Best executive cars 2021

The latest Mazda 6 offers strong but quiet diesel engines and plenty of room for passengers, plus Mazda's infotainment system is one of the best around. Only the fact that the 6's low-speed ride is rather firm and the handling less precise than you might expect stops it finishing higher on this list.

All A-Class Saloon drivers will appreciate its comfortable ride, sophisticated infotainment system and attractive interior, while company car users will find the low tax bills of the plug-in hybrid A250e version seriously enticing. The rival Audi A3 Saloon has the edge on quality, though.

Alfa Romeo's latest attempt at an executive car is a very strong effort. The Giulia is composed at cruising speeds and offers engaging handling when you switch from motorways to B-roads. Its interior quality isn't up with the very best, despite recent improvements to some of the materials, but even the entry level Super trim doesn't leave you short of equipment.

Taking on the German brands in the executive car market is a big task, but Jaguar has made a good go of it with its junior saloon, the XE. It's offered with a strong range of engines and rewards keen drivers with excellent steering and sharp handling. It's let down a little when it comes to interior quality, but the equipment list is generous.

Like the hatchback on which it's based, the A3 Saloon is tidy in the bends, comfortable and well equipped. However, the bigger A4 is worth the extra if you can afford it, because it’s quieter and has a classier and more practical interior.

Next to some of the cars on this list, the Passat looks like a bit of a bargain. It gives you a spacious interior, an economical range of engines and a reasonably large boot, and all for a tempting price. However, the closely related Skoda Superb is bigger and cheaper still.

Speaking of which, the latest Skoda Superb isn't just better than the Passat, but many premium-badged cars, too. It's very comfortable and has a massive amount of space inside. What's more, both the 2.0-litre diesel and the plug-in hybrid iV model combine good performance with sensible running costs.

Recently facelifted, the A4 is hard to fault in almost every area, which is why we named it our Car of the Year back in 2016. As you'd expect, the interior is luxurious and beautifully finished, with practical rear seats and a spacious boot. Go for our recommended 187bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine (badged 40 TDI) and you'll also enjoy prodigious performance and good fuel economy.

The Model 3 is great to drive, packed full of tech, fast (ridiculously so in Performance guise) and surprisingly practical. Factor in a competitive price, especially given its sheer pace, and it’s not only a great electric car, but one of the best executive cars you can buy.

For many, the 3 Series remains the de facto executive car, and it's easy to see why. The latest version is the best-steering BMW of recent times and matches this with stellar body control and plenty of grip, yet it still manages to serve up good ride comfort and relaxing refinement. Add to all that a spacious interior and the tax-efficient plug-in hybrid tech of the 330e model, and it's the undoubted class leader.