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Electric Car Awards 2026: Best hybrid performance car

With fully electric and plug-in hybrid cars now coming in all shapes and sizes, we’ve named the best new and used buys in every class. Here we look at the best hybrid performance cars

WINNER: Best hybrid performance car

Audi RS5 Avant quattro

Audi RS5 Avant review Audi RS5 Avant deals

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Audi RS5 Avant front driving

After years of performance cars defined by the vast, muscular engines under their bonnets, the shift to plug-in hybrid (PHEV)power seemed a bit anticlimactic.

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You see, we were underwhelmed when the (now-discontinued) Mercedes-AMG C63 ditched its red-blooded V8 in favour of a dull-sounding four-cylinder petrol engine and PHEV system with a piddling eight-mile official electric range. And while the latest BMW M5’s blend of V8 petrol and electric power brings colossal performance (and a healthier 43-mile official electric range), its vast weight means it’s neither as poised nor as exciting as M5s of old.

With the latest Audi RS5, though, Audi has created a performance car that doesn’t have to apologise for being a PHEV. In short, it’s strong in both of its personalities.

Audi RS5 Avant rear cornering

On the one hand, you can leave it in Comfort or Balanced mode and cruise around on electric power for up to 51 miles (officially) if you go for the Avant estate version we recommend.

List price

£91,300

Leasing

0-62 mph

3.6 sec

Top speed

155 mph

Official economy

72.4 mpg

C02 emissions

89 g/km

Insurance group

48E

That makes the RS5 a good fit for everyday life; that electric range alone could be enough for your daily commute or the school run. And, being quiet and comfy, it’ll take a family holiday in its stride. Its boot is a bigger and a better shape than the C63 Estate’s, and while the RS5 saloon’s isn’t as big (which is why we prefer the Avant), even this is easy to load, thanks to a hatchback opening.

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RS Sport mode, though, is what you’re really here for. Select it and the V6 engine fires up (for a combined output of 630bhp), the automatic gearbox holds gears for longer and the adaptive suspension stiffens – while retaining a decent level of cushioning. The result is remarkable body control; there’s little body lean and mid-corner bumps are shrugged off with ease.

What’s more, whereas the four-wheel drive system of the previous Audi RS4 offered boundless traction but little fun, Audi has let its hair down with the RS5’s set-up. It’s keener to balance the power towards the rear wheels, and this helps to make it feel more agile and entertaining on a twisty road or race track.

Audi RS5 Avant dashboard

In fact, as well as upping the fun factor over its predecessor, the RS5 puts a bigger smile on your face than the M5 and even the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid.

And sure, the RS5 isn’t cheap per se, but it substantially undercuts those rivals on price, even if you choose range-topping Performance Vorsprung trim. Our choice, though, would be the entry-level version; it’s mechanically identical, so it ups the fun-per-buck ratio even further.

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Key facts

Engine 6cyl, 2894cc, turbo, petrol, plus electric motor Power 630bhp Torque 608lb ft Gearbox 8-spd automatic Official electric range 51 miles

Best used hybrid performance car

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Sport E Hybrid

Porsche Panamera front cornering

On sale from 2018-2024 Prices from £33,000

Expect thundering performance, a 33-mile electric range and unmatched desirability from the Panamera. In our preferred Sport Turismo form, it’s even pretty practical.

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