10 Electric Cars That Prioritize Efficiency Over Performance, Ranked By Range – TopSpeed

As electric vehicles have continued to become mainstream, the substantial benefits that electric power can provide for every segment have become increasingly apparent. While quite a few of the headline-stealing EVs are designed to achieve levels of performance that haven’t been seen before, the greater efficiency and practicality that these relatively new powertrains have introduced are arguably just as monumental.

While electric vehicles tend to cost more upfront than gas-powered models, many manufacturers design their cars from a long-term perspective, aiming to reduce the cost of ownership over the years compared to ICE cars. While performance benefits are definitely still apparent with most electric cars, many different brands focus on extracting the highest levels of practicality from their cars instead of outright speed. Here’s a look at 10 EVs that opt for mileage over blistering performance, including some models that manage to provide a bit of both.

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10 2024 Genesis Electrified G80 – 282 Miles

Starting Price: $74,375

Regarding the luxury electric car scene, Hyundai-owned manufacturer Genesis entered the segment with the Electrified G80 in 2021. With their gas-powered models being renowned for their class and comfort, the Electrified version of the full-size G80 sedan introduces the smoothest and quietness of electric power, taking luxury to the next level.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Genesis, Car and Driver)

The EPA estimates the 2024 Electrified G80’s range at 282 miles, which keeps it competitive among its rivals in the luxury electric sedan segment. With a starting price of $74,375, however, it comes in at the more expensive end of the segment but manages to justify it through its high-quality interior and sophistication.

Pros

• Providing standout performance for its solid range
• Whisper-quiet, especially at low speeds
• Top-quality cabin finishes

Cons

• Less cargo space than its gas-powered counterpart
• The higher price tag may be off-putting

9 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE Sedan – 298 Miles

Starting Price: $74,900

A model that competes directly with the BMW i5 is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan. The EQE is one of two all-electric Mercedes-Benz sedans available this year, with the more expensive EQS building on the solid platform of the EQE. Starting at $74,900, the EQE is slightly more expensive than the i5 and almost the exact same price as the Genesis Electrified G80. However, the Mercedes offers a better range than both of these rivals.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Mercedes-Benz)

Just falling short of 300+ mile territory, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE has an EPA-estimated range of 298 miles, thanks to its 90.6 kWh battery capacity. In true Mercedes fashion, the interior quality is class-leading, with high-end materials being used throughout in combination with cutting-edge technology. The tech-focused interior may not be for everyone’s taste, however.

Pros

• Decent 0 to 60 miles per hour speed of 6.2 seconds
• A smooth, comfortable ride
• Quality materials inside

Cons

• The brake pedal can feel soft
• The large digital display can become overwhelming

8 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 – 301 Miles

Starting Price: $66,800

In 2024, BMW retains its appeal to the widest market possible, offering three different all-electric sedans, with four in total across the fleet, including the iX SUV. The model that finds itself in the middle of the pack is the i5, starting at a price of $66,800.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from BMW)

The BMW i5 comes in two different trims in 2024. These are the more expensive performance-oriented xDrive40 and the base-level eDrive40 trim, which focuses more on practicality and efficiency. Overall, the i5 eDrive40 has an EPA-estimated range of 301 miles, just crossing the 300-mile mark. Nevertheless, the base-level i5 still finds itself as a great luxury electric option that offers a great amount of range.

Pros

• Solid performance with a sizable 84.3 kWh battery pack
• Well-balanced handling
• Modern exterior design with a nicely trimmed cabin

Cons

• Charging speeds aren’t great for the i5
• Loses out on overall cargo space

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7 2024 BMW i4 xDrive40 – 307 Miles

Starting Price: $61,600

The smallest all-electric BMW sedan available in 2024 is the i4, which starts at a competitive $52,200. However, to unlock the best range available for the i4, the xDrive40 is the way to go, which starts at a higher $61,600 Compared with the i5, the i4 shares many similarities in terms of the interior and performance specs but is priced almost $15,000 cheaper. Of course, if you want the size, the i5 would be a better option, but the i4 still delivers on just about every aspect you want from an electric sedan.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from BMW)

In terms of range, the 2024 BMW i4 xDrive40 has an EPA-estimated 307 miles on hand, offering slightly more than the more expensive Mercedes-Benz EQE. Also, the xDrive40 trim boasts the best power as well as the best range, with its 396 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, making the top-spec i4 a wonderful all-around choice for an electric sedan.

Pros

• Sharp, responsive handling
• A great deal of comfort in the front seat
• Effective braking system

Cons

• The rear seats can feel cramped
• The cabin controls can take some getting used to

6 2024 BMW i7 eDrive50 – 321 Miles

Starting Price: $105,700

At the top of the BMW all-electric sedan range in 2024 is the i7, the Munich-based brand’s flagship luxury EV. Featuring another unique yet elegant exterior design style, the i7 comes in three different trims, with performance increasing as you go up. However, this also means that the range goes down, giving the base-level eDrive50 the best EPA-estimated range of 321 miles overall.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from BMW)

Expectedly, the i7 starts at a considerably higher price than the smaller i4 and i5 models, making it the second-most expensive electric car to feature on this list. Starting at $105,700, the i7 eDrive40’s price tag makes it more exclusive but offers the best range across BMW’s electric fleet as well as the highest levels of luxury and opulence inside the spacious cabin.

