Time to make an executive decision

Five of the best new and used executive cars for £400-600 per month

With the majority of new cars in the UK being bought on finance, luxurious, well-equipped models have never been within easier reach for buyers.

While there are a few financing options out there including hire purchase and leasing, most buyers tend to opt for a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) deal that sees them put down a deposit and pay a reduced monthly rate over of the contract term (usually 36 or 48 months) that is calculated to cover the cost of the vehicle’s depreciation (loss in value), rather than the full amount.

At the end of the contract buyers can choose to purchase their car outright, hand it back to the dealer or switch to a newer car on another PCP deal.

This level of flexibility makes PCP the most popular financing option for UK car buyers, and with manageable monthly payments buyers may find themselves behind the wheel of an unexpectedly high-end motor for less financial outlay than they thought.

“Executive” cars (usually saloons) are a popular choice for buyers on PCP deals as they wrap up badge cachet, a reasonable amount of space and loads of the latest gadgets in an appealing and comfortable package.

Buyers have plenty of options in this category and, although the premium German marques attract the bulk of executive car sales, there are still a few left-of-field contenders out there giving buyers a choice of petrol, diesel, hybrid or pure-electric models.

For company car drivers, there are other cars to consider: check out our five best company cars to order in 2023 here.

Our pick of new car deals (February 2023)

BMW 5 Series

5 series, audi, buying guides, e-class, electric cars, executive cars, lexus, mercedes-benz, polestar, five of the best new and used executive cars for £400-600 per month

Arguably the default choice in the executive saloon category, the BMW 5 Series blends sharp looks with an even sharper feel behind the wheel, and features a well-equipped (and nicely finished) interior with a 12.3in infotainment touchscreen and the option of a head-up display.

With diesel sales in sharp decline, the 520d model may not seem like the most attractive option compared to petrol or plug-in hybrid models, but, with its 2-litre 190bhp turbocharged engine returning an economy figure in the high fifties, it’s an efficient car, especially for those covering lots of motorway miles.

The deal we found

  • Version: 520d M Sport
  • On the road price: £48,205
  • Monthly payment: £559
  • APR: 4.9%
  • Deposit: £4,595.73
  • Term: 48 months
  • Annual mileage: 10,000 miles

Audi A6

5 series, audi, buying guides, e-class, electric cars, executive cars, lexus, mercedes-benz, polestar, five of the best new and used executive cars for £400-600 per month

With a replacement for the Audi A6 due to launch later this year, there are good deals to be had on the current model right now, with the details of one such offer from Audi that caught our eye.

The A6’s interior could be considered a little conservative but it is really nicely screwed together. The way it drives is sharp though it falls a little short of the engagement and poise offered by the 5 Series, striking a decent compromise between the dynamics of the BMW and the comfort of the Mercedes E-Class.

With 201bhp on tap, performance in the 2-litre petrol Sport 40 TFSI model is brisk enough, and it returns just under 40mpg, which can’t match the economy and pulling-power of the more expensive diesel engines but is still decent for a petrol.

The deal we found

  • Version: A6 Sport 40 TFSI
  • On the road price: £41,590
  • Monthly payment: £499
  • APR: 6.9%
  • Deposit: £4,917.27 (£3,250 Audi deposit contribution)
  • Term: 48 months
  • Annual mileage: 10,000 miles
  • Guaranteed Future Value: £16,719

Our pick of used car deals (February 2023)

Mercedes E-Class

5 series, audi, buying guides, e-class, electric cars, executive cars, lexus, mercedes-benz, polestar, five of the best new and used executive cars for £400-600 per month

A sum of £500-600 per month will easily get buyers behind the wheel of a 2020 Mercedes E-Class, with cars of that age still providing the reassurance of the German firm’s three-year warranty.

As with the BMW 5 Series, the 2-litre diesel versions of the E-Class provide fuel economy figures in excess of 55mpg meaning that, in addition to punchy diesel torque, it’s relatively cheap to run for a big saloon, especially for drivers regularly pounding the UK’s motorways.

The interior is first-class, with nice use of materials and plenty of kit, and the ride comfort is class-leading.

The deal we found

  • Version: E 220 d AMG Line (2020 – 70 reg)
  • On the road price: £33,000
  • Monthly payment: £556
  • APR: 7.9%
  • Deposit: £4,000
  • Term: 36 months
  • Guaranteed future value: £11,000-16,000

Lexus ES

5 series, audi, buying guides, e-class, electric cars, executive cars, lexus, mercedes-benz, polestar, five of the best new and used executive cars for £400-600 per month

The Lexus ES has more than a whiff of the golf club about it but it’s a fine car. Powered by a 2.5-litre petrol-electric full hybrid system, the Lexus ES returns strong fuel economy and an especially refined driving experience with build-quality and reliability that’s practically unparalleled.

Buying one, however, prompts a big question: new or used? On one hand, buyers can get behind the wheel of a brand-new ES 300h for £600 per month, though that’s after handing over a fairly hefty £8,150 deposit.

A used model potentially offers much better value, with deals on 2020 (70 reg) models from little more than £450 per month, which seems especially attractive when that stellar reputation for reliability is factored in.

