Electric Car Awards 2023: Best used hybrid executive car

While Disney world arguably offers the most opportunities for fun, there’s still plenty of joy to be had at any Disney resort. And while the BMW M3 performance car serves up non-stop thrills, you’ll find driver appeal in every 3 Series variant.

Take this 330e plug-in hybrid version. It’s no slouch in a straight line, and its sharp, well-balanced handling makes it more fun to drive than rivals such as the previous-generation Mercedes C300e and the Volvo S60 T8. The 330e’s ride leans on the firmer side of the executive car spectrum, but it’s never uncomfortable. Find a car with the optional-from-new adaptive suspension (part of the M Sport Pro Pack) and it’s even better.

Naturally, as a plug-in hybrid, the 330e has the potential for impressive fuel economy. And if you mainly run on electric power (officially, for 37 miles at a time in M Sport trim), you’ll seldom need to fill the tank. The C300e and S60 T8 won’t take you as far without consuming some petrol.

The entry-level SE variant brings LED headlights, heated front seats and three-zone air-con, but we’d go for the M Sport, which is more numerous on used car forecourts and looks sportier, with 18in wheels. It also gets a 12.3in digital instrument panel. All versions come with a responsive and intuitive infotainment system that’s controlled by a user-friendly dial between the front seats.

A four-wheel-drive 330e xDrive is available; if that sounds up your street, you’ll need to budget for at least £28,000. Most used 330es are rear-wheel drive, though, and we’d suggest saving your money and sticking with one of those. In that case, you’ll need as little as £21,000. That’s less than you’ll pay for a C300e or S60 T8 of a similar vintage, and neither of them is as versatile.

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