Electric Performance Cars
Electric power and performance are shaping up to be a match made in heaven. Thanks to their instant delivery of torque, even ‘regular’ electric cars feel significantly faster than their combustion-engined counterparts. But it’s those cars that focus on extracting real performance from batteries and motors that take things up a level.
Cars like the Audi RS e-tron GT show that battery power can result in some serious acceleration, while the BMW i4 M50 can even give some of the manufacturer's ‘M’ cars a real run for their money off the line.
Electric BMW M cars
BMW’s M division has made some fantastic performance cars over the years, and it’s now turning its attention to electric cars too, with the i4 M50 being the first EV to be engineered with the help of its sporting division.
Offering very similar performance to an M3 or M4, the i4 M50’s twin electric motor setup produces a huge 537bhp that can propel it from 0-60mph in just 3.7 seconds. It also retains the same level of practicality as the standard i4, while offering an impressive claimed range of up to 318 miles.
BMW’s M division has also been turning its attention to the brand’s flagship iX electric SUV. It’s a model that’s already impressive in its own right, but turns even more impressive in this M60 guide.
Packing a monstrous 611bhp and up to 1,100Nm of torque, it’s one of BMW’s most powerful road cars ever made, and means this SUV can sprint from 0-60mph in just 3.6 seconds. The iX M60 also boasts a range of up to 348 miles, along with a fantastic interior packed full of the latest technology BMW has to offer.
BMW’s M division has made some fantastic performance cars over the years, and it’s now turning its attention to electric cars too, with the i4 M50 being the first EV to be engineered with the help of its sporting division.
Offering very similar performance to an M3 or M4, the i4 M50’s twin electric motor setup produces a huge 537bhp that can propel it from 0-60mph in just 3.7 seconds. It also retains the same level of practicality as the standard i4, while offering an impressive claimed range of up to 318 miles.
Electric Mercedes-AMG cars
Mercedes-AMG might be best known for its legendary V8 engines, but these days it’s turning its attention to electrification, with the EQE 53 being one of its first efforts. Utilising a new twin-motor powertrain, this sports saloon puts out a significant 617bhp, allowing it to sprint from 0-60mph in just 3.3 seconds.
In typical AMG fashion it also gets a host of specific styling details, including new 21-inch alloy wheels, an AMG black panel radiator grille and a spoiler lip to highlight its performance intent.
While the regular Mercedes EQS might be more focused on refinement and range, this luxury electric saloon takes a different turn when AMG gets its hands on it. Courtesy of a huge 649bhp and 950Nm of torque, it transforms the EQS into a performance powerhouse that can accelerate from 0-60mph in 3.6 seconds.
However, the EQS 53 remains a superb luxury model, offering a fantastic interior and superb refinement, while still packing a predicted range of up to 347 miles.
Mercedes-AMG might be best known for its legendary V8 engines, but these days it’s turning its attention to electrification, with the EQE 53 being one of its first efforts. Utilising a new twin-motor powertrain, this sports saloon puts out a significant 617bhp, allowing it to sprint from 0-60mph in just 3.3 seconds.
In typical AMG fashion it also gets a host of specific styling details, including new 21-inch alloy wheels, an AMG black panel radiator grille and a spoiler lip to highlight its performance intent.
SKODA Enyaq iV vRS
SKODA’s vRS department is renowned for creating sportier versions of its cars that deliver on the fun factor, but without compromising the practicality its cars are known for. That’s continuing into an electric age too with the new Enyaq iV vRS.
Utilising a new twin motor electric powertrain, enabling four-wheel-drive, the vRS puts out 295bhp, making it SKODA’s most powerful road car to date. This Enyaq also comes generously equipped and gets a number of specific styling elements and unique colours – Phoenix Orange and Hyper Green being ideal if you’re looking to stand out from the crowd.
Electric Volkswagen performance cars
Volkswagen’s line-up of electric cars is growing at quite a rate, expanding to hatchbacks, MPVs, SUVs and soon saloons. But the firm isn’t ignoring performance cars, so rather than the classic GTI nameplate, VW is now introducing the new GTX for its sporty EVs.
The ID.4 is the first to get the GTX treatment, and uses a twin electric motor setup that develops 295bhp, helping this SUV to accelerate from 0-60mph in 6.1 seconds. You’ve also got the added bonus of 4Motion all-wheel-drive, helping to keep the ID.4 sure-footed in all weather conditions. The GTX boasts a practical interior, 308-mile range and plenty of technology as standard too.
Coupe-styled SUVs are particularly popular at the moment, and Volkswagen’s ID.5 is an ideal choice for those wanting a more stylish SUV that still delivers plenty on the practicality front.
If you want something sportier, Volkswagen caters with its new GTX model – a nameplate being used for its electric performance models. Its dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain develops a plentiful 295bhp, allowing the ID.5 to hit 60mph from a standstill in 6.1 seconds, while promising a 314-mile range too.
Volkswagen’s line-up of electric cars is growing at quite a rate, expanding to hatchbacks, MPVs, SUVs and soon saloons. But the firm isn’t ignoring performance cars, so rather than the classic GTI nameplate, VW is now introducing the new GTX for its sporty EVs.
The ID.4 is the first to get the GTX treatment, and uses a twin electric motor setup that develops 295bhp, helping this SUV to accelerate from 0-60mph in 6.1 seconds. You’ve also got the added bonus of 4Motion all-wheel-drive, helping to keep the ID.4 sure-footed in all weather conditions. The GTX boasts a practical interior, 308-mile range and plenty of technology as standard too.
Explore the electric model range
Compact cars
Ideal for city and town driving, small electric cars make a lot of sense.
SUVs
The huge surge in popularity for SUVs has been reflected in the electric car segment.
Saloons
Not quite as commonplace, but there are still a number of options out there.
Sports cars
The same level of fun and excitement as a combustion-engined car.