There is a vast array of electric vehicles available today, ranging from compact city cars to spacious SUVs, saloons to coupés. Fortunately, this means there is also a considerable selection of electric cars suited to families, though identifying the finest option requires a discerning eye.

With this in mind, a team of journalists from Autocar have compiled a ranking of the best family electric cars, with two of the top three hailing from the same manufacturer, reports the Mirror.

Topping their list was the BMW iX, which the reviewers praised for its “near-faultless” handling and ride quality. They were equally impressed by its competitive pricing and impressive range.

On the downside, the reviewers noted its insufficient efficiency, “divisive” styling and an infuriating user interface.

The car carries a steep starting price of £75,000, yet the team wrote: “Offering excellent all-around ability, the iX combines generous SUV-level cabin comfort and versatility with a genuinely relaxing and understated luxury ambience.”

Claiming second place behind the iX was the Volkswagen ID 7 electric saloon. Priced from approximately £52,000, the ID 7 earned plaudits for its outstanding ride comfort, being amongst “the most practical in its class” and its effortless driveability.

Its shortcomings were identified as a cumbersome infotainment interface and a lack of driving engagement. Regarding the ID 7, Autocar’s reviewers concluded: “The Volkswagen ID 7 is the German giant’s first electric saloon and estate.

“Think Volkswagen Arteon, but built for the electric age….Further appeal comes in the form of its class-leading ride comfort and competitive driving range. Rear space is limousine-esque.”

Rounding off the top three was the BMW iX3. With prices starting from around £65,000, the 2026 Top Gear Car of the Year was praised for representing a significant technological advancement, offering an engaging driving experience and boasting attractive styling.

However, the actual ride quality was flagged as a drawback, as was the cabin layout, which was described as “complex, and potentially distracting”. On the plus side, the interior offers generous storage options and a sizeable boot.

The iX3 has not only caught the attention of Top Gear and Autocar, but also the Mirror, with Reach Plc motoring correspondent Christopher Sharp attending the model’s UK launch earlier this year.

Sharing his thoughts on the car, Christopher was equally full of praise for its handling, remarking: “The laws of physics should dictate that a 2.3-tonne electric SUV shouldn’t handle well, but the BMW does. A bit like rivals Audi, it manages to communicate effectively and with nuance through the seat, steering and pedals.

“You can genuinely thread your way along a road with confidence that you know what each corner is doing, and that’s before you get to the regenerative braking…. If the rest of BMW’s Neue Klasse cars are in anyway like it then there is hope for motoring joy in an increasingly electrified world.”