Editorial Picks: Premium plug-in hybrid SUVs around $350k!
11 Aug 2025|1,132 views
Electric vehicles may be all the rage right now, but if you'd like a taste of the emissions-free life without ditching petrol stations entirely, the perfect middle ground does exist: With plug-in hybrids.
To be fair, plug-in hybrids (or PHEVs, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) aren't the buzz-filled 'shiny new toys' that full EVs have found themselves becoming of late. They've been been around us for years, in fact, but never found the market-altering sort of traction that conventional hybrids (popularised by the Japanese and Koreans) did. For that, uncompetitive price points, limited electric-only driving ranges, and most importantly, a deficit in charging infrastructure were the likely culprits.
A charging port for when you want to drive emissions-free but an engine under the hood (and a fuel tank) still, so you don't leave petrol stations behind entirely
The proliferation of EVs in recent years, however, appears to be having a positive knock-on effect on plug-in hybrids too. It also helps that PHEVs are being catapulted back into the mainstream with more affordable arrivals from popular Chinese names. We'll save those for more mass-market names for another edition - but for this edition, those on the hunt for a premium SUV that gives you plug-in electrification without taking combustion power away entirely should consider these four names.
In this series, the Editorial Team will explore different segments of the car market. We'll highlight some picks that you should consider, and also breakdown some of the pros and cons you should look out for.
Here are our editorial picks for premium plug-in hybrid SUVs around $350,000 today! (All prices correct at time of publishing. Annual depreciation figures are estimated based on current COE premiums.)
The family-friendly pick: Mazda CX-80 Plug-in Hybrid
Price: $348,888 (with COE)
Depreciation: ~$31,650/yr
Mazda may seem like a weird name to be throwing out in a list premised on premium cars but don't turn your nose up at its place here. The Japanese carmaker is on a steady trek upmarket with its 'Large Product Group', that is seeing it field mid to full-sized SUVs with ambitions of luxury.
In Singapore, the CX-80 follows in the footsteps of the Group's pioneering CX-60, albeit with the added oomph of an electric motor and a 17.8kWh battery onboard that gives it up to 60km of electric-only range. Crucially, added versatility also comes in the form of two extra seats, for those with larger families.
Mazda isn't overstretching its claims of luxury here. If you're growing a bit weary of the overt digitalisation exhibited by the Europeans of late, you'll certainly appreciate the sumptuous build quality of the CX-80's cabin, which is awash with plush materials, and mixes appropriately-sized screens with nicely damped buttons. It's also pleasant to pilot for its size thanks to its perfectly-calibrated steering and excellent ride quality. But just note - you'll want to keep that battery charged whenever you can. We noted that the car's general refinement and responsiveness experience an unmistakable dip otherwise.
Pros:
- Unique capability to seat seven (or six)
- Lovely cabin build quality
- Engaging from the helm
Cons:
- Won't match up to the rest on this list in terms of brand cachet
- 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine isn't the strongest on its own
The minimalist-chic pick: Facelifted Volvo XC60 T8 Plug-in Hybrid
Price: $354,000 (with COE)
Depreciation: ~$27,800/yr
The XC60 T8 brings together two of Volvo's most notable strengths in recent memory - modern minimalist luxury, and sophisticated electrification - for a package that feels hard to fault on almost every front.
Recently updated, the car's new plug-in hybrid powertrain endows it with more electric range - a very usable 60km - thanks to a larger battery. Delightfully, there's more power to be enjoyed now too with a new electric motor in the mix: System output stands at a heady 440bhp and 709Nm of torque, giving this serene-looking SUV sensational performance. You'll find yourself leaving most folks behind when the lights go green.
But it's the XC60's user experience that satisfies deeply too. Its upsized infotainment screen has gotten a sharper and more intuitive interface that moves the XC60 into more modern territory, while remaining user-friendly. These are intertwined with pleasant-looking and feeling materials within the cabin that accentuate the XC60's air of calmness and ease. Finally, of course, a light nip-and-tuck never hurt anyone; a fancier looking grille has kept the XC60 looking fresh.
Pros:
- Minimalist luxury
- Punchy powertrain
- Easy to drive
Cons:
- Button-light dashboard may not be to everyone's fancy
The stylish and muscular pick: Jaguar F-PACE R-Dynamic S Plug-in Hybrid
Price: $237,888 (without COE)
Depreciation: ~$32,710/yr
Jaguar may be ready to leave its more conventional skin behind for its drastically reimagined self, but don't let that turn you away from its (slightly ageing) current products. Case in point: The magnificent F-PACE SUV.
In this specific instance, the spotlight on the F-PACE has been brightened again with the recent launch of a new plug-in hybrid variant locally, dubbed the F-PACE R-Dynamic S. Like the XC60 T8, substantial power comes from the one-two punch of its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and electric motor. Matching this performance are the car's impressive dynamics; we noted its sporty handling and excellent body control as standout qualities during our time with it.
