Best electric cars for families 2026
The best electric family cars are no longer the range-anxiety inducing hatchbacks they once were. You now have a wide range of options, from big, luxurious SUVs such as the BMW iX3 and Hyundai Ioniq 9 to family-friendly estate cars in the BMW i5 Touring and Volkswagen ID7 Tourer, both of which are available as saloon cars, too.
That’s not to say there aren’t smaller options available, with the Kia EV3 and Skoda Enyaq both offering lots of interior space and comfort in more compact packages. For the last word in size and roominess, however, no electric car can compare to the Volkswagen ID Buzz.
Our expert reviews team have comprehensively tested every electric family car on sale, putting them through their paces in real-world conditions. Here are our ten favourites:
2026
Family Values Award
Winner
Battery range up to 421 miles
Best for: comfortable journeys
The Citroen e-C5 Aircross is one of our favourite SUVs on sale at the moment, not just because it’s stylish, practical and very well priced, but also because it’s more comfortable than some SUVs costing twice or even three times as much. Okay so there are a lot of scratchy plastics inside, but that hasn’t stopped it from winning the Family Values trophy in the 2025 Carwow Car of the Year Awards.
That’s the second time a C5 Aircross has clinched the category win, but where the old model was a bit frumpy in its design, the new version is far more handsome. Crisp lines, slender headlights and fin-mounted taillights give it a proper cyberpunk look for what’s actually a sensible family car.
Step inside and the futuristic styling continues, with a dead-straight dashboard topping a fabric trimmed, cylindrical bar with a built-in driver’s display and a 13.0-inch, portrait-oriented infotainment system leant against it. This joins up to the centre console, which is chock-full of storage solutions and cupholders in various places.
In fact, practicality is a strong point for the e-C5 Aircross. Aside from the aforementioned centre console cubbies, there are large door bins which can easily swallow a big water bottle plus extra odds and ends. The seats themselves are very comfortable and highly adjustable, while passengers in the back are treated to loads of headroom and leg room.
The 565-litre boot is spacious, with enough underfloor storage to hide the charging cable - or you can drop the floor down for a deeper load space.
You can have your e-C5 Aircross with either a 73kWh battery for 322 miles of claimed range, or a larger 97kWh item which increases range to 422 miles.
It does an excellent job of dispatching speed bumps, pot holes and cracked road surfaces around town thanks to its pillow-soft suspension and cushioned seats, while the light steering and smooth motor make for easy progress in traffic. The e-C5 Aircross is just as comfortable on the motorway with little wind or road noise, and while it’s not fun to drive, it’s composed on a twisty country lane.
The Citroen e-C5 Aircross is one of our favourite SUVs on sale at the moment, not just because it’s stylish, practical and very well priced, but also because it’s more comfortable than some SUVs costing twice or even three times as much. Okay so there are a lot of scratchy plastics inside, but that hasn’t stopped it from winning the Family Values trophy in the 2025 Carwow Car of the Year Awards.
That’s the second time a C5 Aircross has clinched the category win, but where the old model was a bit frumpy in its design, the new version is far more handsome. Crisp lines, slender headlights and fin-mounted taillights give it a proper cyberpunk look for what’s actually a sensible family car.
Step inside and the futuristic styling continues, with a dead-straight dashboard topping a fabric trimmed, cylindrical bar with a built-in driver’s display and a 13.0-inch, portrait-oriented infotainment system leant against it. This joins up to the centre console, which is chock-full of storage solutions and cupholders in various places.
In fact, practicality is a strong point for the e-C5 Aircross. Aside from the aforementioned centre console cubbies, there are large door bins which can easily swallow a big water bottle plus extra odds and ends. The seats themselves are very comfortable and highly adjustable, while passengers in the back are treated to loads of headroom and leg room.
The 565-litre boot is spacious, with enough underfloor storage to hide the charging cable - or you can drop the floor down for a deeper load space.
