10 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Our pick S500 L AMG Line Premium List price £109,550 Target Price £105,050 0-62mph 4.7sec Top speed 155mph MPG 32.9 CO2 195g/km
While the mild hybrid technology does its job of boosting fuel economy in the Mercedes-Benz S500, its effect is more pronounced in the way the car responds when you put your foot down. The 3.0-litre engine in this luxurylimo produces 443bhp, and the electrical assistance reinforces its muscular feel. Yet it’s also incredibly smooth and quiet when all you want to do is relax.
Speaking of which, the S500 is wonderfully soothing at a motorway cruise. In such tranquillity, you’re at your leisure to appreciate the rich materials surrounding you, as well as the sheer comfort on offer in the opulent, spacious rear seats.
9 Volkswagen Passat
Our pick 1.5 eTSI Life List price £39,610 Target Price £34,227 0-62mph 9.3sec Top speed 138mph MPG 51.8 CO2 124g/km
The Volkswagen Passat has always been one of the most sensible, practical executive cars you can buy, and VW has doubled down in this regard for the latest generation, which is available only as an estate. And what an estate it is, with boot space to shame the bigger, pricier BMW 5 Series Touring and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate, allied to a spacious interior with loads of stretch-out room in the rear seats.