The Best Looking Electric Cars 2026 (UK Guide to the Most Stylish EVs)
Image source: Porsche Newsroom
If you’ve ever wished electric cars felt as exciting to look at as they are to drive, 2026 is your year!
Design is evolving fast - blending clean aerodynamics, expressive lighting, and bold proportions to create some of the most beautiful electric vehicles the UK has seen. You’ll spot everything from sleek luxury flagships to playful retro icons making a comeback, and even a new wave of avant-garde EVs that look like they’ve rolled straight out of a concept studio.
There’s something else worth celebrating: these design-led electric cars are now far more affordable than many drivers expect. Thanks to electric car salary sacrifice, you can save 20–50% compared with personal leasing, and even with the upcoming 4% Benefit-in-Kind rate from April 2026, EVs remain the cheapest company car option by a huge margin.
So, whether you’re choosing your next EV based on looks, lifestyle, or a desire for something genuinely unique, this guide brings you the best-looking electric cars for 2026.
Luxury & Premium Design
The luxury category is where design and engineering tend to meet first. These are the cars that set the tone: clean proportions, futuristic lighting, and high-end interiors that feel more like lounges than traditional cabins.
Porsche Taycan (2026 Model Update)
The Porsche Taycan remains one of the most recognisable and most beautiful electric cars you’ll find on UK roads. Its 2026 model update refines the design even further with crisper lighting signatures, sculpted arches, and one of the cleanest silhouette lines in the industry.
Design Highlights
Iconic four-point Porsche light signature
Wide, low stance inspired by classic 911 heritage
Clean surfacing and a cab-forward proportion unique to an EV
Premium interior with minimalist controls and curved digital display
Why The Porsche Taycan Stands Out
It blends supercar presence with luxury refinement. And through salary sacrifice, what is typically a premium-priced EV becomes surprisingly attainable - a smart move if design is top of your wishlist.
Polestar 3
Polestar’s Scandinavian minimalism is now a signature look in its own right. The Polestar 3 is the brand’s first performance SUV, pairing elegant surfacing with technical details.
Design Highlights
Sharp "Thor’s Hammer" split LED headlights
A floating aerodynamic wing at the front and rear
Minimalist, ultra-clean cabin influenced by sustainable materials
A coupe-inspired roofline without losing practicality
If you love refined, understated design, nothing in this segment does it better. It’s premium without trying too hard - pure Scandinavian confidence.
Mercedes EQS
The EQS is Mercedes’ design flagship - a sleek, near-silent limousine built around aerodynamic purity. Its teardrop shape gives it one of the lowest drag coefficients of any production car, which isn’t just beautiful but boosts range too.
Design Highlights
Seamless “one-bow” silhouette
Full-width light bar at the front and rear
Black-panel grille design for a futuristic face
Hyperscreen interior with wall-to-wall glass
It feels like the future of luxury driving. It’s smooth, silent, and incredibly elegant. If you prefer a subtle, flowing shape over sharp edges, the EQS is a perfect match.
It’s even on our list of the most efficient cars of 2026, making it a great all-rounder.
BMW i5 & i7
BMW has fully redefined its electric luxury look. The 2026 i5 and i7 continue the brand’s bold, expressive design language with illuminated grilles, sharp creases, and beautifully proportioned saloon bodies.
Design Highlights
Iconic kidney grille reimagined with lighting
Dramatic L-shaped LED headlight signatures
Strong shoulder lines for a muscular stance
Executive interiors available with lounge-style rear seating
They offer a more aggressive, powerful look compared with Mercedes’ softer approach. If you want a car that feels authoritative the moment you step outside, the i5 and i7 are hard to beat.
How Much Do These Luxury EVs Cost To Salary Sacrifice?
You may be wondering, how much these luxury electric cars cost under a salary sacrifice scheme, like The Electric Car Scheme. The table below shows the cost based on a 40% taxpayer, who agrees to the following lease terms: 10,000 miles per annum, a year lease and a flat payment profile!
| undefined | Approx. Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost (40% Tax Bracket) | Income Tax + Employee National Insurance Savings Per Month |
|---|---|---|
| Porsche Taycan 4S (105kWh) | £1,577 | £749 |
| Polestar 3 Rear Motor (92kWh) | £827 | £452 |
| Mercedes EQS AMG Line Premium (96kWh) | £1,111 | £595 |
| BMW i5 eDrive40 Sport Edition (84kWh) | £778 | £432 |
| BMW i7 eDrive50 Excellence (105.7kWh) | £944 | £537 |
Electric car salary sacrifice allows employees to save between 20% and 50% on the cost of a lease, meaning you could save thousands through this scheme!
Retro-Futuristic Icons
Retro-styled EVs are booming. Drivers want personality, character, and charm. These models deliver it in spades while still feeling fresh and modern.
Renault 5 E-Tech
The Renault 5 is leading the retro revolution. 2026 brings new colours, an extra range, and an interior that’s far more upmarket than the price suggests.
