Best saloon cars in 2024
It’s the million-pound question: What are the best saloon cars in the UK this year? To help us answer that, let’s first discuss what makes an excellent saloon car.
Three things to look for in a saloon car are comfort, space, and a smooth drive. You’ll also want high-quality interior materials, advanced tech features, and good fuel efficiency.
It also needs to be safe and reliable. And let’s not forget about the boot! It needs to be spacious, too.
With these in mind, join us as we take a deep dive into the world of saloon cars.
Best saloon cars in the UK
Audi A4
Price
RRP £38,325 – £52,355
Pros
👍 Beautiful interior
👍 Oodles of standard equipment
👍 Quiet and comfortable drive
Cons
👎 Other saloons are more fun to drive
👎 Automatic gearbox is a touch jerky
Summary
The Audi A4 scores highly for its stylish design, comfortable interior, and excellent driving dynamics. A well-built cabin, advanced technology, and smooth ride quality give it a nice balance of performance and luxury. Its precise handling and efficient engines make driving enjoyable in the city or on the motorway. A serious contender for saloon car of the year.
BMW 3 Series
Price
RRP £40,220 – £59,835
Pros
👍 Amazing to drive
👍 Great screens in the cabin
👍 Extremely practical
Cons
👎 Plug-hybrid version has a smaller boot
👎 Options are pricey
Summary
The BMW 3 Series is famous for its superb driving experience. It effortlessly blends sharp handling with a comfortable ride. Its well-crafted interior features modern technology and a spacious cabin, making it practical and fun. With a range of efficient engines, it’s perfect for daily commutes or longer journeys. It surely has to be high up on anyone’s list of saloon cars.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Price
RRP £45,120 – £58,860
Pros
👍 Nice, comfortable drive
👍 Plush interior
👍 Bursting at the seams with tech
Cons
👎 Boot could be bigger
👎 Touch-sensitive controls are fiddly
Summary
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class’s plush interior and smooth drive create a luxurious, classy feel. It’s packed with tech, offering an experience that’s as stylish as it is relaxing. Whether you’re cruising or tackling tight corners, the C-Class keeps things fun while making you feel like you’re driving in first class—smoothness personified.
Tesla Model 3
Price
RRP £39,990 – £59,990
Pros
👍 Fast, very fast
👍 Miles of battery range
👍 Packed full of tech
Cons
👎 Fiddly controls
👎 Parts of the interior feel less than premium
Summary
The Tesla Model 3 is all about speed and tech, giving you lightning-fast acceleration and loads of futuristic features. Its minimalist, button-free interior and massive touchscreen make it feel like driving the future. Plus, its electric range means fewer stops for charging, making it perfect for city drives and long trips.
Alfa Romeo Giulia
Price
RRP £40,595 – £49,196
Pros
👍 Looks sharp
👍 Drive puts a smile on your face
👍 Nice and practical
Cons
👎 Interior quality is inconsistent
👎 Doesn’t like road bumps
Summary
The Alfa Romeo Giulia is a delightful mix of fun and practicality. With sharp handling and a sporty design, it’s a joy to drive, whether tackling city streets or winding country roads. Add in its roomy interior and everyday comfort, and you’ve got yourself a saloon that’s stylish and functional.
Volkswagen Passat
Price
RRP £40,595 – £49,196
Pros
👍 Surprisingly nice interior
👍 Practicality is its middle name
👍 Great on the motorway
Cons
👎 Infotainment is frustrating, to say the least
👎 Bit uninspiring to look at and drive
Summary
The Volkswagen Passat is a perfect marriage of practicality and a smooth driving experience. It’s a great all-rounder. Its refined handling offers plenty of space for passengers and luggage while still being fun to drive. Perfect for long road trips or daily commutes, the Passat effortlessly balances comfort and efficiency. It’s a solid choice.
Porsche Taycan
Price
RRP £86,555 – £134,526
Pros
👍 Head-turning good looks
👍 Supremely comfortable
👍 Next-level fun
Cons
👎 Boot doesn’t give you much
👎 Headroom is tight in the back
Summary
The Porsche Taycan effortlessly blends performance and practicality, making it a standout in 2024’s saloon market. Like all Porsches, it’s an absolute joy to drive, with thrilling acceleration and precise handling. Its spacious interior and cutting-edge tech ensure comfort for passengers and cargo alike, proving that electric can be both fun and functional!
Jaguar XF
Price
RRP £35,670 – £48,230
Pros
👍 Head-turning good looks
👍 Good-looking, inside and out
👍 Cool touchscreen infotainment
Cons
👎 Quite a bit of road noise
👎 Petrol engine not that economical
Summary
The Jaguar XF combines elegance and exhilaration, making it a top contender in 2024’s saloon lineup. Its powerful engines deliver a thrilling driving experience, while the luxurious interior offers ample space and modern tech. Quintessionally British, the XF’s perfect balance of style and practicality ensures every journey is a pleasure!
KIA Optima
Price
RRP £21,715 – £29,665
Pros
👍 Oceans of space inside
👍 Doesn’t look too bad
👍 Good value for your pennies
Cons
👎 Bit ‘meh’ to drive
👎 Disappointing boot size
Summary
The KIA Optima impresses thanks to its stylish design and robust performance. It’s fun to drive and offers a smooth ride with responsive handling. The spacious cabin is packed with user-friendly tech and comfort features, making it practical for everyday adventures. A smart choice.
Skoda Octavia
Price
RRP £24,550 – £36,495
Pros
👍 Well put together
👍 All the space you need inside
👍 Nice starting price
Cons
👎 Not the most fun to drive
👎 Interior is boring
Summary
2024 is the year of the Skoda Octavia. Its impressive space and versatility, generous legroom and spacious boot are perfect for families and road trips. This practical saloon makes every journey enjoyable with a smooth ride and a range of efficient engines. Who said practicality can’t be fun?
FAQs
What is the most comfortable saloon car?
The most comfortable saloon car in 2024 is often regarded as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Its luxurious interior, advanced suspension, and quiet ride transform every journey into a cosy escape, making long drives feel effortless and enjoyable for everyone on board!
Are saloons harder to drive?
In a word, no. Saloons are relatively easy to drive. Many offer a smooth, balanced experience that makes them quite enjoyable. Their design often enhances stability and visibility, making them easy to manoeuvre in various driving conditions and ideal for new and seasoned drivers.
Is it time to sell your car?
Ready to learn more about valuing, maintaining, and selling your car? Check out our other guides here, covering everything from hybrid and electric car depreciation to converting your vehicle to dual-LPG fuel.