more equipment than you’d expect from a small SUV. It even includes highlights such as front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, full LED headlights and adjustable lumbar support.

Advance

You get plenty of equipment as standard, including climate control, adaptive cruise control and LED headlights. The 21in alloys are bespoke to the GT version, as are the front sports seats.

Entry-level SE trim is our chosen version to go for. Why? Well, it keeps costs to a minimum but still comes with standard equipment that includes 17in alloy wheels, keyless entry, air-conditioning, adaptive cruise control, automatic LED headlights, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and a 10.1in touchscreen infotainment system with DAB radio, Bluetooth, built-in sat-nav and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone mirroring. 

SE EV

There’s only one trim level available in the T03, but it’s quite well equipped. It gives you 15in alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, automatic air-conditioning, and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors as standard.

As a cash purchase, the Leapmotor T03 will cost you more than a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/spring/hatchback/review/n26964">Dacia Spring</a> but less than its other rivals, including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/e-c3/hatchback/review/n26854">Citroën ë-C3</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/inster/hatchback/review/n27214">Hyundai Inster</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/corsa/hatchback/review/n21183">Vauxhall Corsa Electric</a>.&nbsp;It's worth bearing in mind, though, that the&nbsp;more expensive rivals will go further on a charge.

Speaking of which, when the T03’s battery is empty and you need to recharge, you can plug into a CCS fast charger and recharge at a rate of up to 48kW – which is quicker than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/fastest-charging-electric-cars/n26105">maximum charging rate</a> of the&nbsp;Spring.&nbsp;In more relatable terms, that means going from 30-80% in around 36 minutes&nbsp;at a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/electric-car-charging-networks-rated/n23269">public car charger</a> or&nbsp;around 3.5 hours with <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-home-ev-chargers/n25830">home EV charger</a>.

The T03 comes with a decent amount of kit, including 15in alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, automatic air-conditioning,&nbsp;and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors. (There are no trim levels to choose from, just one version.)

The experts at <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-safest-cars-on-sale-today/n19724">Euro NCAP</a> have yet to test any model from Leapmotor so we can't tell you how safe the T03 is. However, it does tick several important boxes in terms of&nbsp;safety equipment, with lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking (<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-aeb-and-how-does-it-work/n3283">AEB</a>), door opening warning and speed-limit recognition as standard.

Leapmotor is too new to have featured in our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/reliability-survey-most-reliable-cars/n26137">What Car? Reliability Survey</a>&nbsp;but every T03 comes with a three-year standard warranty. That’s nothing special&nbsp;when compared with its rivals, but&nbsp;thanks to the brand’s partnership with <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-stellantis/n26975">Stellantis</a>&nbsp;there are plenty of service centres and easy access to parts. You don’t get that with all of the newer <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric car</a> brands.

<h2>"Officials at Leapmotor say the brand is all about value rather than being cheap, and you can see that in the standard equipment list. I find it genuinely quite surprising that you get so much for so&nbsp;little."&nbsp;– <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/dan-jones/n23433">Dan Jones, Senior Reviewer</a></h2>

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If you decide to buy a Leapmotor 03, you'll have no trouble deciding which version to get because there's no choice. Every 03 comes with a 37.3kWh battery and a 93bhp motor powering the front wheels.

Officially, it can get you from 0-62mph in 12.7 seconds, which is quicker than a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/spring/hatchback/review/n26964">Dacia Spring</a> but slower than most <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric cars</a>, including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/e-c3/hatchback/review/n26854">Citroën ë-C3</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/inster/hatchback/review/n27214">Hyundai Inster</a>. It does build speed quickly enough once it gets going&nbsp;though.

What’s more noticeable than the leisurely acceleration is the delay between you planting your right foot and the T03 surging forwards from a standstill. There’s quite a lot of travel in the accelerator pedal before the car moves, which robs you of some of the nippy performance you’d want from a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-cars/n16997">small city car</a>.

Better news is that the T03 rides impressively well, with its well balanced suspension soaking up all but the worst imperfections around town. In fact, even as speeds increase, the T03 is a comfortable thing and, while it starts to feel a little more floaty over undulations at motorway speeds, it’s generally very settled.

Indeed, the only thing that really lets it down is the steering. There are three driving modes to choose from, and we’d suggest leaving it in the default Sport mode. That gives you the most steering feel, and even then it's a bit too light and doesn’t give you much of an idea what the front wheels are up to in a corner. It’s fine around town, but doesn’t do much for your confidence on a country road.&nbsp;

The T03's other two driving modes – Standard and Comfort – are best left for slow and tight city back roads and car parks. They both feel way too light when driving at any speed above 20mph. Plus, the steering self-centres very slowly on sharper turns (such as on mini-roundabouts), which means you have to apply a bit of lock to get round.

