Best Plug-In Hybrids

It has been 20 years since Hyundai introduced an all-new SUV called the Tucson. It had a slow beginning, but the Tucson has become one of the best-selling SUVs in the United States. The five-passenger crossover is also Hyundai’s top seller, with record yearly sales since the fourth generation was introduced in 2020. The Korean brand expects this success to continue for the significantly updated 2025 Tucson.

While the dimensions remain unchanged, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson features fresh exterior styling and a revised, high-tech interior with a large curved screen encompassing the driver's display and infotainment system. The new display, combined with a complete revamp of the dashboard, center console, and steering wheel, gives the cabin a premium vibe. There are also several new features,t including adjustable regenerative braking on the HEV/PHEV versions, as well as Baby Mode, which optimizes the throttle and braking when you're driving with an infant on board.

The Tucson, which sits between the Kona and Santa Fe in the Hyundai lineup, is one of the few models sold in the U.S. that offers a choice of internal combustion engine (ICE), hybrid (HEV), or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. This flexibility, combined with its spacious interior, expansive cargo bay, and excellent driving characteristics, has helped Tucson maintain its top-selling position. But the competition is fierce in this popular segment, with solid offerings in the Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Kia Sportage (the Tucson's corporate cousin).

If a single letter can represent the ultimate in automotive performance, that letter would be M. Launched from the company's motorsports division, BMW M has represented the highest-performing models in its lineup, starting in the late 1970s with the iconic M1. The M5 joined the U.S. lineup in the mid-1980s, and it has been one of the most exciting and entertaining sports sedans on the road ever since.

Last year, BMW introduced a new-generation 5 Series sedan with a new range of gas and electrified powertrains, but the M5 was noticeably absent from the lineup. For 2025, the M5 returns with styling and features from the redesigned 5 Series but with its first-ever electrified powertrain.

The 2025 BMW M5 is now a plug-in hybrid with a potent turbocharged V8 engine and an electric motor driving all four wheels, delivering 717 horsepower. The most powerful drivetrain ever put into a production M5, this latest version hits 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, and with enough road, it can reach 190 mph. The M5 can also be driven as a pure EV for around 25 miles.

As the top-level 5 Series, the M5 comes fully loaded with the latest high-tech features and luxurious materials throughout the cabin. This performance machine gets the new curved display already in use in the new 5 Series, and sport seats are both stylish and supportive.

BMW continues to raise the bar on rival sport sedans, but that doesn't mean the competition hasn't been keeping up. The Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, Audi RS 7, and Porsche Panamera all offer variants that are as quick as the BMW. Still, it remains to be seen if they can deliver the blend of luxury, performance, and comfort that the M5 has always been known for.

The BMW M5 is expected to launch worldwide in November of 2024.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is a two-row, five-passenger SUV that fills a gap in Mazda’s lineup between the smaller CX-50 and the three-row seven-passenger CX-90. The big difference between the new model and the existing CX-90 is the CX-70 trades a third-row seat for a more efficient cargo area. These vehicles are so similar that it seems odd to market the CX-70 as a vehicle separate from the CX-90.

The CX-70 is based on the same mechanicals as the CX-90, and the two are twins in every dimension. The CX-70 offers a choice of three powertrains, two with a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine (different horsepower levels) with a mild hybrid system for added boost and efficiency. The third is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model that adds a larger battery pack under the rear seat for the ability to travel about 25 fully electric miles on a charge. You can tell the two models apart at a glance by the wheel arch flares — black on hybrid models and painted body-color on the PHEV. Mazda says the CX-70 weighs within 100 pounds of the CX-90, so ride and handling between the two vehicles is similar.

The biggest difference between Mazda’s two largest SUVs is that the CX-70 has two rows of seats instead of three. Removing the third row created more room in the cargo hold. In fact, Mazda carved out even more space by expanding the width slightly towards the rear with expanded side panels. There’s a new sub-trunk area for increased storage — away from prying eyes. The CX-70's cabin also has power-folding rear seats.

