2022’s best executive cars
“EXECUTIVE car” has become a phrase that encompasses an expansive group of luxury and prestige models. Executive cars might cost a little more, but the best ones add a real touch of class to your motoring experience . . .
While the German brands continue to dominate, competition is ever increasing. Hyundai sister luxury brand Genesis is competing in the UK market with a new G70 and G90 and there are also plenty of mainstream manufacturers offering saloons, hatchbacks, and SUVs that lay claim to ‘executive car levels of comfort and refinement' with some justification.
Cars such as the Peugeot 508, Skoda Superb and Volkswagen Arteon all offer most of the necessary prestige without the premium badge.
Even without dipping into the SUV and crossover class, there are more body styles available to the executive car buyer than ever.
As well as the traditional saloons, there are the usual estate versions on offer and beyond that things start to get interesting.
Two-door coupes such as the Audi A5 Coupe, BMW 4 Series and Mercedes C-Class Coupe offer the same range of engines as their saloon counterparts, while looking sharper and having similar tax and running costs. Many also come in convertible guise for open-air motoring.
Then there's the rise of the four or fivedoor coupe, typified by cars like the Audi A7 Sportback, BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and Mercedes CLS.
Diesel and petrol powertrains are still common, but hybrid drivetrains are becoming increasingly popular, especially for company car drivers.
Plug-in hybrid models such as the Audi A6 TFSI e and Mercedes E300 e can really cut your overheads and if you're willing to take the plunge into EV territory, the BMW i4, Polestar 2 and Tesla Model 3 offer sportscar-rivalling straight-line performance, acres of space and super-low every day running costs.
Top 10 executive cars to buy
1. BMW 5 Series
2. BMW 3 Series
7. Volvo S90
8. Tesla Model 3