The executive car segment has long been dominated by German saloon cars, and the Mercedes C-Class proves why. It’s everything you’d expect a Mercedes to be – plush, tech-laden and great to drive, but wrapped up in a conveniently-sized saloon package. It has more of an elegant look than a sporty one, while its use of chrome is well-judged and contributes greatly to its upmarket image. We’d go as far as to say that it looks like a shrunken S-Class saloon.
The family resemblance continues on the inside. You couldn’t ask for a more luxurious atmosphere at this price point, with excellent materials everywhere you touch, combined with cutting-edge infotainment and driver displays.
Mercedes offers the C-Class with a wide range of engines, but the plug-in hybrid is a real highlight, with a class-leading electric range of over 60 miles. No matter which engine you pick, this is a car that delivers genuine driving pleasure while also being packed with technology and achieving excellent fuel economy. A classy choice.
Tesla Model Y review – clever tech and practical, top charging access
Carbuyer rating
4.2 out of 5
- Priced from £44,990
The Tesla Model Y is the firm’s follow-up to the popular Model 3 saloon, offering a near-identical driving experience but with far more interior space. Being an electric car, you get rapid performance, a smooth and quiet ride as well as low running costs. The latter is even more apparent for business car drivers, who will benefit from the significant tax incentives for EVs. In fact, the Tesla Model Y makes such a good company car that we awarded it first place in the category in this year’s Carbuyer Car of the Year Awards.
Its range is just as impressive as its performance, with even the cheapest model capable of 283 miles on a single charge, extending to 331 miles for the Long Range version. Inside, the cabin of the Model Y is a minimalist affair with a large central touchscreen controlling nearly all of the car’s main functions and only a few physical buttons dotted around the cabin. It’s practical, with a spacious cabin and a handy storage space under the bonnet alongside the regular rear boot space. As a showcase of how far Tesla has advanced in a decade, the Model Y is an excellent example.
While Tesla has led the charge in the EV market, established manufacturers like BMW are quickly catching up, sometimes outperforming the American car maker in key areas. The BMW i4 certainly gives Elon something to think about, providing drivers with a compelling electric driving experience that stays true to BMW’s heritage of performance and luxury.
With four doors and a hatchback, the i4 manages to look sleek and sporty, although the giant blanked-off front grille won’t be to everyone’s taste. Step inside and we doubt the interior will split opinion; it’s classy, sturdy and has all the tech you could need. The front seats strike a great balance between comfort and support, while all but the tallest of rear-seat passengers will have plenty of room.
Where the i4 really stands apart from its electric competitors is from behind the wheel. It handles beautifully, with precise, accurate steering and superb body control that defies its two-tonne weight. There’s an M50 model with over 500bhp, but most buyers will be more than satisfied with the entry-level model. Spend more and you can upgrade to the even more luxurious BMW i5, but we think most executive buyers will be happy with the smaller model.
Lexus NX review – an efficient, upmarket hybrid SUV
Carbuyer rating
4.3 out of 5
- Priced from £44,430
While we think the Tesla Model Y is the best company car out there, not everyone is ready to get behind the wheel of an EV yet. If it’s a petrol-powered executive SUV you’re after, then the Lexus NX is an excellent candidate. With its unique yet classy looks and a solidly built cabin, the NX feels like a premium machine through and through. The efficient plug-in hybrid option completes the package.
It’s not hard to see why the Lexus NX picked up our 2024 award for Best Large Company Car. It stands out in the sea of German rivals with its sharp styling and offers an interior that feels far more up-to-date than those in previous models. Its optional plug-in hybrid powertrain is a first from Lexus, delivering punchy and smooth performance while achieving an impressive 40 miles of electric range.
Reliability is a Lexus strong suit, too, the brand routinely performing well in our annual Driver Power satisfaction surveys, so there’ll be no fear of breaking down en route to your next business meeting.