The CX-70 competes with a wide variety of two-row SUVs such as the more expensive BMW X5, Acura MDX, and Genesis GV80 at the upper end where it strikes us as a legitimate bargain. It also plays in the class a notch down in price and prestige with midsize SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Mazda is known for producing vehicles with excellent twisty-road handling and the Hyundai and Jeep cannot match the CX-70 in that regard.

The 2024 Lexus TX three-row SUV is an all-new model, slotting above the popular midsize RX. The RX offered a three-row L version for five years, but Lexus dropped the RX-L after 2022, returning to a five-passenger-only RX SUV as it prepared for the TX debut. This was a good move, as the RX-L, built on the standard RX's wheelbase, had only an additional 6 inches of overall length. That meant the third row was not very spacious, and cargo capacity behind the rear seats was cramped. The all-new Lexus TX solves those issues with a longer wheelbase, which results in a spacious cabin, generous cargo capacity with or without rear passengers, and most importantly, a two-passenger third-row seat designed for adults.

Due in dealer showrooms this fall, the TX will challenge other feature-laden three-row SUVs, including the slightly smaller Acura MDX, Lincoln Aviator, and Volvo XC90. The MDX doesn't offer a hybrid version, while the TX comes with three powertrain options: a turbocharged four-cylinder for the TX 350, a hybrid-powered TX 500h, and a TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid with an expected all-electric driving range of 33 miles. The Aviator comes in a standard gasoline-powered turbocharged V6 or plug-in hybrid model, and the XC90 gets a four-cylinder turbo, a supercharged and turbocharged four-cylinder, and a plug-in version of the turbo engine covered in a separate XC90 Recharge review.

Although Lexus hasn't released a full list of features and options by trim level, we expect all versions to be well-equipped luxury SUVs. We do know all-wheel drive is available on all models, the entry-level TX 350 comes in three different trim grades (Standard, Premium, and Luxury), and all versions get a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen with the option to add a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. We'll have more information, including driving impressions, later this year.

No one really buys a three-row SUV looking to carve tight corners on open back roads. But with the 2025 Mazda CX-90, it's nice to know you can. Or at least the Mazda makes the possibility more exciting than its competitors, even if it's only the occasional cloverleaf interchange with a cabin full of nervous passengers. With its sport-tuned steering and suspension, standard all-wheel drive, and cracking turbo engines, the CX-90 is a lithe wide receiver in a class of SUV linebackers.

An impeccable interior is another of the CX-90's standout traits, with a refinement and quality that rivals many European and other luxury alternatives. Settling into any of its seats, it's easy to see why the CX-90 costs a little more than some competitors, but still rates as a bargain compared to the next price tier. Class-leading fuel economy and an available plug-in hybrid that can cover up to 26 miles on battery power round out some of the Mazda's attributes.

The CX-90 can't match its peers in overall utility, though. The interior, while refined, is smaller than most. That goes for the cramped third row and limited cargo space. The infotainment is serviceable, but dated software and the lack of a touchscreen fall short of the smoother interfaces and cloud-based operating systems in other SUVs.

The Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, Volkswagen Atlas, and the Toyota Highlander and larger Grand Highlander all offer more space and more modern tech. Even if they're not as fun on a 270-degree on-ramp.

The idea of a plug-in hybrid does not typically bring about any level of excitement, but this Lamborghini PHEV is anything but typical. The all-new Revuelto replaces the Aventador at the top of Lamborghini's exotic supercar lineup and is the latest in a long line of V12-powered extreme sports cars from the Italian marque. However, for the first time, the V12 is integrated with three electric motors in a plug-in hybrid powertrain that boasts more than 1,000 horsepower.

Like other Lamborghinis before it, the Revuelto is named for a famous Spanish fighting bull. However, the name in Italian means unruly (or a scrambled egg dish, but we'll go with unruly), which also seems appropriate for such a beast. The styling is pure Lamborghini, with sleek lines, a wide stance, and the iconic scissor doors. At the rear, the massive V12 engine is exposed for all to see, and the dual hexagonal exhaust outlets provide the ultimate soundtrack to this powerful machine.

