Top 5 best electric sports cars 2023

Electric cars have come a long way in a relatively short space of time. Similar gains in petrol-car performance, reliability, and general user-friendliness, took decades. In just a few years, EVs have gone from compromised second-car syndrome, to credible long-distance tourers.

But a few areas of the electric-car market remain somewhat understocked. Ultimately, manufacturers are first funding segments with high returns – family cars and SUVs, for example – before eventually turning their attention to areas such as sports cars and hot hatchbacks.

And yet, a handful of car makers are now starting to dip their toes in the water. Our list of the best electric sports cars may not be brimming with conventional coupes and convertibles, but these four-door family cars are just as good to drive – not to mention, even faster – than their petrol equivalents. 

So don’t be put off by the fact they’ve got five seats or a big boot, our rundown showcases the very best electric sports cars currently on sale. Oh, and if you’re not quite ready for an EV, then be sure to check out our list of the best hybrid sports cars first.

1​​. Porsche Taycan

It should come as little surprise to see a Porsche at the top of our Best Electric Sports Cars list. The maker has been building some of the finest petrol-powered models for decades, and it struck the bullseye once again with its first EV.

While some may argue the definition of a sports car, don’t be put off by the fact the Porsche Taycan is a four-door, four-seater saloon – it handles just as you’d expect, and is incredibly engaging on any road. In its most powerful form – top-spec Turbo S – the Taycan can cover 0-62mph in just 2.8 seconds on its way to a dizzying top speed of 161mph. 

How? Two motors that combine to produce 751bhp in 'overboost' mode – especially impressive given that the Taycan weighs in excess of two tonnes. All the more impressive, when you consider you can also buy your electric Porsche with an SUV-style raised ride height and a big boot. 

Read our full Porsche Taycan review to find out more.

2. Kia EV6 GT

While the Porsche is our current undisputed electric sports car champion, we’d bet you didn’t expect to find a Kia propping it up in second spot? And yet, with the help of some of the greatest engineering brains in the business, Kia has managed to create one of the most entertaining electric cars on the market.

The standard Kia EV6 paved the way for the next generation of Kia's electric cars and immediately made a solid impression thanks to its strong range, overall sense of quality and composed driving experience. The standard EV6 is no slouch, but the GT takes the sporting aspect to the next level. 

Its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup delivers 577bhp, which results in a 0-62mph time of just 3.5 seconds and top speed of 161mph. The mechanically-similar Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is due before the end of 2023, though if the rumours are anything to go by, it might get even more power than its Kia counterpart… 

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Read our full Kia EV6 GT review to find out more.

3. BMW i4 M50

If you’re sensing something of a trend for four-door rocketships here, that’s no coincidence. Understandably, the market for fast family cars is more extensive than it is for sleek two-seaters, and manufacturers know that. As such, many are shovelling R&D funds into models that can double as practical hatchbacks; the coupe and convertible equivalents will come later down the line.

And yet, the latest BMW i4 feels every bit as entertaining as the petrol-powered 3 Series and 4 Series models. With 527bhp and 795Nm of torque, the M50 sprints from 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds, and thanks to its dual motors and typical BMW driving dynamics, more than justifies its M-car badging. It should be easy to live with, thanks to a big 470-litre boot and large 81kWh battery capable of – BMW says – up to 318 miles of range. 

Read our full BMW i4 review to find out more.

4. Audi e-tron GT

The Audi e-tron GT is the brand’s alternative to the Porsche Taycan – and it’s a close rival, since the two cars share a platform and plenty of parts. The only real reason it sits further down this list is down to choice: the Porsche offers multiple battery and motor options, plus three distinct body styles.

The Audi is only available as a four-door saloon, in e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT guises – with the latter boasting 590bhp and the ability to accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.3 seconds. Technology such as four-wheel steering and adaptive suspension means it handles well, with very little body lean and loads of grip. Plus it’s comfortable over bumps even in the stiffer Dynamic driving mode. Plush and luxurious, but great to drive on a twisty road, the e-tron is an impressive all-rounder. 

Read our full Audi e-tron GT review to find out more.

5. Tesla Model 3 Performance

If we had our way, we’d have included the flagship Tesla Model S Plaid in this list, but as it stands, you can’t officially order one in the UK. So the next best must do: the Tesla Model 3 Performance is nothing short of a rocketship, with over 500bhp it’ll accelerate from 0-62mph in just 3.1 seconds.

While the Model 3’s far from sloppy, there’s no avoiding the fact a BMW i4 is more fun to drive. But you’ll likely never tire of the Tesla’s straight-line speed; it’s a truly addictive driving experience, only strengthened by the sci-fi-style cabin and clever tech. 

Read our full Tesla Model 3 review to find out more.

Top 5 best electric sports cars

1. Porsche Taycan
2. Kia EV6 GT
3. BMW i4
4. Audi e-tron GT
5. Tesla Model 3