You can have your e-C5 Aircross with either a 73kWh battery for 322 miles of claimed range, or a larger 97kWh item which increases range to 422 miles.
It does an excellent job of dispatching speed bumps, pot holes and cracked road surfaces around town thanks to its pillow-soft suspension and cushioned seats, while the light steering and smooth motor make for easy progress in traffic. The e-C5 Aircross is just as comfortable on the motorway with little wind or road noise, and while it’s not fun to drive, it’s composed on a twisty country lane.
2026
Family Values Award
Highly Commended
Battery range up to 355 miles
Best for: lots of space in a small car
The Elroq is a fantastic small SUV which is full to the brim with clever storage solutions, loads of cabin space and more style than you might expect from a sensible brand like Skoda. It’s not very interesting to drive, but it still drove away being highly commended in the 2026 Carwow Car of the Year Awards.
It was the first car to carry Skoda’s swish new front-end look, too. The headlights are split over two levels, with the slim, sporty daytime running lights joined up to a central panel which hides all of the car’s front sensors. Not only does it look tidy, but it’s called the ‘Tech Deck’ - which sounds cool.
The Elroq’s interior is another success in understated design, with a clutter-free dashboard which dips down in the middle, below the large infotainment screen. Depending on the trim level you choose, the dashboard is upholstered in a fun denim or a more serious leatherette, which feels posher, but we prefer the fabric.
As it’s based on the larger Enyaq, the Elroq’s cabin is hugely spacious and full of clever storage spaces. The glovebox is large, there are two cubbies beneath and within the centre console, and there’s lots of adjustability in the seats and steering wheel. Those in the back have plenty of headroom and legroom, but you’ll struggle to slip your feet under the front seats, and it's a bit tight for three abreast travel.
The boot is a bit smaller than in alternatives at 470 litres, but that’s the consolation for the compact rear end compared to the Enyaq, and with the clever built-in shelving at the sides you’ll likely not miss the extra space.
Range varies from 230 miles in the basic ‘50’ model, increasing to 360 miles in the top-spec Elroq 85 on account of the larger battery.
Bad roads are all but ironed out by the Elroq, but the suspension is so soft that the car wallows about a little over the biggest lumps and bumps. It’s comfortable on the motorway, but that wallowiness is amplified a little at high speeds. Take it easy on a country lane, the Skoda isn’t at its best carving through corners.
The Elroq is a fantastic small SUV which is full to the brim with clever storage solutions, loads of cabin space and more style than you might expect from a sensible brand like Skoda. It’s not very interesting to drive, but it still drove away being highly commended in the 2026 Carwow Car of the Year Awards.
It was the first car to carry Skoda’s swish new front-end look, too. The headlights are split over two levels, with the slim, sporty daytime running lights joined up to a central panel which hides all of the car’s front sensors. Not only does it look tidy, but it’s called the ‘Tech Deck’ - which sounds cool.
The Elroq’s interior is another success in understated design, with a clutter-free dashboard which dips down in the middle, below the large infotainment screen. Depending on the trim level you choose, the dashboard is upholstered in a fun denim or a more serious leatherette, which feels posher, but we prefer the fabric.
As it’s based on the larger Enyaq, the Elroq’s cabin is hugely spacious and full of clever storage spaces. The glovebox is large, there are two cubbies beneath and within the centre console, and there’s lots of adjustability in the seats and steering wheel. Those in the back have plenty of headroom and legroom, but you’ll struggle to slip your feet under the front seats, and it's a bit tight for three abreast travel.
The boot is a bit smaller than in alternatives at 470 litres, but that’s the consolation for the compact rear end compared to the Enyaq, and with the clever built-in shelving at the sides you’ll likely not miss the extra space.
Range varies from 230 miles in the basic ‘50’ model, increasing to 360 miles in the top-spec Elroq 85 on account of the larger battery.
Bad roads are all but ironed out by the Elroq, but the suspension is so soft that the car wallows about a little over the biggest lumps and bumps. It’s comfortable on the motorway, but that wallowiness is amplified a little at high speeds. Take it easy on a country lane, the Skoda isn’t at its best carving through corners.
