Six best executive cars to lease
The executive car segment has seen huge growth over the past few decades. Thanks to their combination of comfort, luxury and refinement, the best of the best are fun to drive, have plenty of space, boast high quality and are well-equipped. With so many now on the market, though, which are the best? Well, to help you navigate the sumptuous minefield, we’ve rounded up the six best executive cars to lease.
Jaguar XE
The Jaguar brand has never been shy of showing what it stands for – style and speed. Its world-class compact executive car is undeniable evidence of that.
This comfortable, high-performance vehicle is one of the finest in its class. With a wide, low profile, the XE’s aggressive, sporty looks scream executive.
It opens up into a cabin that is seriously, solidly slick with soft-touch plush materials encased by glossy black surfaces reflecting off metal trim highlights.
Plus, those who like their tech will be delighted to find that this British brand doesn’t disappoint with the Touch Pro Duo system borrowed from the I-Pace.
The 10-inch touchscreen hosts sat-nav, entertainment and communications, while a smaller, practical display lives below for driver convenience functions such as climate control.
As you’d expect from Jaguar, the XE is fun to drive but looks after your comfort all the way.
With one diesel and two petrol engines, and either rear- or all-wheel drive to choose from, it’s also incredibly good for those who want to personalise their experience.
Audi A6 Saloon
If anyone can carry off an executive saloon it’s one of the kingpins of the sector – Audi.
Refinement, striking looks, comfort and, of course, the Audi badge all make the Audi A6 a powerful contender in the class.
Being an Audi, the A6 is characteristically dynamic. Instantly recognisable thanks to its aggressive-looking grille, fringed by swept-back headlights and low shoulder line.
However, you haven’t experienced true executive feel until you step inside. Spacious and practical, the A6 cabin is luxuriously comfortable.
It’s also swamped with tech. From the entry-level Sport, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and 10-speaker stereo, to top-spec models with Audi’s stunning Virtual Cockpit instrument pack and driver assistance technology.
There’s also a range of engines available, starting with a reasonably deft 2.0-litre 201bhp turbocharged petrol.
For superior fuel economy, there are mild-hybrid powertrains available; from which the 2.0-litre offers up to 62.8mpg. But no matter which engine you choose, you’re getting a smooth, quiet and refined ride.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Quite simply, what Mercedes-Benz doesn’t know about producing world-class executive cars isn’t worth knowing.
The E-Class is a defining model in the sector – it boasts everything that is refinement. Quality, comfort, space and driving performance is all wrapped up in this luxurious package.
This full-size executive class vehicle takes the majority of its design cues from the S-Class saloon. With its handsome elongated silhouette, the E-Class is staggeringly well-equipped and comes with a plethora of engine options.
Plus, of course, its tri-star badge lends well to exceptional road presence.
Inside, the classiness continues with plush materials from wood and leather to soft-touch plastics.
It’s also privy to 64-colour ambient lighting, which offsets the interior at night too. The roomy cabin features twin 12-inch displays and an infotainment setup with Mercedes’ voice control features.
All versions also come with an array of driver’s assistance aids including front and rear sensors, rear-view camera and park assist.
As you’d expect, the E-Class is a smooth drive, but it’s also economical. From the entry-level 2.0-litre petrol engine with returns of 39mpg, through to an efficient range of diesels and two types of plug-in hybrid powertrains, all are respectable in their fuel consumption figures.
Lexus ES
In a sector dominated by the German giants, the Lexus ES is a worthy contender. It may not have the sporty, instantly-recognisable looks of its rivals, but there’s much to like about this Japanese saloon.
This individualistic executive car is unfussy in design and all the better for it. Dominated by a large unique grille and curved rear silhouette, it’s eye-catching without being overly swanky or pretentious.
Inside, it’s spacious and entirely comfortable, built with long journeys in mind. As is standard with Lexus, the build quality is exemplary with distinctive Japanese-inspired touches.
Even at entry-level, standard equipment is generous with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, heated electric front seats and adaptive cruise control.
Lexus is renowned for its hybrid technology and the Lexus ES is no different. With one single petrol-electric hybrid engine option available, it’s a refreshingly different drive.
The 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol combined with an electric motor produces 215bhp. With an unassuming top speed of 112mph, it’s an exceptionally quiet and gentle drive.
And with official economy figures of 60mpg, it’s gentle on the purse strings too.
Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S helped put the American brand on the map, and to this day remains one of, if not the best all-electric executive saloons out there.
Combining incredible performance, luxury and refinement all along with zero tailpipe emissions, it’s an EV like no other.
Looks-wise, it’s completely different to your traditional executive breed.
With a svelte silhouette, the Model S is sleek and futuristic. The cabin is minimalist and features more space than you can shake an incredibly large stick at.
Dominated by its 17-inch infotainment screen, which controls nearly every function from driving modes to the cabin’s climate, the interior is light and roomy, allowing you to submerge yourself into the drive.
There are two options in the Tesla Model S Range – Long Range and Performance.
The Long Range has a 375-mile range and top speed of 155mph. The Performance, meanwhile, turns it up a notch with a top speed of 162mph and a jaw-dropping 0-60mph time of 2.4 seconds.
Of course, being all-electric, daily running costs are lower than any petrol or diesel rivals.
You’ll also get free access to Tesla’s Supercharging network, of which there are more than 500 charging points across the UK.
The Model S really is more than just an electric car – with stunning performance, comfort and handling, it’s a worthy contender as one of the best executive cars to lease.
Volvo S90
Handsome and sleek on the outside, roomy and luxurious on the inside. Plus, it’s an excellent drive – you couldn’t really ask more from the Volvo S90.
In a sector where the German manufacturers dominate, this unassuming Scandanavian car with its minimalist design and superior road manners is a successful exception to the rule.
So what’s different about the Volvo S90?
Well, this luxury car is all about comfort. Inside, you’ll still find – as you should expect – a superior high-quality finish.
But this car doesn’t pretend to do sporty. Instead, you’ll find plush, ridiculously comfortable seats. All of this really goes quite well with the overall driving experience, which is quiet and relaxing – something you’ll be thankful for on longer journeys.
Volvo has kept things simple for its S90 with a choice of two trims and an engine range that’s straightforward enough not to baffle: two diesels, and a petrol-electric hybrid option.
All come with eight-speed automatic gearboxes and, in terms of economy, official figures are around 60mpg.
Of course, it’s Volvo, so there’s plenty of safety kit as standard too. From traffic sign recognition and lane keep assist to emergency city braking and blindspot monitoring.
There’s even an autonomous driving system, which works up to speeds of 80mph.
If you’re in the market for something different, spacious and stunningly luxurious, the Volvo S90 just might be right for you.
Our other executive cars
Of course, if nothing above takes your fancy, there are a whole host of other executive cars available to lease. Take a look at our selection by clicking the button below.