Best saloon cars of 2025
Ask a child to draw a car and the result will almost certainly resemble a saloon car, with a defined bonnet, passenger cabin and boot lid. They’ve been around for over a hundred years, for good reason - they’re great family cars, and the latest batch are some of the best saloon cars yet.
They make for some of the most sensible cars on the road. They’re often quieter and more refined than estate cars because you’re not sat in the same space as the rear wheels - meaning a touch less road noise - and they tend to be more comfortable than a lot of SUVs because their lighter body weight doesn’t need stiff suspension to keep in check.
If you’re after total comfort and opulence in a saloon, there are some high-class, long-wheelbase saloons available which would look at home at a red carpet movie premiere or parked outside of a five-star hotel – but there are excellent options at more affordable prices, too.
You can find a huge range of engine options in a saloon, from petrol and diesel motors - ideal if you’re on a budget or do long motorway trips - to self-charging and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) which are great if you want to maximise fuel economy. If you predominantly drive in town or on shorter commutes, there’s a range of electric saloons available which should save you a lot of money if you have a home charger.
At the other end of the spectrum, high-performance saloon cars blend four-door, big-boot practicality with weapons-grade engines. Not only will they happily take you and the family on holiday or to the shops, but they’ll keep up with supercars on the way home too - or even on the race track.
Our expert reviews team has extensively tested every saloon car on sale in the UK, from the sensible to the sensational, and put together this list of the very best of the bunch. If you do need the extra boot space, check out this list of our favourite estate cars on sale, or for a high-set driving position we’ve also ranked the best SUVs you can buy.
Best for: a blend of sportiness, comfort and practicality
The BMW 3 Series is synonymous with the small saloon car, and it has been for 50 years. If you’re after a car that really does it all - looks good, has a posh badge, drives well, has a nice interior and is practical - look no further than this.
And while other BMWs have really ebbed and flowed in their attractiveness over the years, the 3 Series has remained consistently handsome in that time, and the current model is no exception. Aggressive headlights, sharp lines down its flanks, a perky rear end and the classic BMW window line; the 3 Series is a looker.
Inside you’ll find a clean, minimalist interior with a plush dashboard, good looking vents, BMW’s excellent rotary control knob, and curved infotainment/driver display combo. The infotainment system is a bit menu and sub-menu heavy though, as are the touchscreen climate controls, but the build quality is excellent otherwise.
A low-slung driving position reminds you that you’re in a car which is built to do some sporty driving, and there are few other saloon cars on this list which feel quite as purposeful from behind the wheel. There’s loads of room up front, but rear passengers have less legroom than in the 3 Series’ alternatives and there’s a big hump in the floor which makes it a squeeze for middle occupants.
The 480-litre boot is big enough for a family of four’s cargo, though there is a bit of a load lip to contend with. The PHEV model loses over 100 litres of space to its batteries, which is poor.
It’s the driving experience which really sets the 3 Series apart from its alternatives, because it manages to be comfortable around town - though M Sport cars can be a bit jiggly - and a relaxing motorway cruiser while also being tremendously good fun on a twisty road.
Get the 3 Series on the right country lane and you’ll be beaming from ear to ear, as there’s loads of grip from the front wheels and plenty of steering wheel feel. If you really want crushing pace then the BMW M3 is one of the best sports saloons on sale too, though you’ll pay a pretty penny for it.
The BMW 3 Series is synonymous with the small saloon car, and it has been for 50 years. If you’re after a car that really does it all - looks good, has a posh badge, drives well, has a nice interior and is practical - look no further than this.
And while other BMWs have really ebbed and flowed in their attractiveness over the years, the 3 Series has remained consistently handsome in that time, and the current model is no exception. Aggressive headlights, sharp lines down its flanks, a perky rear end and the classic BMW window line; the 3 Series is a looker.
Inside you’ll find a clean, minimalist interior with a plush dashboard, good looking vents, BMW’s excellent rotary control knob, and curved infotainment/driver display combo. The infotainment system is a bit menu and sub-menu heavy though, as are the touchscreen climate controls, but the build quality is excellent otherwise.
A low-slung driving position reminds you that you’re in a car which is built to do some sporty driving, and there are few other saloon cars on this list which feel quite as purposeful from behind the wheel. There’s loads of room up front, but rear passengers have less legroom than in the 3 Series’ alternatives and there’s a big hump in the floor which makes it a squeeze for middle occupants.