Best for: big car feel in a compact SUV
The Kia EV3 is another example of a small car which punches about its weight for interior space, comfort and practicality. Its space-age looks, sturdy cabin and comfort make it a highly desirable family car, though its irritating driver assists are jarring unless you disable them. We gave the EV3 a highly commended status in the 2026 Carwow Car of the Year Awards.
The styling is head-turning without being too shouty, distilling the larger EV9’s big, imposing stance into a more family friendly package. Inside it’s smart and functional, with two large screens on the dashboard for your infotainment and driver information, split by a smaller display for your climate information. You can’t really see this third screen, because the steering wheel blocks it, but at least the climate controls use physical switches for ease of use on the move.
Practicality is excellent. There’s ample space for four adult passengers, and there are some neat tricks such as an extendable centre console on higher trim levels that can be used like a tray for your dinner or laptop.
Boot space is impressive too, because at 460 litres it’s bigger than most alternatives. You do only get the full capacity if you drop the floor to its lowest setting, which introduces a load lip over the bumper, but even if you move it to create a flat floor there’s decent space for a weekly shop.
The entry-level model goes 270 miles in official tests, making it comparable to the Skoda Elroq, but you can get a bigger battery with up to 375 miles; impressive in such a small car.
On the road the Kia EV3 soaks up bumps really well, making it a comfortable way to get around. You don’t get the punchy acceleration of something like a Volvo EX30 Twin Motor, but there’s good enough performance for motorway stints, with little in the way of wind and road noise.
The Kia EV3 is another example of a small car which punches about its weight for interior space, comfort and practicality. Its space-age looks, sturdy cabin and comfort make it a highly desirable family car, though its irritating driver assists are jarring unless you disable them. We gave the EV3 a highly commended status in the 2026 Carwow Car of the Year Awards.
The styling is head-turning without being too shouty, distilling the larger EV9’s big, imposing stance into a more family friendly package. Inside it’s smart and functional, with two large screens on the dashboard for your infotainment and driver information, split by a smaller display for your climate information. You can’t really see this third screen, because the steering wheel blocks it, but at least the climate controls use physical switches for ease of use on the move.
Practicality is excellent. There’s ample space for four adult passengers, and there are some neat tricks such as an extendable centre console on higher trim levels that can be used like a tray for your dinner or laptop.
Boot space is impressive too, because at 460 litres it’s bigger than most alternatives. You do only get the full capacity if you drop the floor to its lowest setting, which introduces a load lip over the bumper, but even if you move it to create a flat floor there’s decent space for a weekly shop.
The entry-level model goes 270 miles in official tests, making it comparable to the Skoda Elroq, but you can get a bigger battery with up to 375 miles; impressive in such a small car.
On the road the Kia EV3 soaks up bumps really well, making it a comfortable way to get around. You don’t get the punchy acceleration of something like a Volvo EX30 Twin Motor, but there’s good enough performance for motorway stints, with little in the way of wind and road noise.
Sell your car for what it's really worth
The free, easy way to get 5,500+ dealers all over the UK bidding on your car
Learn how to
sell your car
with Carwow
4. Volkswagen ID. Buzz
Volkswagen ID. Buzz review
Battery range up to 293 miles
Best for: a fun family bus
The Volkswagen ID Buzz might look like a futuristic van, but don’t be fooled – this isn’t your average box on wheels. It’s so charming, practical and packed with quirky details that it’s become one of our favourite electric family cars.
While most modern family cars are distinctly SUV-flavoured, the ID Buzz embraces its van-like roots with flat sides, a bluff front end and retro design cues that nod to the classic Volkswagen Type 2 camper. But this isn’t just about nostalgia – it’s a genuinely clever bit of kit.
