09Oct
You won't find them here: Koenigsegg Gemera, Ferrari 296 GTB, McLaren Artura, Aston Martin Valhalla, Lamborghini Sian, and the other electrified supercars you probably expect to top this list. Not only do they not top this list, they're not here at all because despite their teeth-rattering acceleration and horsepower, they're not plug-in hybrids. Take the 296 GTB, for example. They rely on regenerative braking to charge the battery, reminding you of that word "plug-in" missing in their "Hybrid" description.
So, what's the difference between a hybrid and plug-in hybrid? The primary difference between the two is how they discharge and charge their electric components. So, this article focuses on the 'ol, trusty plug-in hybrids (PHEV), with their larger battery packs, charging ports, and capacity to run solely on electric power for a significant range - up to 50 miles.
As the automotive industry embraces electrification, plug-in hybrids have emerged as a compelling bridge between tradition and innovation. Without further ado, below are the top ten plug-in hybrids with the most horsepower, arranged from the least to the fastest hybrid cars and SUVs.
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10. 2021 Audi Q5 S-line Quattro Plug-In Hybrid
- Horsepower: 362 HP
- Torque: 369 LB-FT
- 0–60 Acceleration: 4.5 Seconds
The 2021 Audi Q5 S-line Quattro plug-in hybrid is a variant of Audi's popular Q5 luxury SUV that combines performance and efficiency. It features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a total power output of 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
The "S-line" designation signifies sportier styling and handling characteristics, while the "Quattro" designation indicates Audi's legendary all-wheel-drive system. Inside, the 2021 Audi Q5 S-line Quattro maintains Audi's reputation for a premium and well-designed interior, complete with advanced technology and comfort features.
It's a versatile and stylish option for those looking for a luxury SUV with hybrid technology, combining performance, efficiency, and all-weather capability.
9. 2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e
- Horsepower: 389 HP
- Torque: 443 LB-FT
- 0–60 Acceleration: 4.7 Seconds
The 2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e is a plug-in hybrid version of the popular BMW X5 SUV. It boasts a combination of a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six gasoline engine and an electric motor, producing a total output of 389 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque.
This powertrain allows for strong acceleration and performance while also offering an all-electric driving mode for short trips, thanks to its sizable battery pack. The X5 xDrive45e is known for its spacious and luxurious interior, as well as its ability to deliver improved fuel efficiency compared to its non-hybrid counterparts.
8. 2020 Volvo S60 T8 Inscription
- Horsepower: 400 HP
- Torque: 472 LB-FT
- 0–60 Acceleration: 4.3 Seconds
The 2020 Volvo S60 T8 Inscription is a plug-in hybrid variant of the Volvo S60 luxury sedan. It features a combo of a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine along with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque.
The S60 T8 Inscription, being part of Volvo's Inscription trim, comes with a high level of luxury and premium features in its interior and exterior design marked by a sleek Scandinavian design aesthetic. It's a well-rounded choice for those seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and eco-friendliness in a sedan.
7. 2020 Volvo V90 T8 Plug-in Hybrid
- Horsepower: 400 HP
- Torque: 472 LB-FT
- 0–60 Acceleration: 4.6 Seconds
The 2020 Volvo V90 T8 is a plug-in hybrid variant of Volvo’s V90 luxury station wagon. It combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with both a supercharger and a turbocharger, along with an electric motor, resulting in a combined output of 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque.
This hybrid powertrain provides strong acceleration and the flexibility to drive in all-electric mode for shorter trips. The V90 T8 is part of Volvo's T8 Twin Engine lineup, which means it has a substantial battery pack that can be recharged for emissions-free driving and improved fuel efficiency.
It also features regenerative braking, allowing the vehicle to capture energy during deceleration and braking, further enhancing its efficiency. The V90 T8 offers a luxurious and spacious cabin with Volvo's signature Scandinavian design, high-quality materials, and advanced safety features.
6. 2013 Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid
- Horsepower: 414 HP
- Torque: 295 LB-FT
- 0–60 Acceleration: 4.2 Seconds
The 2013 Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid sports car showcased the British automaker Lotus' foray into hybrid technology. It's powered by a pair of electric motors producing 414 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque to enable a strong acceleration.