Design Highlights
Retro silhouette inspired by the 70s original
Illuminated “5” on the nose
Square LED headlights with playful styling
Compact footprint perfect for urban driving
It’s cheerful, stylish, and full of personality - a reminder that electric cars don’t all need to look futuristic to feel modern.
Citroën 2CV Electric Revival
Yes - the 2CV is officially returning in electric form. It retains its recognisable shape, rounded fenders and friendly face, but reimagined with clean LED strips, smoother panels and a more modern stance.
Design Highlights
Iconic corrugated-inspired surfacing
Simple, charming body shape with updated proportions
Soft, welcoming lighting signatures
A “slow living” design ethos, Citroën is embracing for 2026
If you want an EV that feels genuinely different from anything else on the road, this modern 2CV is pure charm.
Fiat 500e
The Fiat 500e continues to be one of the best examples of modern retro design - proving that compact EVs can be eye-catching and stylish.
Design Highlights
Signature circular headlamps
Playful, compact proportions
Clean, simplified bodywork
A bright colour palette
It’s small, fun, and full of character. The 500e is proof that “best looking” doesn’t always mean premium or expensive.
Salary Sacrifice Costs For The Renault 5 & Fiat 500e
It would approximately cost a 40% taxpayer £281 per month to lease the Renault 5 and £380 per month for the Fiat 500e. By choosing to salary sacrifice these vehicles, you’d save £150+ every month on National Insurance and Income Tax.
| Model | Approx. Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost (40% Tax Bracket) | Income Tax + Employee National Insurance Savings Per Month |
|---|---|---|
| Renault 5 Evolution Urban Range (40kWh) | £281 | £175 |
| Fiat 500e (24kWh) | £380 | £267 |
Avant-Garde & Concept-Inspired EVs
These are the trailblazers: the cars that look like they’ve skipped ahead a decade. They take risks - and that’s exactly what makes them so beautiful.
Jaguar Type 00 (New Release)
Jaguar’s rebirth as a pure-electric brand starts here. The Type 00 is a sleek, ultra-long grand tourer with dramatic proportions inspired by the E-Type - but executed through a futuristic, almost concept-car aesthetic.
Design Highlights
Long bonnet and sweeping fastback tail
Blade-like daytime LED signatures
Slim, elongated grille outline
A low, elegant roofline that screams GT car
It blends heritage and futurism better than any other 2026 release. If you want a true design statement, the Type 00 is the one.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 & Ioniq 6
Hyundai’s Ioniq models continue to win global design awards — and for good reason. The Ioniq 5 brings bold, geometric retro-futurism, while the Ioniq 6 channels sleek, aerodynamic minimalism.
Design Highlights
Design Highlights
Ioniq 5: Pixel lights, boxy proportions, angular surfacing
Ioniq 6: Streamlined silhouette, sweeping curves, elegant tapering tail
Together, they show just how diverse EV design can be - from sharp and geometric to smooth and aerodynamic.
Kia EV6 & EV9
Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy is bold, modern, and instantly identifiable. The EV6 has one of the most dynamic shapes of any mid-size EV, while the EV9 pushes futuristic SUV design further than almost anyone else.
Design Highlights
EV6:
Sweeping “digital tiger” face
Dramatic rear light bar
Sporty, low stance
EV9:
Blocky, muscular body
Triangular LED signatures
Futuristic, concept-car profile
Both models push boundaries in their segments, proving mainstream brands can look as futuristic as luxury flagships.
How Much Does It Cost To Salary Sacrifice The Ioniq 5&6 And The Kia EV6&9?
| Model | Approx. Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost (40% Tax Bracket) | Income Tax + Employee National Insurance Savings Per Month |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 N (84kWh) | £623 | £363 |
| Hyundai Ioniq 6 Premium (77kWh) | £396 | £230 |
| Kia EV 6 Air SR (63kWh) | £506 | £319 |
| Kia EV 9 Air (99.8kWh) | £855 | £466 |
Sporty & Performance-Led Design
Some EVs are designed to turn heads before you even press the accelerator. These two capture that excitement perfectly.
Alpine A290
The Alpine A290 brings rally-inspired styling into the compact electric hot hatch world. Think wide arches, purposeful stance, and aggressive lighting - all wrapped into a compact body.
Design Highlights
Turbo-inspired three-part headlights
Chunky, motorsport-influenced bodywork
Compact, agile shape
Driver-focused interior with sporty detailing
If you want something small but explosive in character, the A290 is one of the most exciting cars launching in 2026.
Polestar 4
It’s rare for an SUV-coupé to feel truly sporty, but the Polestar 4 manages it with ease — thanks to bold proportions and the headline-grabbing removal of the rear window.
Design Highlights
Sleek fastback roofline
Ultra-slim LED front and rear lighting
No rear window for cleaner aerodynamics
Scandinavian minimalism with a sporty edge
It’s daring, elegant, and unlike anything else on the road. If unique design matters to you, this is one of 2026’s most compelling choices.