Inside the Buzz is a bright, spacious interior full of clever touches. You get matching interior colours to go with the exterior (the two-tone options look fantastic), USB ports in the doors, and a sliding rear bench to adjust boot space or legroom. Shame there are no rear air vents or electric windows though, which can get annoying on long trips.
Boot space? Enormous. With a 1121-litre capacity, it makes alternatives like the Tesla Model Y or Kia EV6 look like they’ve come to the fight with a lunchbox. Fold the seats and it’s basically a rolling storage unit – ideal for active families, road trips or just carrying lots of stuff.
It’s powered by a 77kWh battery with up to 258 miles of range, though we saw closer to 203 miles in the real world. Charging is quick enough with 20-80% range taking 29 minutes on a rapid charger, and a home charger filling the battery overnight.
On the road, the Buzz is surprisingly fun. Rear-wheel drive makes it feel more car-like than it looks, and it’s quiet, comfy and great around town thanks to its tight turning circle and quick acceleration. It’s not a thrill ride but it’s smooth, responsive and feels very stable in turns.
If you often find yourself ferrying lots of passengers about, there’s now a long wheelbase ID Buzz available in six or seven seater guise too. As a practical, stylish and seriously likeable family EV that stands out from the SUV crowd, the ID Buzz is hard to beat.
The Volkswagen ID Buzz might look like a futuristic van, but don’t be fooled – this isn’t your average box on wheels. It’s so charming, practical and packed with quirky details that it’s become one of our favourite electric family cars.
While most modern family cars are distinctly SUV-flavoured, the ID Buzz embraces its van-like roots with flat sides, a bluff front end and retro design cues that nod to the classic Volkswagen Type 2 camper. But this isn’t just about nostalgia – it’s a genuinely clever bit of kit.
Inside the Buzz is a bright, spacious interior full of clever touches. You get matching interior colours to go with the exterior (the two-tone options look fantastic), USB ports in the doors, and a sliding rear bench to adjust boot space or legroom. Shame there are no rear air vents or electric windows though, which can get annoying on long trips.
Boot space? Enormous. With a 1121-litre capacity, it makes alternatives like the Tesla Model Y or Kia EV6 look like they’ve come to the fight with a lunchbox. Fold the seats and it’s basically a rolling storage unit – ideal for active families, road trips or just carrying lots of stuff.
It’s powered by a 77kWh battery with up to 258 miles of range, though we saw closer to 203 miles in the real world. Charging is quick enough with 20-80% range taking 29 minutes on a rapid charger, and a home charger filling the battery overnight.
On the road, the Buzz is surprisingly fun. Rear-wheel drive makes it feel more car-like than it looks, and it’s quiet, comfy and great around town thanks to its tight turning circle and quick acceleration. It’s not a thrill ride but it’s smooth, responsive and feels very stable in turns.
If you often find yourself ferrying lots of passengers about, there’s now a long wheelbase ID Buzz available in six or seven seater guise too. As a practical, stylish and seriously likeable family EV that stands out from the SUV crowd, the ID Buzz is hard to beat.
2026
Comfortable Cruiser Award
Winner
5. Hyundai Ioniq 9
Hyundai Ioniq 9 review
Battery range up to 385 miles
Best for: masses of space in an SUV
The enormous Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a highly capable SUV which had a good start in life, sharing a lot of mechanical components with the excellent Kia EV9. The Hyundai offers even better range and impressive long-range comfort for seven passengers, though its looks are slightly challenging and it’s not particularly efficient.
Where the Kia is all lines and angles, the Hyundai takes a much smoother approach to SUV styling with an upright front end which dramatically curves back to the tall, flat bonnet. There are a lot of pixel-themed details in the lights at both ends which are fun, but there are also some awkward lines and curves in places.
Climb aboard the Ioniq 9 and you’ll find yourself in a plush, well-appointed cabin with some funky material choices on the enormous dashboard. The widescreen, triple display setup sits proudly on top, spanning most of the cabin’s width, which is some going considering how much space there is inside. Seven adults will fit comfortably in the Hyundai with ease, and with enough storage for all of their items, while the boot is a mighty 900 litres large with the third row folded away.