Furthermore, the plug-in hybrid F-PACE's 'weakness' (emphasis on those inverted commas) is ultimately its strength. In an era where buttons are rapidly disappearing from car interiors, this SUV's older-school cabin maintains a good digital-analogue mix, allowing the driving experience to remain front and centre. The entire space embodies luxury effortlessly too, with plush-feeling materials that quietly coo 'old money'. Jaguar may indeed be undergoing an overhaul, but don't write this particular big cat off just yet.
Pros:
- Impressive handling and body control
- Old-school, luxurious cabin
Cons:
- Quite the gas-guzzler when that battery has been run down
- You're admittedly buying an ageing product
The used pick: BMW X3 xDrive30e
Price: $158,800 - $169,900 (depending on how many years left)
Depreciation: $24,680/yr - $24,990/yr
Though it very much looks the part, this isn't your typical pre-facelifted third-gen X3. Peek the extra flap on the left front fender, and note that it's an 'e' rather than an 'i' that's tacked onto the end of 'xDrive30'.
Yes, if you insist that the Germans still know the brief for 'premium SUV' best, you might want to dip your searches into the pre-owned market for the X3 xDrive30e. With extra assistance from a 108bhp electric motor, the X3's preternatural strengths as one of the sportier SUVs on the road are amplified with more power. And even with the added heft from its battery, it remains a delight to pilot thanks to its exceptional handling and well-weighted steering.
Do note the 100-litre loss in boot capacity as a result of said battery; if fuel economy is your concern, the X3 xDrive30e - like others on this list - isn't particularly efficient either if you run the battery flat.
Nonetheless, it remains a compelling, premium plug-in proposition, especially when you remember that the latest X3 isn't offered in Singapore as a plug-in hybrid (at least not at the moment). BMW's previous generation infotainment system is holding up remarkably too. If it's ultimately Bavaria's take on the best-of-both-worlds that tantalises you, pre-owned units of the X3 xDrive30e might be your best bet.
Pros:
- Powertrain accentuates the X3's strengths as a driver-centric machine without taking away too much
- Previous-gen infotainment system still works well today
Cons:
- Hard to find on the used car market (only two listings were available at the time of writing)
Check out listings of the X3 xDrive30e here!
And don't forget to check out these other Editorial Picks:
Editorial Picks: Electric SUV below $200k and above 200bhp
Electric vehicles may be all the rage right now, but if you'd like a taste of the emissions-free life without ditching petrol stations entirely, the perfect middle ground does exist: With plug-in hybrids.
To be fair, plug-in hybrids (or PHEVs, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) aren't the buzz-filled 'shiny new toys' that full EVs have found themselves becoming of late. They've been been around us for years, in fact, but never found the market-altering sort of traction that conventional hybrids (popularised by the Japanese and Koreans) did. For that, uncompetitive price points, limited electric-only driving ranges, and most importantly, a deficit in charging infrastructure were the likely culprits.
A charging port for when you want to drive emissions-free but an engine under the hood (and a fuel tank) still, so you don't leave petrol stations behind entirely
The proliferation of EVs in recent years, however, appears to be having a positive knock-on effect on plug-in hybrids too. It also helps that PHEVs are being catapulted back into the mainstream with more affordable arrivals from popular Chinese names. We'll save those for more mass-market names for another edition - but for this edition, those on the hunt for a premium SUV that gives you plug-in electrification without taking combustion power away entirely should consider these four names.
In this series, the Editorial Team will explore different segments of the car market. We'll highlight some picks that you should consider, and also breakdown some of the pros and cons you should look out for.
Here are our editorial picks for premium plug-in hybrid SUVs around $350,000 today! (All prices correct at time of publishing. Annual depreciation figures are estimated based on current COE premiums.)
The family-friendly pick: Mazda CX-80 Plug-in Hybrid
Price: $348,888 (with COE)
Depreciation: ~$31,650/yr
Mazda may seem like a weird name to be throwing out in a list premised on premium cars but don't turn your nose up at its place here. The Japanese carmaker is on a steady trek upmarket with its 'Large Product Group', that is seeing it field mid to full-sized SUVs with ambitions of luxury.
In Singapore, the CX-80 follows in the footsteps of the Group's pioneering CX-60, albeit with the added oomph of an electric motor and a 17.8kWh battery onboard that gives it up to 60km of electric-only range. Crucially, added versatility also comes in the form of two extra seats, for those with larger families.
Mazda isn't overstretching its claims of luxury here. If you're growing a bit weary of the overt digitalisation exhibited by the Europeans of late, you'll certainly appreciate the sumptuous build quality of the CX-80's cabin, which is awash with plush materials, and mixes appropriately-sized screens with nicely damped buttons. It's also pleasant to pilot for its size thanks to its perfectly-calibrated steering and excellent ride quality. But just note - you'll want to keep that battery charged whenever you can. We noted that the car's general refinement and responsiveness experience an unmistakable dip otherwise.
