As estate car buyers embrace electrification but shy away from full-electric vehicles, the best plug-in hybrids are gaining popularity. PHEVs have emerged as a popular choice for drivers who want to combine the efficiency benefits of electric power with the long-range convenience of a petrol or diesel engine.
In recent years, the selection of plug-in hybrid estates has grown significantly, with options to suit every lifestyle and budget. Here at Parkers, we’ve driven and thoroughly tested the latest models, ensuring our recommendations are based on real-world performance and usability.
In this guide, we’ll help you navigate the key features to look out for, weigh up the pros and cons of the best cars to go for, and reveal our favourite choices. Need to know more about this technology? Then check out our guide to plug-in hybrid tech.
Check out how we test cars to understand more about the way we’ve reached these conclusions.
Best plug-in hybrid estate cars 2025
Best plug-in hybrid estate car if you love driving
Since there’s a battery under rear floor big enough for 34 miles of electric-only driving (our testing suggests it will be more like 20-25 miles in the real world) you do lose a bit of boot space – luggage capacity falling to 410-1,420 litres compared with 500-1,510 for the conventional petrol and diesel models. That’s pretty small versus everything else on this list, but you do get an opening rear windscreen for easy loading in tight spaces, and a boost mode that’s great for overtaking. A four-wheel drive variant adds extra traction if you don't like rear-wheel drive.
To find our more, read our full BMW 330e review
Pros
- Both sporty and comfortable to drive with plenty of performance
- Very well put together with a powerful yet easy to use infotainment system
- Strong image and low company car tax make it a top choice for business drivers
Cons
- The boot is rather small so check it will fit all your necessary stuff
- Limited electric driving range by the latest PHEV standards
| Starting price | £48,785 |
| Best leasing deal (per month) | £556.11 |
| Max electric-only driving range (WLTP) | 34 miles |
| Insurance group | 33-36 |
| Boot space | 410-1,420 litres |
| Performance | 292hp, 5.9sec 0-62mph |
Now with hugely improved PHEV driving range
You get spacious rear seats and massive boot. The interior is easy to use and available in some lovely colours and trims, and it’s just such a refined place to spend time. Where the Superb scores really highly is in its excellent choice of trims and colours to create a classy, premium-feeling interior, and a trio of rotary controllers that cover off the climate control and stereo functions without resorting to prodding the touchscreen.
To find out more, read our full Skoda Superb Estate review
Pros
- Hugely spacious and practical
- Very comfortable and refined
- Fabulous interior
Cons
- Some interior quality concerns
- Rivals are more fun to drive
Our favourite large estate delivers performance and efficiency
But we don't just rate it because it's fast. Far from it. BMW reckons it can achieve upwards of 313mpg on the WLTP combined cycle, but expect economy in the mid-30mpg range, while managing 45 miles on electricity with a full battery. Not bad for such a quick car. In addition, the build quality, the practicality, the intuitive interior technology, the driving experience – BMW has absolutely nailed the essential aspects of what makes this car great. Shame it's so expensive in cash terms the PHEV gubbins result in a smaller boot than other 5s.
To find our more, read our full BMW 5 Series review
Pros
- Comfortable ride
- Engaging handling
- 550e PHEV is rapid
Refined, roomy and impressively efficient
The Passat also is fantastically comfortable on a long journey, especially if you spend a bit of extra cash on Volkswagen’s massaging seats. Refinement is great, too, because of how much time the firm poured into perfecting the car’s aerodynamics. Also, its practicality blows every other plug-in rival at this size (Skoda Superb Estate notwithstanding) out of the water. The only real downside is its over-reliance on the touchscreen for all of its major controls – but at least the screen is nice, large and easily controled.