The battery is bigger than the one in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/spring/hatchback/review/n26964">Dacia Spring</a> (26.8kWh) and the T03 will officially travel slightly further between charges, managing 165 miles compared with 140 miles for the Spring. The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/inster/hatchback/review/n27214">Hyundai Inster</a>&nbsp;does much better, managing 203 miles officially in Standard Range form and 229 if you go for the Long Range model.

For buyers living in cities, the Leapmotor T03’s range will likely be more than enough, but if you want to do a lot of longer journeys, you'll want to consider an Inster, a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/e-c3/hatchback/review/n26854">Citroën ë-C3</a> or a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/corsa/hatchback/review/n21183">Vauxhall Corsa Electric</a>.

At first glance, you might think an inexpensive&nbsp;small car like the T03 would have some issues with refinement, but for the most part that's not the case. Even at motorway speeds there's not much wind or road noise.&nbsp;The main annoyance is the volume of the alert sound that warns pedestrians of your presence – which you hear when you're driving at up to 20mph – and&nbsp;the various bings and bongs from the rather sensitive safety warnings (which you can switch off).

<h2>"The T03 doesn’t feel slow around town, but a city car should be able to nip in and out of spaces in traffic. Due to the delay between hitting the accelerator and gaining speed, the T03 loses that a bit." – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/dan-jones/n23433">Dan Jones, Senior Reviewer</a></h2>

OUR PICK

Fuel 

Gearbox

0-62 MPH

The Leapmotor T03 is only available with a 93bhp motor that delivers a 0-62mph in 12.7 seconds. It’s paired with a 37.3kWh battery that gives it an official range of 165 miles.

http://example.com

70kW 37kWh

70kw-37kwh

There are small cars that are small&nbsp;and small cars that are tiny –&nbsp;and the Leapmotor T03 is very much in the tiny camp. It's the same length as a VW Up and (in case the "motor" in the brand's name didn't give it away)&nbsp;is an all-electric car.

As for the brightly named Leapmotor, it's one of a handful of Chinese car companies&nbsp;we've seen launching new models&nbsp;in the UK recently.&nbsp;As well as the T03 we're reviewing here, it also sells the much larger&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/leapmotor/c10/estate/review/n27137">Leapmotor C10</a> electric SUV.

One characteristic that sets Leapmotor apart from other <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/chinese-cars-everything-you-need-to-know/n26813">Chinese brands</a>&nbsp;is that it has the backing of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-stellantis/n26975">Stellantis</a>. And that means the&nbsp;T03 has&nbsp;been developed with help from the group behind plenty of other small electric cars, including&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/e-c3/hatchback/review/n26854">Citroën ë-C3</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/500/hatchback/review/n84">Fiat 500e</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/corsa/hatchback/review/n21183">Vauxhall Corsa Electric</a>.

So should you take a leap of faith on the Leapmotor T03 or are you better off with&nbsp;one of those other models – or, indeed, a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/spring/hatchback/review/n26964">Dacia Spring</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/inster/hatchback/review/n27214">Hyundai Inster</a>? Read on to find out how we rate the T03 against&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">best electric car rivals</a>...

If you’re less than 6ft tall, you’ll find it easy enough to get comfortable behind the wheel of the Leapmotor T03, thanks to a seat that can be adjusted up, down, in and out.

However, if you’re taller, you might find your knees perched up quite high&nbsp;because the driver’s seat doesn’t slide very far back. Another issue is that the steering wheel only adjusts up and down, although that's less of a problem&nbsp;– the seat doesn’t slide far enough back that you need to extend it towards you anyway.

Despite its tall, boxy shape, visibility out of the T03&nbsp;isn’t that&nbsp;good. The windscreen is small and the front bonnet is&nbsp;high&nbsp;so it’s quite difficult to judge where the front of the car is. The front pillars are quite chunky&nbsp;too, which doesn’t help when pulling out of junctions.

While the door mirrors are a good size for such a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-cars/n16997">small car</a> and the side windows are large, there are wide rear pillars and a small rear window (which doesn't have a wiper). On the plus side, the standard rear parking sensors and rear-view camera help when parking.

Every Leapmotor T03 comes with two screens upfront, the first of which is an 8.0in digital driver’s display. The display is pretty impressive when it comes to its definition, making it really easy to read, but it’s a shame it has no functionality beyond showing you your speed and brief navigation details.

