Half of all new cars registered in the UK are purchased as company cars, so what should you look for when buying one? Car Benefit in Kind (BiK) Liability is the determining factor, so costs should be carefully monitored.
Top 10 Best Electric Vehicles of 2023
For decades, diesel engines have been the default choice for company car drivers. However, currently diesel models that do not comply with the RDE2 standard will incur his BiK surcharge of 4% (up to 37%) against petrol models with the same emissions. This means you’ll have to consider whether you can drive enough miles to justify the amount of fuel you can save over the higher BiK costs and associated income taxes.
With diesel power becoming less and less popular, what are the cheaper alternatives? In recent years, petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles have become more popular with company car drivers thanks to more favorable BiK tax rates. is becoming increasingly popular among From 2022 to 2023, his BiK tax paid by business users of electric vehicles is only 2%. By comparison, the former company car favorite Skoda Superb now attracts his BiK rate of a steep 38% when powered by a 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine. So while alternative fuel models can come with a higher price tag, they can save you money in the long run.
We’ve divided our list of the best company cars you can buy today into four price points, so you can find one that fits your needs no matter what your budget. Continue reading our top picks…
Under £30,000
MG4
The MG4 has quickly become one of our favorite electric vehicles thanks to its excellent value for money. Comparable petrol-powered family At the same price as his hatchback, the MG4 is a more spacious all-electric model with many standard features, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a full suite of driver assistance and safety features.
Modern MGs haven’t been very attractive to drive, but the ‘4’ bucks that trend with sharp steering and a sporty rear-wheel drive layout. The entry-level model offers a decent range of over 200 miles, so should be suitable for people who just want to spend most of their time driving around town. Miles add up, but it’s worth remembering that all MG4s come standard with 150kW of ultra-fast charging capability for quick refilling at compatible public charging stations.
Renault Clio E-Tech
Choosing an electric vehicle is one way to keep company car taxes low, but finding one that’s affordable and fuel-efficient is another. Few cars fit this description better than the Renault Clio E-Tech. A self-recharging hybrid version of his one of our favorite superminis, the Clio E-Tech shares many of the things we love about his regular Clio. Namely, its spacious and sturdy cabin.
Under the hood is a 1.6-liter petrol engine alongside a small electric motor that produces 138bhp. If Clio’s stylish looks just aren’t enough to show off to your friends, you can always let them know that his hybrid hybrid model actually uses his F1-derived clutchless automatic his gearbox. His 0-100km/h time of 9.9 seconds won’t match the Renault Alpine Formula 1 car right away, but the E-Tech feels punchy around town and when combined with the WLTP test cycle his goes back up to 64.2mpg.
nissan leaf
The Nissan Leaf has been a mainstay in the electric vehicle market for more than a decade, and the second-generation model, which debuted in 2018, remains an attractive option if you’re looking for a spacious, affordable, zero-emission vehicle. Its conservative looks may not burn hearts, but the Leaf has long proven to be reliable, and even the base Ascent trim model surprisingly packs an EV under £30,000. Well equipped.
The standard 40kWh battery version can only really get you around town with a range of 168 miles, but the e+ model is claimed to go 239 miles before needing a plug-in. Nissan’s ‘e-Pedal’ one-pedal driving feature makes the whole journey relaxing despite the Leaf’s rather firm ride, and both electric motor variants offer punchy performance.
£30,000-£40,000
cupra bone
The Volkswagen ID.3 won the Best Small Company Car award for 2021, but the crown has since been stolen by Cupra Vaughn. By sharing many of its parts with VW, the Cupra offers everything its German cousin does in a much sleeker, sportier and slightly more affordable package.
Size-wise, the Bourne rivals family hatchbacks like Spain’s own-brand Cupra Leon. There are two battery options to choose from. The base model can still run 240 miles on a single charge, but if you plan to travel long distances often, step up to the 77kWh battery and 340 miles of range. However, no matter how far you travel, the Born is one of the most fun EVs to drive, and performance is close to hot-hatch level, making the journey itself a pleasure.
Kia Niro EV
Our 2023 Car of the Year Kia Niro is available in three flavors – self-charging, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and EV – but the one that makes the most sense for company car drivers is It is a fully electric car model. The new Kia Niro EV has the same funky styling as its hybrid sibling and an equally high-tech interior with a sleek dual infotainment screen setup.
Unlike most electric vehicles, which have multiple batteries and electric motors to choose from, the Niro EV only has one option. With a whopping 7.8 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 miles per hour and a range of up to 285 miles, the Niro should be able to handle long trips and errands around town.
Skoda Octavia iV
The Skoda Octavia may be our favorite estate car, but the hatchback looks great too. Equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, it is even more suitable for company car drivers. Like most Skodas, the Octavia offers plenty of room for a car in its class. The interior is also upscale and packed with the Czech brand’s “Simply Clever” features, such as door umbrellas and parking ticket holders integrated into the A-pillars.
