With December’s arrival, meteorologically speaking, Autumn has ended and Winter is officially here. As the colder weather sets in, it’s a good time to consider switching to your winter wheels. While our country doesn't experience the severe weather that some others do, it's always reassuring to know you're prepared in case of an unexpected snow flurry when it’s time to head to work.
To help with this, we’ve put together a guide to the best winter cars—vehicles that will keep going when the weather wants you to stay home. This time, we've included a mix of options: some more rugged for those seeking adventure in harsher conditions, and others more practical, depending on your budget and how far you plan to venture in winter's unpredictable weather.
SUV’s
When it comes to winter driving, an SUV is often the go-to choice. But if you’re going to go for an SUV, you might as well choose one that stands out—not only in terms of performance but also in what it can do. It’s important to pick an SUV that won’t struggle with a bit of slush when the winter weather hits. With that in mind, we've selected an SUV that delivers excitement no matter the season—one that can tackle even the harshest conditions, all while maintaining a stylish and luxurious appeal.
Lamborghini Urus
Some would argue that the Lamborghini Urus is the ultimate "one-car garage." It combines practicality, luxury, advanced technology, and enough space to seat 4 or 5 passengers. But what truly sets it apart is its performance. Powered by a 4.0-liter turbocharged V8, it can outpace many sports and supercars with ease. Known as the first "super sports utility vehicle," the Urus defies expectations, offering supercar-like handling despite its high stance and added weight. Alongside the standard Urus S, Lamborghini also offers the more performance-focused Urus Performante and the upcoming Urus SE, the brand’s first hybrid model. And despite its hybrid nature, the Urus SE is far from being a fuel economy-focused vehicle—it delivers nearly 800 horsepower from its combined 4.0-litre V8 and electric motor setup.
But what does all this mean for winter driving? Lamborghini has made sure the Urus is as capable as it is thrilling, equipping it with dedicated driving modes for various conditions, including sand dunes (Sabbia), off-road terrain (Terra), and even snow and ice (Neve). The Urus isn’t just about speed; it’s designed to tackle tough conditions. Anyone who’s seen Jeremy Clarkson drive one up a ski slope on The Grand Tour knows that, even on road tires, the Urus handles these challenges with impressive skill.
While the Urus may be the ideal vehicle for nearly every situation, it also excels at retaining value. As we highlighted in our recent article on the Top 10 Slowest Depreciating Cars of 2024, the Urus is a standout in terms of residual value. Despite its £200,000+ price tag when new, it retains over 75% of its value after three years and 36,000 miles—few vehicles can match that kind of long-term worth.
Range Rover
For those seeking something more understated and refined, there's the iconic Range Rover. Renowned for its exceptional off-road capability and unparalleled luxury, the Range Rover ensures you’re more than equipped to handle whatever the weather throws at you. The latest model is a true masterpiece of comfort and sophistication. The Range Rover’s original ethos—off-roading in comfort and style—has never been more evident than in this latest iteration.
The Range Rover excels at creating a sense of refuge from the elements, whether you’re navigating through snowdrifts or stuck in traffic on a dreary, rainy day. Even the headrests are equipped with noise-canceling technology, ensuring a serene and peaceful cabin experience no matter the conditions outside. With the launch of the newest Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models, there are also some appealing deals on the used market for those who may not be ready to invest in a brand-new one. Thanks to the used car market stabilising to pre-Covid levels, you can currently find a 2021 Range Rover Autobiography with reasonable mileage for under £50,000, or a 3-year-old Range Rover Vogue for just over £40,000. Meanwhile, a similarly aged Range Rover Sport starts from around £34,000.
Sports Cars
You might think sports cars are only for summer, or at best, spring, but there are a few models that let you enjoy the thrill of driving a sports car, even when the weather turns bad. While all-wheel-drive sports cars aren’t exactly new, those who value the added confidence and stability of extra grip can continue to drive them year-round with fewer concerns. What's more, some manufacturers have designed their sports cars to tackle terrains they really shouldn’t be able to handle. Take, for example, the first winter-ready sports car on our list.
