The BMW 530e Touring,a £62,000 plug‑in hybrid estate, was named Tow Car of the Year 2026, highlighting a growing preference for hybrid powertrains among caravan enthusiasts. Experts say the model’s 59‑mile electric‑only range and zero‑emission towing capability make it a more attractive choice than traditional diesel or fully electric alternatives.

BMW 530e Touring’s electric‑only range reshapes towing expectations

The award‑winning BMW can tow while running solely on electric power for up to 59 miles, according to the Tow Car Awards briefing.. This capability lets owners travel short holiday legs without any exhaust emissions, a feature that previously belonged only to pure‑electric models with limited range.

Industry analysts note that the hybrid’s dual‑mode system offers the flexibility of diesel‑like torque when needed, while still delivering the environmental benefits of an electric‑only stint . As a result, the 530e is being positioned as a “best‑of‑both‑worlds” solution for families who need long‑haul capability without sacrificing sustainability.

Hybrid surge eclipses diesel dominance in the 2026 awards

Only six of the 2026 contenders relied on diesel engines, and three of those featured mild‑hybrid assistance, according to the award organizers. The Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 4x4 was the sole diesel model to secure a trophy , underscoring a rapid decline in diesel’s once‑unquestioned supremacy for towing.

Commentators from the caravan sector point to rising fuel taxes and stricter emissions standards as drivers of this shift. The hybrid surge is also reflected in the award’s other winners, such as the Volkswagen T‑Roc eTSI 150PS mild‑hybrid and the Kia Sportage HEV AWD, both recognized for their towing prowess.

Used‑car market gets a hybrid boost with Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid earned the Used Tow Car of the Year title, offering a more affordable entry point into hybrid towing. Priced below the BMW’s premium, the Santa Fe still delivers comparable torque and a respectable electric‑only range,making it appealing to budget‑conscious caravanners.

Dealers report a spike in demand for used hybrids, citing lower running costs and the appeal of lower emissions in low‑traffic holiday destinations. This trend could reshape resale values for older diesel models, which may see depreciation accelerate as buyers chase greener alternatives.

Who’s still missing from the hybrid towing conversation?

The awards did not name any fully electric vehicle as a top contender, despite several manufacturers touting EVs with towing packages. It remains unclear whether range‑anxiety or payload limitations kept pure‑electric models off the shortlist.

Additionally, the report does not disclose how many units of each winning model have been sold to caravanners since the awards, leaving a gap in understanding the real‑world impact of the hybrid shift.

According to the Tow Car Awards organizers, the hybrid trend is expected to continue as emissions regulations tighten across Europe. As more manufacturers introduce plug‑in hybrids with higher electric ranges, the balance between diesel, hybrid, and electric towing solutions will likely evolve further.