The Best-Looking Electric Cars You Can Lease in 2025
The electric vehicle revolution isn't just about sustainability and performance - it's also transforming automotive design. Freed from the constraints of internal combustion engines, designers are reimagining what cars can look like, creating some of the most striking vehicles ever to grace UK roads.
To determine which EVs truly stand out, we conducted an internal survey among The Electric Car Scheme employees, asking them to rank their top picks for the best-looking electric cars currently available in the UK. The results showcase a mixture of great looks, innovative tech, and top performance.
Our rankings consider several design elements:
Design innovation and distinctiveness
Aerodynamic efficiency
Interior aesthetics and materials
Lighting design and signature elements
Overall brand design language
Available colour options and customisation
To top it off, these cars are more accessible than you might think, thanks to our salary sacrifice scheme. Electric car salary sacrifice makes it possible to drive a premium EV while enjoying substantial savings.
Key Insights
Car designers are reimagining the way cars look, with the elimination of traditional grilles, and creative lighting signatures that serve as brand identifiers.
The top-ranked electric vehicles combine striking design with impressive performance capabilities. For example, the Lotus Eletre R delivers 905 horsepower with 0-60mph in 2.95 seconds, while even more affordable options like the MG Cyberster offer 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds.
Design elements like flush door handles, smooth silhouettes, and innovative airflow management aren't just aesthetic choices - they meaningfully extend vehicle range by improving aerodynamic efficiency, directly impacting performance.
The Top 10 Best Looking Electric Cars
Our Best Looking EV: Lotus Eletre
The Lotus Eletre represents a dramatic departure for the British sports car manufacturer, blending supercar DNA into an electric SUV with spectacular results. Its aggressive stance and "porous" aerodynamic design create a vehicle that looks fast even when standing still.
Design highlights:
Distinctive "porous" bodywork that allows air to flow through rather than around the vehicle
Ultra-slim LED lighting signature that emphasises the car's width
Active front grille that opens only when cooling is required
Floating C-pillar design that enhances the coupe-like silhouette
Lotus Design Director Ben Payne describes the Eletre as "a dramatic, progressive, and exotic piece of design that conveys emotion and breathes Lotus at every surface."
With up to 905 horsepower in the R variant and 0-60mph in just 2.95 seconds, the Eletre's performance matches its dramatic appearance.
Monthly cost through salary sacrifice: From £1258 per month (potential savings of £700+ compared to a personal lease)
The Runner-Up: Porsche Macan Electric
The all-electric Macan retains Porsche's distinctive design while embracing the possibilities of its new powertrain. The result is a well-proportioned crossover that combines sportiness and performance with practical everyday utility.
Design highlights:
Classic Porsche silhouette with a gently sloping roofline
Distinctive four-point LED headlights and full-width rear light bar
Frameless doors that enhance the clean side profile
Flush door handles that improve aerodynamics
Michael Mauer, Head of Style Porsche, notes that "the all-electric Macan is instantly recognisable as a Porsche, yet it demonstrates how we can take our design language forward in the electric era."
With up to 639 horsepower in the Turbo variant and a 0-62mph time of just 3.3 seconds, the Macan Electric delivers some of the best performance on the market.
Monthly cost through salary sacrifice: From £842 per month (potential savings of £450+ compared to a personal lease)
Third Place: MG Cyberster
Still waiting for the electric Mazda MX-5? Cue: The MG Cyberster. This convertible brings electric sports car thrills to the mass market with its striking roadster design. Staying true to MG's heritage, whilst being unafraid to make bold design choices - this car combines performance with a relatively affordable price tag for the segment.
Design highlights:
Classic long-bonnet, short-rear roadster proportions
Scissor doors give it that quintessential sports car feel
Kamm tail rear with distinctive lighting elements as well as arrow-shaped headlights
Dual cowls behind the seats recall classic British sports cars
Carl Gotham, Advanced Design Director at SAIC Design Advanced London, states: "The Cyberster pays homage to MG's tradition of fun sports cars while being thoroughly modern in execution."
With 335 horsepower and a 0-62mph time of 3.8 seconds, the Cyberster offers impressive performance at its price point.
