BMW 5-Series

“The striking 5-Series has managed to age well, and its initial controversial design doesn’t look at all dated. There’s also a huge variety of both engines and trim levels to choose from.” Trade Insider

What a comeback! The 5-Series last triumphed in the executive car category in 2005, and it’s back on top once more. The Mercedes E-Class won in 2004 and Audi’s A6 took the crown last year, which just goes to show how competitive this particular market sector is.

In truth, there’s little to separate the BMW from the Audi, but our expert panel couldn’t overlook the fine-driving 5-Series this year. The car was mildly reworked last month, yet its looks have barely changed, so early models don’t appear dated. Prices start from £16,000 for an entry-level 03-registration 520i with around 40,000 miles on the clock.

There’s a huge choice of petrol engines – however, the excellent diesels hold more appeal, and the torquey 177bhp 525d offers decent performance as well as 42mpg potential. Budget £20,000 for an early 04-plate example that’s covered about 35,000 miles. Performance fans can have their cake and eat it, too, because above the 530d sits the 272bhp 3.0-litre 535d. It covers 0-60mph in only 6.6 seconds, yet returns 35mpg. Prices start at around £25,000. Any automatic 5-Series typically fetches £1,500 more than a manual example, and you can add the same amount to step up from SE to Sport trim.

When it comes to downsides, the intimidating iDrive control system is an obvious place to start. It will initially confuse and frustrate you, but getting the hang of the set-up doesn’t take long, so don’t be put off.

The big petrol powerplants are smooth and can initially look like bargains – until you experience their thirst for fuel and high CO2 emissions. If you must have one, the V10-engined M5 is worth a mention. With 507bhp, the five-seat saloon is capable of 0-62mph in an astonishing 4.7 seconds, although you’ll need at least £50,000 to get behind the wheel. And expect to pay £300 for the VED.

Commended: Audi A6

2004 to present

Last year’s class champion is still a great used car, with strong residuals. Other strengths include class-leading cabin quality and solid build, while those smart looks will always win admiring glances wherever the stylish A6 is parked. Handling doesn’t match that of the 5-Series, but refinement is top-rate. Quattro models have four-wheel drive, and Audi’s MMI cabin interface is more intuitive to use than BMW’s iDrive. Smart S variants have firmer sports suspension and bigger wheels, and command a £1,000 premium over SE-specification cars.

Commended: Jaguar S-Type

1999 to present

Some cars are simply outstandingly good value – and that’s what prompted the S-Type’s inclusion this year. It isn’t as capable as the Mercedes E-Class it fended off to make the Commended list, but decent examples start from less than £5,000. Having been on sale since 1999, it boasts the longest production run of our trio here, so there are plenty to choose from. Bear in mind that the new XF saloon will bring a big change in styling, so make sure you get a good deal on an S-Type. Late-plate models are still open to heavy depreciation; aim for slightly older versions instead.