The 480-litre boot is big enough for a family of four’s cargo, though there is a bit of a load lip to contend with. The PHEV model loses over 100 litres of space to its batteries, which is poor.
It’s the driving experience which really sets the 3 Series apart from its alternatives, because it manages to be comfortable around town - though M Sport cars can be a bit jiggly - and a relaxing motorway cruiser while also being tremendously good fun on a twisty road.
Get the 3 Series on the right country lane and you’ll be beaming from ear to ear, as there’s loads of grip from the front wheels and plenty of steering wheel feel. If you really want crushing pace then the BMW M3 is one of the best sports saloons on sale too, though you’ll pay a pretty penny for it.
Battery range up to 45 miles
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: all-round sensibility
Okay so technically the Skoda Superb isn’t a saloon, it’s actually a hatchback, but seeing as it looks - and drives - like a saloon car, we’re giving it a pass. It’s also one of the best cars on sale full stop, as it’s hugely practical, comfortable and excellent value for money - so much so that it won the Comfortable Cruiser category in the 2025 Carwow Car of the Year awards.
And while it’s not the most exciting car on sale, the Superb actually looks quite tidy. It certainly looks more expensive than it is, with a big, broad grille, intricate headlights and a crisp shoulder line.
The Superb also punches above its price bracket with its interior, because while it’s not quite BMW or Audi posh, you’ve got a funky dashboard design with a big 13.0-inch infotainment display in the middle, real climate controls below it and plush, high-quality materials all around.
There’s loads of room inside the Superb; it’s one of the most practical family cars you can buy. You’ll sit four tall adults in the car easily, with loads of legroom and headroom, but three adults in the back can be a bit of a squeeze. The cavernous 645-litre boot is the Superb’s trump card, easily the biggest on this list.
You can choose from a range of petrol and diesel engines in front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, but they’re all equally easy to drive thanks to their automatic gearboxes. You’ll get the most fuel economy out of the 150hp diesel engine, over 50mpg on the motorway, but for outright performance the range-topping 265hp four-wheel drive petrol model is the one to go for.
Around town the Superb is easy to manoeuvre thanks to its all-round visibility, though it’s not quite as good at ironing out lumps and bumps as you might expect. Motorways are where it really shines, as it’s a superb mile-muncher; most comfortable at a cruise. Country lanes won’t thrill you, but it feels stable and planted when the going gets twisty.
Okay so technically the Skoda Superb isn’t a saloon, it’s actually a hatchback, but seeing as it looks - and drives - like a saloon car, we’re giving it a pass. It’s also one of the best cars on sale full stop, as it’s hugely practical, comfortable and excellent value for money - so much so that it won the Comfortable Cruiser category in the 2025 Carwow Car of the Year awards.
And while it’s not the most exciting car on sale, the Superb actually looks quite tidy. It certainly looks more expensive than it is, with a big, broad grille, intricate headlights and a crisp shoulder line.
The Superb also punches above its price bracket with its interior, because while it’s not quite BMW or Audi posh, you’ve got a funky dashboard design with a big 13.0-inch infotainment display in the middle, real climate controls below it and plush, high-quality materials all around.
There’s loads of room inside the Superb; it’s one of the most practical family cars you can buy. You’ll sit four tall adults in the car easily, with loads of legroom and headroom, but three adults in the back can be a bit of a squeeze. The cavernous 645-litre boot is the Superb’s trump card, easily the biggest on this list.
You can choose from a range of petrol and diesel engines in front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, but they’re all equally easy to drive thanks to their automatic gearboxes. You’ll get the most fuel economy out of the 150hp diesel engine, over 50mpg on the motorway, but for outright performance the range-topping 265hp four-wheel drive petrol model is the one to go for.
Around town the Superb is easy to manoeuvre thanks to its all-round visibility, though it’s not quite as good at ironing out lumps and bumps as you might expect. Motorways are where it really shines, as it’s a superb mile-muncher; most comfortable at a cruise. Country lanes won’t thrill you, but it feels stable and planted when the going gets twisty.
Best for: a minimalist cabin
Three must really be the magic number, because while the BMW 3 Series has long been the best petrol compact saloon car, the Tesla Model 3 has done a great job of converting people to EV car ownership. It's desirable, stylish and very easy to live with.
