Coming soon: executive and luxury cars
Don't buy a new car until you've read this – our ultimate guide to the new models coming in 2022...
Executive and luxury cars
Citroën C5X
On sale Spring
Singer, rapper and actress Queen Latifah once said: “When people don’t fit into a neat little box, you don’t try to squeeze them in; you build a bigger box.” And the designers of the C5X apparently have a similar philosophy, because instead of creating a traditional executive saloon, they’ve come up with a model that also takes inspiration from hatchbacks, estate cars and SUVs.
It will eventually be offered with a choice of petrol engines, but at launch the focus is on the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant, which combines a 1.6-litre petrol unit with an electric motor for a total output of 222bhp.
An electric range of up to 31 miles is possible, according to official tests, so you’ll be able to complete many journeys without burning any petrol. However, our favourite PHEV executive car, the BMW 330e, can manage up to 37 miles of zero-emissions running, while the new Mercedes C300e promises a whopping 68 miles.
The C5X has adaptive suspension that can be stiffened or softened, and so-called Advanced Comfort seats, which we like in the Citroën C5 Aircross SUV because they remain very supportive during long drives.
The 545-litre boot is a generous size, beating not only what saloon rivals offer but also estate equivalents, such as the BMW 3 Series Touring and Mercedes C-Class Estate.
Expect the PHEV C5X to cost from around £38,000 (the 330e starts at £41,330). When regular petrol versions join the line-up, the entry price should fall closer to £30k.
BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé
On sale Spring
If you like the svelte looks of the BMW 4 Series Coupé but need some extra family-friendly practicality, this Gran Coupé version is for you. As well as two extra doors, the Gran Coupé includes a usefully wide-opening tailgate. Prices start from £41,650.
Read our full BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé review >>
Vauxhall Insignia
On sale Late 2022
Vauxhall’s executive car is in line for some big changes, gaining chunkier styling and a beefier look as it transitions to become a halfway house between an executive car and an SUV. Engines will be shared with the Citroën C5 Aircross and Peugeot 308, with at least one plug-in hybrid version available from launch. Expect an overhauled interior, too.
Read our full review of the current Vauxhall Insignia >>
Alpina B4
On sale Summer
Alpina has a rich history of turning BMW models into performance cars, and the next car in line for this treatment is the 4 Series Gran Coupé. On its journey to becoming the Alpina B4, it will receive sportier styling and a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six petrol engine offering 462bhp. That means a 0-62mph sprint time of less than four seconds is likely
Genesis G90
On sale Summer
South Korean brand Genesis’s new model offensive continues with the G90, a rival for the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class. Engines are likely to be shared with the smaller Genesis G80, meaning a 2.2-litre diesel and a 2.5-litre petrol will be the sole choices. Expect a premium interior and lots of kit at a price
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Best executive cars 2022
A good executive car need to be comfortable, classy and well equipped, yet also cheap to run. So, which models hit all their targets, and which should be avoided?
