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Electric
Here are 12 of the best family friendly electric cars to buy
From the kids to the kitchen sink, these are the EVs tailor-made to suit family life
Ford Mustang Mach-E
“The most important Ford since the Mondeo? The Model T? Probably somewhere between the two in terms of what it means to the brand and its future. As crucial as the original Mustang, then – another car that kick-started the blue oval and launched it into a new and exciting future. Make up your own mind about the look of the car and what it says about you, but be in no doubt that underneath this is a fundamentally very well executed machine.”
Advertisement - Page continues belowHyundai Ioniq 5
“That Hyundai is now confident enough to put a car as bold-looking as the Ioniq 5 on sale is impressive. But the fact this retro XXL hot hatch bodywork conceals one of the most complete family EVs money can buy is downright remarkable. If Hyundai can maintain this momentum behind the upcoming members of the Ioniq family, then the likes of VW’s ID cars and even Mercedes’s EQ clan ought to be extremely worried.”
Kia EV6
“The EV6 proves that forward-thinking doesn’t need to be entirely wacky. Distinctive yet not likely to immediately fall off a fashion cliff, interesting to drive but not likely to worry a dedicated sports car, the EV6 carves a very different path dynamically to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 with which it shares bones and blood. And that’s no bad thing. But it's also spacious, quiet and a very capable cruiser, and equipped with that 800-volt architecture that makes charging station stops quick and painless. It's one of those cars that makes you think other countries are one step behind compared to what South Korea has to offer.”
Advertisement - Page continues belowMG 4
“On the face of it, the MG 4 doesn’t seem like a very exciting car. But when you dig into what it does for the money, how high it scores on multiple levels, it’s probably the only car in the class to recommend. It rides and drives very well, comes with a decent slug of standard kit, and most importantly - although very boringly - has immense residual value. MG really has played a bit of a blinder here: where ‘legacy’ manufacturers are busy making electric cars expensive, MG has thrown a large cat among the pigeons.”
BMW i4
“We like the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2, but there's still a vacancy for a really sweet-driving alternative. The i4, especially in RWD spec, is that alternative. It's snug and well-made, while this is a car with the sort of range that should allow almost anyone to do almost any of their road trips. It charges fast, and brisk driving or low temperatures don't harm the range as badly as some EVs. It doesn't look like a spaceship, but lots of people don't want that. Which is why BMW does so well. This is a proper BMW.”
Polestar 2
“We love the Polestar 2 because it’s handsome, the build quality will give Audi drivers PTSD, and there’s a real sense of common sense about the car – that it’s been designed to work seamlessly, not to wow you with gimmicks then wind you up further down the line. It’s well-finished, practical and drives pleasingly, but it’s that sense of a brand really believing in its approach and starting to show its potential that’s exciting about Polestar in general, and the 2 in particular. And yep, Tesla ought to be paying attention. As should anyone else who fancies a slice of the electric future.”
Skoda Enyaq iV
“Once more Skoda has built a car that could well be a better buy than the equivalent Volkswagen: the Enyaq edges both the ID.4 and Audi Q4 e-tron on several fronts. It drives just as well as its cousins, has a less annoying, more practical interior (particularly compared to the ID.4) and costs around the same or less than its sibling rivals. Best try all three before you commit to buying, but we know where we’d spend our money.”
Advertisement - Page continues belowTesla Model Y
“This is the first Tesla we’ve driven where the standout impression isn’t necessarily the acceleration, or the driver assistance tech, or the world-class touchscreen, or even the built-in games and memes. It’s the packaging. The Model Y is now the poster-car for ‘if you delete the engine, the gearbox, the exhaust and all that fuel tank plumbing, then look how roomy you can make the cabin, look how much storage you can offer in the boot'.”
Kia EV3
“Kia’s lost the element of surprise. We stopped being shocked when it made a good car a long while ago. When it comes to EVs, we expect them to be sniffing around the top of the class. But the EV3 drives the point home with a sledgehammer because it’s just so roundly, crushingly competent in the same way a Golf used to be. Keenly priced and promising not to depreciate like a dropped ice lolly on a beach. Easy going and comfy to drive. Right-sized for families and not too bloated to park. It’s a roundly thought-out bit of kit as a ‘car’.”
Advertisement - Page continues belowSkoda Elroq
“The Skoda Elroq follows closely in the Enyaq’s footsteps, and for good reason. That car proved better than either of its VW Group siblings, the Audi Q4 e-tron and Volkswagen ID.4, and the Elroq - debuting Skoda’s new language - looks even smarter. It drives equally as well, its cabin is very similar, smart to look at and practically laid out, and it’s just as competitively priced too. It oozes Skoda sensibility and will no doubt have competitors glancing nervously in its direction.”
Volvo EX90
“The EX90 is the best electric family SUV available right now. The boot is genuinely huge, the car spacious throughout with easy to operate seats and clever touches. We took the EX90 to meet some ‘Soccer Moms’ in the US and the main criticism was the size and number of cupholders. Too small and not enough. Apart from that, it was widely admired. Smooth and silent on the road, it’s a pleasure to drive, more wieldy than you might expect for its size and weight. It’s easy to see out of, undemanding and consumes long journeys with ease and in spectacular comfort.”
Volkswagen ID.Buzz
"We love the ID.Buzz because it’s different, because it’s a new anti-SUV template, because it’s fun to be in and around. For those up front this is unique and special, while those behind, apart from sliding doors and intensely generous headroom, have less to lift their spirits. But right now, if you’re looking at any other premium crossover or SUV – be it electric or internal combustion – doesn’t this look like a brighter, more engaging and interesting alternative? It’s beguilingly simple and yet entirely uplifting."
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