Top 10 Premium Executive Cars

The new XC90 is a real game changer for Volvo, no longer to be associated with the boxy estates of recent decades. This new SUV comes with a range of exceptional new 4 cylinder engines that compete, if not exceed, those of German rivals and also the safety technology that the Swedish firm have always thrived upon. 

The Lexus IS is a premium saloon which offers a different approach to executive motoring. The IS is available in petrol models only, with a petrol-hybrid model included in the range, but no diesels available. The hybrid IS-300h combines a 2.5litre four cylinder engine with an electric motor and produces just 99g/km CO2, so zero on road tax.

Considered by most motoring journalists to be the pinnacle of compact executive vehicles, sharing similar engines to the hugely successful 5 series. The 3 series offers a fantastic driving sensation, steering is accurate, handling is rewarding and the standard equipment is generous compared to previous models. The 3 series is the benchmark to which the Jaguar XE, C Class and Audi A4 must all try and surpass to be successful in the compact executive market.

While reliability has become questionable, and fuel efficiency varies drastically depending on your engine choice, the Range Rover is still the undisputed king of luxury 4x4’s. The newest model offers a level of ride quality and refinement you will struggle to find in other SUV’s on the market. Road noise is minimal and interior material choices are exceptional, making the Range Rover a supremely executive vehicle, if your company car allowance stretches far enough…

The Audi A6 continues the positive traits evident in the popular A4, only offering greater boot space and significantly increased legroom in the rear for passengers. The longer wheel base of the A6 also helps to keep the car planted at speed, the Quattro option furthers this sense endlessly.

With a huge range of engines available it seems there is a BMW 5 series to suit everyones needs. In the Executive vehicle market though it’s the diesel version that are looked at most fondly. Depending on how much power you need, deciding between the 180bhp 2.0litre diesel and the 260bhp 3.0 litre diesel depends whether you can live with 59mpg or 53mpg, respectively, on the combined cycle. Neither feel underpowered and both can achieve over 70mpg on a motorway run.

The Mercedes E Class has been an extremely popular company car for a while now and the latest model has continued this success. We’d recommend the V6 diesels over the smaller 4 cylinder units as they offer the perfect balance of smoothness and urgency when ‘pressing on’ and remain quiet through city driving and motorways alike.

The 2.2 diesel engines available in the Jaguar XF were designed with company drivers in mind. Available in 160bhp and 190bhp variants, both feel adequately quick on the roads, even though the 0-60 time of the 160 model is half a second the wrong side of 10. All models are well equipped which means residual values are strong and you won’t be paying much on top for your creature comforts.

The latest addition to the Jaguar lineup in the form of a compact executive saloon. Released this year, the XE is aimed at executive buyers who have traditionally looked toward the likes of BMW’s and Audi’s as their company vehicle. The XE has received huge praise from motoring journalists so far due to the excellent ride and handling, modest fuel returns and tax-free CO2 emissions. This is a real contender opposing the traditional German trio of A4, 3 Series and C Class.

Arguably the most prestigious vehicle on the list, the Panamera is a superb 4 door GT car that still maintains all the sporty traits that come with being a Porsche, combined with the excellent comfort and quality necessary to excel in the luxury segment. Although diesel engines aren’t particularly well established in the Porsche range, per sé, the 3.0 V6 provides just short of 300hp in a supremely elegant and composed fashion.