Any surprisingly Economical Large Cars (Real world MPG)

[rudester]

I'm currently running a Mercedes CLS 220 Shooting break but have found myself looking around for something a little more entertaining. Whilst I love the idea of a M5, AMG E63 I know from running a Porsche 997 GTS that when you have the family on-board that you;
1) can't drive it as you would like and how it was designed to be driven
2) resent the poor MPG and high running costs when all you are doing is poodling around

I have considered a 2 car option but the reality is that I hardly get to use the car other than when the kids are on board, so this would be an option sometime in the future.

So my question is; are there any big capacity preferably petrol (or diesel if they sound unlike a diesel, ie SQ5, Ghibli) cars that sit five in comfort (with 2 x child seats) that you have been surprised by how economical they are?
Budget up to 30k but i'd equally be interested in any interesting cheap barges.

[edo]

try anything with the 35d or 40d engine in

[Hitch]

I'd agree with that. Even a 30d BMW has entertaining performance.

[rudester]

I've run a 730d and recent 330d M Sport, whilst great engines that just sound like a diesel.

I'd be happy with a diesel if it sounded like this (sport mode from 45 seconds in): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHgzgHDtdrY
I do like the Ghibli but it's a bit small for my needs.

Edited by rudester on Saturday 28th January 15:50

[rudester]

Or this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BORXAI-4D5w

[DaveH23]

Audi A8 4.2d is suprisingly economical for a 4.2.

Also doesnt sound that bad.

[ZX10R NIN]

If you like the Ghibli but find it to small then why not go for the bigger Quattroporte.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

The 4.2 A8 can sound good with a little play with the exhaust:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

[Ahbefive]

I think my S60R with 320bhp getting 30mpg all the time is quite surprising.

[rudester]

ZX10R NIN said:

If you like the Ghibli but find it to small then why not go for the bigger Quattroporte.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

The 4.2 A8 can sound good with a little play with the exhaust:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

I hadn't realised that the Quattroporte used values had fallen so far. In my eyes the styling isn't as resolved as the Ghibli but it definitely needs to go on the shortlist.
I'Lloyd see if I can find a 4.2 a8 locally to take a look at. Thanks