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Best electric cars with the longest range

Fasten your seatbelts for our pick of the best long-range EVs available in the UK today...

By Gareth Herincx
June 9, 2023

Range anxiety still tops the list of hurdles when it comes to tempting drivers to switch to EVs.

Even though most cars in the UK travel less than 100 miles each week, not knowing whether you can make a two or three-hour trip without having to stop to recharge remains a psychological barrier for many motorists.

However, electric vehicles are developing fast, so a range of around 200 miles is average now, and some of the latest models are capable of as much as 400 miles between charges. So (on paper), that’s more than London to Edinburgh in one charge.

We’ve chosen 10 of the best long-range electric cars currently on the UK market. All figures quoted are from manufacturers’ own websites and use official World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) data.

> Best affordable electric cars for the family in 2023

That said, ‘real-world’ range can be as much as 20% lower than WLTP figures because of factors such as driving style, outside temperature, battery age and journey topography.

The prices below are correct as of June 2023. EV ranges quoted use official WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) figures achieved in a laboratory. Real-world ranges will vary.

Our selection of 10 EVs with the best range

Mercedes-Benz EQS

From £129,470

Verdict

Up to 452 miles

Sleek, swift, refined, luxurious and dripping with tech, the top-of-the-range Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ may be priced on the wrong side of £100,000, but the stats are impressive. Not only does it boast a large 108.4kWh battery, but it pumps out 325bhp and can be charged 10-80% via a 200kW rapid connection in just 31 minutes. If you want more ride height and ruggedness, the SUV version still has an impressive 364-mile range.

Read our review of the Mercedes-Benz EQS

Tesla Model S

From £79,980

Verdict

Up to 394 miles

It may now be a familiar sight on our roads, but don't underestimate Tesla's first mainstream car. Launched way back in 2012, it introduced game-changing battery technology and other state-of-the-art features since copied by established automotive brands. The Tesla Model S is an effortless cruiser and has aged well. The Dual Motor all-wheel drive version isn't just a long-ranger - it's capable of a supercar 0-60mph sprint time of just 3.1 seconds.

Read our review of the Tesla Model S

Mercedes-Benz EQE

From £73,485

Verdict

Up to 388 miles

A smaller version of the EQS, the range-topping AMG Line 300 and 350 versions of the EQE are the ones to go for if you want those extra miles. With a drag coefficient of just 0.22, it's super slippery. Inside, the EQE delivers a plush, whisper-quiet experience and an impressive infotainment system. Its 89kWh battery can be charged (10-80%) in 32 minutes from a 110kW connection and it can accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds.

Read our review of the Mercedes-Benz EQE

BMW i7

From £99,300

Verdict

Up to 387 miles

BMW's awesome all-wheel-drive luxury saloon may have divisive looks, but there's no denying that it packs a punch. Yes, there's a six-figure starting price, but its 105.7kWh battery can be charged from 10-80% in 34 minutes via a 195kW rapid connection and it can travel a claimed 387 miles without stopping. Inside, the i7 is luxurious, loaded with tech and beautifully built. 0-62mph time? A remarkable 4.7 seconds.

Read our review of the BMW i7

BMW iX

From £69,000

Verdict

Up to 382 miles

This epic SUV polarises opinion. Some say it’s big and bold, others describe it as brutalist. Delivering decent driving dynamics, comfort and performance, coupled with cutting-edge technology, superb build quality and serious badge appeal, it's a class act. Choose the xDrive50 M Sport model for the longest range. It has a 111.5kWh battery, pushes out 516bhp and can sprint from 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds. Price? North of £100,000.

Read our review of the BMW iX

Polestar 2

From £46,450

Verdict

Up to 379 miles

This cool five-door fastback from Volvo’s sister brand blends practicality with performance, dynamism and cutting-edge technology. Launched in 2021, it oozes Scandi chic inside, and thanks to a 2023 update (which debuts a new front end), the long-range single motor version can travel up to 395 miles from its more powerful 82kWh battery. It's fast too, with a 0-62mph time of 6.2 seconds.

Read our review of the Polestar 2

Tesla Model 3

From £42,990

Verdict

Up to 374 miles

On sale in the UK since 2019, Tesla "affordable" EV saloon is now one of the world most popular cars. Futuristic, rapid, refined and packed with tech, the all-wheel drive Dual Motor Long Range version can travel up to 374 miles between charges and accelerate from 0-60mph in only 4.2 seconds. And thanks to its fast 250kW charging speed, up to 172 miles can be added in just 15 minutes.

Read our review of the Tesla Model 3

Ford Mustang Mach-E

From £50,830

Verdict

Up to 372 miles

Ford’s first fully-fledged electric car was late to a party when it arrived in UK dealerships in early 2021. However, with its combination of kerb appeal, driving dynamics, practicality and long range, the Mustang Mach-E is now one of the most accomplished EVs in the crossover sector. The rear-wheel drive version equipped with the larger 98kWh battery has the highest range. Connecting to a 150kW charger delivers around 73 miles in 10 minutes.

Read our review of the Ford Mustang Mach-E

BMW i4

From £49,995

Verdict

Up to 365 miles

Put simply, the BMW i4 Gran Coupe is one of a handful of truly dynamic EVs on the market. For maximum range, go for the rear-wheel drive i4 eDrive40 Sport model. Its 83.9kWh battery can be boosted from 10-80% in 31 minutes via a 205kW charger and it can accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds. Comfortable, practical, beautifully built and brimming with badge appeal, the i4 is everything you’d expect from a BMW performance saloon.

Read our review of the BMW i4

Hyundai Ioniq 6

From £47,038

Verdict

Up to 338 miles

If you like its 'streamliner' looks, then Hyundai's sleek four-door saloon delivers an excellent ride and handling balance at a competitive price. Available with a 77.4kWh battery, it's packed with the latest safety and drive assistance tech. The rear-wheel drive version will give you the longest range. It's also fitted with an 800V charging system providing 350kW compatibility, meaning it takes just 20 minutes for an 80% boost.

Read our review of the Hyundai Ioniq 6

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Gareth Herincx

Gareth Herincx is an experienced motoring journalist with a background in news and features gained at high-profile brands including the BBC, ITV and GMTV. When he's not road-testing cars, attending launch events or hunched over his laptop, Gareth can be seen being taken for walks by his Jack Russell terrier near Bath in Somerset.