The deal we found

  • Version: ES 300h (2020 – 70 reg)
  • On the road price: from £29,000
  • Monthly payment: from £470
  • APR: 8.4%
  • Deposit: £4,000
  • Term: 36 months
  • Guaranteed future value: £14,000 – £16,500

Polestar 2

5 series, audi, buying guides, e-class, electric cars, executive cars, lexus, mercedes-benz, polestar, five of the best new and used executive cars for £400-600 per month

Polestar used to be a division of Volvo but has now firmly established itself in the UK market as a standalone maker of premium electric cars, with big plans for an expanded model line.

The Tesla Model 3-rivalling Polestar 2 is the car that broke the firm into the mainstream, and while new examples run a little beyond the £600 per month mark, buyers can get themselves into a well-specced 2020 or 2021 example for not much more than a £500 monthly outlay.

At that price, buyers can reasonably aim for a 78kWh Long Range model with 402bhp and the Pilot Plus driver assistance package and potentially even a dual-motor all-wheel-drive version.

It’s also the first car ever to feature a built-in Android Automotive infotainment system, which means it can be synced with your Google account and apps such as Waze and Audible can run without connecting your phone. Apple iPhone users don’t worry — you can still connect your handset via Bluetooth.

The deal we found

  • Version: 78kWh Long Range (2020 – 70 reg)
  • On the road price: £37,999
  • Monthly payment: £511
  • APR: 8.4%
  • Deposit: £4,000
  • Term: 48 months
  • Guaranteed future value: £18,000-21,000
  • After reading our guide to the best executive cars for £400-600 per month, you might be interested to see our review of a prototype of the 2023 BMW XM
  • Refreshed BMW X7 revealed with updated styling, revamped interior and mild-hybrid assistance
  • Or, check out the best luxury cars to buy in 2022

Keyword: Five of the best new and used executive cars for £400-600 per month

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

2024 BMW i5 electric sedan teased

BMW shows off shadowy front-end and provides first look inside 5 Series EV ahead of May 24 debut

View more: 2024 BMW i5 electric sedan teased

BMW 5 Series goes electric with i5 - M60 armed with 620PS and 1,100Nm

BMW has provided additional information on their new BMW i5, which will be unveiled alongside the next generation G60 5 Series. Coincidentally, Mercedes-Benz has also released full details on their new W214 E-Class Sedan. Munich, meanwhile, isn’t quite as ready to pull the covers off the new 5, and have ...

View more: BMW 5 Series goes electric with i5 - M60 armed with 620PS and 1,100Nm

Best executive cars to buy in 2023

Image isn’t (quite) everything

View more: Best executive cars to buy in 2023

New 2024 BMW i5 shown winter testing

EV version of next-generation BMW 5 Series sedan in final prototype testing ahead of October debut

View more: New 2024 BMW i5 shown winter testing

Best 4-Door Luxury Cars for Those Who Love Sports Cars

1. Porsche Panamera – Expensive for a reason 2. Genesis G80 – Genesis impresses yet again 3. The Audi RS 5 is a sports car with luxury baked in 4. BMW M550i – The Ultimate Driving Machine? Finding fun in a four-door luxury sports car For car enthusiasts, sports ...

View more: Best 4-Door Luxury Cars for Those Who Love Sports Cars

BMW’s upcoming 5 Series and 5 Series Touring will be both EV and ICE powered

BMW’s upcoming 5 Series and 5 Series Touring will be both EV and ICE powered Yes, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you. Yes, you read that right. The upcoming BMW 5 series will come with a slew of powertrain options including mild hybrid petrol and diesel engines, plug-in ...

View more: BMW’s upcoming 5 Series and 5 Series Touring will be both EV and ICE powered

New 2024 BMW 5 Series to get hot electric M models

EV versions of next-gen BMW 5 Series sedan and wagon locked in, along with mild hybrids and PHEVs

View more: New 2024 BMW 5 Series to get hot electric M models

BMW launches 520d M Sport priced at Rs 68.90 lakh

The BMW 5 Series is also available in 530i M Sport trim. It is priced at Rs 65.40 lakh (ex-showroom). BMW has rejigged the 5 Series lineup. The premium sedan is now available in 520d M Sport trim, priced at Rs 68.90 lakh (ex-showroom). The carmaker has also discontinued ...

View more: BMW launches 520d M Sport priced at Rs 68.90 lakh

5 Best Used BMWs in 2023, According to U.S. News

3 Most Common BMW 5 Series Problems Reported by Hundreds of Owners

2 Reasons to Buy the 2023 BMW 5 Series and 2 Reasons to Choose the Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The all-electric BMW i5 shows a bit more skin

Even the Most Reliable Used BMW M Cars Have Fixable Flaws

What’s the Most Reliable Used BMW M Car?

The 2022 BMW M5 Reviewed by U.S. News

Spy Photos: 2023 BMW 5 Series still hiding its design details

That One Time BMW Got Sued For Making Too Many Cars

Review: BMW 530e iPerformance - Charged Up Performance

2015 BMW 520d Sport Review – Far From Being Outclassed

BMW rumoured to release the i5 in three variants

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel