Across the last two weeks, we’ve told you what hybrid SUVs we’d put our hard-earned money down on to buy, both across the sub-$50,000 and $50,000 to $100,000 categories.
However, given almost none of the CarExpert team owns an SUV, we thought we’d close out our month of hybrid dreams by asking what electrified cars we’d buy – ranging from sedans and wagons to the faithful hatchback.
In Australia, you can buy a hybrid from as little as $30,000 before on-road costs in the form of a Toyota Yaris Cross, or spend in excess of $1 million by choosing the Ferrari SF90 Spider.
The Ferrari SF90 Spider is the most expensive hybrid car in Australia
With a more open criteria and no budget, our answers vary from safe and sensible, to what could be one of the fastest plug-in hybrid sedans on sale in Australia.
Read on below to find out what we would buy if given an unlimited budget to purchase a hybrid car, before telling us in the comments what you’d get if given the choice!
Paul Maric: Ferrari SF90
Given there’s no price cap, I thought I’d go with the most logical weekend runabout.
The SF90 is a plug-in hybrid, so it saves the environment when the engine is off, but then pulls the skin off your face when it teams with its V8 engine to get moving.
Sure, it doesn’t sound great when it’s off, but that’s one of the compromises I’m willing to make to find a vehicle that fits into this niche what would you buy story.
Scott Collie: Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance
Okay, I know it’s a bit controversial because there’s no V8 engine, but the new C63 is the most technically impressive hybrid I’ve driven – at least, this side of a McLaren Artura.
The way Mercedes-AMG has managed to integrate its 48V mild-hybrid technology with the turbocharged engine, and then the turbocharged engine with a powerful electric motor, is pretty crazy.
Throw in the fact it’s more comfortable than the old car, and it handles like an overgrown A45, and you’re left with a seriously special hybrid.
MORE: Buy a Mercedes-Benz C-Class
William Stopford: Lexus ES or LS
Money no object, the hybrid passenger car I would buy is the Lexus LS 500h.
It’s a few years old now, but I still find this to be a gorgeous sedan with a lot of presence, particularly in Sports Luxury guise with its polished wheels.
Back to reality, though. A Toyota Camry Hybrid would be nice, but you can’t order one right now.
There’s a new Honda Accord hybrid coming soon that, if it’s anything like the new CR-V and Civic hybrids, will be very nice indeed. But the outgoing model is considerably more expensive than the rival Camry, which doesn’t inspire much confidence in the pricing of the new one.
If you’re going to drop some serious coin – if not perhaps LS-level coin – on a new hybrid, then, why not a Lexus ES? It’s plush, comfortable, extremely economical and utterly refined.
MORE: Buy a Lexus ES
MORE: Buy a Lexus LS
James Wong: Cupra Leon VZe
For me, Cupra’s plug-in hybrids are amongst the best when it comes to balancing driving engagement with electrified efficiency.
After recently spending time in the Cupra Leon VZe, I was amazed at how well it managed to be a daily EV with nightly charging while also still being a fun-to-drive and relatively practical hot hatch.
I was able to do 50-55km of electric driving per charge quite realistically, and if I ever needed more pace the turbocharged petrol engine and DSG come together to bring a welcome performance boost.
My only gripe is that the PHEV is quite exxy, nudging $70,000 drive-away though if you novated lease it you’d benefit from big savings thanks to the FBT exemption – probably the best way to buy it.
MORE: Buy a Cupra Leon
Jack Quick: Lexus ES
If I was asked to buy a hybrid vehicle with no monetary cap, my first instinct would be to go for a Lexus LC 500h coupe or a new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance, but in reality I think I’d be much happier with something I feel comfortable driving every day.
With this in mind, the non-SUV hybrid vehicle I would actually buy is a Lexus ES 300h Sports Luxury which is currently priced from $80,170 before on-roads.
I know the Lexus ES is essentially a glorified Toyota Camry, but if you’re after a car that feels like a couch on wheels and sips on fuel, then look no further.
Thanks to a recent update the ES now also gets a larger infotainment system with touch capability (finally), wireless Apple CarPlay, as well as Lexus Connected Services.
MORE: Buy a Lexus ES
Jordan Mulach: Cupra Leon VZe
I promise I’m not being paid by Cupra, it just so happens that the only cars similar to what I have at home – and love dearly – are made by Volkswagen’s Spanish spin-off.
If I was being silly, I would’ve picked an SF90 Stradale or maybe the upcoming BMW M5 (though it hasn’t yet been revealed), however I have settled on something familiar and achievable.
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is the benchmark hot hatch, thanks in part to its brilliant MQB platform, which finds itself under the Cupra Leon VZe – albeit with a smaller petrol engine and a plug-in hybrid system.
Where I live, most running around during the week would easily be covered on electric power with the Leon’s 67km claimed driving range, while weekend driving can be done with the petrol engine and supplemental assistance from the electric motor.
Total outputs of 180kW and 400Nm are solid enough, and its six-speed dual-clutch auto is an evolution of a known product.
Now, if we could just get a similar drivetrain into the Skoda Octavia RS wagon, that would be greatly appreciated. Your move, Volkswagen Group.
MORE: Buy a Cupra Leon
