The shift towards EVs in the automotive industry is happening even faster than what was initially anticipated. We are witnessing an increase in EV launches at the same time internal combustion engine (ICE) car launches are met with an uncertainty that seems to be directly correlated to the size of the ICE fitted in the car. If you go back in time five years, you would see people like former General Motors Vice Chairman, Robert Lutz discrediting Tesla, coming up with a number of reasons why its business model was doomed to fail. Mr. Lutz, along with many other industry experts, were wrong, as it turned out.

Fast-forward to today, and you have GM's current CEO, Mary Barra proficiently talking about a strong EV portfolio built around GM's Ultium platform and GM's strong commitment to have a full light-duty EV lineup across all brands by 2035. Not only that, GM has struck a deal with Tesla to adopt its plug standard so that GM cars can also benefit from Tesla's charging stations. A deal that was also done by another American automotive giant, Ford.

Despite this scenario, we currently have what could end up being far more than simply a transitional technology in the form of hybrid powertrains. Hybrid technology has been improving alongside fully battery electric vehicle (BEV) technology. And even though charging infrastructure is well on its way Stateside, there are still some destinations where you're probably better off relying on the option to move around burning fuel rather than using electricity. And that's where Hybrids come in for the eco-friendly crowd that draw a line when the risk of ending up stranded becomes a possibility. To captain this argument, we're going to show you a list of upscale hybrid sedans, ranked by their base price, that could be considered as alternatives to Tesla's flagship, the Model S. As a reference, the base Model S has an MSRP of $88,490, while the performance-oriented Model S Plaid has a base MSRP of $108,409.

Related: 10 Electric Car Performance Records Every Enthusiast Should Know About

10 Lexus ES Hybrid Luxury

The ES is Lexus' best-selling sedan, and it was only natural a hybrid trim would be available. The ES Hybrid Luxury was our pick as a more reasonably priced hybrid that could be seen as an alternative to the Model S. Its ICE is aided by a 70 cells battery pack with an output of 39 horsepower.

Lexus ES 300 Hybrid Specs And Performance

The ES 300h is a mild hybrid, and the battery pack is charged through regenerative braking. With a 13.2-gallon fuel tank, you can get a combined range of about 580 miles. The Luxury trim has some package items as standard such as heated and ventilated front seats, wood trim with ambient lighting, power rear sunshade, and other amenities that make it worth the $5,170 price jump from the base hybrid trim. Its performance is lackluster compared to the Model S, and yet, adequate for everyday use. Regardless, this is a luxury car with great mileage, which equates to low running costs and emissions.

9 Volvo S60 Recharge T8

Packing a lot more performance than the Lexus for a little more money, the Volvo S60 Recharge is a PHEV that promises up to 41 miles of all-electric driving range, which is in line with the average everyday commute in the U.S. Volvo is a brand that is committed to an all-electric future, but for the time being, their PHEVs are supposed to be looking towards the future without compromising the present-day experience.

Volvo S60 Recharge T8 Specs And Performance

This luxury sedan from the Swedish brand delivers a combination of safety and performance that doesn't come around as often as you'd expect. The standard all-wheel-drive system lets the driver extract the most of its combined 523 pound-feet of torque without worries. And Volvo's passive and active safety systems will ensure peace of mind for its driver and passengers. Its top speed would be higher if it weren't electronically limited.

Related: 10 Best Three-Row Hybrid SUVs

8 Toyota Crown Platinum

Most cars that have names have them for a reason, and the Toyota Crown is no exception. A luxury sedan from the Japanese giant built up to the reliability standards Toyota has become known for. The Platinum trim comes standard with 21-inch wheels that help give the sedan a robust look. The wheels are big, but so is the rest of the body, making the car resemble a crossover SUV.

Toyota Crown Platinum Specs And Performance

Another difference the Platinum trim has over the base and Limited models is the use of a more performance-oriented turbocharged engine instead of the more efficient, Atkinson cycle, 2.5 liter naturally aspirated unit. The transmission on this top trim is also changed from a CVT to a six-speed automatic, which further contributes to the Crown's more sporty stance. The car's opulent and elegant exterior design makes it stand out from the crowd.

7 BMW 530e xDrive

Looking at BMW's current lineup, it seems they are preparing to begin phasing out its hybrid powertrains in favor of all-electric ones on the 5 and 7 Series sedans. But the 2023 530e xDrive is still a good PHEV choice ever since it premiered back in December 2016. The 5 Series is a superb luxury sedan that delivers the comfort, presence, and interior space that no 3 Series ever could, while still being dynamic and fun to drive. It's not a bargain, to be sure, but fairly priced for the brand it carries and what it delivers.

BMW 530e xDrive Specs And Performance

The 530i hybrid powertrain is efficient and powerful and the car features state-of-the-art technology always delivered by the luxury German brands of its category. Since this was the first car on this list that took a more steep price jump than before, it is important to point out that the buyer should be ready for a depreciation hit of 45 percent after a period of five years, according to CarEdge.com. It's a significant amount of money to leave on the table. It doesn't make the 5 Series anything less than a great car, however, and a good deal for buyers in the used car market, provided the vehicle has been properly maintained by its previous owner.

