Stil, the Tesla is roomy, refined and very easy to rub along with, while the standard version’s 394 mile range helps reduce anxiety. Any issues? Well, it’s a special order model and only available in left-hand drive.
Read our Tesla Model S review
7. Genesis G80 Electrified
There’s no doubting Hyundai’s ambition with Genesis, the Korean brand’s upmarket offshoot that’s big in its home market and the US but a relative unknown in Europe. Launched over here in 2020, it launched a relatively full line-up of cars in quite short order, many of them SUVs (natch).
Representing the traditional three-box saloon is the BMW 5-Series-sized G80, which is a refined, lavishly equipped and beautifully built machine that favours cosseting comfort over driver delight. There’s a choice of conventional four-cylinder petrol and diesel units, but it’s the all-electric, erm, Electrified version that’s the pick of the bunch.
Underpinned by Hyundai’s powerful 800V architecture its features a 365bhp twin motor layout, a 323 mile claimed range and an ability to charge from 10-80% in as little as 22 minutes. However, arguably the most interesting feature is the optional solar roof that in optimal weather conditions (thing Beverly Hills rather than Bognor Regis) can potentially add up to 700 miles of extra range over the course of a year.
Read our Genesis G80 Electrified review
8. BYD Seal Design
Even more ambitious than Genesis is BYD, the nascent Chinese car brand that has hit the UK market with a raft of new models and a ruthless mission to dominate the sales charts. Despite its fairly daft naming policy (BYD stands for Build Your Dreams, while the Seal is sold alongside the Dolphin and the Atto), the cars themselves stand up to scrutiny.
Aimed squarely at the Tesla Model 3, the Seal is smartly designed and boasts an interior that’s more premium than the car’s price would have you believe. Only the rather clunky and confusing infotainment system undermines the sophisticated vibes. Still, the BYD drivers with surprising maturity, with balanced handling and supple high speed ride matched to strong and easily accessible performance, even in the entry-level 308bhp rear-wheel drive single motor model.
