5 High-Performance Hybrids That Are Also Reliable

Hybrid cars are a combination of petrol engines and electric motors. Rather than fully transitioning into the electric world, which can come with several problems and insecurities, hybrid cars offer a balance between both. Although they still emit CO2 from the engine, the emissions are improved. There are three main types of hybrid engines: full hybrid, mild hybrid (MHEV), and plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

The primary difference is that with full and mild hybrid engines, there is no need to charge, while with plug-in hybrids, charging is required. The mild hybrid works with the engine, while the full hybrid makes use of the internal combustion engine or electric power (or both) when the computer determines it is the best time.

When someone mentions hybrid vehicles, the first thing that comes to mind is usually the Toyota Prius. However, some manufacturers are now using electric motors to assist their full-blown petrol counterparts, providing even more power. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top five high-performance vehicles that are also reliable.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites BMW, Mercedes, Chevrolet, Land Rover, and Porsche, and other authoritative sources, including JD Power, Consumer Reports, HotCars, and Carbuzz.

5 Mercedes C63 S E Performance

Reliability 77/100

Mercedes has reintroduced the much-loved C63 with a new change that might surprise some people. The latest version, the Mercedes C63 S E Performance, which is the top specification version of the powerful sedan, has replaced its V-8 engine with something different. The C63 had a long-standing rivalry with its competitor, the M3, for the title of best sports sedan. In the end, Mercedes adapted by just adding more power, in the true German way. The special V-8 motor had a symphonic tune that was loved by many.

However, Mercedes decided to change the heart and soul of the car to something more modern and eco-friendly. The new C63 now has a 2.0-liter inline-four turbocharged engine with “electrically assisted exhaust gas turbocharging,” which is a fancy way of saying it has a hybrid system. This C63 is a Plug-in Hybrid, so it combines the power of the turbocharged motor with an electric motor that needs to be charged, but you can still use the car without the use of its electric mode.

Power

The Mercedes C63 S E Performance is still a powerhouse despite its smaller engine size and the absence of the V-8’s vocal tune. With German engineering, it can take off at a blistering pace. The car offers 671 horsepower, which is more than enough to satisfy most buyers who crave speed and acceleration.

(Data was sourced from Mercedes)

Reliability And Safety

The C63 comes with everything you expect in terms of safety features and tech, and then some. It has an AMG ride control suspension with an adaptive damping system, all-wheel drive, and eight different driving modes, which means that the car can keep you entertained.

The new hybrid C63 is not currently available, but J.D Power has given it a reliability rating based on the previous C63 models, which have been reliable cars. We can expect this one to be no different. Smaller engines and hybrid systems generally have good ratings for reliability, so this car should follow suit. However, J.D. Power has given it a rating of 77 and a potential recall of 1, which has to do with the 80 amp fuse. Overall, this should be a very fast and reliable sedan.

4 Land Rover Range Rover SV

Reliability 79/100

Land Rover is a brand that epitomizes class, power, and all-terrain capability. While the Land Rover excels in off-road capability, the Range Rover was designed for a more road-going purpose. However, this does not mean that the Range Rover’s off-road ability is inferior, because it is not. But given its price point of $209,000, you may not want to take it for an off-road adventure.

Land Rover has recently introduced its new Range Rover SV, which comes with a mild hybrid system (MHEV). This system, like PHEV and hybrid systems, includes both a petrol and an electric motor. However, the MHEV operates by harvesting and redistributing lost energy when decelerating.

Power

The hybrid version of this car boasts an impressive 607 horsepower, making it a powerful machine under the hood. Despite its heavy curb weight of 5,985 pound-feet, it is still capable of quick acceleration, which is quite remarkable. Additionally, it features all-wheel steering. The Range Rover SV is available as a standard model with a starting price of $209,000.

(Data was sourced from Land Rover)

Reliability And Safety

The Range Rover has an added layer of security, allowing you to control various features of the car through your mobile phone. In addition, it has a security tracker that notifies you if there is an attempt to steal your vehicle. Originally manufactured only in England, Land Rovers have not always been known for their reliability.

