© BMW USA
Electrified Luxury
When the first plug-in vehicles came to market, consumers didn’t have many choices and those choices were quite basic — Tesla’s early models being the one exception. But now with more than 20 pure electric vehicles on sale in America and dozens more plug-in hybrids, the variety of EV options has grown considerably. Many of these vehicles offer impressive levels of luxury as well as performance. What follows are the high-end models available in America that come with a plug. Note: Range and EV Range figures are based on U.S. EPA data.
© Aston Martin
Aston Martin Rapide-E
Base MSRP: $300,000-plus (estimate)
Range: 200 miles-plus (estimate)
Only 155 buyers will get the chance to take delivery of Aston Martin’s first electric vehicle. Based on one of the sexiest 4-door sedans on the road, the Rapide-E will have the performance expected of this legendary British marque. Mounted at the rear of the Rapide-E are two electric motors producing more than 600 horsepower, which will move this new EV to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds. The Rapide-E has an 800-volt architecture with a 65kWh battery pack providing a range of more than 200 miles — or a full lap at speed around the famous Nurburgring racetrack in Germany.
© Audi AG
Audi e-tron
Base MSRP: $74,800
Range: 204 miles
The German car company has been showing electric concept vehicles for years, but for 2019 there’s finally one available for purchase. A premium 5-seat midsize SUV, the e-tron is Audi’s first all-electric series production vehicle, with a design that is both stylish and aerodynamic with a familiar but uniquely enclosed grille. Audi e-tron is propelled by two potent electric motors — one powering each axle — creating a new generation of quattro electric all-wheel drive that can adjust the amount of torque delivered to each axle for ideal balance according to driving conditions. The new e-tron is quick — with up to 402 horsepower available, it will sprint to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds.
© Bentley Motors
Bentley Bentayga PHEV
Base MSRP: $156,900
EV Range: 16 miles
At the 2018 Geneva Motor Show this legendary British marque joined the ranks of electrification; Bentley debuted its first plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle — the Bentayga PHEV. The new hybrid distinguishes itself with copper-colored badges on the lower front doors and the tailgate; a copper finish for the wheel centers and Bentley badges; and “Hybrid” on the door sill plates. The Bentayga PHEV is powered by a new turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine teamed with an advanced electric motor that works as both a motor and a generator as part of the hybrid system. According to Bentley the battery can be recharged in 7.5 hours with a standard home outlet, or 2.5 hours with a high-capacity charger. Like any other Bentley, the Bentayga PHEV is lavishly equipped with handcrafted wood and leather trim, as well as the latest in safety and infotainment technology.
© BMW USA
BMW 530e
Base MSRP: $53,900
EV Range: 16 miles
In 2018 BMW added a plug-in hybrid variant to the popular 5 Series lineup. The 530e iPerformance PHEV is offered in both rear-wheel drive and xDrive all-wheel drive, and is powered by a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine teamed with a high-performance electric motor for a total system output of 248 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. For 2020 the 530e gets a larger high-voltage battery pack that should increase the luxury sedan’s electric-only range. BMW recently announced a pilot program that equips a limited number of 530e models to be able to charge wirelessly using an inductive charging pad. If successful, this would make it possible to charge the vehicle without having to plug it in.
© BMW USA
BMW 745e
Starting MSRP: $95,550
EV Range: 16 miles
Updated for the 2020 model year, the 7 Series introduces a new plug-in hybrid powertrain in the renamed 745e. Offering a major power upgrade, the new 745e features a 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine paired with a 111-horsepower electric motor for a combined output of 389 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque — enough oomph to sprint to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds. The big sedan carries all the luxury and performance features expected of the BMW flagship, as well as full-time all-wheel drive.
© BMW USA
BMW i3
Base MSRP: $44,450
Range: 153 miles
BMW’s electric i3 has been on the market since 2014, and for 2019 the innovative little car received a larger 120 Ah battery. With more juice on tap, the i3 can now travel almost double the range it had when first introduced. Built on an aluminum frame with a carbon fiber body, the i3 has a unique interior trimmed in recycled or renewable materials. The small car features rear-hinged rear doors for easy access to all seating positions. Power comes from a 170-horsepower electric motor that delivers a zero-to-60 mph time of just over 7 seconds. A new i3s was added to the lineup for 2019, offering a bit more power as well as a sportier chassis and more responsive performance.