Porsche 911 Dakar
A bold departure from Porsche’s traditional 911 lineup, the Porsche 911 Dakar takes inspiration from the legendary 911 Carrera 3.2 Paris-Dakar (953), which triumphed in the 1984 Dakar Rally. The 992 Dakar claims to be the world’s first sports car capable of tackling the extremes of off-roading. With the four-wheel-drive system borrowed from the Carrera 4 variants, stiffer mounts from the GT3, a raised ride height of up to 80mm, all-terrain tires, and more rugged styling, the 911 Dakar is equipped to handle just about any terrain. While it’s hard to imagine why you'd take your 911 off the road and pretend to be a rally driver, it's reassuring to know that you could if you wanted to.
The options list also takes the rugged theme further than expected, with extras like a roof basket with additional headlights, an extra fuel canister, recovery boards for soft sand, a folding spade for digging out of trouble, a roof tent, an activity duffle bag, and even graphics inspired by the original Paris-Dakar 911. Porsche has ensured the 911 Dakar is more than just a novelty—it's a legitimate off-roader for those serious about using it in tough conditions. While most may see it cruising through the streets of Kensington and Chelsea, it’s comforting to know that it’s ready to perform when the going gets rough. And if the 911 Dakar isn't enough of an unexpected twist for you, Lamborghini has similarly transformed their Huracán supercar into an off-road contender with the ‘Sterrato.’
Audi TT RS
The Audi TT may have been discontinued after selling over 600,000 units in more than 20 years of production, but fortunately, it has evolved into a highly accomplished sports car over time. The TT RS, with its nearly 400hp 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine, grabs the spotlight thanks to its rally-inspired soundtrack and blistering performance. But it's not just about speed—its stylish design, high-quality interior, comfort, and refinement are equally impressive. The "hairdresser's car" stereotype that the original TT sparked is long gone, and the TT RS leaves it in the dust with its aggressive engine and remarkable performance.
Equipped with Audi's legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system, the TT RS offers exceptional grip in any condition, while its luxurious interior provides a cocooned, protected feel, shielding you from the elements. When it comes to value for money, the TT RS is a true bargain, often outpacing cars that cost three or four times as much on twisty roads or even in a straight line. The five-cylinder engine was always expected to be a swan song for this generation of the TT, as stricter emission regulations and the ZEV Mandate meant it couldn’t continue. With the model now discontinued, buying one of the most enjoyable sports cars available today could also turn out to be a smart investment.
Convertibles
Just because summer is over doesn’t mean you have to give up the joy of driving with the roof down. Many people embrace crisp winter mornings in a convertible, bundled up in a hat, scarf, and coat—after all, that’s what heated seats are for. With features like 'Air Scarf' heated neck warmers, heated steering wheels, and even heated armrests in some cars, the idea of a winter convertible is no longer as outlandish as it once seemed.
Audi R8 Spider
For many, the Audi R8 is the ultimate everyday supercar. It’s comfortable, reliable, visually stunning, easy to drive, and boasts a V10 engine note that’s truly addictive. Opt for the R8 Spider, and you can enjoy even more of that incredible sound, often finding yourself lowering the roof regardless of the weather just to soak it all in. With so many turbocharged, hybrid, or electric cars on the market today, the R8’s howling engine noise becomes even more of a rare and cherished experience.
With its quattro all-wheel drive, renowned German craftsmanship, and exceptional reliability, there’s no need to tuck this supercar away when the colder months roll in. While many supercar owners reserve their cars for sunny, rain-free days—rare as they may be in this country—the R8 is designed to perform in all weather conditions, whether you’re using it daily or just on weekends. Sadly, due to the upcoming combustion engine ban and tighter regulations, Audi has confirmed there won’t be a successor to the R8. So, could now be the perfect time to grab one of the best-sounding engines money can buy before it’s gone for good?
