With premium hybrid SUVs, the sky’s the limit – anything goes!
How Does ACOTY Define This Class?
The world of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) has proliferated into the upper echelons. SUVs that qualify for this category need to sit in the upper price-percentile tiers and be fitted with hybrid drivetrains.
Meet The Contenders
Money not an object and a desire to go green without switching to a fully electric vehicle? Here are the three choices of premium hybrid SUVs that were tested this year to tickle your fancy.
Clockwise from the top left, representing the Bavarian manufacturer is the BMW XM. Hailing from the land of the rising sun is the Lexus RX 350h. Wearing the three-pointed star badge is the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e 4MATIC.
Let’s start with the million-plus dollar titan, the BMW XM. Polarising looks aside, we appreciated how the XM struck a good balance in ride comfort while offering eye-watering performance off the line.
That it is also nimble in parking lots is a huge plus, and the opulently-appointed tech-focused interior enthrals its occupants.
In comparison, the Lexus RX 350h takes a more conservative tried and tested approach. The colour scheme of the test car is eye-catching without being over the top, and inside, the RX is easy to get settled into and operate while being suitably premium.
This combination appealed to the judging panel for its down-to-earth upmarket honesty, comfort and frugality.
Mercedes-Benz’s blinged-out cabin also makes an appearance here in the GLC 300e 4MATIC, and we like that sort of customizability.
Add to that how frugal it can be as a plug-in hybrid vehicle or PHEV and has enough poke off the line and this Merc warrants serious consideration.
All three contenders are strong choices, and their respective manufacturers should be applauded for doing well with their hybrids.
AutoApp Car Of The Year Best Premium Hybrid SUV
BMW XM
| Vehicle | Points Tally | Price Percentile |
| BMW XM | 347 | 100 |
| Lexus RX 350h | 335 | 75 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e 4MATIC | 313 | 73 |
The winner with 347 points is the BMW XM. Despite being the absolute most expensive vehicle in the ACOTY line-up, what clinched the win for the XM was that BMW’s M-division dares to do things differently. Being the first standalone model since the M1 of yesteryear, the XM is a strong statement in the automotive industry, and its ballsy go-big-or-go-home nature is why it won.
More on the scoring categories used to derive points here.
Congratulations to the BMW XM for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2024 Best Premium Hybrid / Plug-in Hybrid!
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