Monthly cost through salary sacrifice: From £723 per month (potential savings of £380+ compared to a personal lease)
Other Great Looking EVs
With an ever-increasing amount of new electric cars hitting the UK market, there are plenty of good-looking cars to choose from - with our team coming up with a massive list of options suited to every taste, budget, and need. In no particular order, here is the best of the rest!
If you are looking for a specific car - get on over to our quote tool and browse our wide selection. The Electric Car Scheme has EVs for every taste and budget.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 - Hatchback Proportions with Retro Modern Lines
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 reimagines retro design cues through an ultra-modern lens. Its parametric pixel lighting, sharp angles, and hatchback silhouette create one of the most distinctive-looking EVs on the road.
Design highlights:
Parametric pixel LED lighting elements front and rear
Clamshell hood that minimises panel gaps
20-inch geometric pattern wheels
Solar roof option which includes extended range, and improved tech
SangYup Lee, Head of Hyundai Global Design Center, describes the Ioniq 5 as "a design that doesn't compromise between form and function, offering both visual excitement and day-to-day practicality."
With up to 321 horsepower and a range of 315 miles, the Ioniq 5 backs up its looks with solid performance.
Monthly cost through salary sacrifice: From £370 per month (potential savings of £170+ compared to a personal lease)
Renault 5 E-Tech - The Modern Classic
The Renault 5 E-Tech reimagines the iconic hatchback for the electric age. Its retro-futuristic design combines nostalgic elements with forward-thinking details, creating a characterful urban EV with universal appeal.
Design highlights:
Faithful reinterpretation of the original R5's silhouette with modern proportions
Illuminated number "5" within the front logo
Distinctive bonnet vents that house the charging indicator
LED daytime running lights that echo the fog lights of the original R5
Available in vibrant, eye-catching colours, with graphic paint options in higher specs
Gilles Vidal, Renault Design Director, notes: "The R5 is not retro-design but a modern reinterpretation. We've kept the fun, anti-conformist personality and added a touch of mischief."
With 152 horsepower in its top specification and a range of up to 248 miles, the Renault 5 E-Tech offers brisk acceleration with good performance for both urban environments and motorway driving.
Monthly cost through salary sacrifice: From £269 per month (potential savings of £145+ compared to a personal lease)
BYD Seal - The Tesla Challenger
The BYD Seal demonstrates how Chinese manufacturers are rapidly advancing in design sophistication. This sleek four-door fastback combines racy proportions with innovative aerodynamic elements to create a genuine Tesla challenger.
Design highlights:
Coupe-like silhouette with a smoothly integrated rear spoiler
Front "ocean face" grille treatment that improves aerodynamics
Flush door handles that enhance the clean side profile
Full-width LED light bar with a dynamic welcome sequence
Wolfgang Egger, BYD's Global Design Director and former Audi design chief, describes the Seal as "embodying the rhythm and power of a leaping ocean wave while delivering exceptional aerodynamic performance."
With up to 523 horsepower in dual-motor form and a 0-62mph time of just 3.8 seconds, the Seal delivers impressive performance metrics.
Monthly cost through salary sacrifice: From £386 per month (potential savings of £170+ compared to a personal lease)
Polestar 4 - The Best Looking SUV
According to this article - we already know that the Lotus Electre is, in fact, the best-looking SUV, but one more won’t hurt since it is the Polestar 4. Combining SUV practicality with coupe styling, this EV presents a distinctive package that embodies the brand's minimalist Scandinavian design philosophy. Its most controversial feature - the absence of a rear window - signals a bold design direction.
Design highlights:
Sleek, aerodynamic silhouette with no rear window (using a camera system instead)
Distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights in a new, more horizontal orientation
Smart Glass roof that can transition from clear to opaque
Flush door handles and minimal panel gaps
Illuminated Polestar emblem that reflects in the sculpted bonnet
Maximilian Missoni, Polestar's Head of Design, explains: "By removing the rear window, we created new opportunities for design expression and aerodynamic efficiency that weren't previously possible."
With up to 544 horsepower in the dual-motor version and a 0-62mph time of 3.8 seconds, the Polestar 4 has the performance to match its progressive design.