The other screen is a 10in touchscreen that gives you access to the infotainment features. Again, its definition is good for the most part and it reacts quickly as you prod around the menus.

On the minus side, almost all the car’s systems are accessed through the touchscreen – a third of which is obscured by the steering wheel because of the screen's low position in the dashboard. As a result&nbsp;you can’t see some menu options and&nbsp;navigation details, which is a pain.

Leapmotor has said that over-the-air updates for the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-car-infotainment-systems-tested-and-rated/n21269">infotainment system</a> will be supported for several years, so hopefully it’ll find a way around the issue. Indeed, at the time of writing, the system has had four quality-of-life updates.

Every T03 comes with DAB radio, Bluetooth, built-in sat-nav and smartphone connectivity. You don't get <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194">Android Auto</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193">Apple CarPlay</a> smartphone mirroring.

Prodding around the interior reveals that it’s dominated by hard plastics, but they’re far from offensive because&nbsp;all the materials having some form of colouring or texturing. It’s more appealing on the surface than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/spring/hatchback/review/n26964">Dacia Spring</a> but not as funky as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/e-c3/hatchback/review/n26854">Citroën ë-C3</a>.

Build quality feels good – the doors close with a reassuring thud, for example,&nbsp;unlike on the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/spring/hatchback/review/n26964">Dacia Spring</a>. Plus, the steering wheel-mounted stalks (which look as though they've been sourced from <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mercedes-benz">Mercedes car models</a>) feel secure and tough.

<h2>"While the interior is filled with hard plastics, you can’t argue with the T03’s build quality. I did lots of prodding around in it and it feels like the T03 should stand the test of time."&nbsp;– <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/dan-jones/n23433">Dan Jones, Senior Reviewer</a></h2>

The T03 is a very small and competitively priced electric car from Chinese brand Leapmotor

Leapmotor T03

You’re probably thinking that anyone over six feet tall would struggle to fit inside this <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-cars/n16997">dinky city car</a>&nbsp;but that's not the case. You see, while a tall&nbsp;driver might struggle for leg room in the Leapmotor T03, there’s a surprising amount of space generally.

Starting in the front, there’s more than enough head room for a pair of six-footers, plus&nbsp;loads of passenger leg room. It’s also wide enough for two broad people to sit in the front without rubbing shoulders.

Front storage is less impressive, but you do get a cupholder and a holder for your phone below the dashboard, a small cubby between the front seats, and small door bins with a cupholder large enough for a big water bottle.

When it comes to rear head room, it’s much the same story as in the front, with even those just over 6ft tall having more than enough space without their hair rubbing on the roof lining. Leg room, meanwhile, is sufficient rather than generous, with those under 6ft having just enough knee space and loads of room under the front seats for their feet.

Shoulder room is decent, with two people sitting in the back, but you only have space for two people. That’s worth bearing in mind if you often use all three rear seats. If you do, you might want to look at the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/e-c3/hatchback/review/n26854">Citroën ë-C3</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg4/hatchback/review/n24916">MG4 EV</a> instead. At least you have five doors, making it easier to climb into the rear than in the three-door <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/cooper/hatchback/review/n26581">Mini Cooper Electric</a>.

The T03's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/the-cars-with-the-biggest-boots/n18791">boot space</a> is nothing to write home about, with just 210 litres of space. That’s less than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/spring/hatchback/review/n26964">Dacia Spring</a> (308 litres) and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/inster/hatchback/review/n27214">Hyundai Inster</a> (280 litres), as well as larger rivals including the ë-C3 and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/corsa/hatchback/review/n21183">Vauxhall Corsa Electric</a>.

Worse still, the T03’s boot is deep but narrow, so large boxy items simply won't go in&nbsp;unless you fold down the back seats. They drop in one piece – as they do in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/spring/hatchback/review/n26964">Dacia Spring</a> – but still, the T03 is not a great choice for trips to buy furniture, for example.

<h2 dir="ltr">"Given the overall size of the Leapmotor T03, I'm impressed by how spacious it is inside. We just about managed to fit two six-foot road testers in the back seats with no real issues."&nbsp;– <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/dan-jones/n23433">Dan Jones, Senior Reviewer</a></h2>

If you live in a city and want an electric car, the Leapmotor T03 proves an affordable and comfortable way to get around. If, however, you travel further afield or need practicality, you’d be better off with a Citroën ë-C3 or Vauxhall Corsa Electric. 

