Best Electric Cars for Car Enthusiasts in 2025: A Petrolhead's Guide to Going Electric
Source: BMWGroup Media
Gone are the days when electric cars were seen as soulless appliances that only appealed to eco-warriors. Today's performance EVs are winning over even the most ardent petrolheads with their combination of blistering acceleration, sophisticated handling, and surprisingly engaging driving experiences. For car enthusiasts considering the switch to electric – whether driven by environmental concerns, running costs, or simply curiosity about the latest automotive technology – 2025 offers an unprecedented selection of genuinely thrilling electric vehicles.
The transformation of the electric car from utilitarian transport to genuine driver's car has been remarkable. Where early EVs prioritised efficiency above all else, today's performance-focused models embrace the unique characteristics of electric powertrains – instant torque, precise control, and the ability to place heavy battery packs low in the chassis for optimal weight distribution.
For UK buyers, electric car salary sacrifice schemes have revolutionised access to these premium vehicles. With savings of 20-50% compared to traditional leasing and the current 3% Benefit-in-Kind rate, cars that were once financially out of reach for many enthusiasts are now achievable through pre-tax salary deductions.
1. Porsche Taycan – The Electric Sports Car Benchmark
The Porsche Taycan deserves pride of place on any enthusiast's wishlist. Since its launch, the Taycan has consistently proven that electric cars can deliver the driving thrills Porsche is famous for, wrapped in the company's signature build quality and attention to detail.
Why It Appeals to Petrolheads: The Taycan's DNA is pure sports car. Its low-slung stance and four-door coupe proportions immediately mark it out as something special, whilst the driving experience delivers on every promise the styling makes. The two-speed transmission on the rear axle – unique among EVs – allows the Taycan to maintain its punch at Autobahn speeds, where other electric cars start to fade.
Recent updates for 2025 have addressed the Taycan's only real weakness: range. The updated model can achieve up to 421 miles on a full charge with the Performance Battery Plus option, whilst maintaining charging speeds of up to 320kW. Real-world testing has shown improvements of up to 50% in range compared to the previous generation, with some models achieving 360+ miles in highway testing.
Performance Credentials: The range spans from the rear-wheel-drive base model with over 400bhp and a 0-62mph time of 4.8 seconds, up to the range-topping Turbo GT with 1,034bhp and a devastating 2.2-second 0-62mph sprint. What sets the Taycan apart isn't just the numbers – it's how composed and precise it feels when pushed hard.
Salary Sacrifice Benefits: Through The Electric Car Scheme, the Taycan becomes significantly more affordable. With the 3% Benefit-in-Kind rate and substantial tax savings, monthly costs can be dramatically reduced compared to personal leasing or outright purchase.
2. Hyundai Ioniq 5 N – The Electric Hot Hatch Revolution
Source: Hyundai News
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has earned recognition as a genuine performance car breakthrough, with one reviewer noting it "underpromises, over-delivers, and keeps quiet about it" – much like the original BMW M5. This isn't just fast – it's genuinely fun in the way that defines great enthusiast cars.
The Performance Story: With 601 horsepower as standard and up to 641hp available through the N Grin Boost feature, the Ioniq 5 N rockets from 0-60mph in just 3.2 seconds. Track testing has shown it can compete with some of the fastest cars ever tested, whilst the advanced torque distribution system allows drivers to adjust the front-to-rear power split for different handling characteristics.
The Enthusiast Features: What makes the Ioniq 5 N special isn't just its performance – it's Hyundai's understanding of what enthusiasts want. The N e-Shift system simulates an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with convincing shift feel, whilst the N Active Sound+ creates synthetic engine notes that enhance rather than detract from the driving experience. There's even a dedicated drift mode for those wanting to explore the car's playful side.
Daily Usability: Despite its track focus, the Ioniq 5 N retains the practicality of the standard Ioniq 5. The cabin offers remarkable space, especially in the rear, whilst comfort and connectivity features remain intact. This makes it one of the few cars that can serve as both family transport and weekend track weapon.
3. Alpine A290 – The Electric Hot Hatch Perfected
Source: Alpine
The Alpine A290 has garnered significant acclaim, winning the Best Fun EV category at the 2025 Autocar Awards and being described as picking up "where Renault's hot hatches left off." This is Alpine's first electric vehicle, and it's clear they've approached the project with the same enthusiasm that made their petrol cars so special.
Design and Heritage: Based on the excellent Renault 5 E-Tech platform, the A290 adds Alpine's performance DNA with wider wheel arches, bespoke suspension tuning, and aggressive styling cues that mark it out as something special. The A290 offers 178bhp in GT form or 217bhp in GTS specification, with the latter achieving 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds.
Driving Dynamics: Unlike some rivals, the A290 strikes an impressive balance between sporting capability and everyday comfort. The suspension is well-judged – stiff enough for spirited driving but comfortable enough for daily use, with minimal road noise even at motorway speeds. The steering and brakes inspire confidence, whilst the electronic systems allow drivers to feel the transition between regenerative and mechanical braking seamlessly.
Range and Practicality: With up to 236 miles of official range and rapid charging capabilities, the A290 proves that performance and efficiency can coexist in an electric hot hatch. The interior combines the best elements of the Renault 5's design with Alpine-specific touches.
4. Tesla Model 3 Performance – The Accessible Electric Sports Saloon
Source: Tesla
While Tesla's brand image has been turbulent, the Model 3 Performance remains "excellent" at blending track-focused capability with everyday practicality, offering "all the day-to-day practicality of Tesla's original mainstream product" alongside genuine performance thrills.
