The Very Best Electric Cars Of 2025, According To Our Motoring Editor

Pondering a new car in 2026? From a chic French EV to a dog-friendly SUV – plus one ‘old’ favourite – motoring editor Jeremy Taylor and Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby pick the hottest motors of 2025.

Our Pick Of The Best Cars Of 2025

(© Malcolm Griffiths)

Renault 5 E-Tech

Ooh la la! The return of a badge dating back to the 1970s has proved a massive success for Renault. Fifty years ago, the original Renault 5 was a cost-effective hatchback loaded with the feelgood factor. The new electric version is fantastically stylish, cheap to own and the current European Car of the Year. Chic and desirable, even Scrooge would smile at a car equipped with a baguette holder and priced from just £23,000. Brilliantly designed, solidly built, super chic – a worthy winner. renault.co.uk

Nissan Ariya Nismo

The electric Ariya is Nissan’s well-equipped, mid-sized SUV which boasts handsome looks and plenty of space. The bold looks are futuristic and eye-catching, while the high-tech theme continues inside. Prices start at around £35,000 but the most exciting version is a welcome return for Nismo – a sporty nameplate dating back to the last century. It gains an extra 128 bhp over the standard Ariya and has all-wheel drive handling too. Our surprise hit of the year – but expensive at £57,000. nissan.co.uk

Vauxhall Frontera

The original, all-wheel drive Frontera was a rather dull affair. Not so the new electric version. This midsize SUV stands out because it represents superb value for money at around £24,000. Frontera is a great family car, offering lots of space, high levels of standard equipment and a comfy ride. Opt for sophisticated Khaki Green paintwork, or standout from the crowd with Canyon Orange. vauxhall.co.uk

Volkswagen ID.7

The ID.7 was originally available only as a Fastback saloon; now the more practical estate mode has joined the range. A highly accomplished EV, the Tourer is big and roomy, with comfortable ride and excellent handling. VW has included plenty of driver-assistance technologies too, as well as ChatGPT to control various functions by voice. Prices from around £52,000 – the Swiss Army knife of cars. volkswagen.co.uk

Volvo EX30

Our favourite hatchback of 2025 is the lovable EX30, which starts at around £33,000 and looks refreshingly different from other electric hatchbacks. Standard equipment on all versions includes heated seats and steering wheel, a brilliant Harman Kardon sound system and 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Like all Volvos, safety features abound, and there’s a sporty, all-wheel drive model called Performance Plus for an extra burst of speed. The EX30 is one of our standout cars of the year. volvocars.com

Bentley Bentayga Atelier Edition

The new Atelier Edition of the swanky Bentayga is the most stylish of luxury SUVs, available with a hybrid engine. It may not boast the power and performance of an Aston Martin DBX, but the Bentley’s lavishly-equipped cabin is a sublime place to travel. Wonderfully comfortable, subtle upgrades to the £197,700 Atelier include a stunning wood veneer and unique seat stitching. Bentley also has a new dog pack for pampered pooches – as modelled here by Tia the Labrador. bentleymotors.com

Ineos Grenadier

Our top off-roader of 2025. The most fun had in a car this year was following the tank tracks across the Army training ground of Salisbury Plains. We’ve yet to see a capable, all-electric off-roader introduced to the market, so the best 4x4x for now is the no-nonsense, go-anywhere Ineos Grenadier. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s homage to the original Land Rover Defender is virtually unstoppable and brilliant in the dirt. Quirky, old-school but astonishingly capable for £63,000. ineosgrenadier.com

Pure Air 5 Pro+

And on two wheels… This all-terrain, electric scooter has been my favourite set of two wheels over the last few months, thanks to a suspension system that dampens vibrations and can travel up to 38 miles between charges. Pure is the brainchild of Lando Norris’ father, which is why you may have seen the new Formula One world champion using his around the pit lane. A bargain at £419. purelelectric.com

Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby is Director of Programmes at London College of Fashion, studying for a PhD in sustainable e-textile design.