Finding a spacious, all-electric vehicle that doesn’t break the bank has historically been a challenge for large families. However, as we move through 2026, the market has finally caught up with demand. While luxury flagships like the Volvo EX90 or the Kia EV9 often grab the headlines with prices soaring past £75,000, there is a new “sweet spot” in the market.
For families with a budget capped at £60,000, the options are more diverse and capable than ever before. From retro-styled MPVs to tech-heavy compact SUVs, here are the best 7-seater electric SUVs for families under £60k.
1. Hyundai Ioniq 9 (Standard Range)
Starting Price: ~£57,575
Best For: Sumptuous comfort and ultra-fast charging.
The newly released Hyundai Ioniq 9 is the cousin to the award-winning Kia EV9 but carries a slightly more approachable entry price for the standard-range model. Built on the E-GMP platform, it features an 800V architecture that allows you to charge from 10% to 80% in about 24 minutes.
- Family Perks: The interior is designed as a “living space” with a completely flat floor, making it easy for kids to move between rows.
- Third-Row Verdict: Unlike many “5+2” SUVs, the Ioniq 9 offers genuine legroom for adults in the third row, making it a “proper” seven-seater.
2. Tesla Model Y (7-Seat Configuration)
Starting Price: ~£54,000 (with 7-seat option)
Best For: Access to the Supercharger network and class-leading tech.
Late in 2024, Tesla finally brought the 7-seat layout to the UK for the Model Y Long Range AWD. For families, this remains the most technologically advanced choice. With the 2025 “Juniper” refresh now fully bedded in, the car is quieter and more refined than ever.
- Family Perks: The Tesla app remains the gold standard for controlling climate and monitoring charging. Plus, the front trunk (frunk) provides extra storage for charging cables or groceries.
- Third-Row Verdict: The rear seats are tight and best reserved for children or short trips for teenagers. However, the ability to fold all seats flat creates a cavernous 2,158 litres of storage.
3. Volkswagen ID. Buzz (LWB 7-Seater)
Starting Price: ~£59,000
Best For: Families who want personality and maximum headroom.
The Long Wheelbase (LWB) version of the ID. Buzz finally brings seven seats to the most recognizable EV on the road. It isn’t just a van with windows; it’s a dedicated family cruiser with a massive panoramic sunroof and a 293-mile range in its latest 2026 iteration.
- Family Perks: Sliding rear doors are a godsend in tight UK supermarket parking bays. No more worrying about kids dinging the car next door.
- Third-Row Verdict: Excellent. Because of its boxy shape, headroom in the third row is better than any SUV on this list.
4. Mercedes-Benz EQB
Starting Price: ~£52,800
Best For: Premium badge appeal in a compact footprint.
If you need seven seats but don’t want a “tank” that is hard to park, the Mercedes EQB is the ideal middle ground. It offers the luxury expected of the Silver Star but fits comfortably into standard UK driveways.
- Family Perks: It features up to five ISOFIX points, meaning you can safely secure multiple car seats across the second and third rows.
- Third-Row Verdict: Mercedes explicitly states the third row is for people up to 5’4″ (1.65m). It’s perfect for the primary school run but less so for a family of basketball players.
5. Peugeot E-5008
Starting Price: ~£48,000
Best For: Massive range and French style.
The Peugeot E-5008 is a sleeper hit in the 2026 market. It offers a staggering range (up to 410 miles on the long-range version, though the standard-range model fits comfortably under the £50k mark). The “Panoramic i-Cockpit” makes the driver feel like they are in a spaceship.
- Family Perks: The middle row consists of three individual seats, meaning no one has to sit on a “hump” in the middle.
- Third-Row Verdict: Surprisingly spacious. Access is made easier by a clever “tilt and slide” mechanism on the second-row seats.
6. BYD Tang
Starting Price: ~£55,000
Best For: High-end features included as standard.
The BYD Tang has made major waves in the UK by offering a “luxury-only” specification. Unlike German rivals where you pay extra for every feature, the Tang comes with a rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen, heated/ventilated seats, and a premium sound system as standard.
- Family Perks: The “Blade Battery” technology is touted as one of the safest in the world, providing peace of mind for parents concerned about thermal stability.
- Third-Row Verdict: Respectable. It’s a large SUV, so the third row is usable for adults on medium-length journeys.
7. Citroën ë-SpaceTourer
Starting Price: ~£37,000
Best For: Budget-conscious families needing up to 9 seats.
While technically an MPV, the ë-SpaceTourer is the value king. If your family genuinely needs to carry seven people plus luggage, most SUVs fail. This vehicle excels. With the 2025 battery update, the range has improved to a more usable 217 miles.
- Family Perks: Space is the ultimate luxury. Even with all seats in use, you still have a usable boot.
- Third-Row Verdict: Best in class. It’s a van-based platform, so every seat is a “full-size” seat.
Comparison Table: 2026 Family 7-Seater EVs
| Model | Approx. Price | Est. Range | Max Boot Space |
| Hyundai Ioniq 9 | £57,575 | 320 miles | 1,880 L |
| Tesla Model Y | £54,000 | 331 miles | 2,158 L |
| VW ID. Buzz LWB | £59,000 | 293 miles | 2,469 L |
| Peugeot E-5008 | £48,000 | 311 miles | 1,815 L |
| Mercedes EQB | £52,800 | 250 miles | 1,620 L |
Which one should you choose?
- For the tech-savvy: The Tesla Model Y remains unbeatable for its charging infrastructure and software.
- For the “Big Kids”: The VW ID. Buzz or Hyundai Ioniq 9 offer the most generous third-row space for growing teenagers.
- For the Budget: The Peugeot E-5008 offers the best balance of range, style, and price under £50k.
The days of needing to spend £100,000 to move a family of seven without petrol are officially over. In 2026, the sub-£60k market is the most competitive it has ever been.
