Our top five executive cars.
Our top five executive cars.
The majority of cars classed as for business are usually saloon, premium hatchback, sedan, or even an estate. The type you choose will depend on your individual needs from an exec car.
Executive vehicles will usually need to be spacious and comfortable because they are being driven for longer periods of time, for longer distances. This also means fuel efficiency is a top selling point for a car for business purposes and well as being pleasant, even enjoyable, to drive.
All of this needs to be combined with top spec design and style ensuring you stand out from the crowd and of course make a good impression upon arrival.
The top five executive cars we’ve picked are as follows.
With a new model released earlier this year the Kia Optima offers luxury, space and technology. The design, engine and space have been altered in the second generation model. The new look is impressive with a swooping design, swept back headlights and a wider grille. Interior comfort has been improved with reshaped supportive seats and NVH decreased too.
Selling points: A four-door sedan with a luxurious interior and comfortable ride.
Safety: Five-star Euro NCAP rating thanks to the multitude of features such as anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, brake assist, speed sensing automatic door locks, six airbags and emergency stop signalling.
Engines and economy: A 1.7-litre diesel engine with either a six speed manual gearbox or seven-speed dual clutch transmission. Returning 55.3mpg when fitted with a start-stop system.
Price: From £21,495
Currently in its eight generation the Passat is a popular car. Volkswagen cars are renowned for their build quality and the Passat doesn’t disappoint. Available in a saloon or estate body type the Passat offers plenty of space in both. Choose the SE model and above and it’ll include chrome window surrounds to go with the chrome four-bar grille. The interior is quiet, comfortable and spacious. Both the driver’s seat and the steering wheel have an impressive range of adjustment.
Selling points: Volkswagen’s renowned build quality.
Safety: Awarded a five-star Euro NCAP rating in 2014.
Engines and economy: There are diesel and petrol/electric hybrid engines available. A 1.6-litre TDI, two 2-litre TDIs as well as a twin-turbo 4MOTION.
Price: From £20,495
A new release of the E-Class, due this year, means more quality than ever has been added to the interior as well as changes under the bonnet and the exterior. The lines are sharper along the exterior and the lights have been altered with new LED active headlamps and optional rear ‘stardust affect’ LED rear lights. There will just be one model at its release in May, the E220d.
Selling points: High quality German build, stylish good looks and comfortable interior.
Safety: Evasive steering assist and impressive side airbags have been introduced on the new model and with the 2010 version achieving a Euro NCAP rating of five stars this one surely won’t disappoint.
Engines and economy: The 2.0-litre four cylinder diesel engine is quieter than the previous 2.0 litre version.
Price: 2010 model from £34,870, 2016 rumoured to be starting from £35,935.
The 5 Series is a five-door saloon in its sixth generation. The equipment levels are good even in the entry-level SE with leather trim and DAB digital radio.
Selling points: Great handling, comfort and style.
Safety: Full five-star Euro NCAP rating with high scores all round. Stability control and a multitude of airbags among other features are included for passenger safety.
Engines and economy: Six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission and diesel and petrol engines are available, although diesel would be the more cost-efficient option. If you’re looking for efficiency then the 520d SE 4dr is recommended reaching 66mpg and emitting 114 g/km combined.
Price: From £32, 615
The present-day Superb is based on the platform of the Volkswagen Passat. It has a premium feel without the premium price tag. The boot space is impressive at 625 litres and the interior space offers plenty of head and legroom for the driver and passengers alike.
Selling points: Generous equipment levels and high quality without being too pricey.
Safety: Five-star Euro NCAP rating with features such as blind spot protection, lane assist and adaptive cruise control.
Engines and economy: A range of economical four-cylinder engines, both diesel and petrol. The most efficient is the 1.6 TDI featured in the Greenline model returning a quoted 76.4mpg while emitting as little as 95g/km.
Price: From £19,495
