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Fleet managers today face a rapidly shifting market, where electric vehicles (EVs) now account for just under 18% of Irish new car registrations in 2025, fuelled by substantial improvements in range, charging infrastructure, and government incentives. While several efficient and versatile petrol and diesel options remain available and refreshed versions of market staples are on the way, there is little doubt that traditional internal combustion choices have lost ground. In addition, the cost gap between ICE and EV has narrowed significantly in some segments but public charging infrastructure, while improving still lags behind many EU countries. For many companies, the electrification of fleets is a work in progress, and achieving a 100% zero-emission fleet takes time. For those operating mixed fleets, below are seven standout ICE (internal combustion engine) options for 2026; from the premium saloons and SUVs to the ubiquitous vans, each offer efficiency and flexibility for businesses navigating the transition to electrification in 2026.
BMW 3 Series
The next-generation BMW 3 Series family will be rolled out globally in 2026 and while all eyes will be on the all-electric i3 version with up to 900 km range, combustion variants will also be on offer but will not use the EV platform. Touring estates also continue, keeping a practical option available. Inside, the rotary iDrive controller is gone in favour of a “Panoramic Vision” windscreen-wide display and haptic steering controls. Exterior design reflects the Neue Klasse language: horizontal kidney grilles, cleaner proportions, and sharper lights. A long-wheelbase variant is planned for China, and an updated M3 both petrol and electric is confirmed for 2027. For Irish fleets, the 3 Series continues to balance brand prestige, technology, and drivability, ensuring it remains a key premium saloon contender.
INEOS Grenadier Commercial
Aimed at specialist and rural fleets the INEOS Grenadier Commercial pairs a BMW 3.0-litre petrol or diesel engines with permanent four-wheel drive, and centre, front, and rear locking differentials. With agricultural and commercial sectors in mind towing capacity reaches 3.5 tonnes and with no rear seats a 2,000-litre load space is available. Inside is an aviation inspired cockpit, hose-out flooring, and rugged materials. For 2026, Orangeworks Automotive confirmed pricing starts at €59,995 + VAT and all models are backed by a five-year unlimited mileage warranty.
Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35
Isuzu’s D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 brings extreme off-road capability to the popular pick-up and was recently unveiled at the Ploughing Championships. Built in partnership with Arctic Trucks, it sits on 35-inch BF Goodrich tyres, with a widened track and Bilstein suspension adding a 40 mm lift. Off-road hardware includes a ‘Rough Terrain’ mode and locking rear differential. Payload exceeds one tonne, towing capacity reaches 3.5 tonnes, and the 2.0-litre diesel delivers 360 Nm torque at 2,000 rpm. Comfort features include heated seats, dual-zone climate, and a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration are standard. Priced from €69,950 (+VAT) OTR with a five-year/100,000 km warranty
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The big news for Mercedes-Benz in 2026 is the arrival of an all-electric C-Class but the current generation will be also updated to sharpen its appeal. Styling tweaks include a revised grille, new bumper shapes, and star-pattern LED headlights, while inside the MBUX infotainment system is upgraded and a passenger-side screen becomes available. The facelift also brings quality-of-life improvements to match BMW’s new 3 Series and Audi’s A4. Engines are expected to carry over with mild-hybrid petrol and diesel units, but AMG models may gain significant performance updates. For fleets, the C-Class offers a balance of premium cachet, advanced safety, and tech-focused interiors.
Toyota Proace Max
The Toyota Proace Max is the brand’s first heavy-duty van for Europe and is powered by a 2.2-litre diesel with 140 hp and 350 Nm torque. It comes with a six-speed manual, 2.5-tonne towing capacity, and 7.9 l/100 km fuel efficiency. A long wheelbase and medium roof give it a 1,375 kg payload, making it practical for fleet operators. Inside, the cab is equipped with a 10-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, reversing camera, pre-collision safety features, cruise control, and automatic air conditioning. Prices start at €35,022 excluding VAT, backed by a three-year/100,000 km warranty.
Toyota RAV4
Arriving early next year is an updated version of the RAV4 featuring a new exterior design and refreshed cabin. Notable changes outside include large trapezoidal arches, and sharper LED lighting, while inside, there is a 12.3-inch driver display and a 12.9-inch touchscreen. A new plug-in hybrid with a 22.7 kWh battery will offer an all electric range of up to 100 km.. Buyers can choose front-wheel drive (268 hp) or AWD (304 hp, 0–100 km/h in 5.8s), with a regular hybrid also remaining on offer. Toyota’s new Arene platform powers over-the-air updates and the latest safety tech, including Front Cross Traffic Alert and remote smartphone parking. Prices will be confirmed closer to launch, but the RAV4 remains a cornerstone SUV for Irish fleets.
Volkswagen Tayron
A replacement for the seven-seat Tiguan Allspace has joined the VW line up. The Tayron is available as either a seven-seat 2.0 TDI diesel or a five-seat 1.5 eHybrid plug-in. The diesel produces 150 hp and 360 Nm, consuming 5.3–5.8 l/100 km with CO₂ emissions at 143–151 g/km. The eHybrid delivers 204 hp combined, 116 km of electric range, and WLTP consumption of just 0.4 l/100 km with CO₂ as low as 9–11 g/km.
Inside, the Tayron features a flexible and practical cabin with a 12.9-inch infotainment, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and advanced driver aids including adaptive cruise, Park Assist Plus, and lane-keeping systems. Boot space stretches to 850 litres in the diesel or 705 litres in the PHEV version. Pricing begins at €56,745 for the diesel Life trim, with higher trims adding 17–20-inch alloys, LED or IQ.Light matrix headlights, and illuminated logos.
