It’s the question electrifying every performance car enthusiast in 2025: Does leasing a cutting-edge EV like the Tesla Model 3 Performance truly deliver a bigger thrill per pound than the time-tested petrol icons—think BMW M340i or Audi S5? With both markets packed with tempting lease offers, government incentives in flux, and running costs in the spotlight, the stakes (and the savings) are higher than ever. Let’s pit today’s hottest EV and petrol performance leases against each other, revealing where the smart money—and the purest driving pleasure—really lie.

Modern Performance Leases: The 2025 Lineup

Headline EV Lease Deals for Enthusiasts

• Tesla Model 3 Performance: From £479/month, £3,999 initial payment, 48 months, 10,000 miles/year. 0–60mph in 3.1s, 510hp. Instant torque, silent acceleration—social proof: Most-leased performance EV in the UK.[2][3]
• Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: Roughly £529/month, £4,500 upfront, 48 months, 10,000 miles/year. 650hp (boost), 0–62mph in 3.4s. 2025 World Performance Car winner; FOMO: High demand, limited stock for enthusiast trim.[1][2]
• Porsche Taycan 4S: £850–£950/month, £7,995 down, 36 months. 0–62mph in 4.0s, 522hp. Authority: Benchmark for sports EVs; Scarcity: High waiting lists for bespoke specs.[1]

Petrol Performance Leases: Still a Rush?

• BMW M340i xDrive: From £479/month, £4,000 down, 48 months. 374hp, 0–62mph in 4.4s. Classic inline-six, enthusiast favorite.[2]
• Audi S5 Coupe: £515/month, £4,500 upfront, 48 months. 354hp, 0–62mph in 4.7s. Quattro traction, recognizable sound, consistent demand.[2]
• Ford Mustang GT: £530/month, £5,000 upfront, 48 months. 450hp, V8 drama, 0–62 in 4.6s. Scarcity: Last-of-the-line for V8s in the UK.

Thrill per Pound: Running Costs and Lease Value in 2025

Monthly Lease Payments: The Big Picture

EVs like the Tesla Model 3 Performance often command £60–£100/month higher lease payments than petrol rivals. But don’t be anchored by price alone—real savings (or costs) stack up over the lease term.[2]

Real-World Running Costs: Where EVs Pull Ahead

• Electric Charging (Home): £0.075/mile (7.5p/mile). For 10,000 miles/year: £750.[1]
• Petrol (40mpg): £0.17/mile. For 10,000 miles/year: £1,700.[1]
• Public Fast Charging: Up to 17.5p/mile—can erase much of the EV cost advantage.[1]
• Insurance: EVs can cost 10–14% more to insure than their petrol equivalents—Tesla Model 3 vs BMW 3 Series as reference.[1][2]
• Maintenance: EVs carry a strong edge—no oil changes, fewer moving parts, and most lease terms covered by battery/drive warranties.[1][2]

Actionable Tip: Want the lowest running costs? Lease an EV and charge at home. If you rely on public charging, run the numbers carefully—your savings may evaporate fast.[1][2]

Depreciation & Incentives: Lease Safety Nets

• EVs: Leasing shields you from high depreciation as battery tech evolves. Many providers (e.g., The Electric Car Scheme) offer salary sacrifice options: Model 3 Performance from £479/month, Ioniq 5 N from £529/month.[2][4]
• Petrol: Lease providers often absorb future depreciation risk, but incentives are dwindling for combustion models as 2030 phase-out nears. Scarcity for “last V8s” (Mustang GT) can inflate prices—act now if that’s your dream.[1]

Which Delivers the Bigger Thrill?

Performance: Instant Power vs. Sensory Drama

• EVs: Pin-you-back-in-your-seat acceleration (Tesla, Ioniq 5 N); minimal noise; high-tech appeal. Peer reviews hail the “addictive” instant torque and effortless daily fun.[1][2]
• Petrol: Unique soundtrack, mechanical engagement, classic handling—still unbeatable for those who crave emotional connection. Social proof: BMW M340i and Mustang GT enjoy cult followings; supply is tightening for next-gen petrol power.[2]

Ownership Experience: Practicality and Predictability

• EVs: Lower servicing, smooth urban driving, potential for future updates via software.[1][2]
• Petrol: Wide fuel availability, predictable depreciation, easier long journeys—but rising running costs and tax burdens.[1][2]

How to Maximise Thrill-per-Pound: Action Plan for 2025

1. Test drive both: Experience the G-forces of EV acceleration and the visceral appeal of petrol. Don’t rely on spec sheets—your gut reaction matters.
2. Compare real offers: Prices shift monthly. Check main leasing sites (Leasing.com, CarSloth, direct from OEMs) and salary sacrifice providers for the latest deals.[1][2]
3. Calculate your actual running costs: Use your home charging rate and insurance quotes; factor in your annual mileage and driving patterns.
4. Move quickly on limited stock: Some performance specs (e.g., Ioniq 5 N, Mustang GT V8) are in short supply—waiting could mean missing out or paying more as demand spikes.
5. Consider subscriptions: Prefer flexibility? Subscriptions bundle insurance and maintenance—predictable costs, swap cars anytime (ideal for commitment-wary enthusiasts).[2]

Final Thoughts: The 2025 Performance Lease Decision

There’s no single winner in the EV vs. petrol lease battle—it’s all about what excites you most (and fits your life). EVs now offer warp-speed launches and low running costs, especially if you can charge at home. Petrol models deliver timeless emotion and character, but may become scarcer (and more expensive) in the coming years.

FOMO alert: Lease deals and stock are moving fast in 2025. If you want that perfect blend of value and excitement, compare offers, test drive today, and secure your dream before it’s gone. Ready to feel the thrill?