It looks better than ever, too, as a 2023 update introduced sleeker, sportier styling in the form of pointy new headlights and more sculpted bumpers. The Performance version looks particularly good, thanks to its big wheels, extra intakes in the front bumper and small boot lid lip.
The interior is where the Model 3 becomes a Marmite car, because it’s about as minimalist as you can get without sitting in a bare metal shell. A plain, straight dashboard is dominated by the enormous 15.4-inch central touchscreen.
Not only is the screen home to the infotainment and climate controls, but it contains the drive selector and driver’s display too. It can be annoying to learn and wrap your head around, but it does become intuitive once you’ve grown accustomed to it. Still, it would be nice to have more of an interior to look at.
You do get a lot of space inside, with plenty of headroom and legroom all round and loads of large storage cubbies for odds, ends and large water bottles. The boot is an enormous 590 litres large, and while that’s not as much as the Skoda Superb you do get an extra 88 litres of cargo space in the front boot too.
It’s on the road where the Model 3 impresses the most, with a range that varies from 318 miles to 436 miles in the Long Range Single Motor version. Around town there’s excellent visibility and light steering to dart in and out of tight roads, while the Tesla soothes on long-distance journeys thanks to its well-insulated cabin and well-judged suspension.
Country lane enthusiasts will be best served by the Model 3 Performance, as its ridiculous acceleration and sporty suspension lends itself well to shooting off into the distance between corners.
Three must really be the magic number, because while the BMW 3 Series has long been the best petrol compact saloon car, the Tesla Model 3 has done a great job of converting people to EV car ownership. It's desirable, stylish and very easy to live with.
It looks better than ever, too, as a 2023 update introduced sleeker, sportier styling in the form of pointy new headlights and more sculpted bumpers. The Performance version looks particularly good, thanks to its big wheels, extra intakes in the front bumper and small boot lid lip.
The interior is where the Model 3 becomes a Marmite car, because it’s about as minimalist as you can get without sitting in a bare metal shell. A plain, straight dashboard is dominated by the enormous 15.4-inch central touchscreen.
Not only is the screen home to the infotainment and climate controls, but it contains the drive selector and driver’s display too. It can be annoying to learn and wrap your head around, but it does become intuitive once you’ve grown accustomed to it. Still, it would be nice to have more of an interior to look at.
You do get a lot of space inside, with plenty of headroom and legroom all round and loads of large storage cubbies for odds, ends and large water bottles. The boot is an enormous 590 litres large, and while that’s not as much as the Skoda Superb you do get an extra 88 litres of cargo space in the front boot too.
It’s on the road where the Model 3 impresses the most, with a range that varies from 318 miles to 436 miles in the Long Range Single Motor version. Around town there’s excellent visibility and light steering to dart in and out of tight roads, while the Tesla soothes on long-distance journeys thanks to its well-insulated cabin and well-judged suspension.
Country lane enthusiasts will be best served by the Model 3 Performance, as its ridiculous acceleration and sporty suspension lends itself well to shooting off into the distance between corners.
Sell your car for what it's really worth
The free, easy way to get 5,500+ dealers all over the UK bidding on your car
Learn how to
sell your car
with Carwow
Best for: silent long-distance cruising
Just as the 3 Series has been at the top of the compact saloon class for as long as the model has been around, the i5 builds on its long-standing - and fantastic - 5 Series counterpart with silent electric motors and usable electric range.
It’s not the most handsome car BMW makes though, because even with its aggressive headlights and crisp lines, it does look a bit bloated and slab sided. That enormous grille isn’t doing it any favours, neither is the bulbous rear bumper.
At least you can’t see it from the inside, where the i5 shines. It has a very posh cabin, with sumptuous leather, BMW’s crisp dual-screen setup on the dashboard and some rather funky interior lighting - plus the crystal control knob for the infotainment system. Blingy.
Front and rear passengers have plenty of space to get comfortable, though middle occupants in the back have to contend with the large hump in the floor. The 490-litre boot is usefully square, but isn’t up to scratch compared to the i5’s petrol alternatives.
Range varies from 319-375 miles depending on which model you opt for, but they’re all very comfortable around town and on the motorway, where the i5 glides along in near-silence. Country lanes do highlight the i5’s enormous weight, as it feels a bit wallowy around tight bends - even in range-topping M60 form.
Just as the 3 Series has been at the top of the compact saloon class for as long as the model has been around, the i5 builds on its long-standing - and fantastic - 5 Series counterpart with silent electric motors and usable electric range.