However, with the advancement in technology and improved petrol motors, their reliability has greatly improved. There have been very few recalls for Range Rovers, indicating that these cars could be highly dependable, no matter how surprising it may sound for a Land Rover!

3 BMW X5 xDrive50e

Reliability 81/100

The BMW X5 has been a popular choice for top-end SUVs since it was first introduced in 1999. It competes with fierce rivals like Mercedes, and over the years, it has improved significantly. The first X5 vehicles were slightly dull and uninspiring, but now it is a hard-going, over-powerful, meaty SUV.

The BMW X5 xDrive50e is a luxurious sports SUV from a German manufacturer that offers both power and comfort. It features typical BMW styling and interior, including the iconic grille with an active kidney grille that opens and shuts automatically to regulate airflow and help with aerodynamics.

Power

Under the hood, the BMW X5 xDrive50e boasts a 3.0-liter TwinPowerTurbo inline six-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor that delivers a combined output of 483 horsepower, making it a powerful choice for those seeking a thrilling ride. The X5 can also drive 60 miles using just the electric range. The starting price for this SUV is $73,100.

(Data was sourced from BMW)

Reliability And Safety

The BMW X5 xDrive50e is an excellent option for those who want a dependable and comfortable vehicle that is also environmentally friendly. With its hybrid system, the car consumes less petrol than traditional SUVs while still providing a fun and exciting driving experience.

The hybrid version of the car has had very few recalls to date, making it a reliable choice for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint. With a reliability rating of 81 out of 100, the BMW XDrive 50e will most likely not leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere.

2 Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid

Reliability 81/100

The Porsche Cayenne was originally designed as an off-road vehicle by Ferry Porsche in 1989. While the early models were criticized for their lack of style, the newer Cayenne models have significantly improved. When the Cayenne was introduced in 2002, Ferry Porsche’s vision proved to be popular.

The Cayenne’s interior is typical of classical Porsche vehicles, with a rounded steering wheel and an overall sports car feel. Like most cars on the market today, the latest Cayenne models feature hybrid motors. However, Porsche has not reduced the size of its engine to accommodate the electric motor, instead, they have added the extra motor to provide assistance.

Power

The Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid is equipped with a 4.0 liter V8 Twin-Turbo engine and a 130 kW electric motor, allowing the electric technology to give the Porsche a helping hand while preserving the heart and soul of the vehicle. The vehicle starts from $148,550.

(Data was sourced from Porsche)

Reliability And Safety

The Cayenne has adaptive air suspension damping on its suspension to provide a smoother ride. It can also adapt to weather and terrain changes. Porsche has made great strides with its hybrid technology and systems. With a rich history of motorsport at its helm, the automaker knows how to produce a fast and reliable car. The Cayenne is a well-built car, with only one recall for the 2023 model. However, the 2021 version had the most recalls to date: 5.

1 Chevrolet Corvette e-Ray

Reliability 87/100

The Corvette is a beloved car known for its flashy styling and large air intakes. Over the years, the Corvette has undergone significant changes, with a focus on straight-line speed, leaving much to be desired in terms of performance. However, with the introduction of new technology, the Corvette can now compete with European giants in terms of all-wheel drive and competitive suspension, allowing it to excel in corners too.

The Corvette E-Ray is a hybrid-powered version of the Corvette that boasts impressive performance stats. Its styling is inspired by fighter jets, and it offers an exhilarating, cockpit-like driving experience. While some may find the steering wheel to be a bit chunky, the Corvette is improving its design with electrification, resulting in a remarkable 655 combined horsepower. It’s no surprise that many people desire this sports car.

Power

The Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray has a huge 6.2-liter V-8 DI engine which works alongside an electric motor that generates 160 horsepower. It also features a Stealth Mode, which can only last for around 3-4 miles and can achieve a maximum speed of 45 mph, using only the electric motor. The price of this vehicle starts at $104,900.

(Data was sourced from Chevrolet)

Reliability

Amazingly, despite its more sports-car nature, this car is also the most reliable one on the list. The E-Ray from Chevrolet has been designed and executed extremely well. This vehicle has not had any recalls so far in its early life and has received an excellent rating on J.D Power.