© BMW USA
BMW i8
Starting MSRP: $147,500
EV Range: 18 miles
BMW’s high-performance plug-in hybrid sports car, the i8 looks like a futuristic concept car that delivers high levels of performance and efficiency. The unique drivetrain features a 228-horsepower 3-cylinder turbocharged engine that powers the rear wheels, while the front wheels get motivation from a 129-horsepower electric motor. Combined output of 369 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque moves the AWD i8 from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. The i8 doesn’t look like anything else on the road with its sleek silhouette, big wheels, narrow grille, crazy aerodynamic angles at the rear, as well as unique scissor doors that lift and pivot upward toward the front. Last year BMW added a roadster version to the i8 lineup with a soft-top that opens in less than 16 seconds.
© JLR
Jaguar I-PACE
Base MSRP: $69,500
Range: 234 miles
The all-new Jaguar I-PACE is an entirely electric crossover that looks and feels like a Jaguar should, possessing excellent performance both on- and off-road. All I-PACE trims come well equipped with high levels of luxury as well as the latest high-tech safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, rear traffic monitor, traffic-sign recognition and clear exit monitor. Power comes from dual permanent-magnet synchronous electric motors — one powering the front wheels, one powering the rears to create a permanent 4-wheel-drive system. Total output is 394 horsepower and 512 lb-ft of torque. Electric motors deliver peak torque immediately, which means the I-PACE can reach 60 mph from a standstill in a quick 4.5 seconds.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes GLC 350e
Base MSRP: $50,650
EV Range: 10 miles
The GLC is the compact luxury crossover offering of the Mercedes-Benz lineup; the GLC 350e plug-in hybrid was added for the 2018 model year. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine teamed with a powerful 85 kW electric motor that produces a total of 315 horsepower and 43 lb-ft of torque. The GLC 350e 4MATIC will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in a bit over 6 seconds and the power is usable in all weather conditions, thanks to the Mercedes 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system that works with the electronic stability control to optimize torque at every wheel. Look for an all-new GLC Plug-in Hybrid to be arriving soon.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz EQC
Base MSRP: TBA
Range: 279 miles (estimate)
Mercedes-Benz introduced the EQ brand at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, announcing a line of electric vehicles in the coming years that would appear under this new brand. Now we know that the first of these vehicles will be arriving in 2020, and it is the all-new Mercedes-Benz EQC crossover SUV. The new M-B EQC will be powered by two electric motors — one at each axle. The unique electric all-wheel-drive system uses the two motors in different ways. The front motor is configured for efficiency in the low to medium load range, while the rear motor adds a level of sportiness. The two motors combine to produce a total 402 horsepower and 564 lb-ft of torque. As with other electric vehicles, the torque is available almost instantaneously, so the EQC should sprint to 60 mph in an estimated 4.9 seconds.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid
Base MSRP: $81,100
EV Range: TBA
An all-new Cayenne was introduced for the 2019 model year, and a few months ago Porsche added the new Cayenne PHEV to the lineup. The Cayenne E-Hybrid derives power from a 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine teamed with an electric motor to serve up a combined 455 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque — good enough to sprint to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and hit a top track speed of 157 mph. And if utility is more important than performance, this potent powertrain gives the Cayenne E-Hybrid a maximum towing capacity of 7,716 pounds. For those looking for something more powerful, Porsche has also introduced the Cayenne Turbo S e-Hybrid with the same electric motor, but teams it with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine for a total output of 670 horsepower and 663 lb-ft of torque.
© Porsche Cars North America
Porsche Panamera e-Hybrid
Base MSRP: $102,900
EV Range: 14 miles
The flagship four door of the Porsche lineup is available with classic Panamera styling as well as in Sport Turismo trim. Porsche offers two hybrid powertrains available in either bodystyle with different trim levels. The Panamera 4 e-Hybrid is equipped with a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 teamed with an electric motor to produce a combined 462 horses and 516 lb-ft of torque. The 4 E-Hybrid can reach a top speed of 170 mph, or 86 mph on electric power alone, and can jump to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. While that seems like plenty of performance, Porsche also offers the Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid that pairs the electric motor with a powerful twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine for a combined 680 horsepower and 626 lb-ft of torque. This car is wickedly quick, reaching 60 mph in a mere 3.2 seconds with a top track speed of 192 mph.
© Porsche Cars North America
Porsche Taycan
Base MSRP: $150,900
Range: TBA
One of the newest models on this list, the Taycan is Porsche’s first fully-electric vehicle slated to go on sale later this year. The Taycan will be the first production car to use an 800-volt system, which means that charging time from 5 to 80 percent would be under 25 minutes. The 4-door high-performance Porsche has styling similar to the iconic 911, while inside the Taycan feels very futuristic with display screens across the dashboard and a curved screen in front of the driver. Two versions will be offered at launch — the Taycan Turbo and Taycan Turbo S. Both feature two electric motors, one on each axle. The Taycan Turbo delivers 670 horsepower while the Turbo S generates a staggering 750 horsepower and 774 lb-ft of torque, making it the most potent vehicle in the Porsche lineup. Both of these models are extremely quick — the Taycan Turbo will sprint to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds, while the more powerful Turbo S will complete the same task in a mere 2.6 seconds. Porsche limits top speed for both versions to 161 mph.