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Spacious enough for four adults to sit comfortably</li> <li>Logically laid-out interior that doesn’t</li> <li>feel too cheap</li> <li>Mature driving manners </li> <li>Decent-sized boot</li> <li>Competitive buying and running costs</li></ul>

Small cars, or superminis as they’re also known, used to be bought almost exclusively as first cars or by people with no children – but the likes of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a> have grown to the point where they can be considered all-round family transport, albeit with the odd compromise.

Small

The entry-level Porsche Macan is just over 10% more expensive than an equivalent <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q6/estate/review/n26937">Audi Q6 e-tron</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/polestar/4/estate/review/n26931">Polestar 4</a>&nbsp;but undercuts the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/lotus/eletre/estate/review/n26330">Lotus Eletre</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/eqe/4x4/review/n26300">Mercedes EQE SUV</a>. It’s also more money than a<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/macan/4x4/review/n52"> petrol Porsche Macan</a> – a model that will be on sale in the UK until the end of 2025.

The higher-end 4S and Turbo derivatives are seriously expensive cars though, although the Turbo gets more of Porsche’s excellent <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/types-of-suspension-adaptive-suspension-explained/n27085">active suspension</a> and drivetrain technology as standard.

In terms of depreciation, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/taycan/saloon/review/n20184">Porsche Taycan</a> hasn't&nbsp;held on to its value as well as the industry predicted (a problem across the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric-car market</a> as a whole) so we’ll be interested to see if that&nbsp;has an impact on the new Macan’s <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/pcp-or-hp-which-car-finance-option-makes-most-sense/n1163">PCP finance rates</a>. You can find the latest prices using our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/porsche">new Porsche deals page</a>.

Of course, resale value won't be an issue for those lucky enough to have a Macan on their <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-company-cars/n22605">company car list</a>. Electric cars attract fantastic <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/company-car-tax-guide/n9352">BIK tax</a>&nbsp;breaks right now, so it will set you back a tiny amount in monthly salary sacrifices compared with combustion-engined SUVs in the same price bracket.

Standard features for the 4 include 20in alloy wheels, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-cruise-control-and-should-you-have-it-on-your-next-car/n26822">cruise control</a>, a powered tailgate and a heat pump.&nbsp;You have to pay extra for keyless entry, privacy glass, a heated steering wheel, full leather seats and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-cruise-control-and-should-you-have-it-on-your-next-car/n26822">adaptive cruise control</a>. The Turbo comes with extra standard kit&nbsp;but costs tens of thousands of pounds more.

The Macan Electric's 95kWh battery has a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/fastest-charging-electric-cars/n26105">peak charging speed</a> of 270kW. In theory, that allows you to charge from 10-80% in around 20 minutes (significantly quicker than rivals), but you'll need to find a very <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/electric-car-charging-networks-rated/n23269">fast charging station</a> to do so. In the UK, you're much more likely to come across a 150kW charger, which can deliver a 10-80% charge in just over half an hour. A 0-100% charge from a 7kW <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-home-ev-chargers/n25830">home wallbox</a> takes around 15 hours.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/porsche">Porsche</a> gives you a three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, while the battery is guaranteed to maintain at least 70% of its capacity for eight years/100,000 miles.

The list of standard safety technology includes automatic emergency braking (<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-aeb-and-how-does-it-work/n3283">AEB</a>), traffic-sign recognition and lane-keeping assistance.

The new Macan is too new to have featured in our 2024 <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/reliability-survey-most-reliable-cars/n26137">What Car? Reliability Survey</a> but Porsche as a brand managed only 21st position when it was ranked against 30 other manufacturers. Mercedes came 22nd while Tesla was in 15th.

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There are four versions of the Porsche Macan Electric to choose from:&nbsp;the entry-level, single-motor Macan, the Macan 4, the 4S and the Turbo.&nbsp;All share a 95kWh useable capacity battery and Porsche’s innovative 800-volt Premium Platform Electric&nbsp;(PPE).

While&nbsp;the top three versions use a drive motor per axle, the bottom-rung one only has one – with 356bhp –&nbsp;for the rear one.&nbsp;However, Porsche (being Porsche) has put a lot of time and effort into making sure that,&nbsp;despite <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-a-car-platform-and-chassis/n27195">sharing its platform</a> with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q6/estate/review/n26937">Audi Q6&nbsp;e-tron</a>,&nbsp;the all-electric Macan feels very different.

Distinguishing features include a bespoke steering rack, specially developed Pirelli tyres, specially positioned motors to aid weight distribution&nbsp;and innovative two-valve dampers first introduced on the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/cayenne/estate/review/n17375">Porsche Cayenne</a>.

