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Whether you crave sumptuous luxury, adrenaline-inducing thrills, or affordable practicality, this is our Top 10 list of the Best Electric Cars available in 2023.
When it comes to choosing your dream EV, there’s a lot to think about – not least your budget – and any Top 10 list for electric motoring is always going to be subjective.
But the very best electric lease vehicles manage to combine cutting-edge design with a reassuring range between charges while also boasting great performance. And the Battery Electric Vehicle format, or 'BEV' for short, is always zero emissions with low running costs.
And we’ve taken all of those factors into consideration – as well as our unique Select Car Leasing rating system – to come up with this handy guide.
Some are older models that took the market by storm, others are newcomers amassing armies of admirers, but all of them are worth a look if you want to plug in to the automotive zeitgeist.
Combustion engine petrol and diesel cars beware – the electric revolution is here!
Here we put all the top EVs in 2023 under the microscope...
The Tesla Model Y is a highly-capable SUV crossover that’s an affordable junior sibling to the much more expensive Model X, and which is also available with all-wheel drive.
The five-seater boasts all the fun of the Tesla Model 3 saloon while having a much more practical hatch at the rear.
There are three variants: the entry-level, single motor ‘Rear-Wheel Drive’, followed by the mid-range, dual motor ‘Long Range’, and the most desirable ‘Performance’ model.
The Rear-Wheel Drive Model Y might be the most affordable leasing option, but it still unlocks a range of up to 283 miles between charges and it’s also quick, covering 0-62 mph in 6.6 seconds.
The ‘Long Range’ Model Y is the sweet spot for range, being able to travel up to 331 miles between charges.
Meanwhile the Model Y Performance provides incredible power of 527 PS and a 0-62 mph sprint time of just 3.5 seconds.
All variants have a minimalist interior, with superb underlying tech that other manufacturers can only dream of. Every Model Y comes, as standard, with Tesla’s ‘Basic Autopilot’ system, which allows the vehicle to steer, accelerate and brake automatically – perfect for taking the strain out of motorway driving.
Over the air updates are also par for the course, providing brand new features every fews weeks.
The other great thing about a Tesla lease is the firm’s network of Tesla charging stations – known as Superchargers – with 40,000 worldwide and around 1,000 in the UK alone.
And because the Model Y boasts high-speed DC charging capabilities up to 250 kW, it’s pretty much future-proof. It's an electric SUV to die for.
What makes the Model Y so good?
The MG4 EV from historic marque MG has somehow pulled-off the impossible feat of marrying style and technology with affordability.
When our reviewer put one through its paces, he called the MG4 EV ‘one of the best models in its class’ – which is praise indeed considering the MG4 EV sits in the same market as the more expensive Volkswagen ID.3 or Renault Megane E-Tech.
There are three variants to choose from:
The base ‘SE Standard Range’ model has a 51 kWh battery and a range of up to 218 miles between charges while the middle rung ‘SE Long Range’ MG4 EV has a larger 64 kWh battery and a greater range of up to 281 miles.
Meanwhile the top spec ‘Trophy Long Range’ model also gets the larger 64 kWh battery while also enjoying extras such as wireless phone charging, a 360 degree parking camera, and heated seats.
Why we like the MG4 EV
WIth a range of up to 384 miles on a single charge, the Mercedes-Benz EQE can go further than almost all other EVs on the market.
That’s more than enough reason to include the EQE on this top ten list – yet there are so many other things to admire about this futuristic saloon.
The EQE supports fast 170 kW DC rapid charging, which means you can replenish the 90 kWh battery to 80 per cent in a little over 30 minutes.
Performance is brisk, too, with the EQE able to accelerate from 0-62 mph in just 6.4 seconds.
The EQE – a rival to the BMW i4 and more expensive variants of the Tesla Model 3 – oozes class, from the hyper-luxurious interior to the exterior design that looks good from all angles.
Meanwhile comfort and serenity is the order of the day, with a sound-insulated cockpit and state-of-the-art suspension system to keep you and your passengers cosseted.
Why the EQE is one of the best
Like Top Gear’s Freddie Flintoff in his cricketing prime, the Volkswagen ID.3 is the perfect all-rounder, boasting that winning mix of practicality, affordability and eye-catching style.
And what’s also great about the ID.3 is the choice you get when selecting your perfect model:
Most base ‘Life’ models come with a 58 kWh battery that provides a range of around 260 miles and despite being the entry level, they’re loaded with tech, including wireless phone charging, sat nav and a host of state-of-the-art driver assistance systems.
Range-topping ‘Tour’ models, however, feature a larger 77 kWh ‘Pro S’ battery and a huge 338-mile range.
If the design of the ID.3 is a little too friendly for you, check out the Cupra Born – a car that’s a close relation of the ID.3, but which features much more youthful, aggressive styling. It's got that 'hot hatch' look.
Why is the ID.3 in the Top 10 list?
Genesis is the luxury vehicle division of South Korea’s Hyundai.
And the GV60 is an all-electric SUV crossover to rival big-hitting EVs like the Kia EV6 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
The GV60 is a real looker, catching the eye with its swooping, coupe-like profile and assured stance. You also get the kudos of being behind the wheel of a brand that others might not recognise.
The quilted interior is nothing short of palatial, featuring an unique crystal sphere that rises from the centre console and acts as both a gear selector as well as source of ambient lighting.
Meanwhile the GV60 also can also travel up to 328 miles between charges thanks to a 77.4 kWh battery.