An enormous battery under the floor claims a range of 372 to 385 miles depending on the trim level, but we only managed around 270 miles in reality.
Avoid the rear-view side cameras, they’re irritating to use and don’t help judging the car’s huge width in town. The Ioniq 9 is far more at home on the motorway, silently cruising and ironing out ruts and dips, while the sheer size of it makes country lanes feel very small indeed.
The enormous Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a highly capable SUV which had a good start in life, sharing a lot of mechanical components with the excellent Kia EV9. The Hyundai offers even better range and impressive long-range comfort for seven passengers, though its looks are slightly challenging and it’s not particularly efficient.
Where the Kia is all lines and angles, the Hyundai takes a much smoother approach to SUV styling with an upright front end which dramatically curves back to the tall, flat bonnet. There are a lot of pixel-themed details in the lights at both ends which are fun, but there are also some awkward lines and curves in places.
Climb aboard the Ioniq 9 and you’ll find yourself in a plush, well-appointed cabin with some funky material choices on the enormous dashboard. The widescreen, triple display setup sits proudly on top, spanning most of the cabin’s width, which is some going considering how much space there is inside. Seven adults will fit comfortably in the Hyundai with ease, and with enough storage for all of their items, while the boot is a mighty 900 litres large with the third row folded away.
An enormous battery under the floor claims a range of 372 to 385 miles depending on the trim level, but we only managed around 270 miles in reality.
Avoid the rear-view side cameras, they’re irritating to use and don’t help judging the car’s huge width in town. The Ioniq 9 is far more at home on the motorway, silently cruising and ironing out ruts and dips, while the sheer size of it makes country lanes feel very small indeed.
6. BMW i5 Touring
BMW i5 Touring review
Battery range up to 359 miles
Best for: classic BMW refinement
The BMW i5 Touring is a prime example of an electric BMW that still looks and feels like a classic BMW behind the wheel. It’s the all-electric version of the 5 Series estate, and it’s a seriously tempting option for families after something premium, practical and affordable to run.
The design is restrained…for a modern BMW. There’s no oversized grille drama here – just a sleek shape without too many unnecessary creases and angles down its flanks. Inside, the twin-screen setup looks smart, and the material quality is premium.
There’s loads of space in the front, and the back seats offer generous legroom too, although the chunky transmission tunnel pinched from the petrol version makes the middle seat a bit of a squeeze.
You’ve got two versions to pick from. The i5 eDrive40 has a single motor with 340hp and drives the rear wheels, while the M60 brings twin motors, all-wheel drive and a wild 601hp. That’s enough to launch it from 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds, if you feel like being a hooligan.
Both come with an 81.2kWh battery – good for up to 357 miles in the eDrive40 and up to 315 in the heavier M60. Real-world figures will vary, especially if your right foot gets a bit enthusiastic.
It’s comfy, quiet, and packed with clever tech; the i5 Touring blends refinement, performance and everyday usability in a way that makes it one of the most convincing estate cars on sale - and you can even have it as a saloon.
The BMW i5 Touring is a prime example of an electric BMW that still looks and feels like a classic BMW behind the wheel. It’s the all-electric version of the 5 Series estate, and it’s a seriously tempting option for families after something premium, practical and affordable to run.
The design is restrained…for a modern BMW. There’s no oversized grille drama here – just a sleek shape without too many unnecessary creases and angles down its flanks. Inside, the twin-screen setup looks smart, and the material quality is premium.
There’s loads of space in the front, and the back seats offer generous legroom too, although the chunky transmission tunnel pinched from the petrol version makes the middle seat a bit of a squeeze.
You’ve got two versions to pick from. The i5 eDrive40 has a single motor with 340hp and drives the rear wheels, while the M60 brings twin motors, all-wheel drive and a wild 601hp. That’s enough to launch it from 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds, if you feel like being a hooligan.
