Battle of Hybrids: BMW 330e iPerformance, Audi A3 e-tron, Volkswagen Passat GTE and Volvo V60 D5 TwinEngine

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Autocar magazine is well-known for its exquisite tests and auto comparisons, with lots of exclusive models within different ranges to be put for the ultimate challenges.

With four main hybrids to dominate the mid-range segment at the moment, Autocar wanted to find out which one deserves the best appreciationa: the BMW 330e iPerformance, Audi A3 e-tron, Volkswagen Passat GTE or the Volvo V60 D5 TwinEngine?

For that, it had to take into consideration the exceptional driving dynamics of each model in question, power drivetrains, fuel-efficiency figures and full electric mile range.

Starting with the gorgeous BMW 33-e iPerformance, the plug-in hybrid model uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot and an 87 horsepower electric motor, delivering a total of 249 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This allows a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, a 23-mile range of full electricity, as well as a combined fuel-economy of 148.7 mpg.

Next, the Audi A3 e-tron comes with the same 1.4-liter as the Passat model, adding however a less performance electric motor. The overall 201 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque makes the car run 29.8 miles on pure electricity, while the 100 km/h sprint is done in 7.6 seconds. It also come with a fuel-economy of a combined 166.2 mpg.

Volkswagen`s Passat GTE is the next in line, the good-looking saloon featuring the Group`s newest 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, for a total of 215 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The drivetrain allows it to take off from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds, adding a pure electric range of 31 mile, thanks to a 9.9 kWh battery. It also comes with a mixed fuel-efficiency of 166.0 mpg.

Finally, the Volkswagen V60 D5 TwinEngine comes with a fully-independent electric axle, with the rear axle being powered by an electric motor with 67 horsepower alone. Combined with the combustion engine, it develops a total of 228 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque, and a 100 km/h sprint done in 6.9 seconds. The pure electric mile range is set 31.1 miles, while the mixed consumption stands at 156.9 mpg.

You get to decide which one is the best between all-four exquisite hybrids, but judging by Autocar`s official figures, it seems that the BMW 330e iPerformance leads the way!