Range, performance, and practicality are certainly important factors when selecting a new electric car, but they aren't the only ones.
For many buyers, all-wheel drive is also a key consideration. On a basic level, an all-wheel drive sends power to all four wheels, rather than just two. That means every wheel has the potential to grip the road and move you forward.
That can lead to improved handling and grip, particularly on slippery, rugged or uneven surfaces. Aside from that, one of the most important reasons to opt for all-wheel drive is the ability to effortlessly drive off-road.
When it comes to buying an all-wheel drive electric car, there is a growing number of options to choose from. Brands including Volkswagen, Kia, Porsche, Audi, Polestar, and Mercedes-Benz are just a few of the manufacturers offering a selection of all-wheel-drive EVs.
But which are the best to own, the most capable and best value for money? We’ve listed our favourite all-wheel drive EVs right here, so read on to find out more.
Alpine A390 GTS
Alpine’s electric SUV has one of the most technically impressive set-ups of any model on this list.
Like the Tesla Model S Plaid and Maserati Granturismo Folgore, the A390 has three motors – one at the front, two at the back.
In the range-topping GTS variant, these motors combine to produce 463bhp, with a 0-100kph (0-62mph) time of 3.9 seconds.
Audi RS E-Tron GT
The Audi RS E-Tron GT is a sublime electric car to drive, and it comes with all-wheel drive as standard.
There are several versions to choose from with differing levels of power and performance. Power ranges from 469bhp in the entry-level car to 912bhp in the RS Performance. That car will complete 0-100kph in just 2.5 seconds.
As you’d expect, the E-Tron GT isn’t designed to go off-road - but we reckon it would make light work of leaf-strewn roads, slippery Tarmac or even a damp field.
BMW iX
The BMW iX is the German car maker’s most premium electric car, with a luxurious character inside and out.
Every BMW iX comes with dual motors and all-wheel drive, meaning it will handle bad weather with total ease.
Aside from its ride quality, interior opulence and all-around ability, the BMW iX boasts an impressive driving range. With its largest battery, drivers can expect as high as 426 miles on a charge.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is one of the most highly rated electric cars in terms of driving dynamics and performance, and that’s partly down to its all-wheel drive set-up.
Thanks to its dual-motor powertrain, it produces 641bhp and sprints from 0-100kph in 3.4 seconds.
While Hyundai’s performance crossover will impress you with its grip and acceleration, it’s also incredibly entertaining to drive, and certainly one of the most capable cars on our list.
Hyundai Ioniq 9
As the Hyundai Ioniq 9 offers seven seats, you might consider buying one if you have a large family.
The entry-level car has a single rear motor with 215bhp, the AWD version adds a 89bhp motor on the front axle for a total of 303bhp, and the Performance AWD has a pair of 211bhp motors for a total of 422bhp.
The Ioniq 9 majors in interior space, with a huge boot that can measure as high as 2419 litres with all seats folded down (908 litres with five seats in place).
Kia EV9
Like the Hyundai Ioniq 9, the Kia EV9 boasts up to seven seats with a huge amount of interior space.
Also likes its Hyundai cousin, the EV9 is available with two electric motors. Kia offers a three-tier line-up.
Entry-level Air has the longest claimed range, pairing the 99.8kWh battery common with the EV9’s range-mates with a single rear-mounted motor and 19in alloy wheels.
Seven seats, three-zone climate control, 360deg parking cameras and a 12.3in infotainment system are standard.
Aside from the additional front-axle drive motor, GT-Line adds 21in alloys, adaptive headlights and a front-seat upgrade.
Lotus Eletre
While Lotus is best known for its lightweight sports cars, the Eletre is the British car maker’s mould-shattering electric hyper-SUV.
The Eletre is available in three distinct models: the entry-level version, the mid-range S, and the top-of-the-line R. All variants feature a dual-motor configuration and are powered by the same 108kWh usable capacity battery
While all versions offer performance ranging from supercar to hypercar levels, they are priced and positioned differently to attract a diverse range of buyers.
Range-topping cars get a staggering 906bhp, with four-wheel steering and a 0-100kph (0-62mph) sprint of just 3.0 seconds.
Lucid Air
Few cars have created quite such a stir or kept us waiting quite so long as the Lucid Air. Built in the US and engineered by the man behind the Tesla Model S, the jaw-droppingly sleek saloon boasts some crazy numbers.
For instance, the range-topping Dream Edition packs 1111bhp and 1025lb ft of torque (yes, really) and will explode from standstill to 60mph in a claimed 2.4sec.
Then there's the giant 118kWh battery that promises a range of 520 miles between charges. And when you do need to top up, 300kW rapid charging means you should be able to add 482km (300 miles) in just 20 minutes.
