What Car? Best Buys - Executives

Here's our pick of the best models on sale in every class, but you can find our full overview of new and used executive cars by clicking here.

1. BMW 525i SE Auto
Price £31,750 Target Price£29,538
Logic says that executive cars have to be diesels for company car tax reasons, but factor in the higher cost of a diesel and the 3% tax loading it carries, and there's not a lot in it.

Anyway, when a petrol engine is this good, it's hard to overlook. For desirability, driving quality and the ownership experience, the 5 Series is bang on the button, too.
What Car? Full Verdict

2. Audi A6 2.7 TDI SE Price £29,105 Target price £27,055 Why the 2.7 model? Because it does it without the fuel-sapping four-wheel-drive system that comes with the 3.0-litre diesel, so it's cheaper to run. What Car? Full Verdict

3. Mercedes CLS 320 CDI Price £43,957 Target Price £41,585 A stunning saloon that's based on the E-Class and looks like a coupe. Not as nimble as some rivals, but a quick, economical cruiser. What Car? Full Verdict

The alternative view
Lexus GS450h
Price £38,080 Target Price£35,940
This petrol-electric hybrid is more a quick executive saloon with a conscience than an out-and-out answer to the environmental debate. The GS is neither a great drive or especially roomy, but reliability and dealer service are superb.
What Car? Full Verdict

The Top Five... most powerful executives
1 Mercedes E63 AMG 514bhp
2 BMW M5 507bhp
3 Audi S6 429bhp
4 Chrysler 300C SRT-8 425bhp
5 Jaguar S-type R 400bhp

What Car? Group Test October '06
BMW 5 Series Mercedes Saab 9-5 Volvo S80
For a copy, call our Library on 08456 777814.