Related: 10 Hybrid Cars That Nobody Is Talking About

6 Mercedes E450 4MATIC Sedan

The direct competitor to the BMW 5 Series, the Mercedes E-Class usually goes for a bit more comfort at the cost of a more precise and dynamic ride. This difference isn't big, but sometimes just enough to make up one's mind about which brand to go for when shopping in this segment. It's hard to be disappointed by an E Class though, and with the E 450 4MATIC sedan, Mercedes opted for a mild hybrid powertrain, banking on a powerful turbocharged inline-six engine to make the bulk of its power.

Mercedes E 450 4MATIC Sedan Specs And Performance

The smooth power of the inline-six engine is aided by a hybrid starter-generator that uses a 48-volt lithium-ion battery to power what used to be former belt-driven components in the engine. This electric assistance also helps in doing away with any resemblance of turbo lag, making the E 450 4MATIC Sedan a great performance luxury vehicle, worthy of the Mercedes badge. The cherry on top is Mercedes' AWD system, which has evolved to the point of being able to transfer torque almost instantly to the wheels that have the best grip in any given situation, even if it is only one.

5 Volvo S90 Recharge T8 AWD

The S90 is Volvo's flagship sedan, but that doesn't mean it competes with a Mercedes S Class or an Audi A8, or a BMW 7 Series. Its main competition among the German luxury brands is in the E Class, A6, and 5 Series. In any case, the S90 still is a full-size, large luxury sedan that's hard to fault.

Volvo S90 Recharge T8 Specs And Performance

Utilizing the same powertrain of the S60 Recharge, while being bigger and heavier, the S90 Recharge is naturally a tad slower from 0-60 MPH, but only by 0.3 seconds. The powerful sedan incorporates all of Volvo's safety features and technology and has an all-electric driving range of up to 38 miles. The atmosphere inside the cabin is kept clear with the help of an air purifier and the car comes with Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play built-in.

Related: 10 Hybrid Alternatives To The Chevy Blazer EV

4 BMW 750e xDrive

Once you get acclimated to the modern looks of the current 7 Series, you will either love it or hate it. The 750e xDrive is pricier than the Tesla Model S, but features the usual 7 Series luxury interior packed with amenities and technologies to help make its occupants experience the best the Bavarian brand has to offer.

BMW 750e xDrive Specs And Performance

Fuel economy data is not available for the 750e xDrive, but BMW does say it has an all-electric driving range of up to 36 miles, so there's that. Also, its fuel tank holds 19.5 gallons. This PHEV flagship from BMW also features hybrid-specific displays showing the electric range, the motor output, along with other useful related information.

3 Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid

One of the best combinations of comfort and performance in PHEV form, the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid is Porsche's big guns to take on the luxury full-size sedan segment. Porsche knows how to make plug-in hybrids well, and the Panamera is no exception. Ride quality is great, and so is handling and performance. Leaving its hybrid system in auto mode is a hassle-free way of extracting the most out of the vehicle if the need arises or just cruising along using electric power alone.

Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Specs And Performance

Though being biased towards improving performance and helping the peppy turbocharged V-6, the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid system actually manages to get good fuel efficiency according to EPA standards. The transmission is Porsche's renowned dual-clutch PDK and the total range available is 480 miles.

Related: The Best Hybrid Sedans Available Today

2 Lexus LS Hybrid

One of Lexus' most lavish and luxurious sedan comes in the shape of the LS Hybrid. A full-size sedan with exquisite styling, the LS follows a coupe-like side profile, much like the Panamera. The front fascia, however, is huge and could be a hit or miss depending on the beholder. The LS Hybrid has a practical interior with simple, intuitive commands and high-quality materials.

Lexus LS Hybrid Specs And Performance

The LS Hybrid has a mild hybrid powertrain with a heart of gold. Its internal combustion engine is the rev-happy, variable valve timing, naturally aspirated V-6 seen on other popular applications such as the Toyota Camry. Lexus chose a conservative approach not opting for a plug-in system, but that seems to fit better with the preferences of the brand's customers.

1 Mercedes S580e 4MATIC

Topping the list as a worthy hybrid alternative to the Model S is the ultimate limousine from Mercedes, the S580e 4MATIC. The S Class has always been considered a top luxury vehicle. There are pricier, more luxurious cars out there, but few would argue that improving on an S-Class level of luxury and comfort is something easily achievable. The S Class is at the top of the food chain when it comes to luxury sedans, and it rubs shoulders with some of the most expensive and exclusive luxury vehicles available.

Mercedes S580e 4MATIC Specs And Performance

Unlike the mild hybrid drivetrain seen on the E 450 4MATIC Sedan, the S580e also adds a plug-in hybrid system that ensures better mileage and performance to the top-of-the-line S Class. Mercedes claims 46 miles of electric range and ride quality is superb with the help of an adaptive self-leveling air suspension.