The 10 Most Expensive Hybrid Cars in the World

Volvo XC90 2021 is one of the most coveted mid-size luxury SUVs. Volvo has built a reputation for safety, and the XC90 backs that up with numerous driver assistance features. It boasts an entirely digital instrument cluster and a tablet-like infotainment touchscreen. The XC90 also offers semi-autonomous driving mode. Its plug-in hybrid engine delivers 400 horsepower, providing both speed and strength. Standard features include front parking sensors, LED headlights with steering-adaptive capability, high-pressure headlamp washers, wireless charging, and dual USB-C ports in the rear console. The Volvo XC90 Hybrid T8 Excellence comes with a 2.0L I-4 turbocharged hybrid engine producing 400 horsepower, an 8-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel ABS, integrated navigation system, side-impact airbags, and a host of safety features like knee airbags, automatic climate control, 21-inch aluminum wheels, adaptive cruise control, and traction control.

The Lexus LS600HL is a full-size luxury sedan that was once the world’s most expensive hybrid car in 2007. While it no longer holds that title, it remains one of the most luxurious sedans available. The 2016 model of the LS600HL preserves its long, sleek design, though with a redesigned front grille and headlights that reflect Toyota’s new design language. Inside, the LS600HL’s interior exudes pure luxury with leather upholstery, rich brown and gold tones, and premium rear-seat amenities that offer a first-class experience.

This hybrid is impressively fast. When you step on the gas pedal, the tachometer climbs swiftly as the transmission seamlessly shifts above 6,000 RPM, with the V8 5.0-liter engine generating about 389 horsepower. This is supported by an electric motor producing 221 horsepower, and together, they deliver a total of 438 horsepower to all four wheels through a Torsen center differential. The LS600HL features a 5L V8 engine, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds, with a top speed of 209 km/h. It consumes fuel at a rate of 12.3L/100km in the city. There is only one version of this hybrid sedan. Lexus proudly claims it can accelerate from 50 to 70 mph in just seconds.

The BMW i8 was introduced last year and continues to captivate enthusiasts with its futuristic design and cutting-edge technology. Featuring a body made of reinforced carbon fiber, steel, and Gorilla glass, the i8 stands out as a hybrid vehicle equipped with the world’s most advanced key. Its design resembles a car from the future, with a V-shaped hood, large air intakes, and sharp headlights. The doors open upward like a typical supercar.

Powered by two engines, the BMW i8 offers all-wheel drive (AWD) with a combined 362 horsepower and 570 Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds, reaching a top speed of 250 km/h. With a range of up to 600 km and fuel consumption of just 2.1L/100km, the i8 is both powerful and efficient. It features five driving modes: eDrive, Intelligent Hybrid, Comfort, Sport, and EcoPro. Standard features include leather seats, a head-up display, heated front seats, a Harman Kardon audio system, and Apple CarPlay integration. The front seats offer comfort for daily use, though storage space is limited. Exterior colors are mostly available as free options, except for the Crystal White color with blue or gray accents.

The Acura NSX was designed to cater to a niche market for those seeking a daily-driving supercar. Originally discontinued in 2005, the NSX's new hybrid powertrain offers a blend of performance and environmental consciousness. The first-generation NSX was praised for its quirky design, impressive performance, safe handling, and comfortable seating for two adults with ample cargo space. The 2019 model builds on these strengths, offering more fuel efficiency thanks to its hybrid drivetrain, which allows for short electric-only drives.

Exterior design updates for the 2019 NSX include a body-colored grille and glossy black trim, differentiating it from the 2018 model. Standard features for the 2019 Acura NSX Base include a L twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 573 horsepower, a 9-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with quick-shifting capabilities, four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), an integrated navigation system, SmartVent front seats with airbags, head curtain airbags, knee airbags for the driver, airbag sensor systems, automatic climate control, 19-inch forged aluminum wheels, adaptive cruise control, and traction control. Under the sporty exterior, Acura’s engineers have improved the suspension and reinforced the anti-roll bars for a more agile driving experience.

Porsche is renowned for producing some of the fastest, most thrilling, and highest-performing cars the world has ever seen, with only a handful of actual Porsche supercars to its name. Much like the legendary 959 in the late 1980s, the 918 Spyder represents one of the most technologically advanced vehicles Porsche has ever created. First previewed in 2010 and officially released in 2013, the 918 Spyder is widely considered the first true hybrid hypercar, paving the way for the high-performance hybrid trend that continues to grow in the automotive industry.

The 918 Spyder comes equipped with nearly every cutting-edge technology imaginable. Porsche claims that the true power of the 918 Spyder exceeds initial expectations. It combines three separate power sources: a 4.6L V8 engine producing 608 horsepower, two electric motors – one at the rear producing 154 horsepower and one at the front delivering 127 horsepower – collectively generating an impressive 886 horsepower. The 918 Spyder can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds and achieve a top speed of 340 km/h. Even in its default E-Power mode, the car can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 7 seconds, with a top speed of 150 km/h. Porsche also offers the Weissach package upgrade, which includes magnesium wheels, additional carbon fiber details, Alcantara interior, and a reduction in sound insulation, adding about 40 kg to the weight and an additional $80,000 to the price.

