Used test – business class: Audi A4 vs BMW 3 Series vs Citroen DS5 vs Mercedes C-Class
Buying a used Audi A4, BMW 3 Series or Mercedes C-Class might seem obvious if you want an executive car. But is the Citroën DS5 a worthy left-field alternative?...
Our Verdict
Of all the cars here, the Citroën DS5 is probably the one you’d want to take home most of all, on first acquaintance. Those avantgarde looks are refreshingly different to the three-box designs of the other three cars here, and that fantastic interior only continues its desirability inside.
The problem comes once you get moving. Yes, the DS5 is as quiet as you could hope for; had it matched that solitude with comfort, it’d be a very strong package. But the ride is jarringly firm over even the slightest bump. Strangely, it also manages to feel sloppy over larger undulations. And the DS5 isn’t even much fun to drive as a payoff, thanks to its vague steering. Throw in the poor gearbox and vague clutch, and driving the DS5 becomes an experience you’d rather forget.
Lack of comfort in an executive car is unforgivable which is why the Citroën must take last place. It’s also a chink the Audi A4’s armour, because at high speeds it can feel rather firm. For all that, though, the A4 does offer a smooth engine and a fantastic interior. It also handles tidily, even if the experience is dampened somewhat by its overly light steering, and it has plenty of space, too
But the A4’s considerably more expensive to buy than any other car here, and it has one of the worst reputations for reliability here. Combined with its firm ride, those factors contribute to its third place finish here.
However, comfort is certainly not lacking in the Mercedes. In this SE trim, it wafts along beautifully, and efficiently too, using very little fuel in the process, despite its engine being the punchiest here. It’s also the car with the best reputation for reliability here, and it’s one of the cheapest to buy; on the basis of those two facts alone, it’s worth a look.
True, you will have to live with rather a lot of engine noise, while wind and road noise aren’t exactly banished either. Elsewhere, the C-Class is competent, if unexceptional; its interior is decent enough, if rather drab, while interior space is about average.
However, if you want a car that’ll give you that little extra spark, you’ll have to choose the BMW 3 Series. It matches or betters the Mercedes in many areas, with a more interesting interior, better handling – even without the optional adaptive suspension package fitted – and a far quieter engine.
Yet the 3 Series is barely any more expensive than the Mercedes to buy, and a lot cheaper to maintain; what’s more, while its reliability isn’t quite up to that of the C-Class, it doesn’t fall to the level of the A4 or DS5. And if you can find an example with the optional suspension fitted, you’ll have by far and away the best-handling and -riding executive car you can buy for the money. And probably the best car overall, for that matter.
Read our review of the latest BMW 3 Series
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For Low running costs; reasonable prices; lively engine; classy, practical interior
Against Wind noise; ordinary to drive without adaptive suspension
Verdict The best all-rounder here, though the perfect specification is hard to find
Rated 4 out of 5
Read the full used BMW 3 Series review
Find a used BMW 3 Series for sale in the What Car? Classifieds
2nd – Mercedes-Benz C-Class
For Gutsy engine; excellent ride; best reliability reputation; low prices
Against Noisy engine; dreary interior; boring handling
Verdict It’s noisy and a bit dull, but the C-Class is also cheap to buy and reliable
Rated 3 out of 5
Read the full used Mercedes C-Class review
Find a used Mercedes C-Class for sale in the What Car? Classifieds
3rd – Audi A4
For Smooth engine; secure handling; well-built interior
Against High-speed ride; poor reliability; expensive to buy
Verdict A decent all-rounder, spoiled by its cost and a reputation for expensive bills
Rated 3 out of 5
Read the full used Audi A4 review
Find a used Audi A4 for sale in the What Car? Classifieds
4th – Citroën DS5
For Quiet on the move; practical boot; stylish interior
Against Punishing ride; worst economy; tight rear legroom
Verdict It’s hard to recommend an executive car that rides as poorly as this
Rated 2 out of 5
Read the full used Citroën DS5 review
Find a used Citroën DS5 for sale in the What Car? Classifieds
Specifications: BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics
Engine size 2.0-litre diesel
List price when new £28,080
Price today £10,500
Power 161bhp
Torque 280lb ft
0-60mph 7.7sec
Top speed 141mph
Fuel economy 68.9mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 109g/km
Specifications: Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI SE
Engine size 2.1-litre diesel
List price when new £28,270
Price today £10,000
Power 168bhp
Torque 295lb ft
0-60mph 8.6sec
Top speed 139mph
Fuel economy 64.2mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 117g/km
Specifications: Audi A4 2.0 TDIe 163 SE
Engine size 2.0-litre diesel
List price when new £27,575
Price today £11,000
Power 161bhp
Torque 280lb ft
0-60mph 8.9sec
Top speed 133mph
Fuel economy 64.2mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 115g/km
Specifications: Citroën DS5 2.0 HDi DStyle
Engine size 2.0-litre diesel
List price when new £25,900
Price today £8,500
Power 161bhp
Torque 251lb ft
0-60mph 8.7sec
Top speed 127mph
Fuel economy 57.6mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 129g/km
Price today is based on a 2012 model with average mileage and full service history, correct at time of writing
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