Best electrified seven-seater cars

FIVE OF THE BEST ELECTRIFIED SEVEN-SEATER CARS

MERCEDES-BENZ has just pulled the wraps off its new EQB, which is the brand’s first seven-seater electric SUV, and a welcome addition to a very limited range of plug-in cars with an extra row of seats. But, if you’re after something with lots of space and seating, and want to make sure it’s electric, what are your other best bets?

1. MERCEDES-BENZ EQB

Electric range: 260-297 miles The EQB is based on the GLB SUV and will initially be offered in the UK in top-of-the-range four-wheel-drive EQB 350 4Matic trim. It uses two electric motors, with a combined output of 288bhp and a range of 260 miles. A less powerful 188bhp model with one motor and a longer 297 mile range is expected in the summer. Power for the EQB 350’s electric motors comes from a 66kWh lithium ion battery underneath the rear seat.

2. TESLA MODEL X Electric range: 300 miles+

The Model X was the first all-electric seven-seat SUV but you’ll need deep pockets to buy one – the entry-level model starts at £81,990. For that though, you do get the Model X’s funky ‘Falcon’ doors that make it look like it’s about to fly.

Tesla claims a figure of 1,020 peak horsepower from the dual electric motors via a 100kWh battery pack, giving a 0-60 time of just 2.5 seconds in the rangetopping Plaid model, and 3.8 seconds for the less sporty version, relatively speaking.

The Tesla still has the longest range of any EV on the market, while its supercharging capability means it can add up to 175 miles of range in just 15 minutes.

3. MERCEDES-BENZ EQV

The EQB isn’t the only MercedesBenz to offer more than five seats and full EV capability, as the EQV has been doing the same since 2020. However, the EQV is hardly aimed at aspirational private customers. Based on the V-Class people carrier, itself based on the Vito van, the EQV is set to prove popular with taxi operators and VIP airport shuttles, thanks to its compliance with tough emissions legislation.

Six, seven or eight-seater versions are on offer, powered by a 90kWh battery pack and a powertrain that delivers the equivalent of 201hp and provides a range of 213 miles.

4. VOLVO XC90 RECHARGE T8 HYBRID

Electric range: 28 miles

The Volvo XC90 Recharge (above) has been with us for a while now – the basic design is over five years old, but it’s still the best plug-in hybrid SUV with seven-seat capability and it still feels pretty special. The electric motor operates in tandem with a 2.0-litre petrol engine that’s both supercharged and turbocharged, resulting in 385bhp and a 0-62mph time of 5.8 seconds. It has an 11.6kWh battery that gives it an EV-only range of around 28 miles, ideal for short commutes and shopping trips, with the back up of petrol power when needed. It’s a sensible buy, too.

5. KIA SORENTO PLUG-IN Electric range: 35 miles

The plug-in version of the latest Sorento shares the seven-seat layout of internal combustion models. It has an electric-only range of 35 miles and CO2 emissions of just 38g/km. It’s a plug-in hybrid, like the Volvo, but with prices starting at £44,000 it’s much cheaper and is also handsomely equipped.