To find out more, read our Volkswagen Passat review
Pros
- Excellent refinement
- Comfortable ride
- Stacks of room
Cons
- Annoying luggage cover
- Touch-sensitive controls
The best plug-in estate car for style and luxury
What’s particularly interesting about the PHEV, however, is that Mercedes offers a 313hp E300de diesel version as well as a 313hp E300e petrol model – with the diesel particularly well-suited to long-distance drivers, as it offers outstanding fuel economy even when the battery is depleted. With the battery full, more than 50 miles of electric-only driving is possible without difficulty. Shame it puts such a dent in the E-Class’s boot capacity, reducing it from a vast 615-1,830 litres to 460-1,675 litres. Still, the comfortable and relaxing driving experience makes eating those miles a dream.
To find out more, read our full Mercedes E-Class Estate review
Pros
- Sophisticated styling combined with lots of passenger space
- Available with diesel as well as petrol PHEV power, lengthy EV range
- Very high-tech and impressive inside
Cons
- Boot is smaller the standard E-Class Estate
- The steering feels very light
| Starting price | £66,860 |
| Best leasing deal (per month) | n/a |
| Max electric-only driving range (WLTP) | 68 miles |
| Insurance group | 50 |
| Boot space | 460-1,675 litres |
| Performance | 313hp, 6.5-6.6sec 0-62mph |
Hugely practical family load-lugger
It is easy to live with and hugely practical, with a boot that’s large even in the class above. It’s also nice to drive, being both capable and comfortable – the latter in particular setting it apart from some overly sporty rivals. As a plug-in hybrid, the Octavia sits alongside the Golf and Leon at the head of the class (although weirdly, you can't buy the Volkswagen as a plug-in in estate form), so that means excellent efficiency and exceptionally long driving range – as is the case with the Cupra (below).
To find out more, read our full Skoda Octavia Estate review
Pros
- Immense boot space
- Excellent comfort
- Cheap to run
Cons
- Motorway road noise
- Some cheap materials
The luxury family choice that's also a diesel plug-in hybrid
Although you can get also a petrol plug-in hybrid, we reckon the C300de is the one to go for for all the reasons above. With 300hp on tap, it offers a great balance between fuel economy, performance and all-round driving experience. Excellent dynamics and a more upscale interior than its rivals make this a noteworthy choice – and the diesel engine upfront makes it the best of all options here for super high-mileage drivers.
Read our full Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate review
Pros
- Excellent, usable interior tech and voice control
- Economical on diesel as well as long battery range
- Comfortable ride, good long-distance comfort
Cons
- Disappointing interior quality issues
- Warranty lags behind cheaper rivals
Comfortable and relaxing with SUV-influenced styling
With 225hp this is more than quick enough. But the real strength of this particular power unit and this particular car is refinement – it’s smooth and quiet, and very relaxing. Claimed electric only range from the modest 12.4kWh battery pack is 39 miles, and we’ve been able to get around 30 miles out of it in real-world testing. The boot is in capacity, which isn’t bad for a PHEV, while the off-road look to this distinctive estate car also helps it stand out.
To find out more, read our full Citroen C5 X review
Pros
- Very refined and comfortable driving experience
- Reasonable 30-mile electric-only driving range in our testing
- Good turn of speed when you need it
Cons
- Not a good choice for keen drivers – the soft suspension blunts agility
- It’s not that roomy in the back seats for passengers
| Starting price | £39,300 |
| Best leasing deal (per month) | £541.65 |
| Max electric-only driving range (WLTP) | 39 miles |
| Insurance group | 30-31 |
| Boot space | 485-1,580 litres |
| Performance | 225hp, 10.4sec 0-62mph |
Getting one, but still challenging the German premium players
It has a chic, high-quality cabin and a strong image that’s dripping in Scandi-cool. It also comes with tonnes of standard equipment and advanced safety kit, and is not only a viable choice over rival estates from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but also a very tempting alternative to the pricier, smaller-booted Volvo XC60 SUV
To find out more, read our full Volvo V60 review
Pros
- Smart, striking exterior design
- Plush interior, well equipped
- Excellent driver-assistance tech
Cons
- Boot comparatively small, seats down
- Not the sharpest car to drive
It’s like a Golf Estate, only cheaper and prettier
However, because the Leon shares its bones with the Golf, it has adopted some of its foibles. You get the same minimalist touch pad-led dashboard, for example, which looks clean but is more difficult to use on the move than traditional knobs and buttons. The PHEV model isn’t particularly efficient or fast once you’ve used up all its electricity, either, but we'll forgive that because it's so efficient with its battery like the Octavia (above).