Alpine & Polestar Salary Sacrifice
If you were to lease an Alpine A290 GT from The Electric Car Scheme, you could save £224 per month, bringing your total monthly lease cost down to £366. If you were to choose the Polestar 4, you could save £306 on National Insurance and Income Tax contributions, bringing your cost down to £524 per month.
| Model | Approx. Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost (40% Tax Bracket) | Income Tax + Employee National Insurance Savings Per Month |
|---|---|---|
| Alpine A290 GT (52kWh) | £366 | £224 |
| Polestar 4 LR Single Motor Prime (100kWh) | £524 | £306 |
Design Elements That Matter in 2026 EVs
Ever wondered what actually makes an electric car look good , or why beautiful design often leads to better efficiency? These four areas are guiding almost every 2026 release.
Aerodynamics
A smoother shape means better range. Features like flush door handles, clean surfaces and tapered rear ends aren’t just attractive - they reduce drag and can add miles to every charge.
Lighting Signatures
EVs are ditching traditional grilles, so lighting is now a brand’s visual identity. Expect:
Thin LED ribbons
Pixel-based lamps
Full-width light bars
Unique daytime running signatures
Interior Minimalism
As EVs embrace digital dashboards and hidden controls, cabins are becoming cleaner and more spacious. You’ll see:
Recycled and plant-based materials
Panoramic screens
Calming, lounge-like layouts
Wheel Design
Large, aerodynamic wheels can transform a car’s presence — and reduce drag. Many 2026 models offer:
Sculpted aero discs
Geometric spoke designs
Bi-colour treatments
Salary Sacrifice: The Smart Way to Drive a Beautiful EV
Beautiful electric cars aren’t just for luxury buyers anymore. Salary sacrifice makes design-focused EVs 20–50% cheaper thanks to tax-efficient monthly payments taken from your pre-tax salary.
Even with the Benefit-in-Kind rate rising to 4% from April 2026, EVs remain dramatically cheaper than petrol or hybrid company cars.
Why Does EV Salary Sacrifice Work So Well?
You save income tax and National Insurance
Employers pay lower NI, too
Top-tier design models like Porsche, Polestar, and Jaguar become surprisingly affordable
Fully comprehensive insurance, servicing, and breakdown cover can be bundled in
You can even include home charger installation!
A Porsche Taycan that might traditionally cost well over £1,000 per month personally can drop into a far more accessible range through salary sacrifice.
If you’ve ever wanted a beautiful EV without the premium price tag, this is the smartest route.
With design in the spotlight, 2026 offers something for every style:
Love luxury? Porsche Taycan or BMW i7.
Want personality? Renault 5 or Fiat 500e.
Prefer futuristic shapes? Hyundai Ioniq 6 or Kia EV9.
Need something bold and sporty? Alpine A290 or Polestar 4.
Whichever direction your taste leans, there’s never been a better time to choose an EV that turns heads every time you drive it.
Curious what your dream EV would cost on salary sacrifice? Explore our range and discover how much you could save.
FAQs: Best Looking Electric Cars 2026
What Is The Best-Looking Electric Car in 2026?
Design is personal, but top picks include the Porsche Taycan for luxury, the Renault 5 for retro charm, and the Jaguar Type 00 for futuristic style.
Which Stylish EV is The Most Affordable?
The Renault 5 and Fiat 500e offer standout design at low monthly salary sacrifice costs.
What Benefit-in-Kind Rate Applies To Electric Cars in 2026?
EV BiK rises to 4% from April 2026, still far lower than petrol or hybrid alternatives.
Does a Beautiful Design Mean Lower Range?
Usually, the opposite - sleek, aerodynamic EVs often achieve better efficiency and longer range.
Can I Include Insurance And Maintenance in Salary Sacrifice?
Yes. Through The Electric Car Scheme, insurance, maintenance, breakdown cover, and even home charger installation can be bundled into your monthly cost.
Are you an employer?
BOOK A DEMOAre you an employee?
SEE AVAILABLE CARS
ECS GUIDES AND ADVICE
Ready to Go Electric? Your Guides and Tools to a Smooth Switch
-
How the Scheme WorksFind out how salary sacrifice can work for you or your business.
-
The Charge SchemeSave 20-50% on all charging costs through salary sacrifice - at home, the office, or in public..
-
Complete Employer ProtectionAll employers and drivers are protected from day 1.
-
Used Electric CarsDiscover the most affordable way to drive electric. Cars delivered in 14 days.
Last updated: 09/12/2025
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.
Copyright and Image Usage: All images used on this website are either licensed for commercial use or used with express permission from the copyright holders, in compliance with UK and EU copyright law. We are committed to respecting intellectual property rights and maintaining full compliance with applicable regulations. If you have any questions or concerns regarding image usage or copyright matters, please contact us at marketing@electriccarscheme.com