The Revuelto is more than just a straight-line rocket: This supercar is built to handle the road and track. Active aerodynamics provide low drag or maximum downforce, depending on the need, and the carbon-fiber monocoque provides excellent torsional stiffness. The front electric motors also offer torque vectoring, further improving high-speed performance.

While the Revuelto is one of the most powerful electrified sports cars on the road, automakers such as Ferrari and McLaren have also embraced electrification. The McLaren Artura, Ferrari SF90 Stradale, and Ferrari 296 GTB all feature plug-in hybrid powertrains that are much more about performance than efficiency. However, none of these can match the performance (or price) of the Lamborghini.

The 2025 Kia Niro offers impressive fuel economy and a spacious interior in a compact, well-priced package. Available as a standard hybrid, a plug-in hybrid with 33 miles of EV range, or as a full EV (reviewed separately), the Niro is one of the smallest vehicles Kia offers. Standard Niro hybrid models have fuel economy ratings as high as 53 mpg, while the plug-in hybrid offers enough electric range for most daily commutes.

If you’re looking for value, the Niro’s base trim level delivers plenty, with a price tag under $30K and a long list of standard features. Equipment like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes standard, along with such safety aids as forward collision warning and lane-keeping assist. What’s more, the Niro is spacious inside considering its scant exterior dimensions. Adults will have no trouble fitting in the front and rear seats.

Price-conscious shoppers should know that the Niro’s upper trim levels aren't as much of a bargain. While they are reasonably equipped, the top trim levels don’t offer the same level of refinement as non-hybrid competitors such as the Mazda CX-30 and Honda HR-V. The Toyota Corolla Cross is another small SUV worth considering, with fuel economy ratings as high as 42 mpg and competitive pricing.

The BMW 5 Series is the German automaker's midsize sedan offering, slotting between the compact 3 Series and full-size 7 Series. The 5 Series was redesigned for the 2024 model year, but the rear-wheel-drive plug-in version was dropped from the lineup. This year, the 550e xDrive plug-in hybrid arrives in showrooms. It represents an intriguing middle ground between the mild hybrid four- and six-cylinder models and the all-electric BMW i5, which is reviewed separately. Not only is the 550e more fuel-efficient, but it also delivers an impressive 483 horsepower. If that's not enough, there is also the high-performance BMW M5 (also reviewed separately) with an incredible 717 hp.

All 5 Series variants adhere to an underlying performance focus that has defined the model since its 1972 debut. This is especially true when comparing it to the more opulent and comfortable Mercedes-Benz E-Class, redesigned last year. Meanwhile, the aging Audi A6 balances performance and comfort equally.

While all these sedans have their merits, the 5 Series stands out for its spacious trunk. Its infotainment system, while comprehensive, may be overwhelming for the less tech-savvy. However, even with these minor drawbacks, the 2025 BMW 5 Series remains a top recommendation in this class. The good news is, you can't go wrong with any of these choices.

After a short production run during its introductory U.S. model year, the Alfa Romeo Tonale returns for 2024, adding a third trim level to its lineup. While other engines are available outside the U.S., here it’s sold exclusively as a plug-in hybrid. Now available in Sprint, Ti, and Veloce trims, the Tonale offers an alluring combination of style, premium features, plug-in hybrid efficiency, and sporty driving dynamics. This is, at its heart, an Alfa Romeo — a brand with a rich history of building performance cars for professional racing. The introduction of a plug-in hybrid crossover doesn’t mean Alfa has forgotten its heritage. The Tonale has a healthy dose of Italian DNA with a striking exterior design that includes the distinctive Alfa Romeo grille and an elegant, sporty interior with heavily bolstered sport seats. It delivers sharp handling and a total of 285 horsepower from its plug-in hybrid engine, and it has a good range of technology and safety features. A 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is included in all Tonale trims, as are lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking.

