Electric Titans Dominate Towcar of the Year Awards
The automotive industry has witnessed a remarkable shift towards electrification, and this trend has now extended to the world of towing. The 42nd annual Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year Awards have showcased the remarkable capabilities of all-electric models, with several category wins and the overall Towcar of the Year title going to these eco-friendly powerhouses.Electrifying Towing Prowess
BMW i5: A Luxury Towing Titan
The BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport Pro Touring has emerged as a true standout in the towing world, securing three prestigious awards at the Towcar of the Year event. Winning the 1500kg–1600kg caravan weight category, the i5 was also named the best luxury towcar and the overall best electric towcar.The judges were thoroughly impressed with the i5's exceptional towing capabilities, praising its "luxurious estate car" design and "wonderful blend of desirable features." As one of the few all-electric estate cars on the market, the i5 Touring offers a unique combination of practicality and environmental responsibility. With a maximum claimed range of 344 miles without a caravan in tow, the i5 demonstrates the impressive advancements in electric vehicle technology.
Hyundai Ioniq 5: A Versatile Towing Companion
In the 1600kg–1700kg weight category, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 emerged victorious, showcasing its versatility and towing prowess. The judges were particularly impressed with the Ioniq 5's smooth performance, super-fast charging capability, and refined driving dynamics. As a spacious and practical electric vehicle, the Ioniq 5 offers a compelling package for caravanners seeking a capable and eco-friendly towing solution.The latest iteration of the Ioniq 5 boasts an impressive 84kWh battery, providing a claimed maximum range of 354 miles in the rear-drive version. Additionally, the car's unique design and recent visual tweaks have further enhanced its appeal, making it a standout choice in the towing market.
Volkswagen ID.7: A Luxurious Electric Towing Option
The Volkswagen ID.7 Match Pro took the win in the 1200kg weight category, impressing the judges with its spacious interior, generous boot space, and supple ride quality. Described as feeling "more like a Mercedes than many Mercedes models," the ID.7 is a strong competitor to the Tesla Model 3, offering a luxurious and comfortable towing experience.With a claimed range of up to 436 miles without a caravan, the ID.7 showcases the impressive advancements in Volkswagen's electric vehicle technology. The judges praised the car's overall capabilities, and recent leasing deals have made the ID.7 an even more attractive proposition for caravanners seeking a premium electric towing solution.
Volvo XC60 T6 Plug-in Hybrid: The Discerning Caravanner's Choice
Topping the Towcar of the Year podium was the Volvo XC60 T6 Plug-in Hybrid. This versatile SUV can drive up to 49 miles on pure electric power, and when the battery is depleted, it seamlessly transitions to a full hybrid mode, utilizing both the petrol engine and the battery to provide a smooth and efficient towing experience.The judges were unanimous in their praise for the Volvo XC60, describing it as "an impressive car, luxurious, practical and just exuding 'cool'." They recognized the XC60 as an "excellent towcar for the discerning caravanner," highlighting its impressive combination of luxury, practicality, and towing capabilities.The Towcar of the Year Awards have clearly demonstrated the growing dominance of electric and hybrid models in the towing industry. These award-winning vehicles showcase the remarkable advancements in electric vehicle technology, offering caravanners a range of eco-friendly and capable towing options that cater to their diverse needs and preferences.
