Compare the best executive cars
High quality executive cars from rated and reviewed dealers
Best executive cars of 2024
Despite the rise of the SUV, executive cars remain hugely desirable vehicles. Offering much of the opulence and practicality luxury cars provide but with a more affordable price tag, and often better handling dynamics, an executive car should offer good passenger space, impressive technology, a great driving experience and a cachet lesser cars can't quite match.
The Audi A6 has always drawn comparison with the BMW 5 Series and Merdcedes E-Class, and not just because all three cars hail from Germany. The A6 may not quite have the handling finesse of the BMW, and nor does if offer quite the same relaxing luxury as the Mercedes, but it arguably blends both of these characteristics with the relaxed understatement the Volvo S90 embodies, and in doing makes an excellent choice in the executive class.
Battery range up to 44 miles
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Given the lofty names contained so far in this list you may be surprised to see a Skoda feature, but the Superb is such an exceptional car that it more than justifies its spot. With vast amounts of space in both the cabin and the boot, not to mention a refined, comfortable driving experience, the Superb does everything, well, superbly. Opt for a posh L&K model for a proprerly plush interior.
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Battery range up to 32 miles
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While the Mercedes S-Class is arguably the top dog in the luxury class, the BMW 5 Series just edges out its E-Class rival in the executice segment. With sleek styling, a perfectly designed and built interior that is packed with technology yet easy to use, the 5 Series also sets the benchmark for handling in this class.
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If the 5 Series has the edge in terms of handling, the Mercedes E-Class certainly runs it a close second. Either way, the Mercedes is a sleek, luxurious model that offers a slightly more serene and relaxed steer than its rival, and while the interior may not feel quite as hewn from rock as the 5 Series' cabin does, it's still a lovely place to while away the hours.
While BMW and Mercedes offer a very Germanic take on the executive car, Volvo goes its own, unique Swedish way. Prioritising calmness, safety and unhurried progress, the S90 is by no means a slow car, but the discreetly handsome looks, minimalist cabin and tastefully chosen materials encourage a sense of unhurriedness that even the busiest executive will appreciate. The T8 plug-in hybrid model is incongruously quick, too.
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The Volkswagen badge may not quite have the same cachet as the BMW and Mercedes emblems, but the Arteon's sleek styling and four-door coupe profile make it an interesting alternative to the more established players in this segment. With strong levels of refinement and a thoughtfully designed cabin, the Arteon stands out for a number of reasons, and not just because there aren't that many on the road.
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The Jaguar XF may not sell in the numbers the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class do, but there's a strong argument to say that it's a better-looking car than either of those two models, while the handling offers a perfecrly judged blend of comfort and enjoyment, with a pitch-perfect ride that's ideally suited to absorbing the bumps and potholes that pepper our roads.
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The Mercedes CLS invented the four-door couple class when it arrived in 2004, and while the second-generaiton model lost the sleek looks the original car made its name for, the current, Mk3 CLS represents a true return to form for the nameplate. True, that tapering roofline means rear headroom could be better, but you may feel the CLS's looks alone are enough to make that sacrifice - or at least make that sacrifice on behalf of your rear passengers.
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As with Skoda, Kia has been pushing upmarket in recent years, and no model embodies that better than the Stinger. With one of the coolest names on the market, fantastic, distinctive styling and a genuinely impressive driving experience, the Stinger ticks a serious number of boxes. The 3.3-litre petrol V6 engine offered with the GT model may be hard to justify from a fuel consumption perspective, but it certainly appeals on an emotional level.
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Another option for those after something different, the Lexus ES sits in the same class as its establishment rivals, but offers a very different take on the executive formula. With a hybrid-only drivetrain that pairs a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, the ES offers a smooth driving experience, while the interior is beautifully designed and exceptionally well made. Lexus's reputation for reliability is well-deserved, too.
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