Jaguar F-Type Convertible
Jaguar has already committed to becoming an all-electric brand, but their decision to pause car sales entirely for 2025, along with a major rebranding and the unveiling of a new luxury saloon, hasn't been met with much enthusiasm. While it's understandable that the company needs to reinvent itself for an electric future, Jaguar has taken a bolder approach than most, and for many of their loyal fans, it feels like a step too far. Whether this new direction will win over existing customers or attract new ones remains to be seen, but there’s still a long road ahead.
Thankfully, Jaguar's recent models remain some of the best in their history. If you're after a stylish, performance-driven car with a thrilling engine sound and all-wheel-drive capability—yet still want to stick to a more modest budget—the Jaguar F-Type Convertible is an excellent choice. Developed as the spiritual successor to the iconic E-Type, the F-Type may not have quite matched the same level of cultural impact, but it’s undeniably a stunning and capable sports car. While the mid-life refresh didn’t drastically change its design, that’s hardly a problem when the original car already looks as good as it does. If you can stretch to the F-Type R Convertible, which also features four-wheel drive, it’s a car that can perform all year round. Equipped with a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine delivering 567bhp, the F-Type R offers supercar speed, sports car agility, and saloon car comfort. With well-maintained models available from around £40k, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy plenty of thrills at a relatively reasonable price.
Hot Hatchbacks
Audi RS3
The Audi RS3 strikes a perfect balance between family-friendly practicality, Audi's signature refinement, cutting-edge technology, and blistering performance, thanks to its turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine that churns out nearly 400bhp, all while offering quattro all-wheel drive. The latest version is the best yet, with enough speed and power to leave some supercars in the dust, let alone rival hot hatches. But what truly sets it apart is the newfound sense of fun—something many recent performance Audis have lacked. With sharper handling, the unmistakable burble of that five-cylinder engine, and the addition of rear-wheel-drive 'Drift Mode,' the RS3 has found its playful side.
Inside, the RS3 is loaded with the latest tech and offers a level of comfort and luxury that few competitors can match in this segment. Though, frankly, you probably won’t care much about all of that when you switch it into RS Performance mode and feel the astonishing acceleration. Officially, the 0-62mph time is 3.8 seconds, but real-world tests have seen it clocked at 3.5 seconds or even faster. And all of this comes from a hatchback. With quattro all-wheel drive, the RS3 remains incredibly quick regardless of weather conditions, making it an absolute blast to drive in any season.
Toyota GR Yaris
If any car has truly come out of nowhere in recent years to exceed expectations, it’s the GR Yaris. Inspired by Toyota’s ‘Gazoo Racing’ world rally team, the GR Yaris harks back to the beloved homologation specials that manufacturers once produced in abundance for racing and rallying. This version boasts all-wheel drive, a wider track, a lowered roofline, reduced weight, a sophisticated suspension setup, and a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing up to 280bhp. In fact, it’s such a transformation that it feels worlds apart from the standard Yaris range.
The first-generation GR Yaris launched at a very reasonable £35,000, but the second generation has taken the driver appeal even further and is now priced around £45,000. With more power, tougher and more durable components, sharper styling, and interior tweaks designed to enhance the driving experience, the latest GR Yaris is even more focused on performance. There are even limited-edition rally-inspired versions, designed by Toyota’s WRC drivers, priced at £60,000. While that may seem steep for a small hot hatch, the GR Yaris remains one of the most exhilarating cars to drive, and with its adjustable four-wheel-drive system, it becomes even more thrilling when the weather turns. If you’ve ever dreamed of tackling your own rally stage—whether on tarmac, gravel, mud, or snow—the GR Yaris is the perfect car to live that fantasy.
