Best used executive cars to buy now
If you need a fast, comfortable and stylish set of wheels, these are the best used executive cars that the market has to offer
If you want to enjoy the daily commute, impress your colleagues in the car park and even have enough space for the family, you needn’t spend a fortune. Opting for one of our best used executive cars on sale will see you bag a modern, stylish car that’ll also provide plenty of performance and comfort, but at a much more reasonable price than a brand new alternative.
Executive cars tend to offer a wider breadth of talent than most other kinds of car, and that’s why it’s so important to know the strengths and weaknesses of a used executive car before spending your money on one.
The best used executive cars
The choice is broad, so we’re here to help you find a great used buy. Our team of expert road testers have driven and reviewed every executive car that you can buy in the UK, and they’ve rounded up the very best used full-size and compact executive cars on sale right now. Read on to find these listed below.
1. Volvo S90 (Mk2) - best used executive car
There are some cracking contenders in the executive car segment, and one that’s often overlooked is the Volvo S90. This is a big benefit for used car buyers; the S90’s low profile means it’s often better value than the more obvious German alternatives. True, there aren’t quite as many to choose from on the used market, but there are bargains to be found.
The S90, plus the V90 estate version, went on sale in 2016, with 187bhp D4 and 231bhp D5 AWD diesel options, all using 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines. A year later, the V90 Cross Country (XC) was introduced with standard four wheel drive and a ride height raised by 65mm; a 187bhp T4 petrol engine was also added to the range, with a higher-performance 245bhp T5 option arriving in August 2018.
A facelift in March 2020 brought design updates and mild-hybrid tech for improved fuel economy. Last year, Volvo axed the S90 in the UK, only to bring it back again this year, but just in high-spec plug-in hybrid forms.
For many buyers, the lack of a German badge on the nose is a big plus; the fact that the S90 features glorious design inside and out also boosts its appeal. So do Volvo’s safety credentials; being the brand’s flagship saloon, the S90 features vast amounts of safety tech, either as standard or as an extra-cost option.
The S90 can’t quite match the BMW 5 Series for driving enjoyment, and the Mercedes E-Class is even more refined, but the Volvo isn’t far behind with its mile-munching abilities, a quality helped by some of the most comfortable seats around. There’s also a well stocked (and wonderfully spacious) cabin, which is as beautifully put together as you’d expect. The biggest tragedy where the S90 is concerned is that many people won’t ever get to experience one.
2. Tesla Model 3 (Mk1) - best used compact executive car
Company car drivers and fleet managers love to keep an eye on the bottom line, and when it comes to the numbers game, the Tesla Model 3 is impossible to ignore as a new car. It's also difficult to overlook used, because it's remarkably affordable, delivers a fantastic real-world range and is backed up by the superb Tesla Supercharging network for ease of use.
Running costs are super-low. Charge at home and you can pay as little as a penny per mile in fuel costs. As well as minimal maintenance requirements (even consumables such as brake discs and pads last for longer in an electric car than in an equivalent petrol or diesel car thanks to regenerative braking systems), this is an efficient car that maxes out its use of energy and cabin space. You can fit four adults inside comfortably, or five if you need to, while boot space is also superb, thanks to storage capacity in the front as well as the back.
What seals things for many buyers, though, is the supercar levels of speed from a car with an unassuming body; the Performance model tops out at 162mph and can do 0-62mph in just 3.3 seconds. While it's fair to say that the handling isn’t quite up to supercar levels – it’s competent rather than rewarding – you won’t find many cars that are easier to drive around town or as capable and comfortable on long-distance motorway journeys.
The Model 3 arrived in the UK in spring 2019, with buyers able to choose between Standard Range Plus (later, simply the Model 3), Long Range and Performance editions.
All Model 3s came as a four-door saloon with five seats, with the difference between them being down to the battery pack and the standard equipment levels – the Performance model being the flagship. However, all Model 3s are well equipped, with little variation between the different editions.
3. BMW 5 Series (Mk7/G30)
For more than half a century, the BMW 5 Series has been a core part of BMW’s line-up, and in seventh-generation form (2017-2023) it was a more accomplished car than ever. Powered by some of the best engines anywhere, great to drive, superbly put together, comfortable, refined and loaded with equipment, the 5 Series is hard to dislike.
4. Audi A4 (Mk5)
Much of what applies to the BMW 3 Series also applies to one of its arch-rivals, because while the Audi A4 isn’t as much fun to drive as the BMW, it’s every bit as solidly built, has a superbly laid out cabin, and you can take your pick of excellent petrol and diesel engines (although unlike the 3 Series, there’s no plug-in hybrid). There are saloon and estate bodystyles to choose from, both of which are plentiful on the used market.
5. Mercedes E-Class (Mk5)
Luxurious, refined, safe, well equipped and comfortable, the Mercedes E-Class is one of those cars that it's easy to think is overpriced, until you buy and run one. Then you'll soon see that it's worth every penny, because any drive becomes an occasion.
6. BMW 3 Series (Mk6/F30)
The BMW 3 Series has been around since 1975, so by the time the sixth-generation model arrived in 2012 we all had high expectations – and we weren't disappointed. For decades, the 3 Series has been one of the most complete compact executives, with exceptional interior design and ergonomics, a wonderful driving experience, excellent build quality and efficient petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid powertrains.
7. Lexus GS 450h (Mk3)
Self-charging hybrid executive saloons are all the rage these days, but it was Lexus that started the bandwagon rolling in 2006 with its original GS 450h. The more eye-catching second-generation version arrived in 2012, and bombproof reliability comes as standard.
8. Jaguar XE (Mk1)
The Jaguar XE's blend of balanced rear-drive handling, a cosseting ride and good looks is a highlight, while the car’s 2.0-litre diesel engine is punchy and fuel-efficient. Early examples don’t have the best infotainment, and the interior isn’t as upmarket as the A4’s, but for keen drivers the sharp-steering Jag is a top choice.
An update in 2019 saw the XE’s engine line-up cut to three options: there’s a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel with 178bhp, and a pair of four-cylinder petrol units that produce 247bhp and 296bhp respectively. Unsurprisingly the former is the best for fuel economy, while the latter is daddy when it comes to speed.
While the pre-facelift model isn’t quite up to the level of its rivals (the boot is disappointingly small at 455 litres, and rear legroom is a little cramped), it isn’t far off.
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