How does the Corvette E-Ray stack up against supercar rivals in the UK?
If you’re eyeing the latest wave of electrified performance cars, the Corvette E-Ray’s arrival in the UK is hard to ignore. Priced at £153,440, this hybrid muscle car is stepping directly into the ring with heavyweights like the Ferrari 296 GTB and Maserati MC20. But here’s the twist: the E-Ray matches their blistering 0-62mph time of 2.9 seconds, all while undercutting them by a hefty margin on price. That’s not just impressive—it’s a wake-up call for anyone who thought American sports cars couldn’t play in the same league as Italian exotics.
What makes the E-Ray’s hybrid system unique?
Most hybrids on the road today are built for efficiency, not excitement. The E-Ray flips that script. Under the bonnet, you’ll find a 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 sending 475bhp to the rear wheels. Up front, a 159bhp electric motor powers the front axle. The result? A combined 634bhp and genuine four-wheel drive. This isn’t just about straight-line speed, either. The E-Ray’s electric motor can propel the car solo for up to four miles at speeds up to 44mph—perfect for sneaking out of the neighbourhood in near silence before unleashing the V8’s full fury.
How practical is the E-Ray for everyday UK driving?
Hybrid supercars often get a bad rap for being too complicated or temperamental for daily use. The E-Ray seems determined to break that stereotype. Its 1.9kWh battery is tucked neatly between the seats, so you’re not sacrificing boot space or comfort. Even when the battery’s depleted, the car still rockets to 62mph in just 3.4 seconds—hardly what you’d call sluggish. Factor in the standard Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes and magnetorheological dampers, and you’ve got a car that’s as happy on a rainy British B-road as it is on a track.
Where can you actually buy one in the UK?
Unlike previous Corvettes, which were rare sights on UK roads and often left-hand-drive only, the E-Ray is being sold through a growing network of right-hand-drive-friendly dealers. GM is starting with Arnold Clark franchises in Manchester and Glasgow, Lumen Automotive in Shrewsbury, and the Cambria Group in Birmingham. More locations are on the horizon, making it easier than ever for British drivers to get behind the wheel.
Is this the start of a bigger American push into the UK market?
The E-Ray isn’t just a one-off experiment. It’s the spearhead of General Motors’ renewed UK ambitions. With Cadillac’s electric Optiq and Lyriq SUVs waiting in the wings, and whispers of more right-hand-drive Corvettes or even mainstream Chevrolet EVs like the Equinox and Blazer, it’s clear GM is laying the groundwork for a broader assault on the UK market. The infrastructure being built now could make American performance and electric cars a common sight on British roads in the next few years.
What’s the real-world experience like behind the wheel?
Numbers and specs only tell half the story. Early test drives reveal a car that feels planted and confidence-inspiring, with the electric motor smoothing out low-speed manoeuvres and the V8 delivering a satisfying punch when you want it. The E-Ray’s wider stance (91mm broader than the Stingray) gives it a muscular presence and improved grip, while the advanced suspension keeps things composed over rough tarmac. It’s a car that feels just as happy crawling through city traffic as it does tearing up a country lane.
How does the E-Ray fit into the future of performance cars?
The hybrid Corvette isn’t just about going fast—it’s about bridging the gap between old-school muscle and the new era of electrification. With UK emissions standards tightening and cities pushing for cleaner vehicles, the E-Ray’s ability to run in electric-only mode, even briefly, is a smart nod to the future. It’s proof that you don’t have to sacrifice excitement for sustainability.
The big takeaway? The Corvette E-Ray isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end. Whether you’re a die-hard petrolhead or just curious about what’s next, this hybrid supercar shows that thrilling performance and real-world usability can finally go hand in hand.