Electric Cars
Electric cars have garnered some negative attention when it comes to winter driving. Cold temperatures can reduce battery efficiency, and the constant use of heated features can further drain the range, making it more challenging than in warmer months. However, with the growing variety of models available, there are now electric cars that deliver plenty of fun and capability, even when the winter weather hits.
Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
The Taycan's success for Porsche is no accident—it’s simply a true Porsche, and that’s a very good thing. There are no compromises "because it’s electric" and no sacrifices in handling that would tarnish the Porsche name. Aside from their exceptional SUVs, the Taycan has become Porsche’s best-selling model, with a range of options that cater to all types of drivers. The most adventurous and capable of these is the Taycan Cross Turismo. With its raised ride height, rugged styling, estate car practicality, and all-wheel drive, the Cross Turismo is the electric car for every occasion. Opt for the Turbo S version, and your Cross Turismo can outperform most supercars, with an overboost function delivering 750bhp and a blistering 0-62mph time of just 2.9 seconds.
With demand for some electric models recently cooling and the used car market stabilising, there’s now a healthy supply of Taycan models available, many at very reasonable prices. A three-year-old model can be found from around £50k, and for about £60k, you can snag a low-mileage Performance or Performance Plus version—offering extra range from the batteries—that originally started at over £90k, and closer to £100k once you added a few options.
Audi SQ8 E-tron
If you prefer the elevated driving position of an SUV in your electric vehicle, the Audi SQ8 E-Tron is an excellent choice. With a more dynamic setup than most electric SUVs, the SQ8 E-Tron is Audi’s electric counterpart to the popular SQ8 combustion model, combining performance, advanced technology, luxury, and efficiency in one package. Built at Audi's new carbon-neutral factory, it also boasts impressive eco-credentials. Equipped with Audi’s renowned quattro all-wheel drive system, the SQ8 E-Tron is more than capable of handling even the harshest British weather. With 500bhp from its electric motors and a range of up to 284 miles, it offers both thrilling performance and everyday practicality.
For those seeking an all-electric SUV that doesn’t require the higher performance of the 'S' version, a nearly-new, non-S Q8 E-Tron is available from just over £50k. It delivers the same refinement and technology Audi is known for, with a range of up to 290 miles. Thanks to rapid charging capabilities, it can reach 80% in just over 30 minutes, or gain 30 miles of range in just 4 minutes, making the Q8 E-Tron one of the most practical and usable all-electric SUVs on the market today.
Estate Cars
BMW M5 Touring
Fans of BMW’s flagship M5 Touring have had to wait 14 years for a new version, but the wait is finally over—and it’s well worth it. It’s puzzling why BMW let Audi and Mercedes-Benz dominate the performance estate market for so long, but they’re back with a vengeance. Like many modern performance cars, the new M5 Touring now features electric assistance, making it the most powerful M car ever. Equipped with a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 and electric power, the M5 Touring delivers a staggering 717bhp.
Of course, much has been said about the extra weight the hybrid system has added—around half a tonne more than the previous M5, putting it in the same weight class as a Bentley Continental GT and BMW's own X5 M. However, in terms of bhp per tonne, it actually matches the M3 Competition. Despite the added weight, the M5 Touring is still set to be one of the most in-demand estate cars on the market, much like the M3 Touring has been since its return.
With Audi's RS6 and Mercedes' E63/53 AMG yet to fully embrace the hybrid performance era, BMW has gone from being the only brand without a performance estate to the only one with a truly compelling offering. How long that dominance will last is unclear, but for now, the M5 Touring offers the perfect blend of supercar performance, SUV practicality, all-wheel drive, and up to 40 miles of electric-only range. It’s the estate car to be seen in this winter—and likely many more to come.
BMW 330e Touring xDrive
While the M5 and M3 Touring dominate the spotlight as BMW's flagship estate models, the 330e has quietly earned a reputation for being a truly capable all-rounder. Offering up to 60 miles of all-electric driving, an impressive claimed efficiency of over 300mpg, and nearly 300bhp from its hybrid drivetrain, the 330e combines power with exceptional practicality. Add to that the space, refinement, and cutting-edge technology BMW is known for, and the 330e becomes an incredibly appealing choice. In M Sport trim, it also boasts a sporty, stylish design that proves you don’t have to sacrifice looks for practicality in an estate.
