German cars are renowned for their quality, so when young professionals are looking for a vehicle to support their status, it’s no surprise that they opt for a sophisticated saloon. However, this market has become massively popular over recent years, so the competition is higher than ever.
So, what is it that’s most important to people when choosing an executive car? Is it performance, is it the exterior? Of course, both of these things are hugely important but when you’ve got three cars that are pretty much on par in terms of looks and performance, what then? Well, as it happens, it seems the interior, or at least the cabin, takes priority.
Professional people won’t go for a car that doesn’t have a professional looking cabin. They want everything to be neat, tidy and in its place, as well as all the gadgets and gizmos that come with a quality car from a more expensive price range.
To give everyone a bit of a heads up, we thought we’d explore the cabins of some of the best executive cars that 2015 has to offer.
Audi
We’ll start with, what we consider to be, one of the most executive, yet still affordable, Audis, and, because it begins with an ‘A’, it makes so much sense to start there.
So, here we have the Audi A6 Avant, it’s capable of 0-62mph in a brisk 8.5 seconds, has 190bhp and a top speed of 140mph.
In the cabin
Probably the most obvious feature is the MMI navigation 6.5” colour display screen positioned in the centre of the dashboard. You’ve got the amazing Audi Sound System with 10 speakers and the option of BOSE surround sound for an added cost.
You’ll also benefit from cruise control, for those long motorway drives, sports seats, for extra comfort, the Audi parking system, hill hold assist, mobile preparation with Bluetooth, DAB radio, SD card slot and an aux input, oh, and four zone automatic air conditioning.
You also get the choice between a wood, aluminium and black inside trims – our recommendation would be the aluminium or black.
Finally, you also have the choice between a manual and S Tronic gearbox.
BMW
Next up, we’ve got the BMW 5 Series Luxury, and, as you can see, it certainly lives up to its name.
The 5 Series has a top speed of 150mph, it reaches 62mph in 6.9 seconds and contains a huge 218bhp.
In the cabin
Now, as we said, this car really does live up to its name. Now, we’re not huge advocates of cream leather interiors, but this is on another level and is absolutely stunning, especially if you’re looking to wow your colleagues.
As well as the flashy seats, you’ve got cruise control, with a brake function, hands-free Bluetooth phone connection, voice control, six speaker loudspeaker system, front and rear parking distance aids, 10.2” IDrive control and colour display with real time traffic information. Honestly, the list of features in this car is endless, there’s no way there’ll be anyone that’s unimpressed.
Mercedes
Finally, we have the Mercedes E-Class saloon, which also has a top speed of 150mph, engine power of 204bhp and capable of 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds – not bad, not bad at all.
In the cabin
Just as you’d expect for the ultimate in luxury drives, you’ve got cruise control – a function that no businessman should be without – a reversing camera, so you never need to risk a ding to the tail end and Bluetooth with mobile connection.
Again, in the centre of the dashboard you have a cool little screen which acts as the command centre for the sat nav and all entertainment needs.
Entertainment-wise, you’ve got a complete media interface with a 10GB music register, SD card slot and the ability to get online. You’ll also find a DAB radio – essential for the long distance traveller, and USB and aux inputs.
Available with the 7G-Tronic gearbox and there’s even a sexier AMG version if you’d prefer.
Affordability
Saloon cars are now more popular than ever, especially with the younger demographic, and this rise in popularity has meant that these cars are now more expensive than ever.
For the young professional, there is a certain dream which involves driving around in a nice, executive car that their colleagues and peers will approve of. However, thanks to the popularity of these cars, this dream often comes with a hefty price tag that a lot of people cannot afford unless, of course, you opt to take out a personal car lease.
Car leasing makes driving a brand new car so much more affordable, all you have to worry about are the monthly payments – which are a lot cheaper than you’d expect when you split the value of the car over the same term – and handing the car back at the end, so it’s certainly something that’s worth considering.
