Kent to Devon 2/3 days a week in comfort, what saloon/estate

[Norton850]

.

Edited by A.Norton991 on Saturday 26th October 17:31

[2 GKC]

530d SE

[BlindedByTheLights]

F31 330d

[raspy]

Luxury saloon that’s S class or similar, with a V8 minimum

[T1547]

Yep 5 series

[SFTWend]

With comfort and best seats being key criteria I'd be looking at a Volvo. A T5 engined model will have adequate grunt for most.

I always thought Volvos were for old flat cap types, but once you've tried one..... They are a very relaxing drive.

Edited by SFTWend on Saturday 28th September 20:59

[bennno]

Norton850 said:

I currently have a Polestar 2 long range at my home in Kent and a Ford Ranger at my work place in Devon, both cars are used around their respective areas but i want a comfortable saloon/estate to do the journey 2/3 days a week.

The Polestar is being sold to make way for something sportier soon that i don't want to add lots of miles to, preferring to add those miles to the car in question.

I own the business in Devon and visit regularly to check in on things and enjoy the long drive but travel a time that suits missing the worse of traffic issues when possible.

Budget is £20k, must be auto, have great seats and have some grunt.

Is the answer a Bmw 5 series of some sort?

Up the budget slightly and find an a8

[Mr Tidy]

If fuel costs aren't an issue the S Class and A8 suggestions would be great, but then so would a 7 Series or a Jaguar XJ.

Although I find my old 330i is very relaxed for long trips and plenty big enough for travelling solo.

[Rob 131 Sport]

T1547 said:

Yep 5 series

If it’s a 5 Series, try to get the 530d M Sport, as based on my previous ownership experience it’s a great car. As an alternative have a look at an Audi A6 3.0 TDI Quattro which is also a great drive and in my opinion a better looking than the BMW.

[fflump]

Mr Tidy said:

If fuel costs aren't an issue the S Class and A8 suggestions would be great, but then so would a 7 Series or a Jaguar XJ.

Although I find my old 330i is very relaxed for long trips and plenty big enough for travelling solo.

I agree the OP should consider the class up from the 5 series as they are designed with ride quality as number one priority and tend to be used bargains. The 7 series is my personal favourite just because I’ve never been driven to an airport in one unlike its competitors

[Scrump]

As already said 5 or 7 series BMW, A8 Mercedes but also E or S class Mercedes.
I have no experience of the A8 but if going for a 5 series or E class try to find one with the comfort seats(bmw) or the multi contour dynamic massage seats (mercedes).

[Rob 131 Sport]

Norton850 said:

Thanks for the suggestions so far, with over 30 cars owned i have never had a diesel but certainly open to the idea..

Off to the classifieds..

In the 90’s I had diesel hire and pool cars that were truly dire. Whenever I was going to look at cars in the 90’s and early 00’s they were constantly forcing the diesel thing.

However in 2006 I test drove some Diesel BMW’s and was impressed. Apart from a 525i Company Car I’ve had Diesel ever since. It’s such a shame they are dying out.

[Stick Legs]

F10 530d

I had an SE & an M-Sport & the SE was the more comfortable car.

XJ (X351) would however be my choice now.

Used a mate’s XJR to go to Goodwood and it returned 28mpg, sounded epic & was cool AF.

The 3.0 diesels do epic MPG, are just as comfy but loose a little of the ‘theatre’ compared to the XJR.

I’d plum for the best compromise & buy this:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/176567373602?mkcid=16&a...






5.0 Naturally aspirated V8 petrol.

With the 8 speed ZF box it will be economical, quick, quiet & smooth…

…and possibly make your house feel a bit st.

[raspy]

fflump said:

I agree the OP should consider the class up from the 5 series as they are designed with ride quality as number one priority and tend to be used bargains. The 7 series is my personal favourite just because I’ve never been driven to an airport in one unlike its competitors

Not only ride quality, but a greater emphasis on amazing levels of refinement and isolation of wind/road noise to an even higher degree than 5 series/e-class/a6 cars, as well as even more comfy seats, front and rear.

[Deerfoot]

For this useage I'd be looking for..

Comfortable, supportive seats
Awesome audio
Really good refinement
Compliant suspension

Quite what meets all the criteria for your budget I'm not sure but I used to do 2500 miles a month and I'd prioritise the above over a sporty set-up.

[Summit_Detailing]

Definitely luxury barge territory and a part of the market I know well having had S-class, 7-series, XJ, Range Rover and currently an A8.

5-series/E-class size models are fine in isolation unless you try one of the above and the difference in comfort, ride, refinement and isolation is very noticeable.

In 3.0d form all will return 40-42 on a run with cruise set to mid 70's.

I'd recommend a drive in them all to see which one(s) you prefer, I personally wouldn't revisit the 7-series, Range Rover or S-class (although I do miss the headlamp performance/tech) but would have another XJ and unless a job change comes along meaning I'm not doing 2800 a month then I have no plans to swap out of the A8.

Cheers,

Chris

[TownIdiot]

Decent relatively high profile tyres make a massive difference to comfort levels.
Seriously reduce road noise and well worth any compromise on the sporty side.

Main advantage of decent fuel economy is that you can stop when you want rather than when your lovely smooth V8 drains the tank, which can make a difference on a long run.

[ZX10R NIN]

Take a look at the Hyundai Genesis they're a very comfortable cruiser with a decent amount of grunt & they're under budget:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406170...

Panamera Hybrid:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403278...

S60 T5 Inscription +:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409103...

Diesel options for me would be these.

Jaguar XJ Portfolio:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408303...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409043...

Panamera:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409113...

A8;

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403278...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409023...

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Sunday 29th September 20:36

[Mr Tidy]

fflump said:

I agree the OP should consider the class up from the 5 series as they are designed with ride quality as number one priority and tend to be used bargains. The 7 series is my personal favourite just because I’ve never been driven to an airport in one unlike its competitors

I've been driven to/from Heathrow in all of them as well as the "smaller" E Class, 5 Series and A6 plus a Range Rover and R Class and the bigger ones were generally more comfortable.

But by far the best for comfort and cabin ambience was the V8 Jaguar X350!

[Rob 131 Sport]

TownIdiot said:

Decent relatively high profile tyres make a massive difference to comfort levels.
Seriously reduce road noise and well worth any compromise on the sporty side.

Main advantage of decent fuel economy is that you can stop when you want rather than when your lovely smooth V8 drains the tank, which can make a difference on a long run.

Adaptive dampers is what makes a great ride. I’ve got them in my 440 and it makes such a difference.