It’s not the most handsome car BMW makes though, because even with its aggressive headlights and crisp lines, it does look a bit bloated and slab sided. That enormous grille isn’t doing it any favours, neither is the bulbous rear bumper.
At least you can’t see it from the inside, where the i5 shines. It has a very posh cabin, with sumptuous leather, BMW’s crisp dual-screen setup on the dashboard and some rather funky interior lighting - plus the crystal control knob for the infotainment system. Blingy.
Front and rear passengers have plenty of space to get comfortable, though middle occupants in the back have to contend with the large hump in the floor. The 490-litre boot is usefully square, but isn’t up to scratch compared to the i5’s petrol alternatives.
Range varies from 319-375 miles depending on which model you opt for, but they’re all very comfortable around town and on the motorway, where the i5 glides along in near-silence. Country lanes do highlight the i5’s enormous weight, as it feels a bit wallowy around tight bends - even in range-topping M60 form.
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: attacking country lanes
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifolgio is a rare breed these days, a properly high-performance, non-electrified sports saloon. It has an engine to die for, drop-dead gorgeous looks and genuinely usable practicality.
It really is stunning, isn’t it? The pointy front-end with big, pretty headlights and Alfa Romeo’s signature triangular grille leads to sculpted flanks with sporty side-skirts and a perky rear with big exhausts and a boot lip spoiler. Phwoar.
It’s a shame the interior isn’t on the same level, because it doesn’t feel as high-quality, plush or current as in its German alternatives. It looks a bit bland and the infotainment is laggy; while it’s not bad in isolation, again compared to alternatives it’s disappointing - especially considering the Giulia Quadrifoglio’s price.
An excellent driving position and decent space front and rear add some practicality to the Giulia’s credentials, but a BMW M3 is more spacious in the back; the 480-litre boot is bang on for a car of this size, though.
You get jiggled around over rough roads in town, especially on the big wheels, but that’s to be expected from a sports saloon, and it’s no worse than the non-Quadrifoglio version. Motorways are noisy due to the big, sticky sports tyres and wind noise from the mirrors, but all is forgiven once you get to your favourite country lane.
The Giulia Quadrifoglio is not only ballistically fast out of corners thanks to a fancy differential and those sticky tyres, but it sounds amazing when you’ve got your foot down too. It’s one of the most exciting cars on sale today.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifolgio is a rare breed these days, a properly high-performance, non-electrified sports saloon. It has an engine to die for, drop-dead gorgeous looks and genuinely usable practicality.
It really is stunning, isn’t it? The pointy front-end with big, pretty headlights and Alfa Romeo’s signature triangular grille leads to sculpted flanks with sporty side-skirts and a perky rear with big exhausts and a boot lip spoiler. Phwoar.
It’s a shame the interior isn’t on the same level, because it doesn’t feel as high-quality, plush or current as in its German alternatives. It looks a bit bland and the infotainment is laggy; while it’s not bad in isolation, again compared to alternatives it’s disappointing - especially considering the Giulia Quadrifoglio’s price.
An excellent driving position and decent space front and rear add some practicality to the Giulia’s credentials, but a BMW M3 is more spacious in the back; the 480-litre boot is bang on for a car of this size, though.
You get jiggled around over rough roads in town, especially on the big wheels, but that’s to be expected from a sports saloon, and it’s no worse than the non-Quadrifoglio version. Motorways are noisy due to the big, sticky sports tyres and wind noise from the mirrors, but all is forgiven once you get to your favourite country lane.
The Giulia Quadrifoglio is not only ballistically fast out of corners thanks to a fancy differential and those sticky tyres, but it sounds amazing when you’ve got your foot down too. It’s one of the most exciting cars on sale today.
Battery range up to 60 miles
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: wafting around in comfort
Mercedes has a special status in the ranks of car manufacturers thanks to the S-Class, which has been its flagship saloon for decades, and has often earned the title of ‘the best car in the world’. It’s a technological powerhouse, is supremely comfortable and oozes road presence.
The S-Class is the most old-school looking Mercedes on sale, and that’s no bad thing at all. It may have a sleek silhouette and smooth surfaces, but the stately grille and big headlights are classic Mercedes design traits. It does look a bit like other smaller, cheaper Mercedes.
The interior is full of bells and whistles, and it’s beautiful to look at too. You can opt for a big expanse of gloss black on the dashboard (avoid) or a fantastic wood trim instead, plus ambient lighting and swathes of leather and metal on everything you touch. The portrait-oriented infotainment screen has clever haptic feedback, too.
