Best executive cars 2021

It might not a particularly economical choice, but there's little arguing with this junior Volvo saloon's interior quality. Every model comes bursting with the latest safety kit, too, while a great driving position means you'll stay comfy even on long motorway journeys.

The C-Class is one of the big three when it comes to executive cars – the other two being the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series, which feature further up this list. Mercedes's car does a lot well, too, combining strong and efficient engines with a smart interior and lots of toys. However, the ride is rather firm on standard suspension.

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.

Alfa Romeo's latest attempt at an executive car is a very strong effort. The Giulia is composed at cruising speeds and offers very 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 won'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.
 

Next to some of the cars on this list, the Passat looks like a bit of a bargain. It gives you a spacious and practical 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.