The Tonale crossover's closest competitors include the Lexus NX, Lincoln Corsair, and Audi Q5. The NX is available as a gas, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid SUV, but the plug-in model is only available in the highest trim levels, so it costs almost $10K more than the entry-level Tonale. The Corsair is available with a gas or plug-in hybrid engine, but again only the lower gas-powered trims match the Alfa's price of entry. Both gas and plug-in hybrid Q5 models have a higher price, but the Audi features a high-tech interior and more horsepower.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet delivers excitement in a vehicle segment filled with mundane grocery-getters. Compact SUVs are extremely popular, but you can count the number of fun-to-drive models on your thumbs. The Dodge Hornet changes that. Based on the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the Hornet brings an upscale European sensibility while also delivering a taste of Dodge attitude. The Hornet is the brand's first all-new vehicle in more than a decade. It moves the performance-oriented brand in a more sophisticated direction, evidenced by the fact the range-topping Dodge Hornet R/T is the first electrified Dodge in the brand's storied history.

Not only is the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T the flagship of the model line, but it is also the more potent of the two Hornet variants. Its plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers 288 horsepower, and it offers its drivers a special electric PowerShot infusion of acceleration on demand. The Dodge Hornet GT is less frenetic, but it still offers 268 hp from its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. That's the most standard horsepower of any mass-market brand compact crossover. With extensive lists of available tech and one of the best infotainment systems in the industry, the two Hornets give buyers a pair of appealing compact SUV choices.

In overall length, the Hornet is about 3 inches shorter than the sales-leading Toyota RAV4. It's about 2 inches shorter than the Mazda CX-5, a vehicle widely regarded as the most fun to drive in the class. Other competitors, such as the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Ford Escape, are more mainstream and have few sporting pretensions. The Volkswagen Tiguan offers European-style handling but lags the Hornet in horsepower by a wide margin.

Like the Toyota Prius it’s based on, the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid (PHEV) had an identity that seemed set in stone. Both cars were hailed far and wide for being the ones to beat if you want excellent fuel economy. But they were also notorious for having drab styling and sluggish acceleration.

Last year, Toyota flipped the script by giving both cars a monumental redesign, giving the Prius Prime the kind of makeover overlooked wallflowers dream about. The plain-jane exterior is gone, replaced by sleek, sporty styling. The cabin got ergonomic upgrades and a fresh new look, and Toyota rolled out improvements in range, efficiency, and potency.

Able to travel more than 80 miles on electricity alone with a fully charged battery, the Prius Prime is a leader among PHEVs. It can travel farther on electric power than rivals such as the Kia Niro PHEV and Mini Countryman Cooper SE PHEV. And the fuel economy is stellar. Toyota estimates the Prius Prime will return 52 mpg in combined city and highway driving when in hybrid mode, making it a more efficient choice than the Niro PHEV.

Lastly, there’s the matter of horsepower. With 220 horses under its hood, the Prius Prime is one of the most potent picks in its class, delivering quick acceleration. It has more horsepower than the Niro PHEV and is neck-and-neck in output with the lively Countryman Cooper PHEV.

In the deficit column, the Prius Prime has tight rear seats and less maximum cargo capacity than other models in this class. But it wins the award for Most Improved and is hard to top if you want a stylish, quick, and efficient plug-in hybrid car.

McLaren was a racing company long before it built any cars for customers, and that dedication to craft shows in the 2024 McLaren Artura. From its purpose-built, aerodynamic exterior to the no-nonsense cabin styling, it's clear the Artura didn't show up to the same sculpting classes as Ferrari or Lamborghini. Instead, McLaren's brainpower went into delivering the most memorable driving experience this side of an F1 car.

Crafted from a carbon-fiber tub and stocked with cutting-edge driving tech, the Artura features a 671-hp engine and adjustable handling characteristics. There's a healthy kick of electricity lurking within the rechargeable 7.4-kWh battery pack. The 11-mile EV range isn't going to conquer any interstates, but then, that's not what the Artura is built to do. It's a precise instrument built for track work or exceptionally windy roads.

The Ferrari 296 GTB and Porsche 911 Turbo S are slightly quicker in a straight line, but few cars can provide the kind of distilled driving experience offered by the Artura.

