February 22, 2023
Abby Nuttall
Top Picks
A saloon car has long been the favourite of executives with their spacious and comfortable interiors, good fuel economy and range of brands and models for you to choose from. And they remain just as popular a choice for today’s company car drivers.
If you’re interested in a saloon car, then we’ve rounded up our top five pick of models available on the market this year. Don’t worry if the saloon doesn’t suit your needs – in the coming months you’ll see several of our top picks from hatchbacks to SUVs, petrol to EVs!
Top Five Saloons for 2023
1. Tesla Model 3
In the top spot we’ve opted for an electric vehicle (EV) as this is not only good for the environment but also your wallet, with the low company car take rates they currently have.
The Model 3 is one of the best electric saloons on the market, with one of the longest mileage ranges, super-fast charging terms and rapid acceleration. It’s also got a sleek looking exterior and the minimalist interior that Tesla is known for.
There’s currently three versions available, the Standard Model 3, the Performance version and the Long Distance version and you can choose the one that best suits your needs whether you’re looking for a range close to 400 miles or want a 0-60 mph of just 3.1 seconds.
2. Audi A6
We’ve opted for the Audi A6 in second position. It’s a great choice for drivers who want a car from one of the German big three (Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz) and offers a range
The current model had a refresh to give it a sharper exterior and bring in Audi’s MMI infotainment system, but it’s expected to undergo a more thorough facelift later this year so if you’re due to get a new company car in the latter part of the year then this new A6 would be a great choice.
The A6 is agile and responsive to drive and you’ll have the option of adding four-wheel steering for even better handling. Sportier models in the range, like the RS6 Avant and the S6, also have more aggressive suspension and larger wheels.
For company car drivers there is a plug-in hybrid option with the TFSI e for lower BIK tax, and it offers you up to 41 miles on pure electric power.
3. BMW 3 Series
The next car to make the cut is the BMW 3 Series!
The 3 Series has long been a favourite of company car drivers and it’s easy to see why. From the stylish exterior to the comfortable interior and fantastic driving experience there’s plenty of reasons to choose the 3 Series.
Just last year it received a facelift that managed to make it even better. Changes included a new dual screen set up for all of your infotainment needs and a reduced bodyweight for a nimbler drive.
The 3 Series is also currently available as a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) in the 330e model and though the electric range doesn’t quite meet the A6 at 37 miles it’s still a great choice for drivers who want to lower their BIK payments but aren’t ready to make the jump to a full EV.
If you’re looking for a compact executive car that is fun to drive, then look no further.
4. Mercedes C Class
Rounding out our German trio is the Mercedes C-Class. Here at Wessex Fleet, we’ve long been a fan of the C-Class as it’s such a versatile model.
Mercedes have used a smaller version of the MRA architecture of their flagship S-Class limousine on the current C-Class which offers drivers an amazingly comfortable and smooth ride. There’s a high-quality interior with comfortable seats and a large touchscreen infotainment system that makes the journey even more enjoyable.
Keeping up with the times, and the competition, Mercedes offers a PHEV version of the C-Class in the C 300 e version which can offer up to 68 electric-powered miles.
5. Jaguar XF
The final spot for the best saloon cars of 2023 goes to the Jaguar XF.
Jaguar is a British brand that is known for creating luxury cars that look good, inside and out, and drive well. The XF was the model that broke into the executive class in the late 2000s and it remains a popular choice today.
It’s one of the few executive cars that really rivals the big German trio in both quality of finish and quality of drive. The cabin has a simple layout, with their new Pivi Pro infotainment system operating on a 11.4 inch touchscreen centre and a few key control buttons that helps keep it uncluttered but easy to operate when on the go.
You’ll get a choice of petrol or diesel engines that both offer good engine efficiency and performance. Whichever engine you opt for you’ll be guaranteed an enjoyable drive as the XF has a supple ride, agile handling and responsive steering.
Enjoyed this article? Read more of our latest blogs below:
- The Most and Lease Loved EVs in the UK
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- How to Prepare to Return Your Company Car
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