So does the Macan Electric's engineering translate into a driving experience worthy of the Porsche badge? Well, within just a few miles you’re aware that the Macan’s steering is a cut above rivals'. It's quick, slack-free and delivers decent feedback, allowing you to really lean on the front tyres with confidence through quick corners.

It also manages to feel keener and more agile than a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/macan/4x4/review/n52">petrol Porsche Macan</a> through quick changes of direction – despite weighing around 350kg more.

The car’s optional four-wheel steering system – available only on the 4S and Turbo – has plenty to do with that. With it, the rear wheels turn at opposite angles to the fronts at low speeds, shortening the car’s turning circle by more than a metre and making it feel alert and agile. At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the fronts, improving stability.

The Macan Electric is genuinely astounding down an undulating country road, exhibiting little body lean and remaining settled over mid-corner bumps. Although the single-motor model is noticeably slower-feeling than the upper-level 4S and Turbo, that fine handling makes it really dynamically capable. Point to point, a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/ev6/estate/review/n24838">Kia EV6 GT</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-y/hatchback/review/n23624">Tesla Model Y Performance</a> might be able to hang on to the tail of a Macan, but their drivers certainly won’t be as relaxed.

In terms of pure performance, the single motor Macan needs 5.7 seconds to get from rest to 62mph, which feels only moderately quick. The 402bhp Macan 4, with its official 0-62mph time of 5.2 seconds, seems a good deal punchier in the real world.

In pure performance terms, the 630bhp Turbo with its 0-62mph of 3.3 seconds and top speed of 169mph (32mph up on the 4) feels a bit like overkill, and we can imagine many of even the keenest Macan owners being perfectly happy with a 4S (510bhp, 0-62mph, 4.1 seconds) instead. Plus, the 4S can be ordered with the same <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/types-of-suspension-adaptive-suspension-explained/n27085">active suspension</a>&nbsp;technology as the Turbo.

Is the Macan Electric actually fun, as well as fast? Well, yes – but with a caveat. The 4 will plaster a smile on the face of most drivers, but if you obsess&nbsp;over steering feel and on-the-limit handling, you’ll want the Turbo. And that’s because it has a Porsche-developed electric motor that sits way out behind the rear axle.

That placement, combined with what <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/porsche">Porsche</a> calls Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (an electronically controlled differential lock on the rear axle) not only increases agility but also allows you to slide the Macan like it's a big <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/hot-hatches/n17005">hot hatch</a>, giving you the interaction you’d normally expect from a much lighter and more compact car.

Will that matter to most people? Well, if you're a truly keen driver and want the most interactive driving experience, the Turbo is hard to resist. For most buyers, though, we'd recommend the 4 – or even the entry-level Macan, which has the best electric range, still handles sweetly and has more than adequate power.

Better yet, for all its sportiness the Macan is a relaxing cruiser. You might notice some motor whine around town and the rumble of its tyres across a coarse surface (especially if you opt for 22in wheels), but wind noise is well suppressed.

Ride quality on the optional <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/types-of-suspension-adaptive-suspension-explained/n27085">air suspension</a> (standard on the Macan Turbo Electric)&nbsp;can be a little bit firm-feeling and choppy if you pair it with big wheels. We’ve yet to sample the standard-fit steel sprung set-up.

Braking-wise, the middle pedal is easy to modulate, which is not always the case in<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000"> electric cars</a> where the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-regenerative-braking-and-how-does-it-work/n25212"> regenerative braking system</a> has to blend in with the physical brakes.

The Macan Electric's official range is 380 miles for the 4 and 367 for the powerful Turbo, so you’ll be looking at around 300 miles in the real world. A single-motor Macan stretches that as far as 398 miles on the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/wltp-meaning-official-economy-emissions/n1223">WLTP test</a>, and returns about 320&nbsp;of those in mixed real-world use.

On our test route (a mix of town, country and motorway driving) a Macan 4 returned 2.9 miles per kWh, giving a theoretical range of 300.3 miles. That’s further than a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/ev6/estate/review/n24838">Kia EV6 GT</a> and similar to a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-y/hatchback/review/n23624">Tesla Model Y Performance</a>.

The Macan Electric handles like no other electric SUV and has a long electric range

Porsche Macan Electric

In Turbo guise the Porsche Macan Electric is the best-handling electric SUV we’ve ever tested - but it’s not the only model in the range that’s great to drive. The entry-level Macan has a simple and appealing rear-wheel-drive fun factor, the 4 will keep most buyers entertained and the 4S begins to get into the Turbo’s territory for outright pace, grip and agility. All that's available with one of the longest official ranges you can get.

Electric Car Awards 2024

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