The 2025 Kia Sportage is one of the highest-rated compact SUVs on sale today. Though the 2025 model doesn’t have many upgrades, that’s okay because it’s coming from a strong foundation. Kia introduced the fifth-generation Sportage for the 2023 model year, and its combination of comfort, tech, and space — not to mention three different engines to choose from — stands out in a crowded market.

The Sportage aims for an upmarket vibe. You can tell by the dramatic, swooping headlights and classy rear styling. Inside the cabin, it’s more of the same. Kia uses a creative mix of materials to create a soothing, comfortable interior. While there is a fair bit of affordable plastic to keep costs down, there is also a range of soft surfaces and satisfying metals. To top it off, models with the upgraded 12.3-inch touchscreen have a theater-like presentation rarely found in this class.

Space is, of course, a priority for buyers in this realm. The Sportage has a considerable advantage here, with an impressive 39.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the second row of seats. That’s slightly more than the popular Honda CR-V. It’s also more than a Toyota RAV4, and significantly more than a Subaru Forester or Mazda CX-5. All-wheel-drive versions of the Sportage even boast 8.3 inches of ground clearance — while not quite Toyota 4Runner territory, that’s no slouch for the normally tepid Kia.

There’s a lot to like about the 2025 Sportage. This small SUV may surprise you with its ability to stand up to stalwarts in the class, like the RAV4 and CR-V. It doesn’t quite have the extraordinary cost advantage it once did compared to rivals, but the Sportage is packed with benefits.

A small SUV with elegant exterior styling and a wide range of available options, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC is a class leader with all sorts of appeal. There are multiple available powertrains for the GLC, as well as multiple trim levels and available packages that allow for an impressive level of customization. The interior of the GLC is plush and welcoming, with a long list of standard features and top-notch materials quality. And for 2025, the GLC gets big updates in the way of two new powertrain options: a plug-in hybrid and an aggressively powerful AMG model.

The first of the two new powertrains comes in the GLC 350e. It’s a plug-in hybrid that offers impressive range (as much as 81 miles according to Mercedes) and a significant boost in power over the standard GLC 300. The 350e can also be charged at DC fast charging stations, which shortens charging times significantly. The second new powertrain is also a hybrid, but the execution is very different. The AMG GLC 63 S E Performance uses AMG hybrid performance technology along with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine to produce 671 horsepower. It won't arrive until later this year, but we expect it to offer some of the most impressive performance in the segment.

The GLC is undoubtedly impressive and it’s one of our top choices in the class, but there are other luxury SUVs worth checking out. We specifically recommend the Audi Q5, Genesis GV70, and BMW X3. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Volvo XC60 should also be on your list.

At first glance, it's not obvious that the Lexus RX was fully redesigned last year. But underneath its subtle styling changes is a midsize luxury SUV that epitomizes understated luxury. Unlike the previous generation, the latest RX comes only as a five-passenger SUV. The previous model's extended-length RX-L version has been discontinued, with a new three-row Lexus TX model launching in its place.

The two-row RX is spacious, with excellent knee- and headroom for rear-seat passengers. Like all RXes before it, the 2024 RX is tastefully trimmed with high-quality materials and well-placed trim accents that give it a luxurious feel. Previous models suffered from clumsy infotainment systems, but the latest RX has a large touchscreen, making it easier to navigate the various menus.

The RX continues to offer both gas and hybrid models, and this year, the 2024 Lexus RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid joins the lineup. It delivers up to 37 miles of driving range on battery power alone. The standard hybrid models use their electric motors to help the gas engines deliver exceptional mileage along with the sure-footedness of standard all-wheel drive. Even the base non-hybrid RX 350 delivers good fuel economy thanks to a powerful but efficient turbocharged four-cylinder engine. New last year was the RX 500h, a performance-oriented trim that offers additional horsepower and revised suspension tuning. It's still the quickest and most agile RX available, but it's not particularly sporty. Competitors such as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and BMW X5 deliver more fun behind the wheel, at the expense of some ride comfort. The Genesis GV80 is a closer competitor to the Lexus RX as it prioritizes comfort and practicality over performance, as does the Lincoln Nautilus.