You get miles of legroom in the S-Class - only the long-wheelbase is available - and the 550-litre boot is plenty big for a road trip away. Opt for a fridge or hybrid model and you lose boot space, though.
In town, on the motorway and on a country lane the S-Class is a phenomenally comfortable car to drive. It’s not just the ride comfort that’s buttery smooth, but every engine option is too, whether you choose the sensible diesel or the rapid S 63 AMG model.
Mercedes has a special status in the ranks of car manufacturers thanks to the S-Class, which has been its flagship saloon for decades, and has often earned the title of ‘the best car in the world’. It’s a technological powerhouse, is supremely comfortable and oozes road presence.
The S-Class is the most old-school looking Mercedes on sale, and that’s no bad thing at all. It may have a sleek silhouette and smooth surfaces, but the stately grille and big headlights are classic Mercedes design traits. It does look a bit like other smaller, cheaper Mercedes.
The interior is full of bells and whistles, and it’s beautiful to look at too. You can opt for a big expanse of gloss black on the dashboard (avoid) or a fantastic wood trim instead, plus ambient lighting and swathes of leather and metal on everything you touch. The portrait-oriented infotainment screen has clever haptic feedback, too.
You get miles of legroom in the S-Class - only the long-wheelbase is available - and the 550-litre boot is plenty big for a road trip away. Opt for a fridge or hybrid model and you lose boot space, though.
In town, on the motorway and on a country lane the S-Class is a phenomenally comfortable car to drive. It’s not just the ride comfort that’s buttery smooth, but every engine option is too, whether you choose the sensible diesel or the rapid S 63 AMG model.
Battery range up to 436 miles
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: electric practicality
The Volkswagen ID7 takes a leaf out of the Skoda Superb’s book, in that it looks like a saloon and most of the cars it’s compared to are saloons, but it actually has a huge hatchback boot.
Not that its swoopy roofline and small flick-up boot edge would lead you to believe that, because the ID7 might just be the most handsome car Volkswagen makes at the moment. An aggressive front end, huge rear light bar and optional two-tone paint finishes make it easy on the eye - but it is enormous.
The interior is minimalistic without condensing everything down to a single screen, a la Tesla. You get a sleek, stepped dashboard design and infotainment system that’s angled towards the driver, plus it feels properly high quality inside with mostly soft materials where you need to touch.
A benefit of its enormous size is that the ID7 is hugely spacious inside, with easily enough room for six-footers to sit behind one another - and there’s plenty of headroom too. The boot is a mighty 605 litres - second only to the Skoda Superb, if you exclude the Tesla’s frunk.
The ID7 has an impressive range, varying between 358 - 424 miles depending on trim level. They’re all comfortable to drive, though sharp potholes thud through the cabin, and motorways are a piece of cake with minimal wind and road noise. You’ll want the sportiest ID7 GTX if you occasionally enjoy a jaunt down a twisty road, but the regular BMW i5 is better still - though it's far more expensive.
The Volkswagen ID7 takes a leaf out of the Skoda Superb’s book, in that it looks like a saloon and most of the cars it’s compared to are saloons, but it actually has a huge hatchback boot.
Not that its swoopy roofline and small flick-up boot edge would lead you to believe that, because the ID7 might just be the most handsome car Volkswagen makes at the moment. An aggressive front end, huge rear light bar and optional two-tone paint finishes make it easy on the eye - but it is enormous.
The interior is minimalistic without condensing everything down to a single screen, a la Tesla. You get a sleek, stepped dashboard design and infotainment system that’s angled towards the driver, plus it feels properly high quality inside with mostly soft materials where you need to touch.
A benefit of its enormous size is that the ID7 is hugely spacious inside, with easily enough room for six-footers to sit behind one another - and there’s plenty of headroom too. The boot is a mighty 605 litres - second only to the Skoda Superb, if you exclude the Tesla’s frunk.
The ID7 has an impressive range, varying between 358 - 424 miles depending on trim level. They’re all comfortable to drive, though sharp potholes thud through the cabin, and motorways are a piece of cake with minimal wind and road noise. You’ll want the sportiest ID7 GTX if you occasionally enjoy a jaunt down a twisty road, but the regular BMW i5 is better still - though it's far more expensive.