To find out more, read our full Cupra Leon Estate review
Pros
- Good value
- Excellent boot space
- PHEV option available
Cons
- Frustrating interior tech
- Top-spec model is auto only
Volvo V90
Fast, unobtrusive and superbly designed
What makes the T8 so good is the combination of its high-tech advanced driver assistance suite – which aids long-distance driving – truly eye-opening performance and its impeccibly designed (and trimmed) interior. Its latest infotainment set-up is excellent, and works as well as the best of its newer rivals. While the boot space isn’t brilliant (it's beaten by the V60 for instance), you get plenty of passenger room front and rear in a very charismatic package.
Read our full Volvo V90 review
Pros
- Super-cool design
- Excellent passenger room
- Peerless safety
Cons
- Getting long in the tooth
- Boot space ios disappointing
FAQs: Why buy a plug-in hybrid?
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are capable of balancing efficiency and convenience, making them a smart choice for drivers looking to go electric without being locked into constantly charging up. With their ability to run on electric power for shorter trips and a petrol or diesel engine for longer journeys, they’re a great compromise.
A PHEV can also save you money in the long run, especially if you can charge it up regularly. Reduced running costs, potentially lower tax rates, and the ability to drive in clean-air zones are also key benefits. Plus, they’re an excellent stepping stone if you’re not quite ready to go fully electric.
What are the downsides of PHEVs?
PHEVs can often cost more to buy than their conventional petrol or diesel counterparts, and have more complex components that can increase maintenance costs. While they’re great for shorter, electric-only trips, their fuel economy can suffer on longer journeys once the battery is depleted. Charging regularly is key – if you can’t do this, you will not see the full benefit.
Battery weight can also limit cargo space, and resale values remain uncertain as the market for used hybrids evolves. Still, if your lifestyle fits the strengths of a PHEV, they can be a rewarding choice.
What is an estate car?
An estate is a practical family car for those that don’t want an SUV. They’re characterised by their boxy profiles, long rooflines and extended boot space. Manufacturers are shying away from the term ‘estate,’ however. Audi and BMW have respectively labelled their estates as Avant and Touring since the 1980s – but the nameplate variety in the class has now expanded to include Sportbrakes, Sport Tourers and Sport Wagons.
Why buy an estate car?
Estate cars allow you to carry loads of luggage and passengers. They can also turn their hand to part-time delivery van duties – by lowering the rear bench, you can unlock enough boot space to carry huge appliances such as refrigerators or washing machines. This is often not the case with SUVs.
Why shouldn’t I just buy an SUV?
SUV are popular because they offer many advantages overs traditional family car. Their raised driving position give a more commanding view of the road ahead while making the car easier to get into and out of. Plus, that extra bit of suspension travel means the car is better at dealing with potholes and uneven surfaces.
But estate cars offer their own set of advantages. Chiefly, they’re lower and lighter than SUVs, which improves their performance and fuel efficiency dramatically. Estates are normally also cheaper and better value than their SUV equivalents.
Keen drivers should also note that we’ve yet to find an SUV that we like driving more than its estate car equivalent. Lower, leaner cars are simply more composed in the bends and more fun on a twisty road.
* These deals are indicative examples of some packages available as of 28 January 2025, but are subject to change without prior notice. Everyone’s financial circumstances are different and the availability of credit is subject to status. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Parkers cannot recommend a deal for you specifically.
Keith Adams is the Editor of Parkers. During his career he has been the editor of Classic Car Weekly, Modern Classics and Honest John Classics, as well as writing for CAR magazine, Practical Classics, Octane, Autocar and The Independent among others. Keith lives in rural Lancashire and enjoys buying and selling cars and reading and writing about them.
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