Electric power is perfect for wafting around in quiet luxury. Here are our top choices for opulent EVs.
Luxury cars are technological showcases – the result of lots of clever brains and cutting-edge innovation. So, while electric cars have now filtered down to the mainstream, they found their footing in the luxury class, and that’s where the most impressive EVs are found. These have the best features, the best upholstery and, often, the best range figures.
Carmakers have spent decades making engines as quiet as possible to create serene, refined luxury cars. Typically, these high-end flagships have had overpowered engines, too, with faster acceleration than is truly necessary. Electric cars have both these qualities – the motors are whisper-quiet and all the power is available instantly for that addictive off-the-line speed. Here are 10 of the best luxury electric cars you can buy right now.
1. BMW i5
We’ll get onto the properly opulent stuff in a minute, but we’re going to start with a familiar-ish badge. The BMW i5 certainly has a luxury car price when new but, if you’re happy to drive a car that’s a year old and with low mileage, you’ll save shedloads of money. At the time of writing, a nearly new i5 is half price. But no less luxurious than a new one, and just as packed with tech as the petrol 5 Series.
Don’t worry about losing even more shedloads of money – at this point, the i5 has already seen its steepest depreciation, and the future depreciation curve is projected to match a petrol 5 Series. And we actually enjoy the i5 more than the 5 Series, because of its instant and luxuriant power, and the swift-and-silent electric powertrain suits the i5’s comforting focus perfectly.
Shop used BMW i5 cars for sale or read our BMW i5 review
2. Mercedes EQS
Mercedes’ ultra-luxurious Bullet Train-like EQS is the electric equivalent to the S-Class, and combines the brand’s latest knowhow on powertrains and technology. Hidden underneath its slinky, aerodynamic styling is a large 108kWh battery. Both these elements combine to produce an official electric range of 452 miles – comfortably making the EQS the longest-range electric car on sale in the UK. With the optional Hyperscreen infotainment system – measuring 56 inches from corner to corner – the EQS has an interior like no other car, either.
3. Rolls-Royce Spectre
Rolls-Royce has spent almost its entire carmaking heritage making its big, hearty petrol engines as quiet and as smooth as possible. An electric powertrain, therefore, makes total sense, but the Brit brand has waited for just the right time to launch its first EV. The Rolls-Royce Spectre is a breathtakingly elegant coupe with bold looks that perfectly encapsulate Rolls’ positioning in the modern era. Its 260-mile range is plenty – Spectre buyers are almost certainly going to have a private jet for longer trips – and you can leave your chauffeur to worry about charging the thing. This has to be the definition of opulence – and it’s certainly one of the most expensive EVs at around £450,000. Baller.
4. BMW i7
Love it or hate it, but there’s no question the BMW i7 looks imposing and purposeful. Behind its surprisingly traditional side profile sits BMW’s finest materials and tech, all smashed together to create a sumptuous limousine. If you thought front-seat occupants have it good, rear-seat passengers might have it even better. You get the usual quilted leather and space, but also the option of a 31-inch Theatre Screen that folds down from the ceiling – letting you keep up with the Kardashians on the way to your next meeting.
5. BMW iX
It’s a challenging car to look at but, get past its divisive styling, and the BMW iX is one of the very best luxury electric SUVs. BMW has managed to make the iX drive deftly and ride comfortably – not an easy task in a car weighing around 2.5 tonnes. The mid-range iX xDrive50’s ‘engine’ boasts a 105kWh battery and a 380-mile range. At nearly five metres long, the iX offers serious space, but it’s the gently curved screens and high-class materials that will make a lasting impression. If you want all these features wrapped up in a more conventional saloon body style, BMW also sells the i7.
Shop used BMW iX cars for sale
6. Porsche Taycan
Porsche is known for its evocative petrol-powered sports cars like the 911 and Boxster but, these days, those cars make up a relatively small proportion of its sales. Of course, the Macan and Cayenne SUVs are popular, but the Porsche Taycan has also been mopping up sales. This is the antidote to the suggestion that EVs are soulless to drive, with typically Porsche-like handling and breathtaking performance. Alongside the saloon, there are Sport Turismo and Cross Turismo estate versions – the latter with jacked-up SUV-like styling.
7. Audi e-tron GT
Closely related to the Taycan, the Audi e-tron GT is equally impressive and a fraction more affordable. Arguably, the e-tron GT feels a little more futuristic, not least because it looks like a spaceship sent from a distant planet. Its 270kW charging tech – also shared with the Porsche – is top-rate and, if you find a powerful enough charger, a 10-80% top-up takes just 20 minutes. Add in a suitably sporty driving experience and the Audi e-tron GT ticks a lot of boxes – including value for money, if you compare it to a petrol-powered Audi A8.
8. Mercedes EQB
Dropping down a few price bands, we get to the Mercedes EQB. This is the electric version of the GLB and squeezes seven seats into its relatively compact proportions. It’s one of the only electric seven-seaters that isn’t ludicrously expensive or a van, but still features the luxury experience you get from costlier Mercedes models. With two large screens ahead of you, sumptuous materials to touch and everything feeling expensive, it’s a really nice family bus. Although we can’t vouch for how luxurious it’ll feel with a full complement of screaming kids on board.
For more info, read our Mercedes EQB review. Only need five seats? You might want to upgrade to the business-class Mercedes EQC instead.
9. Audi e-tron
Fantastically comfortable, quiet at speed and as well built as Fort Knox – the Audi e-tron SUV (renamed the Q8 e-tron from late 2022) is still a top choice for a large luxury electric SUV. To keep pace with an increasingly long list of rivals, the Q8 e-tron gains faster charging and larger batteries. But what remains is the e-tron’s effortless driving experience during tiring, stressful commutes – you’ll appreciate the e-tron on traffic-filled drives home after a long workday.
10. Volvo EX90
An electric equivalent to the Volvo XC90, the EX90 has a cleaner look but no less presence and calm smartness. The interior is bright and airy, with all the high-quality touches you’d expect from a Volvo – especially one that costs six figures. If safety is a luxury then the EX90 looks to be the poshest choice, with enough driver assistance and collision avoidance tech to make any journey as peaceful as breezy birdsong on a summer’s day. Then there’s a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins stereo and ultra-sharp pixel LED headlights.