What we like about the Genesis GV60
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You can enjoy the award-winning Kia NIro in a number of different guises, including as a self-charging hybrid and a plug-in hybrid.
But it’s the fully-electric Niro EV that steals the show, and it’s a lease that makes a great alternative to the similarly-styled Hyundai Kona Electric.
The Niro EV is equipped with a 64.8 kWh battery that gives it a range of up to 285 miles between charges. A large 475 litre boot also makes it more practical than rivals like the VW ID.3 or the Renault Megane E-Tech.
Meanwhile Kia says the Niro EV is ‘so comfortable you’ll never want to leave’ the well-appointed cabin.
Whichever trim you opt for – and you can choose from the base ‘2’ through to ‘3’ and ‘4’ – you can expect a generous amount of kit, including an 8 inch infotainment touchscreen, smart cruise control, rear parking sensors and sophisticated collision-avoidance tech.
Why we rate the Niro EV
The iX is no ordinary SUV.
In fact, BMW calls the iX an ‘SAV’ – ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’ – a change of wording from the norm that reflects just how capable this premium electric vehicle really is.
A rival to the Audi Q8 e-tron, the BMW iX is sumptuously comfortable, effortlessly refined, and is crammed full of state-of-the-art technology.
There are two powertrains to choose from. The first is the xDrive40, which features a 76.6 kWh battery and has a range of up to 257 miles. Then there’s the xDrive50, which makes use of a larger 111.5 kWh battery and unlocks a greater range of up to 380 miles between charges.
Neither of those two iX variants are lacking in oomph, with power of up to 523 hp.
But then there’s also the blisteringly-quick BMW iX M60 available, with power of 619 hp and an acceleration time to worry some supercars.
Why does the iX make the list?
The Megane name has been seen on forecourts for the best part of three decades now.
But Renault has moved with the times to make the Megane fully-electric. And this new breed of Megane E-Tech offers something for everyone.
It’s styled like an SUV-coupe crossover and there’s plenty of space for busy families, combined with an ample 440 litre boot.
The Megane E-Tech is powered by a 60 kWh battery that translates to a stated range of up to 280 miles. And there’s heaps of power, too, with 220 hp on tap and 300 Nm of torque.
And where the Megane E-Tech really stands apart from rivals like the Cupra Born and the Peugeot e-2008 is the level of kit you get as standard.
Entry-level variants come loaded with a host of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), from automatic emergency braking with junction assist that can detect pedestrians and cyclists, to emergency lane keep assist with oncoming traffic and road-edge detection.
What gives the Renault Megane E-Tech an edge?
First launched in 2020, the Mach-E SUV boasts all the road presence of the Ford Mustang muscle car, yet none of its sibling’s gas-guzzling properties.
Ford calls the Mach-E an ‘all-electric thoroughbred’, and when you look at the stats that underpin the EV it’s hard to argue with that sentiment.
There are three main variants: entry-level ‘Select’, mid-range ‘Premium’, and the absolutely rapid ‘GT’.
Even the base Select model boasts power of 269 PS, which drives the rear wheels to produce a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 6.9 seconds.
That performance is allied to a range between charges of up to 273 miles as well as fast 109 kW DC charging, which can put 172 miles into the battery in 39 minutes.
The Premium trim unlocks a larger ‘Extended Range’ battery, the option of all-wheel drive, power of 351 PS, and a range of up to 372 miles, which is right up there with the best in class.
Meanwhile the Mustang Mach-E GT, with its 487 PS of power, boasts precisely the same 0-62 mph acceleration time as the 5.0-litre V8 Mustang Mach 1 – without the pricey petrol costs.
Why the Ford Mustang Mach-E is a Top 10 car
The all-electric Porsche Taycan is available in multiple different guises, from a practical estate with SUV styling, to a sleek sport Saloon.
All variants are extremely potent with breath-taking acceleration. And the Taycan will also travel up to 318 miles between charges, depending on which model you choose.
The entry-level Taycan Saloon boasts power of 408 PS and a range of up to 314 miles. The 530 PS Taycan ‘4S’ Saloon has the best range of the Taycan line-up, at up to 318 miles.
The ‘Sport Turismo’ variants feature a more estate-like rear-end with 446 litres of boot space for added practicality.
And ‘Cross Turismo’ models build on the ‘Sport Turismo’ iterations to include more rugged exterior styling, including reinforced wheel arches.
You’ll find ‘4S’, ‘GTS’, ‘Turbo’, and range-topping ‘Turbo S’ trim levels with the Saloon, Sport Turismo and Cross Turismo Taycan.
Turbo S Taycans really do pack a punch, coming with power of 761 PS and a 0-62 mph acceleration time as low as 2.8 seconds.
Meanwhile the Taycan also supports rapid charging at super-fast speeds of between 225 and 270 kW, making them pretty much future-proof.
Best car features of the Taycan
As we transition away from conventional vehicles, manufacturers are starting to ramp up their EV output and now in 2023 there is an impressive range of new electric cars to lease today.
Our Top 10 Best Electric Cars list has something for everyone: from highly affordable car deals to seriously wallet challenging, from fairly spartan inside to the last word in luxury, from tiny to immense in size. Here's a summary:
Click on one of the Lease Prices buttons above or phone us now on 0118 3048 688 to talk to our team of expert EV leasing consultants.
Alternatively send us an email at enquiries@selectcarleasing.co.uk
If you're still hungry for more electric vehicle info, take a look at some of our comprehensive EV Guides:
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