Mercedes-Benz EQS
Mercedes-Benz is no stranger to the luxury car segment, with the S-Class competing heavily with the likes of the BMW 7 Series for many years.
The EQS, effectively the electric S-Class, offers both single and dual-motor options. Currently, the EQS AMG EQS 53 is the only one with all-wheel drive.
The Mercedes EQS 53 is equipped with two compact synchronous electric motors. For routine driving, when 'Comfort' mode is selected on the dial, the car is primarily powered by the slightly less powerful 321bhp front motor. However, if greater acceleration is demanded, the more potent 329bhp rear motor seamlessly engages.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class G580 EQ
Few would have ever believed that the G-Class, which has been propelled by industrious diesel and powerful petrol engines for decades, would go electric.
It features an enormous 116kWh battery with a claimed range of 455 miles. The power output stands at 579bhp and 850lb-ft of torque, while the car weighs in at 3,209 kg.
A car as heavy as the G-Class surely needs several powerful motors, and as expected, there’s a motor on every wheel.
That makes the G-Class absolutely ideal for maximising traction and bolsters its off-road performance. It can produce more torque than an internal combustion G-Class, and its driveline is 150 times quicker to respond.
When you consider the car’s high-tech differentials and drive modes, few can compete off-road.
MG IM 5 Performance
The MG IM marks a new age for the brand, entering the premium market with rivals like the Tesla Model 3 in its sights.
An all-electric saloon, the IM 5 gets dual motors in its Performance specification. Its all-round figures are impressive, with a 574km (356 miles) range and a maximum charging speed of 396kW.
The dual motor model is better suited to eating up A-roads rather than traversing a dirt track. It packs a staggering 742bhp and will hit 0–100kph (0-62mph) in 3.2 seconds.
Peugeot e-3008
The Peugeot e-3008 dual motor gets an all-wheel drive powertrain that makes 321bhp and can travel up to 303 miles on a charge officially.
The Long Range single-motor model with a 227bhp front-mounted electric motor can travel up to 700km (435 miles) on a charge thanks to its larger 97kWh battery.
The twin-motor is almost 100kg heavier than the single-motor, tipping the scales at 2262kg. It's also more than 150kg heavier than the 84kWh all-wheel drive Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Polestar 3
The Polestar 3 is one of the longest range electric cars on sale today, with up to 704km (438 miles) available on a single charge.
Buyers can choose between single- and dual-motor models, both using liquid-cooled, permanent magnet synchronous motors. The former model’s motor is carried over the rear axle and develops 295bhp, while the latter model has a 242bhp version of the same motor per axle.
The Long Range Dual Motor’s total output of 483bhp and 620lb ft can be boosted with Polestar’s Performance Pack (to 510bhp and 671lb ft), which also bundles 22in forged alloy wheels and dedicated performance tuning for the suspension.
Porsche Macan
When the electric Porsche Macan went on sale, it had the unambiguous task of becoming a worthy successor to the excellent internal combustion version.
Porsche has at least partly succeeded, because the Macan EV is comfortable, great to drive and has a luxurious, premium cabin.
Single motor cars are probably the best value and will be enough for most drivers, but those wanting a bit more grip and stability on rougher roads can opt for a dual-motor variant with between 382bhp and 577bhp.
Porsche Taycan
The incredibly popular Porsche Taycan comes in several variants, including single-motor, dual-motor and ultra high-powered versions.
Single-motor cars use this motor exclusively, connected to a two-speed automatic transmission. Dual-motor variants add a second motor for the front axle, which operates via a single-speed gearbox.
The Taycan 4S can now develop as much as 590bhp, the GTS 690bhp, the Turbo 872bhp and the Turbo S a whopping 939bhp.
Range Rover EV
The Range Rover will be the company’s first EV since the Jaguar I-Pace, which first went on sale in 2018.
Power comes from a 118kWh battery, paired with a twin-motor powertrain. Power stands at 542bhp and 627lb ft, while range comes in at 300 miles.
With a silent powertrain, the Range Rover EV should be the car’s most refined and luxurious version yet.
Rivian R2
The most affordable is the Rivian R2, a mid-sized crossover which the firm says was developed with European drivers in mind.
The R2, Rivian's Tesla Model Y competitor, offers over 300 miles of range and comes standard with a single-motor rear-wheel drive, with an optional dual-motor four-wheel drive.
While no launch date has been set for the related R3, a smaller, raised-hatchback-style vehicle, Rivian has also unveiled a tri-motor performance variant, the R3X, designed for rally-raid.
