The Audi A5 e-hybrid has been named the best plug-in hybrid to drive in the UK by Auto Express. The German saloon, priced from £50,225, offers a pure electric range of 68 miles and won the publication's Premium Hybrid Car of the Year Award for 2026.
Rising Popularity of Plug-In Hybrids
Plug-in hybrid vehicles are more popular than ever in the UK, with sales rising 38.4% in the first half of 2026. These cars combine a traditional petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor and a larger battery, eliminating range anxiety while reducing fuel costs when charged at home.
Auto Express Top Three
Auto Express compiled a list of the best plug-in hybrids currently on sale. The Audi A5 e-hybrid topped the list, praised for its “high class interior”, “good rear-seat legroom”, and “high levels of equipment”. However, it lost marks for its high price, limited rear headroom, and small boot. The publication highlighted its hybrid system: “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.”
Second place went to the BMW 530e, which was commended for “sharp” handling, a powerful petrol engine, and a “plush” interior. It was noted as being “£7k more expensive than base 520i” and having lower company car tax rates. Auto Express stated: “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.”
Third place was the Volkswagen Golf eHybrid, a family hatchback praised for “user-friendly” technology, a “wide range of powertrains”, and “good balance between ride and handling”. It lost marks for lower cabin quality, ergonomic issues, and louder road noise on larger wheels.
Other Notable Hybrids
Reach journalist Christopher Sharp, who tested the Honda Civic eHEV at the SMMT May test day, called it his favourite hybrid of the day. He said: “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.”
