The 10 best luxury electric cars to lease

Date Posted 15th July 2021
Read Time 8 min read

The rapid growth of the electric car market has resulted in a boom in luxury electric cars. Every luxury car manufacturer from Audi and BMW to Mercedes and Jaguar has rolled up their sleeves and got to work to create a sleek, high-end model that will drive them to the top of this thriving EV segment.

The result is an ever-growing range of green, powerful, sustainable and luxurious cars. Once, it was a choice between picking a comfortable vehicle or picking a good car for the environment; now, you can have it all and a lot more besides.

Here are some of the best in electric luxury out there at the moment.

1. Tesla Model 3

It wouldn’t be a list of luxury electric cars without mentioning Tesla.

The Tesla Model 3 may be the cheapest in their not-so-cheap range, but it’s still one of the best EVs to date.

Stylish, understated and practical, Tesla can outperform most supercars. All models come with a 15-inch touchscreen with navigation, voice-activated controls, WiFi and Internet and keyless entry. Premium specs add heated seating, tinted glass and a premium audio system.

There are three versions – Standard Range Plus with its single electric motor and a 267-mile range. Next is the Long Range AWD with its larger battery and subsequent range of 360-miles.

Finally, the Performance model with a second electric motor can reach 0-60mph in 3.1 seconds with a staggering top speed of 162mph.

2. Mercedes-Benz EQC

With comfort and refinement, this car tops the list for large luxury SUV EVs.

The EQC has twin electric motors and four-wheel drive to provide a total of 402bhp and 560lb-ft of torque – enough to take you comfortably and quietly from 0-62mph in a slither over five seconds.

With a WLTP-verified battery range of 259 miles, there is also a range of driving modes for you to get to grips with.

However, performance capabilities aside, the EQC shines with its classy, high-end interior, which is about as plush and futuristic as you can get. Dominated by an all-digital dashboard, its infotainment system is first-rate, and it’s hard to find a more high-class offering than this in the class.

3. Audi e-tron Sportback

The Audi e-tron Sportback is an electrifying luxury car. Its versatile rear-axle drive gives it a sporty feel that lives up to its look and its name.

And although it’s sporty, it hasn’t compromised in other areas – like space. This luxury model can quite happily accommodate five occupants and any luggage too. You can even store the charging cables in a compartment under the bonnet to help free up space.

We know Audis for their refinement, but this electric powertrain takes it to the next level with smooth, quiet ride quality. Charging in 0-80% capacity in around 30 minutes, the Sportback has an official combined driving range of 241 miles.

Oh, and it’s fast, sprinting 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds with a top speed of 124mph.

4. Jaguar I-Pace

The I-Pace is Jaguar’s first foray into the world of electric cars, and what a debut it has been. This first luxury electric car is everything you could ever want and need: outstanding handling, aerodynamic design, high tech and extreme comfort.

Composed and fast, the i-Pace runs on twin e-motors and a 90 kWh battery that generates enough power to propel it from 0.62mph in 4.8 seconds with a driving range of 292 miles.

It’s a car that makes people take notice, and that doesn’t stop with the exterior. Still recognisable as a Jaguar, the interior is awash with leather, soft-touch materials and wood-grain inserts.

And the final talking point is the Jaguar’s superior tech, with its Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment system with a user-friendly interface all designed to integrate communication, entertainment, navigation and whatever else you need it for.

 

5. BMW i3

If you’re looking for a unique luxury electric car, you can’t go too far wrong than the BMW i3 with its unique, futuristic design packed full of innovative tech features.

Prestige looks aside, the i3 features a 168bhp electric motor, which drives the rear axle via a single-speed automatic transmission. With a top speed of 99mph, it can hit 62mph in 6.9 seconds.

The i3’s is a light car constructed out of carbon fibre clad in plastic panels, making it a joy to drive. Steering is fast-acting, and it’s a nimble vehicle.

Perhaps not as practical as its rivals with a small boot capacity of 260 litres and better for city living, it’s still got a lot going for it as a fun, cheap-to-run, luxury and eco-friendly lifestyle car.

6. Polestar 2

Another premium product, the Polestar 2, is a luxury mix between a saloon, coupe and crossover – Polestar dubs it the fastback.

The Polestar 2 can boast the first-ever infotainment system powered by Android with Google maps as its integrated navigation system. With impressive tech, inside, you’ll find a large touchscreen on which you can navigate most of the car’s functions.

Beautifully designed outside, the interior is what you’d expect from a Scandanavian design – sleek and minimalist. It’s also a spacious model with a good-sized boot and extra storage underneath.

Sophisticated and smooth, it’s an excellent urban drive, but fast enough to turn its power to motorway driving, too, accelerating from 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds with a top speed of 127mph.

7. Porsche Taycan

A fully electric car that drives like a Porsche. What’s not to like?

The Porsche Taycan is the car that has everything right – it’s fast, practical, luxurious, and looks great.

This sleek, futuristic model with outstanding interior quality has set a benchmark for what a performance EV can be. Most will choose one of the two top variants – the Turbo or Turbo S. The Turbo S generates a stupendous 1,050Nm of pulling power and, if you activate Launch Control, you can reach 62mph in 2.8s. Even the base Taycan 4S offers 435PS and can make the 0-62mph sprint 4 seconds flat.

With rear doors, plenty of space and an accommodating hatchback boot, it’s also a practical choice.

8. Tesla Model X

Another Tesla – this time, Model X. According to Tesla, this luxury drive is the safest, fastest and most capable sport utility vehicle in history.

The Model X has ample seating for seven and any accompanying luggage with all-wheel drive and battery options that produce over 300 miles of range.

Practical, insanely good looking and ludicrously fast, the Model X runs on a standardised 100kWh battery power with a 314-mile WLTP driving range.

Want something a little more powerful? Opt for the top Performance flagship model, and you can reach 60mph in 2.6 seconds on the way to top speeds of 155mph.

9. Ford Mustang Mach E

Not traditionally considered a luxury car, the Ford Mustang Mach E tends to split opinions, but bear with us, because we think it deserves to be on the list.

A little bigger than the Jaguar I-Pace, this car is styled cleverly. It’s still recognisable as a Mustang, thanks to its long bonnet and trademark tri-bar tail lamps. However, this is a spacious and unique car. There are no door handles, only buttons that pop open the doors. Or you can use your smartphone or the keypad built into the B-Pillar.

A 15-5-inch centre infotainment touchscreen dominates the interior, with another 10.2-inch screen in front of the steering wheel for all your main driving gauges.

And it’s a smooth, efficient drive. With three driving modes (Whisper, Engage and Unbridled, which change the lighting inside the car too), it’s an experience like no other.

10. Volvo xc40

While most wouldn’t deem the Volvo brand as luxury as Mercedes or BMW, this premium compact SUV has a great combination of style, comfort and space.

Smooth with intuitive handling, the Volvo xc40 is fast, taking the 0-62mph sprint in 4.9 seconds.

Features include adaptive cruise control with steer assist, heated front and rear seats, keyless entry, 20-inch alloy wheels, heated steering wheel and sunroof.

It’s a gorgeous car, inside and out.

What are the best luxury SUVs to lease?

Has nothing got your heart rate rising on that list? Check out our luxury SUVs list, where you can find something spacious, sporty, fast and magnificent to drive.

If you’re ready to start your leasing journey, you can apply online now, with no impact to your credit score and a decision in minutes.


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