Which cars have the best seats?
August 18, 2016 by Jack Leslie
A good car seat can mean the difference between a comfortable life on the road or a feeling of dread before hopping behind the wheel for long drives. Most drivers spend several hours per week sat in car seats, so it’s no surprise manufacturers invest so much time and money into making them the best they can be. Here’s our pick of the 10 cars with the best seats. Buy one of these and your bum will thank you. If you’ve already picked your perfect new car, use our handy PCP calculator to get a better idea how much it could cost.
1. Volvo V90
The V90 retains Volvo’s reputation for incredibly comfy seats, as well as offering a huge amount of interior space. The estate comes with leather seats as standard but they’re so soft and relaxing there’s really no need to spend the extra money on the optional sports seats. The plush surroundings and classy dashboard all add to the interior’s sophisticated styling and practicality. But although these elements may be impressive, the soothing seats are the main highlight and four tall adults will be perfectly comfortable.
2. Mercedes S-Class
The S-Class is an exquisite place to sit – it’s stunningly relaxing and refined in there. The S-Class interior is packed with high-tech gadgets which add to the premium feel and incredibly comfortable interior environment. The seats up front are protective and soft, the driving position is superb and the heated seats are a nice touch too. In the back, passengers have an overwhelming amount of space to stretch out in. You’d expect nothing less from a top-of-the-range Mercedes. The best thing is that the S-Class Cabriolet gives you just as much comfort but with a convertible roof.
3. Range Rover SVAutobiography
As you’d expect from a top-spec Range Rover interior, front-seat passengers are treated to sumptuous leather seats with acres of luxurious trimmings. But it’s the back seats that really capture your attention. They get electric fold-out tables, USB charging points and access to air conditioning controls. That’s not all – they are electrically adjustable, feature a massage function and include two eight-inch touchscreens mounted in the back of the front headrests for mid-journey entertainment. The Range Rover delivers premium saloon space and luxury in a giant SUV body.
4. Citroen Grand C4 Picasso
The Grand C4 Picasso is proof you don’t have to spend lots of money to get a comfy, spacious car. The family MPV comes with a brilliantly flexible and practical layout, including a fold-out third row of seats. The Picasso’s second row features three full-size seats, so there’ll be no fighting over who has to sit in the middle. While the kids in the back are well catered for, the parents up front are too with well-designed and nurturing seats. Adding the optional seat heating and electric adjustment take things to the next level.
5. BMW 7 Series
The 7 Series is another luxury saloon with a huge amount of inside space and plush seats to boot. Front and rear seats are brilliantly supportive and well-designed for long motorway cruises, complementing the car’s smooth ride. There’s enough bolstering to keep you stable if the driver gets a bit carried away, while the longer-wheelbase model increases rear space further. There are also techy touches like reclining, massaging and heating settings for the seats, as well as the option of 10-inch rear entertainment screens. Oh, and you can choose the 7 Series’ interior smell. See the savings using our BMW 7 Series deals page.
6. Rolls Royce Phantom
The Phantom doesn’t come cheap, but you certainly get what you pay for. The Rolls Royce’s interior is vast and feels like it goes on forever. The high-quality materials and build quality are unrivalled, while the extensive options list means you can make it your own. Soft and supportive front seats are overshadowed by the passenger space in the back. The luxurious leather seats offer a similar amount of space to a normal-sized living room and come with the usual creature comforts – fold-away tables, reclining seats and massage settings. There’s even the option of LED roof-lining, and all cars come with deep shag-pile carpet you could lose a hamster in.
7. Mini Hatchback
The Mini Hatchback’s cheeky styling matches its retro interior. For the amount of money you pay for it, the seats and comfort level are impressive. The cabin feels well put together and is a pleasant environment to be in, which makes chucking it around urban roads and country lanes even better. The latest version of the Hatchback has given passengers in the Mini more space, which is most welcome for passengers in the back. The front seats are super-supportive and easily adjustable, making the search for the perfect driving position that bit easier. See the reductions on our Mini Hatchback deals page.
8. Skoda Superb Estate
The Superb is one of the roomiest estates on the market, with tonnes of rear legroom for passengers to take advantage of. It may not feature the same quality as BMW or Volvo, but the Superb interior feels well built and comes with lots of standard equipment. Tall passengers and drivers will quickly feel comfortable in the front, while the cushy and supportive rear seats offer impressive legroom. Considering the vast amount of space up for grabs in the Superb, the charming estate represents brilliant value for money.
9. Bentley Mulsanne
With the Mulsanne’s sheer size and price, it’s no surprise the car provides one of the best passenger environments out there. The seats in the back are supportive, soft and spacious, covered in plush leather and with a range of adjustments and fold-away tables too. The leather seats are complemented by sheepskin carpets and enough wood trim to build a small boat. It can’t quite match the legroom or opulent touches of the Rolls Royce but it is great alternative if you have over £200,000 to spend and want something with a bit more poise.
10. Honda Civic Type R
The Civic Type R’s version of comfort takes on a different meaning. Replacing the luxurious leather seats of the other cars on this list, the Honda brings supportive, snug race-style seats to the party. They hug you tightly in the fast corners and quick changes of direction, but don’t feel restricting or claustrophobic. There’s also a decent amount of room in the front and back. The hot hatch’s seats can easily rival those found in sports cars on sale for much higher prices.
Save money on your next comfy car
Head over to our car configurator to see how much carwow could help you save. For more options, take a look at our car chooser to narrow down your search and, once you’ve chosen your ideal new car, use our PCP calculator to get a better idea how much it could cost.