Best Luxury EVs

Marianne Turner
Marianne TurnerAutomotive Correspondent
Best Luxury EVs
Best Luxury EVs

The electric vehicle revolution has well and truly arrived in the premium segment, and the results are spectacular. 

 

Why Choose a Luxury Electric Vehicle? 

For many drivers, the switch to electric power has never been more appealing. But for drivers who also want the very finest in technology and prestige, the luxury EV segment really pulls through.  

The near-silent drive, effortless torque delivery and cutting-edge technology of an electric powertrain, packaged with sumptuous materials and impeccable build quality that only the world's top manufacturers can deliver. 

Choosing a luxury EV means you don't have to compromise. Running costs can be lower than their petrol or diesel equivalents, with electricity costing a fraction of the price at the pump. Servicing schedules are simplified, with fewer moving parts meaning less to go wrong. And for company car drivers, the Benefit-in-Kind tax advantages of a pure electric vehicle remain extremely compelling. 

Yet none of this comes at the expense of the premium experience. Today's luxury EVs feature panoramic glass roofs, cinema-grade sound systems and the latest driver assistance technology - all underpinned by ranges that are more than sufficient for the vast majority of journeys, with rapid charging capability to top up quickly when needed. 

The luxury EV market has never offered so much choice. Here, we highlight five of the very best… 

 

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1. Audi Q6 e-tron 

The Audi Q6 e-tron marks a significant step forward for Audi's electric lineup, sitting above the Q4 and built on the all-new PPE platform developed jointly with Porsche. The result is a more sophisticated, more capable and more rewarding electric SUV that makes a compelling case as the sweet spot of Audi's EV range. 

The interior is exceptional. Audi has introduced a completely new generation of its virtual cockpit, pairing a 11.9-inch curved instrument display with a 14.5-inch MMI touchscreen and an optional front passenger screen - creating a genuinely futuristic environment that still feels intuitive to use. The ambient lighting, premium materials and near-silent drive all reinforce the sense that this is a car built to the very highest standards. 

Luxury features include Matrix LED headlights with digital light signatures, a panoramic glass roof, four-zone climate control and an excellent optional Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Q6 also benefits from a more spacious interior than its smaller sibling, with generous rear legroom and a practical boot. 

Range: Up to 388 miles (WLTP, Q6 e-tron quattro). Charge time: From ~21 mins to 80% (270kW DC). 

 

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2. BMW i5 

The BMW i5 is the all-electric evolution of the iconic 5 Series, and it may well be the most complete luxury saloon (electric or otherwise) on sale today. BMW has managed to translate everything that has always made the 5 Series so desirable into an electric package that adds a new dimension of effortless performance. 

Inside, the BMW Curved Display (a sweeping 12.3-inch instrument cluster flowing seamlessly into a 14.9-inch infotainment screen) dominates the dashboard without overwhelming it. Premium materials are used throughout; open-pore wood trim, Merino leather upholstery, and the excellent optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system create an atmosphere that few rivals can match. 

Crucially, BMW hasn't sacrificed driver involvement. The i5 M60 xDrive variant produces a remarkable 601hp, dispatching 0–60mph in 3.8 seconds, while even the standard eDrive40 model offers rewarding dynamics. The air suspension (optional) further elevates refinement to limo-like levels. 

Range: Up to 362 miles (WLTP, eDrive40). Charge time: From 6h 30m (11kW AC) / ~30 mins to 80% (205kW DC). 

 

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3. Mercedes-Benz EQE 

Mercedes-Benz has always been synonymous with comfort and prestige, and the EQE (the electric counterpart to the E-Class) upholds that tradition magnificently. From the moment you settle into the beautifully contoured seats, it's clear this is a car designed to cosset its occupants above all else. 

The available MBUX Hyperscreen is the standout feature; a vast, curved glass surface stretching almost the full width of the dashboard, housing three separate displays beneath a single pane of scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass.  

The standard 12.8-inch OLED centre screen is no slouch either, with intuitive Mercedes MBUX software and real-time navigation that learns your preferences over time. 

Rear-axle steering (reducing the turning circle significantly) makes the EQE surprisingly agile in city environments, while the E-Active Body Control air suspension on upper trims delivers a fantastic ride quality. Optional Burmester 3D sound system, Energizing Comfort programmes and seat massagers complete a truly first-class experience. 

Range: Up to 410 miles (WLTP, EQE 300). Charge time: From ~4h (22kW AC) / ~31 mins to 80% (170kW DC). 

 

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4. Jaguar I-PACE 

When Jaguar launched the I-PACE back in 2018, it was a watershed moment; the first premium electric SUV from a major established manufacturer, and proof that British brands could lead the electric charge. Several years on, the I-PACE remains a genuinely compelling proposition, combining striking design with an unmistakably British character. 

The I-PACE's design remains one of the most dramatic in the segment - the sweeping roofline, short overhangs and muscular haunches give it a sculptural quality that more conservative rivals struggle to match. Inside, the cabin is a showcase for Jaguar's materials expertise, with Windsor leather seating, real wood veneers and an elegant Touch Pro Duo infotainment system featuring twin 10-inch screens. 

The dual-motor all-wheel drive setup delivers a punchy 400hp and 0–60mph in 4.5 seconds, with sharp, engaging steering that feels quintessentially Jaguar. A panoramic glass roof floods the cabin with light, while the low centre of gravity (a benefit of the flat floor battery pack) means it handles with real agility for an SUV. 

Range: Up to 292 miles (WLTP). Charge time: From ~12h (7kW AC) / ~40 mins to 80% (100kW DC). 

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5. Volvo ES90 

The Volvo ES90 is the Swedish brand's flagship electric saloon, and it arrives with Scandinavian calm, cutting-edge safety technology and effortless long-distance capability. Built on Volvo's SPA2 platform and developed in close collaboration with parent company Geely, the ES90 is one of the most sophisticated and accomplished car Volvo has ever produced. 

Inside, the minimalist cabin is a masterclass. A portrait-oriented central display running Google's Android Automotive OS sits cleanly within a dashboard of sustainably sourced materials - wool blend upholstery, recycled textiles and responsibly sourced wood create an environment that feels as considered as it is comfortable. The optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system, featuring 1,610 watts across 25 speakers, is among the finest fitted to any car at any price. 

Safety, as ever with Volvo, is paramount. The ES90 comes loaded with the latest generation of the brand's advanced driver assistance systems, including a LiDAR sensor as standard, making it one of the best-prepared production cars for the autonomous driving era. Pair this with an exceptionally refined ride and a genuinely competitive electric range, and the ES90 makes a powerful argument for those who want luxury with a conscience. 

Range: Up to 466 miles (WLTP, estimated). Charge time: ~30 mins to 80% (250kW DC, estimated). 

 

Range and charging figures quoted are manufacturer WLTP estimates and may vary depending on driving style, conditions and specification.