The vehicle can also operate in full electric mode for short distances. The Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid features a range-extender gasoline engine that can charge the batteries when needed. This hybrid sports car combines performance and eco-friendliness, demonstrating Lotus' engineering prowess in the hybrid space.
5. 2022 Volvo XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered Extended Range
- Horsepower: 455 HP
- Torque: 523 LB-FT
- 0–60 Acceleration: 4.2 Seconds
The 2022 Volvo XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered Extended Range is a high-performance plug-in hybrid SUV that means business. It packs a formidable punch with a total power output of 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque, a substantial increase of 40 horsepower and 29 pound-feet compared to the standard T8 Polestar models.
Introduced in mid-2022, the new Extended Range versions took a different powertrain approach by forgoing the supercharger used by the previous T8 plug-in hybrids in favor of a more potent 143-horsepower rear motor, compensating for the missing supercharger's assistance at lower RPMs. The vehicle also features an unobtrusive eight-speed automatic transmission, complemented by a second 46-horsepower motor.
More so, this model year increased the battery capacity to 14.9 kWh, up from the previous 9.1 kWh, translating to an improved EPA combined rating of 28 mpg and an estimated 36-mile electric-only range, a significant jump from the prior 19-mile range. Ultimately, the SUV can now wake to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, 0.6 seconds quicker than the 2020 model.
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4. 2009 BMW ActiveHybrid 7
- Horsepower: 465 HP
- Torque: 515 LB-FT
- 0–60 Acceleration: 4.6 Seconds
The 2009 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is a mild-hybrid version of BMW's flagship 7 Series luxury sedan. Its powertrain consists of a 4.4-liter V8 gasoline engine combined with an electric motor to produce a combined output of 465 horsepower and 515 lb-ft of torque.
This hybrid setup was aimed at improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions while still delivering the performance expected from a 7 Series. It also offers a smooth and comfortable ride, typical of the 7 Series, along with a host of luxurious features and advanced technologies.
While the 2009 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 represented an early attempt by BMW to introduce hybrid technology into its flagship sedan, it was primarily designed to provide a more eco-friendly option for luxury car buyers without sacrificing the performance and comfort associated with the 7 Series.
3. 2020 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring
- Horsepower: 494 HP
- Torque: 630 LB-FT
- 0–60 Acceleration: 5.0 Seconds
The 2020 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring is a premium plug-in hybrid SUV designed for both luxury and performance. It is part of Lincoln's upscale Black Label trim line, which offers exclusive design themes and elevated craftsmanship.
Under the hood, the Aviator Grand Touring combines a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with an electric motor, resulting in a total power output of 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque.
The Aviator Grand Touring’s large battery pack can be charged plug-in style for pure electric driving, and also uses regenerative braking to recapture energy during braking and deceleration. You can expect the attention to detail and premium interior amenities typical of Lincoln.
2. 2016 Peugeot 308 R Hybrid
- Horsepower: 507 HP
- Torque: 539 LB-FT
- 0–60 Acceleration: 3.9 Seconds
The 2016 Peugeot 308 R Hybrid is a high-performance hybrid hatchback from Peugeot. It features a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine combined with an electric motor to deliver a total power output of around 500 horsepower.
This hybrid powertrain provides impressive acceleration and performance while maintaining some level of fuel efficiency. The 308 R Hybrid also includes all-wheel drive and sporty design elements, offering a blend of eco-friendliness and sportiness in a compact package.
1. 2021 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid
- Horsepower: 670 HP
- Torque: 663 LB-FT
- 0–60 Acceleration: 3.3 Seconds
The 2021 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid is a high-performance luxury SUV that combines a powerful twin-turbo V8 engine with an electric motor. It boasts a total system output of 670 horsepower and 663 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful plug-in hybrid in the world. The E-Hybrid technology allows for short electric-only driving to enhance efficiency.
The Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid’s blend of a luxurious and tech-packed cabin with advanced powertrain and a driver-focused design makes it a top choice for those seeking both sportiness and practicality in an SUV.
It inherits Porsche's sporty DNA, offering sharp steering, precise handling, and a wide range of driving modes to cater to various driving preferences.
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