With the xDrive all-wheel drive option, the 330e ensures you can transport the family and all their luggage, even when the weather takes a turn for the worse. While the M3 and M5 Touring models demonstrate that an estate can drive like a sports car, the 330e Touring strikes a perfect balance, making it the ultimate all-rounder. As the estate car enjoys a bit of a resurgence, it’s clear why BMW Touring models are so popular on the roads—offering much more than just ample space, they’re the ideal car for any situation.
Future Classics
Who says you can’t enjoy a future classic while navigating winter roads? Driving a car that handles winter conditions doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style, pedigree, or excitement. The following two models offer the perfect blend of winter-ready practicality, thrilling driving experience, and are well on their way to becoming future classics.
Ferrari FF
The Ferrari FF seamlessly blended the exotic performance of a Ferrari supercar with the practicality needed for a weekend skiing getaway. Long before the luxury SUV craze took over and Ferrari even considered creating something like the Purosangue, the FF was the ultimate combination of style and functionality. Paired with its successor, the GTC4 Lusso, the FF offered a 690bhp 6.2-litre V12 engine, a shooting-brake body style, and seating for four in supreme comfort—making it the perfect grand tourer with the space and versatility of an estate car.
Thanks to Ferrari's first-ever four-wheel-drive system, the FF (and the GTC4 Lusso) could take you to snow-covered peaks and keep performing once you arrived, all while delivering the unmistakable sound of a Ferrari V12. With their rarity and desirability, both the FF and GTC4 Lusso are destined to become future classics—especially considering their practicality, making them ideal for year-round use rather than just for sunny days. What more could you want from a car you can enjoy any time of year?
Lancia Delta HF Integrale
With six consecutive World Rally Championships under its belt, the Lancia Delta HF Integrale is more than equipped to handle a light dusting of snow or a bit of frost during a typical British winter. This iconic hot hatch from the late '80s and early '90s proved that hot hatches could conquer any terrain at speed, and since the days of the Impreza and Lancer Evo, the WRC has continued to embrace this formula.
Featuring four-wheel drive, a 200bhp turbocharged engine, and a legendary rally heritage, the HF Integrale is a highly sought-after and collectible car that only continues to rise in value. Offering genuine all-weather capability along with the practicality of a hatchback, it also boasts an undeniable retro cool factor and iconic status.
An Extreme Winter
But what if this winter brings a more intense "Beast from the East" than usual? What if we face an ice age-level chill compared to winters past? What car could you rely on to tackle it all? The following options are built for just those extreme moments.
Mercedes Benz G63 AMG 6×6
Originally designed for the Australian army, this 6-wheel-drive, twin-turbo V8 pickup is anything but subtle. Mercedes-Benz calls it "the most spectacular cross-country vehicle of all time," and they’re not exaggerating. A more rugged, extended version of the G63 AMG, the 6×6 is built to conquer any terrain — but it does so in absolute luxury. Inside, you'll find quilted leather, ambient lighting, climate-controlled seating, and all the creature comforts you could dream of.
But this beast isn’t just about looks. The 6×6 backs up its imposing presence with real performance. With five differentials, an onboard tire pressure control system, the ability to wade through a meter of water, and ground clearance half a meter higher than a standard G-Class thanks to a portal axle drive, it’s more than ready for any challenge. Powered by a 5.5-litre bi-turbo V8 engine producing 530bhp and 760Nm of torque, this vehicle is designed for extreme adventure — and extreme luxury. It’s not cheap, but if you need a vehicle that can go literally anywhere without compromising on comfort, this is one of the most capable (and luxurious) options available
Car Finance Whatever The Weather
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