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: an incredible engine
Audi pulled a blinder with the RS3 saloon, because it’s taken one of the best hot hatchbacks ever made and somehow improved it with the addition of a proper boot. It looks great, it’s practical and it’s a blast to drive.
Where the RS3 Sportback has a slightly awkward rump, the saloon is a properly smart piece of design. It’s got the same aggressive front end as its five-door sibling, but the sloping roofline and perky tail do wonders for the small family car - even if it still has an enormous rear bumper.
The interior is smart too, less fussy than the latest generation of Audis with their tech-overload triple-screen setups. There’s enough room up front to get comfortable, even if this is the smallest car on this list, but tall passengers in the back will struggle for headroom. The boot only has a capacity of 321 litres, too.
It’s the engine that sets the RS3 apart from any other car on sale, because the 2.5-litre five cylinder unit is simply a marvel. It’s smooth and refined around town, though the suspension is a bit bouncy on bumpy roads. However, getting up to speed is the small Audi’s forte.
Put your foot down and the car sings its way up to the national speed limit at an astounding rate, where it settles down again into a cruise with only a bit of tyre noise to contend with. Country lanes are even better, as the four-wheel drive and rapid acceleration mean you can really carry speed around bends and shoot out of them with confidence.
Audi pulled a blinder with the RS3 saloon, because it’s taken one of the best hot hatchbacks ever made and somehow improved it with the addition of a proper boot. It looks great, it’s practical and it’s a blast to drive.
Where the RS3 Sportback has a slightly awkward rump, the saloon is a properly smart piece of design. It’s got the same aggressive front end as its five-door sibling, but the sloping roofline and perky tail do wonders for the small family car - even if it still has an enormous rear bumper.
The interior is smart too, less fussy than the latest generation of Audis with their tech-overload triple-screen setups. There’s enough room up front to get comfortable, even if this is the smallest car on this list, but tall passengers in the back will struggle for headroom. The boot only has a capacity of 321 litres, too.
It’s the engine that sets the RS3 apart from any other car on sale, because the 2.5-litre five cylinder unit is simply a marvel. It’s smooth and refined around town, though the suspension is a bit bouncy on bumpy roads. However, getting up to speed is the small Audi’s forte.
Put your foot down and the car sings its way up to the national speed limit at an astounding rate, where it settles down again into a cruise with only a bit of tyre noise to contend with. Country lanes are even better, as the four-wheel drive and rapid acceleration mean you can really carry speed around bends and shoot out of them with confidence.
2025
Outstanding EV Award
Highly Commended
Battery range up to 372 miles
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: electric high-performance
The Taycan is the black sheep of the Porsche range, because while it looks just as sleek and feels just as sporty to drive as the rest of the line up, it’s a sensible, electric, family saloon car.
And Porsche has worked wonders with the Taycan’s design, because it’s actually one of the best looking cars it makes. It’s low-slung and wide, with a lot of road presence thanks to its big, curvaceous wheel arches and elegant LED lights.
The interior is also recognisably Porsche, but with a futuristic twist thanks to its curved driver display, emulating the dials you’ll find in a classic Porsche 911, and high-set centre console which leaves you feeling rather cosy.
It’s not the most spacious car on this list though, and while you’ll fit four adults in, tall rear passengers will feel claustrophobic after a long journey; the price you pay for a low, sporty roofline. The 407-litre boot is supplemented with an 84-litre front boot, which is handy, but you won’t fit big, bulky loads in the back.
On the road the Taycan manages to feel almost as agile as a Porsche 911 sports car. It’s comfortable around town, especially on the air suspension-equipped models, while its powerful motors mean it feels nippy between the lights.
Motorway journeys feel effortless in the Taycan, and with a range of between 372 miles and 422 miles depending on which model you opt for, it’s a genuine option for road trips with ultra-fast charge times, too. Country lanes are where the Taycan is at its best though, as it’s a pleasure to carve through corners.
The Taycan is the black sheep of the Porsche range, because while it looks just as sleek and feels just as sporty to drive as the rest of the line up, it’s a sensible, electric, family saloon car.
And Porsche has worked wonders with the Taycan’s design, because it’s actually one of the best looking cars it makes. It’s low-slung and wide, with a lot of road presence thanks to its big, curvaceous wheel arches and elegant LED lights.
The interior is also recognisably Porsche, but with a futuristic twist thanks to its curved driver display, emulating the dials you’ll find in a classic Porsche 911, and high-set centre console which leaves you feeling rather cosy.
