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Top Rated Hybrid Cars
Hybrids are a popular choice amongst car aficionados owing to their fuel efficiency. Almost every automaker from Toyota to Porsche offer hybrid cars featuring voguish design, driver assistance features, advanced safety and top notch performance. Here’s a look at the top rated hybrid cars of 2018.
2018 BMW 5 Series
The 2018 BMW 530e iPerformance sedan is one of the top-rated hybrid cars in the market. Its exceptional performance is the result of a rumbling turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder inline engine and a silent motor powered by a 9.2 kWh battery-pack, which when complemented with an 8-speed automatic transmission, create 248 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. BMW claims a 0-60 mph time of 6.0 seconds for the rear-wheel drive 530e and claims it can accelerate to a top speed of 146 mph. At speeds not exceeding 87 mph and your pedal not pushed to the metal, the sedan will give you an all-electric range of 30 miles. Combined range comes to 400 miles, while charging takes 3 hours using a 240-volt outlet. BMW provides Driving Dynamics Control with Eco Pro and the standard Normal mode, plus a Comfort and Sport modes. The complete package will cost your pockets $52,395.
2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid
The 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid delivers a seamless driving experience especially between electric and hybrid operation and you can’t really gauge if the engine is actually powered up. The 47 miles electric range of the hybrid ensures a comfortable drive on the road without the need for gasoline for at least 20 miles. The Clarity produces an output of 212 hp compliments of its 1.5-liter 4 cylinder Atkinson cycle engine and a 17-kWh battery, which gives life to its motor. The salient features including phone integration through Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, and driver assist systems make it worth every penny.
BMW i8
Amongst the top rated hybrid cars of 2018, the BMW i8 is a trendy addition thanks to its fun packed features that add fervor and excitement to the overall driving experience. The awesome hybrid sports car employs a battery pack that powers the 129 bhp electric motor to spin its front wheels and a turbo-charged 1.5-liter 3- cylinder petrol engine capable of 231 bhp. The power of the motor and the engine combined expels 360 bhp allowing the vehicle to rush from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.4 seconds. The carbon fiber structure based sleek-skin design, leather graced interior, a state of the art infotainment and driver information system along with other latest features give the BMW i8 a massive edge over its competitors.
Volvo XC90 T8
If you’re looking for an affordable, and environment friendly, spacious SUV with hybrid technology that delivers great fuel efficiency and high performance then the Volvo XC90 T8 is made for you. It can be easily placed amongst the top rated hybrid cars of 2018 with its grand 2.0-liter, turbocharged and supercharged petrol engine, capable of making 313 hp and 295 lb-ft torque. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic. The motor situated near the rear axle adds 87 hp and 177lb-ft of torque, taking the total output to 400 hp and 470lb-ft torque. With a meager emission rate of just 49g/km, an electric only power range of 27 miles and high tech features including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto make the XC90 stand a class apart. The SUV is one of the few hybrids that accommodate seven passengers and competes with Audi Q7, BMW X5, and Porsche Cayenne.
Volkswagen Golf GTE
The Volkswagen Golf GTE is a powerful vehicle that has some noticeable high-tech specs and attributes to its credit. While some believe it’s not as fun as the traditional petrol powered GTI model, the hybrid powertrain places it amongst the top rated hybrid cars of 2018. The turbocharged 1.4-liter petrol engine is coupled with a 75kw electric motor to produce 204 bhp combined. That is enough for a 0 to 60 mph sprint in 7.6 seconds going on to a 138 mph top speed. The GTE offers a revamped infotainment system that has gesture controls on the brand new Discover Pro version. The VW GTE has a maximum pure electric range of 31 miles offering a good 20 miles down the road before you need to switch to petrol. With an impressive CO2 emissions rate of 39g/km, a nice electric range and a powerful engine that delivers top acceleration, this hybrid car is worth a shot.
BMW i3
The BMW i3 is an example of a fashionable and pricey power drive yet it’s very comfortable and fuel efficient. Just like the i8 from BMW, this hybrid has been designed using a super-light carbon-fiber and aluminum to compensate for the heavy weight of the batteries that power up its electric motor. The positioning of the batteries, below the floor helps in minimizing the gravitational center and eases maneuvering. The car features a maximum range of around 125 miles. A 650cc range-extender can be bought to extend the range for up to 90 miles as long as you keep refilling the nine-liter fuel tank. The i3 takes 6.9 seconds to reach 60 mph using 168 bhp on its way to a top speed of 93 mph. Compared to the conventional i3, the hybrid version is sportier due to its mighty front bumper and wider wheel arches. A must-have for all those on the look for the top rated hybrid cars for the year!