Both come with an 81.2kWh battery – good for up to 357 miles in the eDrive40 and up to 315 in the heavier M60. Real-world figures will vary, especially if your right foot gets a bit enthusiastic.
It’s comfy, quiet, and packed with clever tech; the i5 Touring blends refinement, performance and everyday usability in a way that makes it one of the most convincing estate cars on sale - and you can even have it as a saloon.
Best for: unmatched electric range
The longest-range electric car on sale in the UK, the BMW iX3 won the Tech Trailblazer award in the 2026 Carrow Car of the Year Awards. It’s also phenomenal to drive, looks great and has a premium cabin, though some of the interior controls are annoying to use.
BMW has dipped into the history books with the iX3’s styling, with a wide-spanning trim panel housing the headlights and narrow grilles, just like its models from the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s. It’s far more handsome than BMW’s efforts of the past few years.
The cabin is another leap in BMW design, with a funky, parallelogram-shaped infotainment display in front of a minimalist dashboard, and a full-width instrument readout below the windscreen. It’s very intuitive to use and easy on the eye.
Most of the interior materials are plush and luxurious to the touch, from the chunky (but over-fussy) steering wheel to the dash top and the comfortable seats. It’s spacious, too, with the low-set dashboard giving an airy feel and plenty of room in the back for tall adults to settle in. The boot is an adequate 520 litres big.
The single battery option gives the iX3 500 miles of range on the smallest wheel options, while larger designs drop that down into the 400s.
For all of its charms, the iX3 is most impressive on the road. It’s comfortable, feels agile and the surround view cameras take the stress out of parking. It’s also very well insulated from motorway noise, while driving like a far smaller, sportier car on a country lane. Remarkable.
The longest-range electric car on sale in the UK, the BMW iX3 won the Tech Trailblazer award in the 2026 Carrow Car of the Year Awards. It’s also phenomenal to drive, looks great and has a premium cabin, though some of the interior controls are annoying to use.
BMW has dipped into the history books with the iX3’s styling, with a wide-spanning trim panel housing the headlights and narrow grilles, just like its models from the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s. It’s far more handsome than BMW’s efforts of the past few years.
The cabin is another leap in BMW design, with a funky, parallelogram-shaped infotainment display in front of a minimalist dashboard, and a full-width instrument readout below the windscreen. It’s very intuitive to use and easy on the eye.
Most of the interior materials are plush and luxurious to the touch, from the chunky (but over-fussy) steering wheel to the dash top and the comfortable seats. It’s spacious, too, with the low-set dashboard giving an airy feel and plenty of room in the back for tall adults to settle in. The boot is an adequate 520 litres big.
The single battery option gives the iX3 500 miles of range on the smallest wheel options, while larger designs drop that down into the 400s.
For all of its charms, the iX3 is most impressive on the road. It’s comfortable, feels agile and the surround view cameras take the stress out of parking. It’s also very well insulated from motorway noise, while driving like a far smaller, sportier car on a country lane. Remarkable.
Best for: flying under the radar
The Skoda Enyaq might not turn heads like a Kia EV9 or wear a posh badge like a BMW i5, but with its understated looks and sensible charm, it’s like the dependable friend who always remembers your birthday and sends you a Christmas card.
Step inside and things get more interesting. The cabin is well thought-out, with quality materials and a swoopy dashboard design. The infotainment system was given an update in 2024 and it’s less sluggish than before, though it’s still not the slickest out there.
There’s loads of room for adults front and back, and the boot is massive—bigger than almost any alternative bar the Tesla Model Y (which also adds a front boot the Enyaq lacks).
Range is a real strong point. The updated ‘85’ models can now go up to 348 miles on a full charge, comfortably matching or going further than most alternatives. Charging is quick too, ranging between 24-28 minutes to get from 20-80% charge on a rapid charger.
On the road, it’s quiet, smooth, and perfectly pleasant, though don’t expect hot hatch thrills. The steering is light and the Skoda doesn’t have buckets of grip for enthusiastic cornering, but the ride is comfy and the electric motor gives you enough shove for motorway merges and overtakes.
