Cars that will impress you: the best hybrids you can buy in 2024

Even now, not all drivers are ready to buy an all-electric car right away. The solution here may be to switch to a hybrid model, which offers the benefits of both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor powered by a larger battery.

Experts from the British publication Autoexpress have tested all the hybrids available on the country's market and identified the top ten. Here are the models they recommend paying attention to.

Mercedes S 580 e

The S-Class may no longer be the pinnacle of Mercedes luxury, but it is still a refined and technologically advanced car that looks luxurious. The S 580e hybrid model is equipped with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder gasoline engine coupled to a 148 hp electric motor, making a total output of 510 hp. The 21.5 kWh battery pack provides up to 110 km of range on electric power alone, and can be charged from 0 to 80% in 20 minutes.

DS 4 E-Tense 225

The hybrid from the French car brand impressed journalists when it outperformed the Audi A3 TFSI e in tests. The victory was due in part to an improved hybrid transmission with a plug-in module. In general, the DS 4 E-Tense 225 powertrain combines a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine with a 12.4 kWh battery and a 108 hp engine (total power - 222 hp), which provides a range of up to 65 km on electricity alone. The hybrid accelerates to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 235 km/h.

Range Rover Sport P460e

The more compact sporty version of the full-size Range Rover boasts a lower price and better handling. The powertrain of the Range Rover Sport Hybrid combines a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder petrol engine with a powerful 38.2 kWh battery pack. According to the results of laboratory tests, this gives an impressive theoretical range of up to 125 km on electricity alone, although experts expect 80 km in real conditions. Such a hybrid accelerates to hundreds in 5.3 seconds.

Skoda Octavia IV

With more space than its competitors, many thoughtful features and a comfortable interior, the Skoda Octavia regularly makes it to the top of journalistic lists. The current generation also features a hybrid version for the first time. Its 1.4-liter turbocharged petrol engine and a small electric motor combine to deliver 201 hp. This is enough for a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 7.8 seconds, but the Octavia IV EV's 70 km range is more important. This means that Skoda can transport four adults and all their luggage to and from the city with virtually no exhaust emissions. The Octavia hybrid is also about twice as fuel efficient as its 1.5-liter gasoline-powered counterpart.

Toyota RAV4

Toyota was a pioneer in the mass production of hybrid cars. Its RAV4 has a claimed fuel economy of up to 0.83 liters per 100 kilometers. However, in reality, the figures are much more modest. It can also cover up to 75 km in purely electric mode. The interior design of the car is somewhat conservative, but it is equipped with all the necessary technologies and is easy to use.

Suzuki Across

Essentially, Suzuki's hybrid is a clone of the RAV4, except that it's a little cheaper thanks to a slightly less popular brand. The Across' powertrain includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine mated to a CVT automatic transmission, as well as an 18.1 kWh battery that powers electric motors on each axle. This means that the model has all-wheel drive, provides 75 km of range, and consumes only 0.83 liters of fuel per 100 km of travel.

Kia Sportage PHEV

This midsize SUV combines style and substance. It impresses with its infotainment system with two crisp 12.3-inch displays, as well as the build quality of the interior. Comfort and refinement are key strengths, but the Sportage PHEV also offers a 70 km electric range. The electric motor, 13.8 kWh battery pack and 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder petrol engine deliver 261 hp, and the Sportage PHEV is capable of accelerating to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds. However, it is the most expensive offer in this Kia lineup.

Lexus NX 450h+

The Lexus NX mechanically resembles the Toyota RAV4, but its elegant, stunning design fully justifies the price difference. It also offers excellent handling and the best infotainment system Lexus has created to date. The NX 450h+ hybrid offers performance on par with hot hatchbacks and an electric range of up to 65 km.

BMW 330e

It may not be the most futuristic or innovative car, but the BMW 3 Series is a brilliant all-rounder in its own right, and the 330e Hybrid is the best choice in the lineup from many perspectives. Its behavior on the road does not differ from related models. That's thanks to the 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor, which work in harmony to provide plenty of speed. However, the 10.5 kWh battery significantly eats up trunk space. Instead, the car offers a new dual-screen infotainment system.

Mercedes C 300 e

The hybrid version of the popular C-Class from Mercedes is an uncompromising alternative for drivers who are not ready to switch to a fully electric car. It can travel up to 110 km on battery power. And only then will you need to start the 2.0-liter gasoline engine. At the same time, this is a stylish high-end car, and it also has an incredibly convenient and intuitive MBUX infotainment system with an 11.9-inch touchscreen, which is even included in the standard equipment of the car. All this is very expensive, but worth every penny.

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