Rolls-Royce Spectre
The new Rolls-Royce Spectre is the British car maker’s most powerful model yet, packing up to 650bhp and 793lb ft in Black Badge variant.
The new Spectre model from Rolls-Royce features a "Spirited mode" launch control setting. This mode increases torque from 660lb ft to 793lb ft, enabling the car to achieve 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds.
Overall, the powerful Spectre surpasses the 2016 Wraith Black Badge, which produced 623bhp and 642lb ft from its twin-turbocharged V12.
Scout Traveller
The Traveller will be one of the first electric cars from American 4x4 brand Scout Motors, which was recently revived by International Harvester, with backing from Volkswagen.
The Traveller is an electric Land Rover Defender rival, and will be joined by the Terra, an electric pick-up truck that will go against the Rivian R1T, Tesla Cybertruck and Chevrolet Silverado EV.
The electric cars will feature an 800V electrical system and a body-on-frame platform, distinct from the Volkswagen Group's MEB and PPE architectures. Canadian company Magna will provide the batteries and electronics.
Skoda Enyaq iV
The Skoda Enyaq iV is one of the most versatile electric cars money can buy, with a huge choice of battery, motor and power options.
The entry-level 60 uses a 201bhp, rear-mounted electric motor for a 0-62mph time of 8.1sec, while the 85 uses a more powerful 282bhp unit.
The 85x, meanwhile, gets an extra asynchronous motor on the front axle for all-wheel drive running. Both 85 and 85x versions have the same top speed of 180kph (112mph) and a 0-100kph (0-62mph) time of 6.7 seconds. ,
Smart #5
The new Smart #5 SUV has been given a performance boost by German tuner Brabus. This flagship version of the largest-ever Smart, which is owned by Geely, now boasts 637bhp.
Described as the "pinnacle" of the brand, its acceleration is said to be comparable to that of a Range Rover Sport SV.
The top-spec standard #5 and the #5 Brabus both use a 100kWh battery. However, the Brabus model has a slightly lower range of 539km (335 miles).
Thanks to the Geely SEA2 platform's 800V electrical architecture, the #5 Brabus boasts impressive charging capabilities. It can accept a DC connection charge at speeds of up to 400kW, allowing the battery to go from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes.
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 gets two different all-wheel drive powertrains.
Premium Long Range All-Wheel Drive cars get a range of 659km (410 miles) and can hit 0-100kph in just 4.2 seconds, making it one of the fastest cars in its class.
If that’s not enough, you’ll likely want to consider the Tesla Model 3 Performance. It loses some range, dropping from 659km to 569km, but gains a huge boost to power.
From a standstill, it will hit 0-100kph in a supercar-rivalling 2.9 seconds and will go on to a top speed of 262kph (163mph).
Tesla Model Y
Similar to the Model 3, the Tesla Model Y gets a few different all-wheel drive powertrain options.
There’s the Model Y Premium Long Range All-wheel Drive, and the Model Y Performance. The former offers 629km (391 miles) of range, a top speed of 201kph and a 0-100kph time of 4.6 seconds.
The Performance ramps up the power for a top speed of 249kph (155mph), a 0-100kph time of 3.3sec and a range of 360 miles.
Volvo EX60
The EX60 will be offered with a choice of single-motor and dual-motor powertrains, ranging in output from 369bhp in the rear-driven P6 entry variant right up to a lofty 671bhp in the P12 AWD.
It’ll be one of the fastest Volvos ever built, but its range figures are the most impressive statistic.
The flagship P12 model, scheduled for a Q1 2027 release, will boast an exceptional range of 503 miles per charge. This impressive figure is achieved through a 112kWh battery pack, one of the largest currently fitted to a European production car.
The rugged EX60 Cross Country, consistent with its "go-anywhere" positioning, will come exclusively with all-wheel drive. Customers will be able to choose the 503bhp powertrain from launch, with the more powerful 671bhp option becoming available later.
Volkswagen ID 7 GTX
The Volkswagen ID 7, launched in 2023, entered the market with a straightforward aim: to challenge mid-range versions of the Tesla Model 3, BMW i4, and Polestar 2. It was initially equipped solely with a single, rear-mounted drive motor and a 77kWh battery.
VW quickly broadened the car's model lineup, introducing the 86kWh battery later in 2024 (which powers our test vehicle). This battery is available in the Pro S version with the standard 282bhp single motor, or in the GTX model with twin motors producing 336bhp.
This electric executive car only marginally expands the capabilities and dynamic performance of the more relaxed EV it is derived from. Perhaps this modest enhancement is by design; it successfully serves its purpose as a reasonably quick, understated, and enjoyable-to-live-with option.