© Tesla
Tesla Model S
Base MSRP: $75,000
Range: 285–370 miles
One of the first premium plug-in vehicles available in America, the Model S offers impressive performance and an extended driving range in an attractive electric sedan. The Model S was the second Tesla to come to market, and for many years stood alone as the only electric-powered luxury-performance sedan on the market. Now one of three models offered by the innovative American car company, the Model S is available in configurations focused on efficiency or performance, the latter of which has the capability of reaching 60 mph in just 2.4 seconds when set in “Ludicrous” mode.
© Tesla
Tesla Model X
Base MSRP: $81,000
Range: 255–325 miles
Tesla’s SUV certainly stands out from the crowd in both style and capability, with strong performance in both efficiency and acceleration. The Model X features two independently-controlled electric motors for full-time all-wheel drive. Available in three power levels, the Model X Standard Range is the most efficient according to the U.S. EPA. Even though the Standard Range Model X may have base-level power, it can still accelerate to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds. Slightly less efficient, the Model X Performance provides acceleration on par with most exotic sports cars. Featuring aerodynamic styling, innovative Falcon Wing doors and a versatile interior, the Model X is unique within the American crossover market.
© Volvo Cars North America
Volvo S60 / V60 T8 PHEV
Base MSRP: $55,400
EV Range: 22 miles
Volvo introduced an all-new S60 sedan and V60 wagon for the 2019 model year. Built on Volvo’s new Scalable Product Architecture, the updated midsize models feature the same design elements as the rest of the Volvo lineup, including the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlight design that gives the Volvo a unique look day or night. While both models are available with a variety of powertrains, the most powerful also happens to be the most efficient — the T8 plug-in hybrid. The T8 features a rather unique powertrain; under the hood resides a 2.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged 4-cylinder engine teamed with a powerful electric motor. Total output for the hybrid system is 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque. Volvo is also offering a high-performance Polestar Engineered V60 that uses the same powertrain but bumps output to 415 horsepower and 494 lb-ft of torque.
© Volvo Cars North America
Volvo S90 T8 PHEV
Base MSRP: $63,200
EV Range: 21 miles
When Volvo introduced the S90 a few years back, it set the design language for the rest of the lineup that continues today. In addition to its expressive exterior, the S90 interior gets covered with soft leather and natural open-pore walnut trim; the environment feels more living space than luxury sedan. The center stack features a 9.3-inch Sensus Touchscreen display that can be swiped like a typical tablet, employing a home screen that always displays navigation, media, phone and applications. The S90 uses the same 400-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain with full-time all-wheel drive and excellent performance and efficiency.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV
Base MSRP: $53,950
EV Range: 19 miles
The current-generation XC60 started out in a strong way, winning the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year award in 2018. Volvo takes an interesting approach regarding engines and features on the XC60 — all match what’s available in the larger XC90. The XC60 T8 PHEV is available with different levels of luxury, and for 2020 Volvo has also added the high-performance XC60 Polestar Engineered. Based on the XC60 T8 plug-in hybrid, the Polestar Engineered version gets a bump to 415 horsepower and 494 lb-ft of torque, making it the sportiest of the Volvo crossover lineup. In addition to the power boost, the Polestar Engineered XC60 gets adjustable Ohlins dampers, a Polestar Engineered front strut bar, Akebono brakes with gold calipers and black-chrome integrated tailpipes. This special XC60 also receives the same black exterior treatments as the R Design and stands out with its gold seat belts.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV
Base MSRP: $67,000
EV Range: 18 miles
One of the larger and more luxurious plug-in hybrid SUVs on the market, the XC90 gets fresh styling and some new features for the 2020 model year. The XC90’s overall look remains the same; however, there are noticeable exterior updates. The front grille now features a concave design that has a more premium feel thanks to the two-color inlays and chrome accented frame. Front and rear bumpers have also been restyled, and the XC90 gets updated wheel designs. Also new for 2020 is an available 6-passenger configuration in the XC90 that replaces the second-row bench with individual bucket seats. Not only does this provide a more comfortable seating area for second-row passengers, access to the third row is easier and passengers relegated to that aft row get a welcome increase in legroom. Like the other T8 PHEV models in the Volvo lineup, the XC90 gets the 2.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged 4-cylinder engine teamed with a powerful electric motor. Total output for the hybrid system is 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque.
