6. Polestar 2

Price from: £45,160

When is a Volvo not a Volvo? When it's a Polestar. This Swedish Volvo spin-off delivers Scandi-chic style with genuine substance, positioning itself as a more premium alternative to the Tesla Model 3 while offering something its saloon rival can't - a practical hatchback boot.

A 2023 update moved the Polestar’s electric motor to the rear wheels, giving it a more engaging drive character that BMW buyers might appreciate. Range is impressive too, with up to 406 miles from the Long Range single-motor version - among the best in class.

Inside, Google software integration works brilliantly, offering over-the-air updates like Tesla but with a more intuitive interface including Google maps. The minimalist

Scandinavian design feels sophisticated, though the Performance Pack's firm ride can be punishing on poor roads.

It’s squarely up against the Model 3, and while it lacks Tesla's charging network advantage, the practical hatchback and superior build quality make it a brilliant alternative.

5. Kia EV6

Price from: £39,235

Kia’s EV6 remains one of the most distinctive EVs you can buy – not quite SUV, not quite hatchback. Fastback, perhaps? Anyway, a 2024 facelift sharpened the design with

sleeker LED headlights and brought useful cabin upgrades including faster infotainment and a fingerprint sensor for personal settings.

Under the skin, the new 84kWh battery extends the Air RWD’s WLTP range to 361 miles while keeping the impressive 260kW charging that’s good for a 10-80% charge in

as little as 20 minutes. Revised suspension smooths low-speed ride without losing the handling sparkle. With up to 321bhp and one-pedal driving via smart regen’, it’s as

satisfying to drive as it is to look at, making it a brilliant Model Y alternative.

For a fun party trick, you can call on a clever feature called Vehicle-to-Load, which turns your car into the world’s most stylish giant power bank – perfect for running a coffee machine at a campsite.

4. BYD Seal

Price from: £45,705

BYD might be the biggest car maker you've never heard of, but the Seal proves its serious about taking on Tesla. This sleek premium saloon matches the Model 3's

dimensions almost exactly, but brings its own character.

The interior feels genuinely premium with diamond-stitched seats, switches and buttons, and an opulent (some might call it fussy…) finish that makes Tesla's cabin look austere.

A 15.6-inch rotating screen is a clever touch in the BYD, though Apple CarPlay integration needs a bit of refinement. Build quality impressed me, with sturdy materials throughout.

Performance is also strong - 308bhp rear-drive or a punchy 523bhp AWD version that hits 62mph in just 3.9 seconds. The 82.5kWh LFP battery delivers up to 354 miles WLTP range, while BYD's Cell-to-Body construction makes the structure stiffer and the ride impressively refined.

The main weakness? Charging peaks at just 150kW, which is a way off the speeds you get in a Tesla. But despite that, this is a genuinely accomplished alternative.

3. Volkswagen ID.7

Price from: £51,005

Volkswagen’s ID.7 is VW finally getting electric right. Officially a saloon but functionally a large hatchback, it’s spacious, refined, and quietly luxurious. Choose the 77kWh battery for 383 miles WLTP range, or the 86kWh for a class-leading 436 miles.

Charging is brisk – up to 200kW – with 10-80% in half an hour.

The 282bhp rear-mounted motor makes light work of overtakes, while the GTX version adds AWD and extra punch. Inside represents a massive leap from earlier ID models.

High-quality materials, contrast-stitched leather, and backlit slider controls create a genuinely luxurious cabin. The fourth-generation infotainment is finally quick and intuitive. Space is excellent, too, with a 532-litre boot expanding to 1,586 litres, plus there's an even more practical Tourer estate version available. It’s a worthy electric successor to the Passat – only more stylish and capable.