It’s not the most spacious car on this list though, and while you’ll fit four adults in, tall rear passengers will feel claustrophobic after a long journey; the price you pay for a low, sporty roofline. The 407-litre boot is supplemented with an 84-litre front boot, which is handy, but you won’t fit big, bulky loads in the back.
On the road the Taycan manages to feel almost as agile as a Porsche 911 sports car. It’s comfortable around town, especially on the air suspension-equipped models, while its powerful motors mean it feels nippy between the lights.
Motorway journeys feel effortless in the Taycan, and with a range of between 372 miles and 422 miles depending on which model you opt for, it’s a genuine option for road trips with ultra-fast charge times, too. Country lanes are where the Taycan is at its best though, as it’s a pleasure to carve through corners.
Best for: electric opulence
If you hadn’t noticed by now, BMW is a dab hand at making excellent saloons. Where the 3 Series is the sporty compact saloon and the i5 is the swanky mid-sized executive car, the i7 is the opulent flagship saloon sitting at the top of the range.
It’s certainly the most striking of the lot, but not necessarily for the right reasons. A huge front grille, quad headlights, slab sides and its sheer enormous size set it apart from anything else on the roads. You’ll either love it, or hate it.
The interior is less divisive though, because it’s one of the most luxurious cabins of any car - period. You get lashings of leather - vegan or full fat - and ambient lighting, sumptuous seats and enough screens to fill a PC World in the i7.
There’s also loads of room, especially in the back, and you can opt for reclining rear seats to really complete the limo experience. You only get a 500-litre boot though, and while that’s still large enough, you’d expect more from such a big car.
And its size puts it at a disadvantage around town, where roads suddenly feel much smaller than you remember them being - but a suite of cameras helps when navigating the city. The i7 is incredibly comfortable and refined too, especially at motorway speeds, and being a BMW it manages to be fun on a country lane.
If you hadn’t noticed by now, BMW is a dab hand at making excellent saloons. Where the 3 Series is the sporty compact saloon and the i5 is the swanky mid-sized executive car, the i7 is the opulent flagship saloon sitting at the top of the range.
It’s certainly the most striking of the lot, but not necessarily for the right reasons. A huge front grille, quad headlights, slab sides and its sheer enormous size set it apart from anything else on the roads. You’ll either love it, or hate it.
The interior is less divisive though, because it’s one of the most luxurious cabins of any car - period. You get lashings of leather - vegan or full fat - and ambient lighting, sumptuous seats and enough screens to fill a PC World in the i7.
There’s also loads of room, especially in the back, and you can opt for reclining rear seats to really complete the limo experience. You only get a 500-litre boot though, and while that’s still large enough, you’d expect more from such a big car.
And its size puts it at a disadvantage around town, where roads suddenly feel much smaller than you remember them being - but a suite of cameras helps when navigating the city. The i7 is incredibly comfortable and refined too, especially at motorway speeds, and being a BMW it manages to be fun on a country lane.
Advertisement
Browse all saloon cars
Advice about saloon cars
How to choose the best saloon car for you
What engine option suits you?
If you do the vast majority of your journeys in town then choosing an electric saloon car is a no brainer, because their strong low-speed performance and efficiency means they’re easy to live with - if you have easy access to charging. Motorway journeys will be served best by a diesel or a hybrid, because they maximise their fuel efficiency at a high-speed cruise. For outright performance, look at a highly-tuned petrol-engined model for fun driving and an exhaust note to put a smile on your face.
Budget
With such a wide variety of saloon cars on sale, there’s something for everyone - regardless of budget. If you can do without a posh badge, hybrid engine or electric power then there are some reasonably-priced options to choose from, particularly from Skoda. For all-out luxury, look to BMW or Mercedes for a high-rolling limousine instead.
Browse other car types
- 4x4 Cars
- 7-Seater Cars
- Automatic Cars
- Cheap Cars
- Convertible Cars
- Coupe Cars
- Crossover Cars
- Electric Cars
- Estate Cars
- Executive Cars
- Family Cars
- First Cars
- GT Cars
- Hatchbacks
- Hot Hatches
- Hybrid Cars
- Luxury Cars
- MPVs
- Medium-sized Cars
- Most Economical Cars
- Motability Cars
- SUVs
- Saloon Cars
- Small Cars
- Sports Cars
- Superminis