There’s no getting around the polarizing design of the BMW XM — you’ll either love or hate it. This bold SUV looks like nothing else on the road, which is fitting because there’s never been a BMW like the XM. Take the “X” from BMW’s line of SUVs and the “M” from its high-performance variants, add an incredibly powerful engine and plug-in hybrid system with EV range, and you have one of the most unique vehicles on the road today.

The XM is highlighted by its almost cartoonish proportions. It boasts flaring kidney grille nostrils and massive 23-inch wheels in a squat package punctuated by vertically stacked quad exhaust tips at the rear. The XM is longer than the more conventional BMW X5 midsize SUV, but the X5 boasts significantly more cargo capacity. That means the XM is larger, more powerful, and much more expensive but far less practical.

So, what's the point of the BMW XM? It's all about the power. The plug-in hybrid powertrain, which marries a twin-turbocharged V8 engine with a 25.7-kWh battery and electric motor, churns out a staggering 644 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. In the more exclusive XM Label models, these numbers are ramped up to a mind-blowing 738 hp and 738 lb-ft. This makes the BMW XM an incredibly fast SUV, capable of sprinting from 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds.

There are other plug-in hybrid luxury SUVs on the market, but none this brash. Other exotic performance SUVs are available, but none with a plug-in system and EV range. That makes the BMW XM an odd duck, but no one will accuse it of being boring. The BMW XM stands out from the crowd in a class that includes competition from Maserati, Lamborghini, and Aston Martin. That’s no small feat.

Land Rover's tradition of building luxury SUVs for both on- and off-road performance continues with the 2025 Range Rover Sport, part of the third-generation model introduced two years ago. Slightly smaller than the flagship Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport is built to cosset and comfort. Despite the name, the Sport isn't tuned to carve ribbons of backroad asphalt. That's not to say the Sport doesn't handle well; it does, especially when equipped with Dynamic Response Pro, its anti-roll feature. But as a distilled version of the full-size Rover, lush luxury is what the Sport really does best.

With seating for five, the Range Rover Sport interior features a low, sloping center console and angled dash with a 13.1-inch infotainment touchscreen. The spacious seats and cabin are impeccably trimmed in leather and metal, and the upright seating position and low dash make for plenty of outward visibility — all the better to see off-road obstacles ahead.

Off-road ability is a Range Rover hallmark and the Sport maintains the legacy. An optional two-speed transfer case, adjustable air suspension and multiple electronics control power to all four corners, delivering unflappable traction in rough terrain. A front and underbody camera system and wading-depth monitor also help the driver navigate potential trouble. While the idea of heading into the mud in a six-figure (or near enough) SUV may sound like a contradiction, Range Rover's history of traversing the boggy English countryside in high comfort is key to its appeal.

The Range Rover Sport isn't the only luxury SUV designed to handle tough terrain, though. Rivals include the Lexus LX, Lexus GX, and Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The Lexus models don't have quite the same old-world cachet as the Range, but they're suitably luxurious and supremely capable in the dirt. Even if you never plan to go off-road, the Range Rover Sport still delivers an experience a notch above pavement peers such as the Mercedes-Benz GLE, Porsche Cayenne, and BMW X5.

The Range Rover Sport also distinguishes itself with an available high-performance plug-in hybrid system that delivers impressive performance, boasting an EV-only range of about 51 miles — more than nearly any other plug-in hybrid on the market.

While the world goes electric, the 2025 BMW 7 Series remains rooted in its gas-powered tradition, its trio of six- and eight-cylinder engines a bulwark against the onslaught of electrons. Only, it's not. Like most automakers envisioning the future, the 7 Series takes aim with the all-electric i7. Bridging the gap is the 750e xDrive plug-in hybrid, combining a six-cylinder engine and 36 miles of rechargeable electric range.

