Before the real push for electric cars, it was quite rare for a family to own a four-wheel-drive car because they’re traditionally more expensive and less needed in the UK unless we had a lot of snow... which doesn’t happen very often.
But with more electric vehicles (EVs) arriving on the scene, we can expect to see a larger uptake of 4WDs because all of the dual-motor EVs are powering all four of the car’s wheels.
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The main benefits to having a 4x4 electric car include being able to cope better in harsher conditions and – particularly for EVs – increased acceleration because when the power is sent to all four wheels, the car gets much more traction.
Here are 10 of the best four-wheel-drive electric cars in 2023.
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Skoda Enyaq iV
In its most basic form, the Skoda Enyaq iV is a front-wheel-drive electric car, but if you want the electric motor powering all four wheels, you’ll want to upgrade to the ‘80x’ trim level.
This 4WD variant produces 265hp, which is sent to all the wheels and offers up a total range of 311 miles – slightly less than the FWD variant.
However, this shouldn’t be a concern because the Enyaq iV benefits from rapid charging, meaning you can charge it from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes.
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BMW iX
With the X5 being one of BMW's most popular SUV models, it would’ve been daft to not make an all-electric version to answer the calls for a German-built 4WD.
The BMW iX is the biggest rival to the Tesla Model X and puts up quite a fight when you look at the stats.
All model variants get a pair of electric motors that work together using BMW’s clever xDrive system.
They produce between 330hp and 620hp depending on the model you opt for, and BMW claims it has an official range of 380 miles along with the ability to fast charge between 10% and 80% in around 30 minutes – giving something for Tesla to sweat about.
Plus, there are plenty of used BMW models available at a much cheaper price point that brand-new.
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Audi e-tron
Following the success of the Q3 and Q5 SUVs, Audi decided to launch a fully-electric range of e-tron models to enter the electric vehicle market.
We’ve picked the standard e-tron because we think it offers everything from electric luxury to a genuinely brilliant four-wheel-drive system.
Despite its size, the e-tron is a quick car, and in its 55 Quattro variant, it can launch itself from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds.
This is all thanks to its electric motors, which produce 400hp and have a claimed range of up to 252 miles.
Buying a used Audi is a great way to save money on the cost of purchasing brand-new and you can often find great deals on higher spec models.
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Polestar 2
Sure, the Polestar 2 might be a small SUV, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t one of the Tesla Model 3’s main rivals.
The range-topping variant is powered by a pair of electric motors – one for each axle – that produce a combined 405hp, allowing it to launch itself from 0-62mph in less than five seconds. Who said SUVs had to be slow?
Once fully charged, the Polestar 2 is capable of travelling up to 298 miles and can then be recharged between 10% and 80% in around 30 minutes when plugged into a 150kW rapid charger.
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Ford Mustang Mach-E
The traditional Mustang name is tied to a RWD, V8-powered muscle car, but its meaning has shifted slightly since the release of the Mach-E.
Now, the Mustang name applies to an all-electric family SUV that’s packed full of technology and a cracking four-wheel drive system.
There are 4WD Mach-E models across the range, including the standard and extended-range models, offering 248 and 335 miles respectively.
But if you like speed and power, then a used Ford Mustang Mach-E GT is the one to go for, because its 4WD setup offers 486hp and a 0-62mph time of 3.7 seconds.
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Jaguar I-Pace
If sitting in luxury is your thing, then an might be the one for you. Not only is it one of the comfiest and most fancy electric cars on sale today, but the I-Pace is also one of the best handling cars too.
This is partly down to its superb four-wheel-drive system, which comprises an electric motor at each wheel.
This means the Jaguar I-Pace is not afraid of loose or greasy surfaces, and it also means its 0-62mph time is a staggering 4.5 seconds... in a 2.2-tonne SUV!
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Porsche Taycan
Pretty much every Taycan is available with four-wheel drive, bar a few entry-level models, so we thought this deserved a mention on this list.
Available in both saloon and estate form, four-wheel drive versions of the Porsche Taycan are seriously impressive.
Whether you opt for the 4S or range-topping GTS Sport Turismo and Turbo models, you won’t be let down by its performance and striking looks.
The most powerful variant is the Taycan Turbo S, which produces 761hp and can launch itself from 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds. That’s almost as quick as a Bugatti Veyron.
BMW iX: First drive
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Tesla Model Y
If you find the Model X too large or you aren’t a fan of the ‘falcon wing’ doors, then perhaps the smaller Model Y is the Tesla for you.
Not only does it have as much inside tech as its bigger brother, but the Model Y also has a very impressive overall range and dual motor setup.
The 4WD variants are found in the Long Range and Performance trim levels – each offering 331 miles and 319 miles of range respectively.
The Model Y is quick too, with a 0-60mph time of 3.5 seconds in its sportiest trim.
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Hyundai IONIQ 5
If you’ve considered buying a Tesla, then it’s highly likely a Hyundai IONIQ 5 has also popped up on your radar during the search.
This is one of the best new electric cars out there, offering everything you could ever want from an all-electric family car.
This Hyundai has a great 4WD system that pushes all 320hp through all four wheels, while still getting around 300 miles of range on a single charge.
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Tesla Model X
No 4WD electric car list would be complete without a mention of the Tesla Model X. This is the largest car the American car brand makes, and it also has some excellent perks.
These include its falcon wing doors to make it easier to get in and out of tight spaces, its long range, masses of tech, and excellent dual motor setup.
There are just two different trim levels: Standard and Plaid. The ordinary dual motor Model X can travel up to 348 miles on a single charge, while the tri-motor Plaid can go 333 miles.
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