These 5 picks are the most appealing plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles in the luxury segment. When they first cruised onto the scene, plug-in hybrids and electric cars were perhaps best known for a quirky sensibility that was anything but luxurious. Today, the range of vehicles offered in this category has grown to include premium and luxury models that can compete with the segment's best and most glamorous gas-only choices. Our Daily News Autos Awards shine a light on the best vehicles in a wide assortment of categories, as voted on by our staff and contributors.

Below, we've listed our top picks when it comes to plug-in hybrids and electric cars that compete in the premium and luxury segments. You’ll find the DNA Award winner at the top of the list, followed by recommended alternatives in alphabetical order. All prices include destination charges. We encourage you to use our selections as a resource if you're shopping in this category. Tesla has made a name for itself by crafting electric cars that are undeniably desirable to mainstream shoppers in the luxury car segment.

With its relatively accessible price tag, the Tesla Model 3 is not only the brand's gateway choice, but also one of the most impactful electric cars of the year. This Tesla charms with its sleek styling and modern interior, and its brisk acceleration leaves a memorable impression. The Cayenne S E-Hybrid teams Porsche excellence with an efficient hybrid powertrain. This crossover provides sporty handling that adds a spark of excitement to daily commutes, and its gorgeously appointed cabin is a joy to behold.

80,950, and this Porsche delivers a total output of 416 horsepower. The Model S is the electric car that put the Tesla brand on the map, and it continues to be a top seller for those seeking top-notch electrified luxury transportation. Electric cars come with instant torque that can create dazzling acceleration, and its staggering quickness is one of this Tesla's most impressive traits.

This four-door Tesla also comes with a hatchback design that boosts utility, and it offers technology content that's ahead of the curve. The Model S can travel for up to 335 miles between charges, and base models provide 518 horsepower. With its smart-looking sheet metal, impressive safety content, and chic cabin, the Volvo S90 T8 represents this familiar brand at its most modern.

The S90 T8's cabin is roomy and comfortable, and the car's overall look is sleek and uniquely Scandinavian. This large luxury sedan is equipped with a plug-in-hybrid powertrain that generates a total output of 400 horsepower. Small crossovers are hot commodities with today's car shoppers, and the XC60 T8 gives this popular formula a luxurious and eco-friendly spin. With its sculpted sheet metal and handsome cabin, this Volvo plug-in hybrid is attractive both inside and out. Did you find this article helpful, If so, please share it using the "Join the Conversation" buttons below, and thank you for visiting Daily News Autos.

Whether you choose the coupe, convertible, or Sportback, you'll get a model whose exterior embodies elegance and refinement. Thanks to its relatively accessible pricing and long list of standard features, the A5 represents good value. When shopping for a luxury car, you often have to release ideas you may have had regarding value.

Many of these models aren't built to be financially sensible. They're crafted for shoppers who are able to easily afford the very best with no questions asked. For this reason, the A5 is a breath of fresh air. It costs less than comparable models from BMW and Mercedes-Benz while providing a generous list of feature content.

And its quality is impeccable both inside and out. The A5 leads the segment when it comes to value, and it's a smart choice for luxury-car shoppers seeking to make a purchase that's both prudent and indulgent. Many shoppers flock to high-performance vehicles seeking raw, unchecked thrills. These models cater to those who prioritize sporty performance above all else. Audi's S5 and RS 5 are the high-performance variants in the A5 family, and they offer vigorous acceleration.

But when it comes to handling, these models are more sedate than their peers. This will be a plus for shoppers who value comfort and versatility. But it will be a letdown for those seeking a car that incites a visceral and passionate response from the driver. As a leader in a segment occupied by some of the top models on the market, the 2018 A5 represents the best of the best.