Energy-efficient plug-in hybrid drivetrains are no longer confined to just compact cars. The luxury vehicle market is embracing sustainability, with more manufacturers incorporating plug-in hybrid options into their upscale lineups. This shift makes driving a luxury or high-performance vehicle more environmentally conscious and potentially more economical in the long run. Our curated list of the best plug-in Hybrid Luxury Cars highlights models that blend opulence with efficiency, arranged by their Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), or our closest estimate. As expected, these vehicles often come with a higher price tag compared to their traditional gasoline counterparts. However, it’s crucial to consider potential federal and state energy rebates and tax incentives, which can significantly offset the initial cost of purchasing a plug-in hybrid, depending on your location.
2017 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron — MSRP $38,900
The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron marked Audi’s foray into the plug-in hybrid luxury segment, utilizing the body style of the discontinued (post-2013) but fondly remembered A3 Sportback. Audi revived this versatile design as the foundation for the Sportback e-tron, a plug-in hybrid variant of the A3. This model stood out as one of the more accessible plug-in hybrid luxury cars available. While its all-electric range is a modest 16 miles, the A3 Sportback e-tron compensates with an EPA-rated fuel economy of 35 mpg combined when running on gasoline, and an impressive 83 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) when combining electric and gasoline power.
2017 Mercedes-Benz C350e — MSRP $40,425
Mercedes-Benz expanded its commitment to hybrid technology with several plug-in hybrid versions across its luxury coupes and sedans. Leading this charge in affordability was the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C350e. While its launch was slightly delayed from its anticipated late-2016 date, it was eagerly expected to arrive in the US market in early 2017. The C350e’s plug-in hybrid system combines a 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor, managed by a 7-speed automatic transmission. Although the hybrid technology increases the initial investment, the Mercedes-Benz C350e promised enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced running costs, all while upholding the brand’s renowned standards of luxury and performance.
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid — MSRP $43,090
The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, while technically a minivan, blurs the lines with luxury features and a premium feel, earning its place among plug-in hybrid luxury vehicles. As Chrysler’s flagship minivan and the first and only hybrid minivan globally at the time, the Pacifica Hybrid commanded a price point exceeding some traditional luxury cars. It boasts a substantial 30-mile all-electric range and an EPA rating of 80 MPGe combined (utilizing a V6 engine paired with two electric motors). This efficiency allowed families to significantly reduce their reliance on gasoline. Despite its higher price, the Pacifica Hybrid came generously equipped with standard features, offering a compelling blend of practicality and near-luxury amenities in a hybrid package.
2017 BMW 330e — MSRP $44,100
The 2017 BMW 330e represented BMW’s strategic entry into the plug-in hybrid luxury sedan market. While the plug-in hybrid drivetrain option increased the base price of the BMW 3 Series, it delivered a notable balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The 330e offered a 14-mile all-electric range and an EPA combined rating of 71 MPGe, all while maintaining a respectable 248 horsepower. The BMW 3 Series, a long-standing leader in the entry-level luxury segment, solidified its position by integrating plug-in hybrid technology, offering an upscale, comfortable, and efficient option without compromising the brand’s core luxury appeal.
2017 BMW i3 with Range Extender — MSRP $46,250
The BMW i3, particularly the Range Extender version, presents a unique case in the luxury hybrid category. Primarily an all-electric compact hatchback, the i3 with Range Extender incorporates a small gasoline engine acting as a generator to extend its driving range. While not strictly marketed as a plug-in hybrid, its functionality closely aligns with the category. The Range Extender option added approximately $4,000 to the base i3 price. Although it slightly reduced the EPA-estimated MPGe compared to the pure electric i3 (117 MPGe vs. 124 MPGe), it significantly enhanced the vehicle’s practicality and usability, making it a noteworthy inclusion in the discussion of hybrid luxury cars.
2017 Volvo S90 — MSRP unknown
Volvo, known for its commitment to safety and increasingly for innovative design, introduced the 2017 S90 midsize luxury sedan. Initially launched with Volvo’s signature turbocharged gasoline engines, the S90 lineup was set to expand with a plug-in hybrid variant later in 2017. This plug-in hybrid S90 promised an all-electric range of 20 miles and an impressive 400 horsepower, blending performance with efficiency. Pricing for the 2017 Volvo S90 plug-in hybrid was not available at the time of the original article, but it was anticipated to be positioned above the standard S90, which started at $46,950. The S90 aimed to redefine Volvo’s image, showcasing modern luxury and cutting-edge hybrid technology.
2017 Mercedes-Benz E350e — MSRP unknown
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is widely recognized as a benchmark in the midsize luxury segment, offering a diverse range of body styles including sedan, coupe, convertible, and wagon, along with gasoline and diesel powertrains. For 2017, Mercedes-Benz further broadened the E-Class appeal with the introduction of the E350e plug-in hybrid. While not immediately available, the E350e was expected to join the lineup soon, pairing a 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor to deliver a combined 286 horsepower and enhanced fuel efficiency. Pricing for the 2017 E350e was yet to be announced, but given the base 2017 E-Class starting price of $52,150, it was expected to be a premium offering within the hybrid luxury market.
2016 Cadillac ELR — MSRP $65,000
Cadillac’s entry into the plug-in hybrid luxury coupe arena was the 2016 Cadillac ELR. This four-passenger coupe embodied modern Cadillac design language and aimed to offer a sophisticated driving experience. In full electric mode, the ELR provided a smooth and refined ride. However, the transition to combined gasoline and electric power was noted to be less seamless. Despite not achieving the market success Cadillac anticipated, the ELR possessed notable strengths, including a luxurious interior, comfortable seating, an extensive list of standard equipment, and an EPA-estimated 85 MPGe in electric mode. The Cadillac ELR represented a bold step towards electrification in the luxury coupe segment.
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE550e — MSRP $66,300
Mercedes-Benz extended its plug-in hybrid technology to its SUV lineup with the 2017 GLE550e, based on the established GLE-Class (and its predecessor, the M-Class). The GLE-Class platform, known for its modern design and luxury appeal, proved to be an ideal candidate for a powerful yet fuel-efficient drivetrain. The GLE550e delivered 436 horsepower from its twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine paired with an electric motor, offering both performance and efficiency in a luxury SUV package. Standard features included Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, enhancing both style and driving dynamics of the 2017 GLE550e.
2017 BMW i8 — MSRP $141,695
The BMW i8 stood as the pinnacle of BMW’s plug-in hybrid luxury and performance offerings, distinct from the all-electric i3. The i8 was conceived as a high-performance sports coupe that seamlessly integrated plug-in hybrid technology without compromising on luxury, style, or driving dynamics. Its striking sports coupe design, characterized by sleek lines, a wide stance, and low profile, was complemented by extensive use of lightweight materials like aluminum and carbon fiber. The plug-in hybrid system in the i8 produced 357 horsepower and offered a total range of up to 420 miles. This sports car achieved 29 mpg on the highway when using gasoline power alone and up to 76 MPGe in combined electric and gasoline operation, showcasing the potential of hybrid technology in the high-end luxury sports car market.