But until the fuel pumps disappear, the 7 Series remains a glorious luxury barge with up to 536 horsepower and similarly powerful technology. Sophisticated engine controls help make the 7 Series the most fuel-efficient in its class, while an air spring suspension and rear-wheel steering deliver a smooth ride and lively handling. Top-shelf leather and interior trim reflect the BMW's near six-figure price, while supremely comfortable seats and an expansive cabin guarantee long-haul comfort. A panoramic dash display stitches together the driver's digital gauges and a 15-inch infotainment touchscreen, while an optional 31-inch dropdown rear display turns the 7 Series into a rolling cinema.

But like many tech showcases, the 7 Series tries too hard. Most functions route through the touchscreen, still a poor substitute for physical buttons when driving a car at 70 mph. A rotary dial controller and voice controls offer workarounds, but some hard switch controls would be better. The 7 Series also leans hard into its sportiness, its oversized grilles, split-level lighting, and aggressive bodywork lacking to some, the elegance of earlier versions.

Compared to other big luxury flagships, the 7 Series is the driver's choice. It's more athletic than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class or Lexus LS, which favor buttery ride comfort and unruffled cruising manners. The rival Audi A8 comes close, but lacks the BMW's skillful balance of power and handling, and hasn't been updated for several years. The Genesis G90 looks smart and is loaded with features, but it's smaller and, therefore, not as roomy as the BMW.

The 2024 Ferrari 296 is a mid-engine hybrid supercar that represents Ferrari’s foray into electrification while maintaining its legendary performance pedigree. Positioned in a fiercely competitive segment, the 296 directly rivals models like the McLaren Artura and Lamborghini Huracan, blending cutting-edge technology with exhilarating driving dynamics. With a combined 818 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged V6 engine and electric motor, the 296 is capable of a 0-60 mph sprint in under three seconds, offering a thrilling driving experience that is both powerful and surprisingly efficient for a car of its caliber.

Where the 296 excels is in its balance of hybrid technology and high performance. Compared to the Artura, the Ferrari delivers more power and a more refined interior, while the Huracan offers more dramatic styling and a naturally aspirated V10 but lacks the hybrid efficiency and torque provided by the 296's electrified setup. The 296 also shines with its precise handling, thanks to Ferrari’s expertly tuned chassis and advanced electronic differential.

On the downside, cargo space is minimal, and its wide stance can make parking a challenge, typical of supercars. Overall, the Ferrari 296 combines cutting-edge hybrid technology with Ferrari’s signature performance, making it a standout in the supercar market.

Much like its distant rival, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the 2025 Land Rover Range Rover has transcended its roots to become a cultural icon. The G-Class' boxy shape hints at its former military utility, but today it's a pop star favorite. Likewise, the Range Rover — itself derived from a military lineage — brought luxury to the outdoors, its owners keen to exploit its capabilities in the rolling countryside.

Today you're more likely to see Range Rovers ranging over pavement than mountain passes. It's too bad, since a Rover is arguably today's most capable luxury SUV off-road. Its adjustable air suspension shakes off the jostling from roots and ruts, and can rise to offer nearly 12 inches of ground clearance. Four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering help negotiate the toughest trails, and it can pass through almost 3 feet of water. But we get it. These are expensive machines and not every owner appreciates the scars of hard-fought trail victories.

For them, the Range Rover is still a magnificent place to battle the urban landscape. Soft leather and beautiful wood finishes combine with minimalist design for a lush and elegant cabin. It retains its signature upright and commanding driving position, offering excellent visibility and easing the work of piloting the Rover around town. And despite its advanced body roll control, this is still a large, heavy SUV that can't tackle curves like alternatives including the Porsche Cayenne and Lamborghini Urus.

You don't get a Range Rover for the curves, though. You get it for its sheer presence, which includes its trio of powertrains: a robust six-cylinder, two grades of V8, and a plug-in hybrid with up to 51 miles of electric range. A full-electric version is in the works, too. And, if you don't mind a few bruises, you get a Range Rover for its ability in the rough, which dominates over competitors like the Mercedes Benz GLS, BMW X7, and, at the top end, the Bentley Bentayga.