Pros

• Handles well in urban environments despite its size
• Incredibly quiet cabin while driving

Cons

• The amount of technology inside can become overwhelming
• Battery problems have been reported for the BMW i7

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5 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range – 341 Miles

Starting Price: $44,740

A brand that can most definitely be credited with kickstarting the EV revolution is Tesla. Known today for delivering extreme power and safety at the most affordable price, the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range upholds the brand’s reputation and delivers standout efficiency for its starting price of just $44,740.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Tesla)

Overall, the 2024 Model 3 Long Range has an EPA-estimated range of 341 miles, which is 69 miles more than the base-level rear-wheel-drive Model 3. Due to the Long Range trim having two motors instead of the single inclusion in the base trim, the Model 3 Long Range also provides stronger performance as well as efficiency.

Pros

• Instant power delivery from its dual motors
• Keeps running costs low
• Light, agile handling

Cons

• The overall ride feels stiff
• The rear seats aren’t as comfortable as the front
• The charging times are lengthy for the Model 3

4 2024 Mercedes EQS Sedan – 352 Miles

Starting Price: $104,400

Alongside the more affordable EQE sedan, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQS is the pinnacle of electric luxury for the Mercedes brand, which is carried over to the electric SUV with the same name. Keeping on topic with the EQS sedan, it comes in just below the BMW i7’s starting price, with an MSRP of $104,400.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Mercedes-Benz)

Being more than $30,000 compared to the EQE sedan, you’d expect the EQS to boast much better specs, which is exactly what you get. With an EPA-estimated overall range of 352 miles, the EQS sedan compared right at the top of its segment in terms of efficiency, as well as offering class-leading luxury and infotainment inside the cabin. The battery capacity also sees an increase in the EQS, coming in at 108.4 kWh.

Pros

• Its four-wheel steering allows for great maneuverability
• A quiet cabin with a smooth ride
• Pro 3

Cons

• The EQS doesn’t have a strong reliability reputation
• It has an awkward driving position

3 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 – 361 Miles

Starting Price: $42,450

A newer entry into the EV scene that manages to compete directly with the Tesla Model 3 is the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6, which beats the Tesla in a few different departments. The Ioniq 6 is also one of the most star-studded new electric vehicles in recent years, winning both World Electric Car and World Car of the Year at the 2023 World Car Awards.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Hyundai, Car and Driver)

Starting at $42,450, the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is one of the best value-for-money electric cars on the market, offering a great EPA-estimated range of 361 miles. Despite being the only all-electric sedan that Hyundai will produce in 2024, the Ioniq 6 is the perfect representation of the South Korean brand’s potential for the future, supported by the Ioniq 5 and Kona crossover electric SUVs. It must be noted that the 361 miles of range comes with the base SE rear-wheel-drive trim.

Pros

• Features a very quiet cabin
• Excellent range for its more affordable price
• Quick acceleration and responsive handling

Cons

• The Ioniq 6’s cargo space is limited

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2 2024 Tesla Model S – 402 Miles

Starting Price: $74,990

The second and most expensive sedan that Tesla offers in 2024 is the Model S. Starting at $74,990, it’s the base-level dual-motor all-wheel-drive trim that puts maximum range at the forefront, in comparison to the tri-motor Plaid trim which rockets from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 2 seconds.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Tesla)

Although falling behind for overall performance, the dual-motor 2024 Model S has a mighty impressive EPA-estimated range of 402 miles. This puts the Model S on top of Tesla’s 2024 lineup in terms of range and only falls behind the first-place entry into this list overall. Performance is still impressive for the dual-motor trim, however, managing a 0 to 60 miles per hour time of just 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 130 miles per hour.

1 2024 Lucid Air Grand Touring – 516 Miles

Starting Price: $109,900

When thinking of additional electric manufacturers that deliver the highest levels of luxury, Lucid Motors stands head above shoulders with its Air sedan. The Lucid Air comes in four different trims, with the Grand Touring being designed to deliver the highest amount of range possible. Starting at $109,900, it’s the most expensive model to feature on this list, but it’s not the most expensive Air model. That title goes to the performance-focused Air Sapphire, which starts at $249,000.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Lucid Motors)

With the 2024 Lucid Air Grand Touring, its staggering EPA-estimated range of 516 miles not only puts it at the top of the electric sedan segment but also allows it to compete with every other EV segment for the top spot. Despite not being the top-spec model in terms of performance, the Air Grand Touring still boasts a whopping power output of 819 horsepower and 885 pound-feet of torque.

Pros

• Blistering power and acceleration
• A great deal of luxury inside
• Class-leading EPA-estimated range for the GT trim

Cons

• The electric motor can be noisy
• The outward visibility is restricted