So, no fireworks - but if you want a calm, roomy and understated family EV, the Enyaq’s hard to beat.
The Skoda Enyaq might not turn heads like a Kia EV9 or wear a posh badge like a BMW i5, but with its understated looks and sensible charm, it’s like the dependable friend who always remembers your birthday and sends you a Christmas card.
Step inside and things get more interesting. The cabin is well thought-out, with quality materials and a swoopy dashboard design. The infotainment system was given an update in 2024 and it’s less sluggish than before, though it’s still not the slickest out there.
There’s loads of room for adults front and back, and the boot is massive—bigger than almost any alternative bar the Tesla Model Y (which also adds a front boot the Enyaq lacks).
Range is a real strong point. The updated ‘85’ models can now go up to 348 miles on a full charge, comfortably matching or going further than most alternatives. Charging is quick too, ranging between 24-28 minutes to get from 20-80% charge on a rapid charger.
On the road, it’s quiet, smooth, and perfectly pleasant, though don’t expect hot hatch thrills. The steering is light and the Skoda doesn’t have buckets of grip for enthusiastic cornering, but the ride is comfy and the electric motor gives you enough shove for motorway merges and overtakes.
So, no fireworks - but if you want a calm, roomy and understated family EV, the Enyaq’s hard to beat.
9. MG S5 EV
MG S5 EV review
Battery range up to 298 miles
Best for: surprisingly fun cornering
Don’t let its bland looks fool you – the S5 EV is MG’s most convincing electric car yet. It ditches the usual "great but…" caveats of previous models and instead really is rather great.
While alternatives like the Volvo EX30 and Kia EV3 bring the style, the S5 EV blends in so well it could win hide-and-seek in a supermarket car park. Its design is forgettable, with a front end so plain it makes a white T-shirt look loud. But once you get inside, things take a definite turn for the better.
MG has stepped up its interior game massively here. Soft-touch materials are everywhere, and you’ll have to go on a serious hunt to find anything that feels cheap. Unlike in the MG 4, the S5’s cabin feels grown up. There are even proper buttons for the climate controls and a handy shortcut to silence the over-eager driver assists – small touches that make a big difference day to day.
It’s spacious, with loads of room in the back for kids, teens, or tall adults. The 453-litre boot is nearly as big as the one you get in the more expensive Kia EV3.
Range is decent: up to 211 miles in the standard version, or 298 miles in the Long Range model. Sure, it won’t go as far as some alternatives, but for most families, it’ll do the job nicely.
Don’t let its bland looks fool you – the S5 EV is MG’s most convincing electric car yet. It ditches the usual "great but…" caveats of previous models and instead really is rather great.
While alternatives like the Volvo EX30 and Kia EV3 bring the style, the S5 EV blends in so well it could win hide-and-seek in a supermarket car park. Its design is forgettable, with a front end so plain it makes a white T-shirt look loud. But once you get inside, things take a definite turn for the better.
MG has stepped up its interior game massively here. Soft-touch materials are everywhere, and you’ll have to go on a serious hunt to find anything that feels cheap. Unlike in the MG 4, the S5’s cabin feels grown up. There are even proper buttons for the climate controls and a handy shortcut to silence the over-eager driver assists – small touches that make a big difference day to day.
It’s spacious, with loads of room in the back for kids, teens, or tall adults. The 453-litre boot is nearly as big as the one you get in the more expensive Kia EV3.
Range is decent: up to 211 miles in the standard version, or 298 miles in the Long Range model. Sure, it won’t go as far as some alternatives, but for most families, it’ll do the job nicely.
10. Volkswagen ID7 Tourer
Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer review
Battery range up to 424 miles
Best for: a spacious non-SUV
The ID7 Tourer is the latest in a long line of excellent Volkswagen estate cars, but it takes the sensible, staid recipe and gives it a futuristic touch thanks to its electric powertrain. It’s comfortable and pleasant to drive, though the infotainment system is annoying and it feels its size around town.
