EXECUTIVE CARS

Jonathan Crouch Checks Out The Pick Of The Current Crop Of Executive Saloons

The Executive Car sector has changed almost beyond recognition in the last few decades. Once it was controlled by the mainstream makers, with big Fords and Vauxhalls marking their territory in the executive car parks the length and breadth of the country.

No longer. This sector is now controlled largely, though not exclusively, by the Germans, with BMW and Mercedes leading the way. Jaguar however, now has a big say with the success of its award winning XF saloon, while Audi and Volvo also offer very appealing alternatives.

BMW 5 Series

The latest BMW 5 Series very much marks the start of a new design philosophy for BMW having largely dispensed with the controversial designs of Chris Bangle.

British buyers though, like their BMWs. Taking on Mercedes and recognising that most buyers are in their Fifties necessitated a more luxury-orientated approach: once a bigger 3 Series sports saloon, this Five is now essentially a shortened 7 series luxury limo. But, as BMW points out, that doesn't necessarily mean that with the right spec in place, it can't still remain the default driver's choice in this class. It is, they say, simply now a car with a wider breath of abilities, whether you're after a truly luxurious or truly sporting driving experience. That statement gains further traction with the recent launch of the most frugal 5 Series saloon ever, the latest evolution of the mighty M5 and a raft of across-th...