Auto Express has named the Audi A5 e-hybrid as the best plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) to drive in the UK, beating rivals from BMW, Volkswagen, and Peugeot. The accolade comes as PHEV sales surge 38.4% in the first half of 2026, reflecting growing consumer interest in vehicles that combine a petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor and larger battery pack.
Audi A5 e-hybrid tops rankings
The Audi A5 e-hybrid, priced from £50,225 for the saloon variant, offers a pure electric range of 68 miles. The model also won Auto Express' Premium Hybrid Car of the Year Award for 2026. The publication praised its "high class interior", "good rear-seat legroom", and "high levels of equipment". However, it noted drawbacks including a hefty price tag, modest rear headroom, and limited boot space.
Reviewers particularly admired the hybrid system, stating: "It also has an ace up its sleeve in the form of its impressive plug-in hybrid powertrain. It can seamlessly switch between electric and petrol power, and there's enough grunt under the bonnet so you never feel like you're lacking in power when merging onto the motorway or driving cross-country."
BMW 530e takes second place
Securing second place is the BMW 530e, which received praise for its "sharp" handling, robust petrol engine, and "plush" interior. However, it was marked down for being "£7k more expensive than base 520i" and its electric version attracting lower company car tax rates. Auto Express noted: "The plug-in hybrid BMW 530e was named our Premium Hybrid Car of the Year in 2024 and 2025. It was only narrowly beaten by the Audi A5 e-hybrid in 2026. Sure it's partly electric, but the 530e is just as enjoyable to drive as a 5 Series should be and offers peerless refinement."
Volkswagen Golf eHybrid in third
Third place goes to the Volkswagen Golf eHybrid, a hybrid family hatchback. It earned recognition for its "user-friendly" technology, "wide range of powertrains", and "good balance between ride and handling". However, it lost points for inferior cabin quality, certain ergonomic issues, and louder road noise on larger wheels.
Honda Civic eHEV also praised
Separately, at the SMMT's May test day, Christopher Sharp, a journalist for Reach, named the Honda Civic eHEV as his top hybrid choice of the event. He stated: "I've not driven many cars that handle this well, this sharply, this communicatively. It inspires confidence and you soon forget that petrol engine and hybrid system are doing a clever dance under the bonnet. As it's a relatively sizeable hatchback, it's practical too."