Unlike the rest of Volkswagen’s ID range, the ID7 looks sharp thanks to its hard angles and crisp creases. The liftback version is smart enough, but the Tourer is even more elegant with its long roofline and contrasting roof bars.
The interior is more cohesive than the rest of the range, too, as the driver’s display is set into a solid feeling and neat - if a bit boring - dashboard. You still get the large infotainment display floating in the middle with its crisp graphics and frustrating climate controls, though.
It’s easy to get comfortable in the ID7 Tourer. The seats are supportive and there’s a lot of leg, shoulder and headroom. In fact, there’s more space than in some SUVs, even in the enormous 605-litre boot.
You don’t have the same, commanding view of the road as you do in the aforementioned SUVs, though. That can make it trickier to drive on tight city roads, but on the motorway the ID7 is a terrific car to waft about in comfortably. It doesn’t feel sporty on a country lane, but it’s more than capable of carrying speed though twisty corners.
The ID7 Tourer is the latest in a long line of excellent Volkswagen estate cars, but it takes the sensible, staid recipe and gives it a futuristic touch thanks to its electric powertrain. It’s comfortable and pleasant to drive, though the infotainment system is annoying and it feels its size around town.
Unlike the rest of Volkswagen’s ID range, the ID7 looks sharp thanks to its hard angles and crisp creases. The liftback version is smart enough, but the Tourer is even more elegant with its long roofline and contrasting roof bars.
The interior is more cohesive than the rest of the range, too, as the driver’s display is set into a solid feeling and neat - if a bit boring - dashboard. You still get the large infotainment display floating in the middle with its crisp graphics and frustrating climate controls, though.
It’s easy to get comfortable in the ID7 Tourer. The seats are supportive and there’s a lot of leg, shoulder and headroom. In fact, there’s more space than in some SUVs, even in the enormous 605-litre boot.
You don’t have the same, commanding view of the road as you do in the aforementioned SUVs, though. That can make it trickier to drive on tight city roads, but on the motorway the ID7 is a terrific car to waft about in comfortably. It doesn’t feel sporty on a country lane, but it’s more than capable of carrying speed though twisty corners.
Factors to consider when choosing an electric family car
Saloon, estate, SUV or hatchback?
The bodystyle you opt for will depend largely on your lifestyle, and they all have their pros and cons. If you regularly have lots of luggage to haul around then an estate will make the most sense, or if you want the option of carrying seven people around then the Kia EV9 will tick the most boxes. City-dwellers might find a hatchback or small SUV the most convenient for small roads and tight parking spaces.
Budget?
Electric cars are almost always more expensive than their petrol counterparts, but there are still a wide range of options available from sensible hatchbacks to big, expensive, posh SUVs. Expect to spend up to six figures for the most luxurious choices, but there are also more affordable models available from companies such as MG and Kia.
Electric range
If you regularly do motorway trips and cross-country drives then a bigger model with a large battery might be best, though that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re more efficient than smaller alternatives and you might spend more on electricity than you bargain for. Living in should negate the need for a big battery, opening up the field to smaller hatchbacks - especially if you have easy access to a charger.
Browse all electric cars
Everything you need to know about going electric
Electric family cars FAQs
Electric cars by make
- Audi electric cars
- BMW electric cars
- Citroen electric cars
- Cupra electric cars
- Fiat electric cars
- Ford electric cars
- Genesis electric cars
- Honda electric cars
- Hyundai electric cars
- Kia electric cars
- Lexus electric cars
- Mercedes electric cars
- MG electric cars
- MINI electric cars
- Nissan electric cars
- Peugeot electric cars
- Porsche electric cars
- Renault electric cars
- Skoda electric cars
- Smart electric cars
- Toyota electric cars
- Vauxhall electric cars
- Volkswagen electric cars
- Volvo electric cars