Why Enthusiasts Still Love It: The Model 3 Performance's appeal lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. The instant response of the electric powertrain, combined with a low centre of gravity and well-tuned chassis, creates a driving experience that many find addictive. The latest updates have made it "the model to beat if you're looking for an electric car which matches up to the best executive models," offering "sweeter handling than the rival Kia EV6 or Polestar 2."
Track Capability: The Model 3 Performance isn't just about straight-line speed. Its sophisticated traction control systems and track mode settings allow drivers to explore the car's limits safely, whilst the over-the-air updates mean the car continues to improve throughout ownership.
Salary Sacrifice Value: Tesla salary sacrifice through The Electric Car Scheme makes the Model 3 Performance significantly more accessible, with substantial monthly savings compared to traditional leasing arrangements.
5. BMW iX M60 – The Electric Performance SUV
Source: BMWGroup Press
BMW's M division has embraced electrification with the iX M60, proving that electric power can enhance rather than compromise the M experience. This isn't just a fast SUV – it's a genuinely engaging driver's car that happens to be electric.
M Division DNA: The iX M60 benefits from BMW M's decades of experience in creating driver-focused vehicles. The adaptive air suspension, rear-wheel steering, and sophisticated electronic systems work together to create an SUV that defies its size and weight when the road turns twisty.
Performance and Technology: With over 600 horsepower and BMW's latest EV technology, the iX M60 offers supercar-level acceleration wrapped in a practical SUV package. The intelligent all-wheel-drive system can vary power distribution to optimise traction and handling dynamics.
Luxury and Practicality: As an M model, the iX M60 doesn't compromise on luxury or everyday usability. The interior showcases BMW's latest technology whilst maintaining the high-quality materials and build quality expected from the brand.
6. Maserati GranTurismo Folgore – Italian Electric Passion
Source: Maserati Media
Maserati's first electric model, the GranTurismo Folgore, represents the brand's attempt to translate Italian passion into the electric age, built on "an all-new, largely aluminium platform that's designed to work with both ICE and BEV powertrains."
Italian Soul, Electric Heart: The Folgore maintains the GranTurismo's stunning proportions whilst adding the instant response of electric power. Maserati has worked hard to ensure the electric version retains the character that makes their cars special, from the sound engineering to the driving dynamics.
Performance Heritage: This isn't just a grand tourer with electric motors – it's a serious performance car that happens to be electric. The tri-motor setup provides all-wheel drive with precise torque distribution, whilst the advanced chassis systems ensure the car remains composed under hard driving.
Exclusivity Factor: For enthusiasts seeking something truly special, the GranTurismo Folgore offers exclusivity that mass-market EVs simply cannot match. It's a statement car that proves electric vehicles can be both environmentally conscious and emotionally engaging.
Why Choose Salary Sacrifice Over Outright Ownership?
For car enthusiasts, the financial case for electric car salary sacrifice over traditional ownership has never been stronger. Here's why:
Substantial Cost Savings: With the current 3% Benefit-in-Kind rate for electric vehicles, drivers can save 20-50% compared to personal leasing or purchase. For premium performance cars like the Taycan or iX M60, this can translate to savings of hundreds of pounds per month.
Access to Latest Technology: Salary sacrifice schemes typically involve 2-4 year agreements, ensuring access to the latest EV technology without the depreciation risks of ownership. This is particularly valuable in the rapidly evolving EV market.
Comprehensive Packages: The Electric Car Scheme includes maintenance, insurance, and breakdown cover in most packages, removing the uncertainty of ownership costs for high-performance vehicles.
Employer Benefits: Many employers actively promote EV salary sacrifice schemes as part of their sustainability initiatives, making the process straightforward and supported.
The Future of Electric Performance
The cars listed here represent just the beginning of the electric performance revolution. As battery technology continues to improve and charging infrastructure expands, the case for electric vehicles over traditional petrol cars will only strengthen.
For enthusiasts, the message is clear: electric cars are no longer the compromise they once were. Today's performance EVs offer instant torque, sophisticated handling, and – perhaps most importantly – genuine driving thrills. Combined with the financial advantages of salary sacrifice schemes, there has never been a better time for car enthusiasts to make the switch to electric.
Whether you're drawn to the Porsche Taycan's sports car purity, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N's playful character, or the Alpine A290's hot hatch heritage, the electric future of performance motoring has arrived – and it's more exciting than many enthusiasts ever expected.
The question is no longer whether electric cars can satisfy enthusiasts – it's which one will be your first.
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Last updated: 18/08/2025
Our pricing is based on data collected from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool. All final pricing is inclusive of VAT. All prices above are based on the following lease terms; 10,000 miles pa, 36 months, and are inclusive of Maintenance and Breakdown Cover. The Electric Car Scheme’s terms and conditions apply. All deals are subject to credit approval and availability. All deals are subject to excess mileage and damage charges. Prices are calculated based on the following tax saving assumptions; England & Wales, 40% tax rate. The above prices were calculated using a flat payment profile. The Electric Car Scheme Limited provides services for the administration of your salary sacrifice employee benefits. The Electric Car Scheme Holdings Limited is a member of the BVRLA (10608), is authorised and regulated by the FCA under FRN 968270, is an Appointed Representative of Marshall Management Services Ltd under FRN 667174, and is a credit broker and not a lender or insurance provider.
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