Monthly cost through salary sacrifice: From £476 per month (potential savings of £200+ compared to a personal lease)
Renault Scenic E-Tech - A Family Car
The reinvented Scenic demonstrates how family-friendly vehicles needn't compromise on style. This electric crossover maintains practicality while incorporating distinctive design elements that set it apart from conventional family cars.
Design highlights:
A modern reinterpretation of the pioneering MPV now as a crossover
Distinctive split-level headlight design
Illuminated Renault logo that animates when approaching the vehicle
Aerodynamic 20-inch wheels with unique bi-colour treatment
Contrasting roof options that enhance the vehicle's visual appeal
Laurens van den Acker, EVP of Renault Group Design, states: "The Scenic E-Tech represents our vision for the future of family mobility—combining space and functionality with emotional design."
With 220 horsepower and a substantial 379-mile range, the Scenic E-Tech offers practical performance for family needs.
Monthly cost through salary sacrifice: From £337 per month (potential savings of £155+ compared to a personal lease)
Design Trends in Modern EVs
The cars on our list showcase several important design trends that are shaping how cars look.
The shift away from traditional grilles
Without needing to cool internal combustion engines, designers are reimagining front ends with distinctive closed panels, light signatures, and brand identifiers.
Reimagined lighting
LED technology allows more creative lighting designs that serve as crucial brand identifiers in the absence of traditional grilles.
Aerodynamic considerations
The pursuit of maximum range has made aerodynamics key, resulting in smooth silhouettes, flush door handles, and innovative airflow management.
Sustainable interior materials
Recycled fabrics, plant-based leathers, and reclaimed woods are transforming cabin designs while aligning with the environmental ethos of electric mobility.
Digital interfaces replacing physical controls
Minimalist interiors with large screens and few physical buttons create a tech-forward aesthetic that complements the vehicles' cutting-edge powertrains.
How Design Affects Performance
Beyond pure aesthetics, the design elements in modern EVs serve crucial functional purposes.
Aerodynamic efficiency directly impacts range, with sleeker vehicles able to travel further on a single charge. The aerodynamic improvements in vehicles like the Lotus Eletre and BYD Seal aren't just for show - they meaningfully extend these vehicles' capabilities.
Weight distribution affects handling and performance. With batteries typically mounted low in the chassis, EVs can offer exceptional cornering ability and stability despite their often substantial weight.
Thermal management considerations influence design, with cooling systems for batteries and motors requiring careful integration into the overall aesthetic.
The best EV designs, like those featured in our list, achieve a perfect balance between form and function - looking spectacular while maximising performance and efficiency.
Making Stylish EVs Affordable Through Salary Sacrifice
While the vehicles on our list represent the pinnacle of electric vehicle design, they're more accessible than you might think thanks to salary sacrifice providers, like The Electric Car Scheme.
Salary sacrifice allows employees to lease a brand-new electric car through their employer, with payments taken from their gross salary before tax and National Insurance. This approach can deliver savings of 20-50% compared to a personal lease or PCP arrangement.
For example, the Porsche Macan Electric, which would typically cost over £1,200 per month on a personal lease, is available through salary sacrifice from around £842 per month—a substantial saving on a truly premium vehicle.
The process is straightforward:
Check if your employer is already registered with The Electric Car Scheme
If not, suggest they sign up (there's no cost to the employer)
Once registered, browse available vehicles and select your preferred model
Complete a simple application process
Receive your new electric car, complete with maintenance and breakdown cover. We can also bundle in fully comprehensive insurance and EV charger installation!
Ready to Make the Switch?
From the sculpted surfaces of the Lotus Eletre to the retro-futuristic charm of the Renault 5 E-Tech, today's electric cars prove that environmental consciousness and head-turning aesthetics can coexist to create a new generation of brilliantly styled cars.
Through salary sacrifice schemes like The Electric Car Scheme, the best-looking cars are more accessible than ever - allowing more drivers to experience the future of mobility without compromising on style or breaking the bank.
Ready to put one of these design statements on your driveway? Browse our range of EVs today.
