New and Used Executive Cars For Sale

Why should you buy an executive car?

An executive car is built for the driver who wants every mile driven to feel effortless. The term goes back to the 1960s, when it meant a car built for professionals covering serious distances, and that’s still exactly who they suit: anyone who spends real time behind the wheel and wants it to be a pleasure rather than a chore.

The pleasure is all in the details, with an interior that feels superior and carries the latest technology. Combined with smooth, quiet power that makes a motorway run feel like a breeze, more and more drivers are picking one of these sleek saloons over yet another SUV. Once you’ve driven one, you’ll understand the appeal.

Going used makes the sums work, too. These cars cost a lot when new, so a few years of depreciation puts a genuinely premium model within reach. Established names like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class now share the road with newcomers such as the Genesis G80.

What types of executive cars are there?

Executive cars are usually grouped by how big and how upmarket they are, from compact saloons through to full-size luxury models. Euro NCAP even runs a dedicated Executive Car class of its own. Some of the most common classifications are:

The popular family choice, balancing a roomy cabin and boot with sensible running costs.

Built on a car platform for easy, economical driving, with the raised stance and styling of an SUV.

Bigger again, often with five or seven seats and greater towing ability for larger families.

The biggest of the bunch, offering maximum space, comfort and pulling power.

Browse Executive Cars by Brand

Frequently asked questions

What is classed as an executive car?

An executive car is usually a large, upmarket saloon that’s built to cover long distances in comfort with a plush interior, plenty of technology, understated styling and smooth, quiet engines. In European terms it sits in the E-segment, with the smaller compact executive class just below it. There’s no single legal definition, which is why the same car can turn up on one list and not another. The Volkswagen Passat and Audi A6 are long-standing examples.

Is a BMW an executive car?

Some are, but not the whole range. BMW builds everything from small hatchbacks to full-size limousines, and only part of that line-up counts. The BMW 5 Series is a textbook executive car example, with the space and refinement the class is known for, while the smaller 1 Series and 2 Series sit just below it. BMW applies the same recipe to its SUVs, too, so a car like the BMW X3 brings executive polish in a more practical shape.

Is a Tesla an executive car?

The Tesla Model 3 is widely treated as one, and is regularly rated among the best you can buy. The classification isn’t unanimous, though. Euro NCAP files the Model 3 under large family cars rather than executive cars, so it really depends who you ask. What isn’t in question is the company car appeal: being fully electric, it sits in the lowest benefit-in-kind tax band.

What is an executive SUV?

The idea is simple in that it’s the executive-car recipe in an SUV body. You get the premium brand, the high-quality interior and the technology, just with a higher driving position and more space in the back. Most share their underpinnings with an executive saloon from the same maker, which is why the interiors feel so alike. The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a good example, being essentially the SUV version of its saloon sister.

Is a Mercedes-Benz an executive car?

As with BMW, it depends on the model. The smaller A-Class and GLA sit below the segment, the range-topping S-Class sits above it in luxury territory, and the cars in between are the executive ones. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the compact executive of the range, offering that trademark comfort and quality as a saloon, coupé, estate or convertible. The model has defined the class for generations, and used examples are plentiful.

Why should you buy a car from Evans Halshaw?

As part of one of the UK's largest automotive retail networks, we have an extensive range of both new and used cars within our group inventory. Having partnered with over 20 of the world's best-known manufacturers, you're also able to access exclusive benefits, schemes, and offers, to ensure you're getting the greatest value when browsing for your next vehicle.

With over 100 locations nationwide, we serve customers up and down the country, and aim to build lasting relationships with everyone that visits our site. From experiencing a car for the first time, through to long-term care for your vehicle, our stores are well-equipped to take the hassle out of vehicle ownership from start-to-finish, allowing you to enjoy every minute behind the wheel.

So, if you're interested in exploring your next vehicle, please get in touch with your nearest Evans Halshaw retailer where an advisor will be on-hand to support your journey.