The Octavia iV is an ideal choice for this range thanks to its plug-in hybrid powertrain which waives the company car tax. Its 43-mile electric range means it falls into the lower benefit-in-kind bracket of 8%. This means low running costs, even if you need the flexibility of a petrol engine. 0-100km/h is quick at 7.6 seconds, but the Octavia focuses more on comfort with smooth gear changes and supple suspension settings.
£40,000-£60,000
BMW i4
The BMW 3 Series has long been one of our top picks for company cars. It’s still a great option, but his all-electric BMW i4 makes more sense for business users and is the Best Company Car of 2023. A version of the 4 Series Gran Coupe, the i4 offers everything the buyer loves in his BMW car: a luxurious interior, the latest technology and a sporty drive, all in a zero-emission package.
There are two powertrains to choose from, but the entry-level eDrive40 is the choice of the majority of buyers. The powerful 335bhp electric motor completes 0-100 mph in just 5.7 seconds, and thanks to the massive 81kWh battery, the owner should be able to easily achieve over 300 miles on his single charge. am.
Hyundai Ionic 5
It may look retro with its 8-bit inspired lights, but there’s nothing old-fashioned about the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Built from the ground up to be a fully electric vehicle, the Ioniq 5 boasts the latest in battery and charging technology. The largest battery pack gives you a range of up to 298 miles, making long highway trips a breeze. Longer trips are also made easier with 350kW of ultra-fast charging, previously only available in more exotic models.
For those who want to stay closer to home, the entry-level version has a 58kWh battery and 168bhp electric motor, and still boasts a respectable range of up to 238 miles. There is also a dual motor version with 301bhp and 0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds. Despite its size and weight, the Ioniq 5’s low center of gravity makes handling natural and poised without the need for overly stiff suspension.
Mercedes C300e
The comparison is somewhat clichéd, but the latest Mercedes C-Class is truly positioned as a budget alternative to its larger S-Class. It has an equally luxurious interior. It’s dominated by a giant 11.9-inch central touchscreen that utilizes the brand’s sophisticated MBUX operating system.Augmented reality navigation is available, using the vehicle’s camera system to superimpose directions onto the road. increase.
But the real reason company car drivers consider the C-Class is its superior PHEV model. Called the C 300e, this model offers a nearly unbeatable 60 miles of electric range, which should be enough to cover most commutes. And if you want to go further, the 1.5-liter petrol engine works in conjunction with the hybrid system for fuel efficiency of up to 404mpg.
Over £60,000
Porsche Taycan
Porsche clearly wants to make a statement with the first electric car, and in the process has built one of the best company cars in existence. Most models from high-performance brands are best placed in his BiK band at his 37%, not liked by fleet buyers, but the Taycan is in his 2% band, the same as the Nissan Leaf . Also, like all electric vehicles, VED (road tax) is exempt until his 2025, and EVs also have no luxury vehicle surcharge.
All these advantages come despite the fact that the Taycan beats many Porsche models, sports cars and even supercars at a distance from the lights. In the range-topping Turbo S trim, the Taycan has 750bhp and can go from 0-100mph in 2.8 seconds. Our favorite Taycan is actually a rear-wheel-drive, entry-level version, because straight-line performance isn’t the only thing that’s great. It still feels fast, but it’s also more agile.
Lexus RX
The Lexus NX 450h+ is our favorite big plug-in hybrid, and its even bigger sibling, the Lexus RX, is just as appealing if you’re looking for something that offers as much luxury as it does space. Ditches Lexus’ old and cumbersome touchpad infotainment system in favor of a vast and responsive 14-inch touchscreen. In addition, the quality of materials is excellent, with luxurious leathers and trims adorning the cabin.
As is often the case with petrol cars, the plug-in hybrid version of the RX will be most appealing to company car drivers. Badged RX 450h+, this plug-in he hybrid is unlike most other cars of its kind. When the RX PHEV exhausts its 40 miles (40 miles) of electric range, it uses a second battery and converts to a regular self-charging hybrid. This means that fuel economy doesn’t drop quickly on long trips, making the Plug-in RX an ideal highway mile-mancher.
BMW iX
The BMW iX’s striking exterior was certainly ruffled when it was first launched. If you can get past that oversized kidney grille, you’ll find that BMW’s first electric SUV built from the ground up is one of the best options. Stand out in the office parking lot. The iX is the first car to debut BMW’s latest iDrive 8 infotainment system, featuring an ultra-modern ‘curved panel’ design. Elsewhere, the iX’s interior is similarly avant-garde, with crystal-like controls and a variety of upholstery patterns.
Despite weighing in at over 2.5 tonnes, the iX drives like any other BMW, offering plenty of grip on twisty roads and virtually no body roll. His top-spec iX M60 model allows him to go 0-100 miles in a blistering 3.8 seconds. However, these are fairly expensive, and even his base xDrive40 model offers strong performance and all-wheel drive. The mid-spec xDrive50 packs even more punch and offers an impressive 382 miles of range.
Want to know if hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric is right for you?Click here to read Hybrid vs Plug-in Hybrid vs Electric Vehicle guide