When the McLaren P1 debuted in 2012, it quickly earned its place as the true successor to the legendary F1. Featuring a jaw-dropping mid-mounted engine, incredible horsepower, and a carbon-fiber MonoCell, the P1 checked all the right boxes. You can drive this rear-wheel-drive hypercar in full electric mode with a range of around 30 miles. The P1's acceleration is mind-blowing: it can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds and reach 124 mph in 6.8 seconds. After its official release in the fall of 2013, it sold out in less than a month, with a third of the cars heading to the U.S. and a quarter staying in Europe. Each car takes around 17 days to complete, from start to finish.

The McLaren P1 draws heavy inspiration from Formula 1 race cars, boasting a striking design, powerful engine, and cutting-edge technology. The exhaust system is made of titanium and coated with gold, while the entire body is constructed from carbon fiber. Its V8 engine delivers impressive performance while keeping emissions under 200g/km. Another highlight is the Akebono brake discs, which are built for durability and can withstand extreme temperatures up to 800 degrees when braking hard. McLaren produced only 375 units of the P1, with just one car leaving the factory each day.

Ferrari entered the race for the world’s greatest sports car with their new Ferrari LaFerrari. Designed to compete directly with the impressive McLaren P1 and Porsche 918 Spyder, it made a bold statement with its advanced hybrid powertrain and striking design. Unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show, the LaFerrari quickly became the talk of the automotive world, with all 499 hybrid units sold out before any were even delivered. The LaFerrari's 6.3L V12 engine, paired with Ferrari's HY-KERS electric system, produces a combined output of 950 horsepower, propelling the car to a rumored top speed that surpasses 62 mph in under three seconds.

The LaFerrari was introduced as the successor to the legendary Ferrari Enzo. The car’s body and chassis are entirely made from carbon fiber, contributing to its sleek, lightweight build. It features a 6.3L DOHC V12 engine that generates 789 horsepower and 700Nm of torque, with an additional electric motor producing 161 horsepower and 270Nm of torque. The LaFerrari can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 351 km/h. Equipped with state-of-the-art safety features like ESC, F1 traction control, ABS brakes, and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), the LaFerrari is currently the most expensive hybrid supercar in the world.

Since 2014, Mercedes-Benz has recognized the growing significance of hybrid vehicles and has ventured into the luxury hybrid segment with their S-Class models. The first hybrid version, the S550 Plug-in Hybrid, combined a V8 engine with impressive fuel efficiency. It features a 7-speed automatic transmission, accelerating from 0 to 96 km/h in just 5.2 seconds, with a top speed of 209 km/h. The 2020 S-Class Hybrid received additional features and refinements, further enhancing its timeless design, powerful yet efficient hybrid system, luxurious interior, and exceptional ride comfort.

Today, every model in the S-Class lineup comes with a hybrid variant. The large luxury sedan, the sixth generation of the S-Class, has been around for a while, but it continues to set the standard for competitors in the high-end market. The S 560e plug-in hybrid, introduced in 2020, combines a twin-turbo V6 engine with a 90kW electric motor to produce 469 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, all while achieving impressive fuel efficiency. With a finely crafted interior and first-class seating both in the front and rear, the S-Class glides effortlessly on the road.

The 2019 Lexus LC is a luxury four-seat coupe with stunning design, available in two versions: the LC 500 with a 5.0L V8 engine producing 471 horsepower and a 10-speed automatic transmission, or the LC 500h with a hybrid powertrain generating 354 horsepower. Both versions are rear-wheel drive. Software adjustments to the transmission system have improved throttle response, while suspension tweaks have enhanced ride comfort. New standard features include smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, and remote functions accessible via smartwatches or Alexa devices.

The Lexus LC 500h Base stands out as a flagship model for the Lexus brand, packed with features like 20-inch wheels, a 10.3-inch navigation screen, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Available options include leather upholstery, Alcantara headliner, a head-up display, and a Mark Levinson surround sound system. Standard features of the LC 500h Base include a L V6 hybrid engine producing 354 horsepower, 4-wheel ABS, integrated navigation, side-impact airbags, front and rear curtain airbags, knee airbags, occupancy sensors, automatic climate control, and radar-guided dynamic cruise control, all riding on stylish 20-inch aluminum wheels.

The Panamera E-Hybrid is Porsche's latest hybrid model, introduced this year, offering a blend of luxury and fuel efficiency. The powertrain produces 462 horsepower and 699 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and reaching a top speed of 278 km/h. Like the 918 Spyder, the Panamera E-Hybrid features an E-Power mode that allows for pure electric driving. Fuel consumption is around 2.5L/100 km. Customers can upgrade to the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, which includes green brake calipers and a 4 E-Hybrid badge.

Along with the introduction of new wheels, the previously optional Sport Design front is now standard, with a redesigned SportDesign package available, with or without carbon fiber. To match the sporty appearance of Porsche's newer models, a continuous light strip now spans the rear of the vehicle. The interior upgrade includes a new steering wheel with simplified controls for information and audio. Porsche claims the updates reduce the 60 mph acceleration time from 3.2 seconds to just 3 seconds.