Pros:
- Unique capability to seat seven (or six)
- Lovely cabin build quality
- Engaging from the helm
Cons:
- Won't match up to the rest on this list in terms of brand cachet
- 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine isn't the strongest on its own
The minimalist-chic pick: Facelifted Volvo XC60 T8 Plug-in Hybrid
Price: $354,000 (with COE)
Depreciation: ~$27,800/yr
The XC60 T8 brings together two of Volvo's most notable strengths in recent memory - modern minimalist luxury, and sophisticated electrification - for a package that feels hard to fault on almost every front.
Recently updated, the car's new plug-in hybrid powertrain endows it with more electric range - a very usable 60km - thanks to a larger battery. Delightfully, there's more power to be enjoyed now too with a new electric motor in the mix: System output stands at a heady 440bhp and 709Nm of torque, giving this serene-looking SUV sensational performance. You'll find yourself leaving most folks behind when the lights go green.
But it's the XC60's user experience that satisfies deeply too. Its upsized infotainment screen has gotten a sharper and more intuitive interface that moves the XC60 into more modern territory, while remaining user-friendly. These are intertwined with pleasant-looking and feeling materials within the cabin that accentuate the XC60's air of calmness and ease. Finally, of course, a light nip-and-tuck never hurt anyone; a fancier looking grille has kept the XC60 looking fresh.
Pros:
- Minimalist luxury
- Punchy powertrain
- Easy to drive
Cons:
- Button-light dashboard may not be to everyone's fancy
The stylish and muscular pick: Jaguar F-PACE R-Dynamic S Plug-in Hybrid
Price: $237,888 (without COE)
Depreciation: ~$32,710/yr
Jaguar may be ready to leave its more conventional skin behind for its drastically reimagined self, but don't let that turn you away from its (slightly ageing) current products. Case in point: The magnificent F-PACE SUV.
In this specific instance, the spotlight on the F-PACE has been brightened again with the recent launch of a new plug-in hybrid variant locally, dubbed the F-PACE R-Dynamic S. Like the XC60 T8, substantial power comes from the one-two punch of its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and electric motor. Matching this performance are the car's impressive dynamics; we noted its sporty handling and excellent body control as standout qualities during our time with it.
Furthermore, the plug-in hybrid F-PACE's 'weakness' (emphasis on those inverted commas) is ultimately its strength. In an era where buttons are rapidly disappearing from car interiors, this SUV's older-school cabin maintains a good digital-analogue mix, allowing the driving experience to remain front and centre. The entire space embodies luxury effortlessly too, with plush-feeling materials that quietly coo 'old money'. Jaguar may indeed be undergoing an overhaul, but don't write this particular big cat off just yet.
Pros:
- Impressive handling and body control
- Old-school, luxurious cabin
Cons:
- Quite the gas-guzzler when that battery has been run down
- You're admittedly buying an ageing product
The used pick: BMW X3 xDrive30e
Price: $158,800 - $169,900 (depending on how many years left)
Depreciation: $24,680/yr - $24,990/yr
Though it very much looks the part, this isn't your typical pre-facelifted third-gen X3. Peek the extra flap on the left front fender, and note that it's an 'e' rather than an 'i' that's tacked onto the end of 'xDrive30'.
Yes, if you insist that the Germans still know the brief for 'premium SUV' best, you might want to dip your searches into the pre-owned market for the X3 xDrive30e. With extra assistance from a 108bhp electric motor, the X3's preternatural strengths as one of the sportier SUVs on the road are amplified with more power. And even with the added heft from its battery, it remains a delight to pilot thanks to its exceptional handling and well-weighted steering.
Do note the 100-litre loss in boot capacity as a result of said battery; if fuel economy is your concern, the X3 xDrive30e - like others on this list - isn't particularly efficient either if you run the battery flat.
Nonetheless, it remains a compelling, premium plug-in proposition, especially when you remember that the latest X3 isn't offered in Singapore as a plug-in hybrid (at least not at the moment). BMW's previous generation infotainment system is holding up remarkably too. If it's ultimately Bavaria's take on the best-of-both-worlds that tantalises you, pre-owned units of the X3 xDrive30e might be your best bet.
Pros:
- Powertrain accentuates the X3's strengths as a driver-centric machine without taking away too much
- Previous-gen infotainment system still works well today
Cons:
- Hard to find on the used car market (only two listings were available at the time of writing)
Check out listings of the X3 xDrive30e here!
And don't forget to check out these other Editorial Picks:
Editorial Picks: Electric SUV below $200k and above 200bhp
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