The premium large-SUV hybrid market has become an increasingly important part of business for car manufacturers in 2021. There is now a real pressure to combine the traditional SUV body-shape with a lower emissions engine to create fashionable family cars that can also stack up as a viable company car.
The Private Client team at P+B have picked their three favourite plug-in hybrid SUVs available this year:
BMW X5 xDrive 45e
The new BMW X5 plug-in hybrid has done something rather unusual – it has increased its performance (now a six-cylinder turbo petrol engine), whilst becoming more economically friendly and tax efficient at the same time! That’s a win in our eyes!
With an all-electric range of around 40 miles and a current BIK rate of 6%, this new option from BMW is a legitimate answer to those tempted by a larger performance SUV as a company car, but concerned about having to pay hefty monthly amounts in tax. Increasing to 7% and 8% in the next two financial years respectively, the BIK will even likely remain cost efficient over the course of your next lease.
Mercedes-Benz GLE 350de
Impressed with the BIK of the X5, but looking for even more range? We’ve got that covered for you as well – Mercedes’ new GLE 350de will cover a staggering 60 miles on electricity alone. The BIK is in the same 6% bracket as the BMW, meaning that your monthly costs are much more competitive than you would normally associate with a £65,000 car.
We particularly like the value of adding the Premium Pack to this model - giving you 22” AMG 5 twin alloys, memory package, parking package, and multi-beam headlamps. Additionally, it is handy to know that this car can also tow up to 2.7 tonnes on a braked trailer – not many other hybrid SUVs can do that…
Range Rover Sport P400e HSE Dynamic Black Edition
If its value for money vs. level of specification on a premium large SUV that does it for you, there are very few rivals, let alone hybrid rivals, that will compare to the Range Rover Sport P400e HSE Dynamic Black Edition.
With 404 BHP, this car isn’t short of performance, however where It really excels is when we have a look at what comes as standard - Range Rover Sport Exterior Black Pack, a fixed panoramic sun-roof, privacy glass, and 21” gloss black alloy wheels to name but a few stand-out features. Combined with a useful all-electric range of around 25 miles, this jam-packed SUV is one of the stand-out products in the market in 2021.
