Lifestyle

Best Saloon Cars in 2021

Since 2017, overall sales of the saloon has continued to decline. This has not been helped by the introduction of crossovers, bigger hatchbacks and SUVs, which are quickly becoming the car style of choice. But this classic car shape still has a place in the market and to this day, many car brands still make the staple saloon models they made way back when.

Saloon cars can vary in their size, price and luxury status, but what they all have in common is that they are ideal for those who really put the miles in. Whether you are going on regular business or family trips, a smooth and comfortable driving experience is required. With smaller less equipped models right up to the executive luxury models, Saloon cars are no different to other styles. Each car manufacturer has a saloon car that fits your needs and your price range.

The hard part is choosing the right one for you so here's our round of the best saloon cars for 2021.

AUDI A4 SALOON

This compact executive saloon from Audi’s A4 range has been refined in order to create a peaceful and exemplary driving experience. The Audi A4 Saloon is a saloon car that not only oozes style and sophistication in every department, but also reflects Audi’s technological excellence from an engineering and design perspective.

Opt for the sporty and faster S4 version and you'll get a 3.0 V6 diesel mild hybrid engine and reach 62 mph in just 4.8 seconds. Not bad for an executive saloon.

BMW 3 SERIES SALOON

It’s been around for 40 years, but the BMW 3 Series Saloon is widely renowned for a terrific driving experience. It excels in its grip, steering and suspension which means it’s equally great to drive on windy country roads as it is cruising down the motorway, with a sumptuous exterior and interior to match.

It’s a high-performing saloon car that can also be cheap to run. The BMW 3 Series iPerformance Saloon variant for instance has great fuel efficiency and is capable of achieving 48 mpg whilst emitting as low as 139 g/km of CO2.

BMW 5 SERIES

Much like the smaller BMW 3 series the BMW 5 Series is a classy saloon. With a 5 star Euro NCAP rating you'll be safe on the roads no matter the weather. Optional safety extras can be added to the BMW such as adaptive cruise control or active lane control. Combine your safety features with BMW's xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive functionality providing even more safety.

Packed with state of the art technology the BMW 5 series saloon won't leave you feeling short changed from Apple or android car play to BMW's unique Display Key. A smart piece of technology allowing you check your cars status, check fuel level and even park your vehicle.

A top of the range luxury saloon from a fantastic manufacturer, the BMW 5 Series stands up against it's formidable competition.

JAGUAR XE

Launched in 2015 the Jaguar XE quickly became a hugely popular sports saloon.

The XE’s strengths lie in its blend of strong efficiency, sporty features and luxury design. The 161bhp 2.0-litre diesel variant can achieve an impressive 74.3 mpg, but still impressively drives like a sporty, high performance car removing that stigma of a boring saloon.

The XE’s classic saloon exterior and incredible performance stats are complemented by an equally slick cabin with plenty of in-car technology at your disposal, such as the dual-zone climate control and a touchscreen infotainment system with DAB radio and Bluetooth.

LEXUS IS

For those regular long motorway drives, safety and reliability is key and the Lexus IS Saloon excels in both departments.

The top of the range variants come with Lexus’ Advanced Safety Pack which includes a system that tightens seatbelts and applies the brakes automatically, if the car senses a crash is imminent. Additionally, Adaptive Cruise Control is included so that you can maintain a safe distance from the car in front, which provides much needed peace of mind when cruising down motorways on a regular basis.

The design of the Lexus IS has been tweaked over the years, both inside and out. Going from a standard looking saloon to a distinctive, stlyish saloon. Not forgetting Lexus' desire to focus on quality throughout especially inside the vehicle, developing smart technology that is remarkably simple to use. A stand out saloon for definite.

MERCEDES S-CLASS SALOON

The Mercedes S-Class is one of the most luxurious saloon cars money can buy. Think luxury, top of the range chauffeur quality.

If power is what you want, then the petrol V8 engine option will achieve 0-62mph in just 3.5 seconds. Combine this with a cabin where technology is in every corner. The S-Class really is luxurious. With outstanding acoustic insulation, you can expect some very peaceful journeys made even more comfortable by the finest materials and car technology.

Notably, the MAGIC BODY CONTROL system uses cameras to scan the road ahead for changing road conditions, and then adjusts the suspension accordingly to ensure the ride is consistently smooth and relaxing, a smart feature on an already high spec saloon.

MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS SALOON

In the spring 2019 Mercedes launched a new breed of saloon cars. Taking the already hugely successful hatchback version, the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon was introduced to offer a sporty choice for business users.

Packed with the same advanced technology, the A-Class Saloon is filled with best in its class technology and the cockpit is the same as the Hatchback version - which already looks fantastic. Opt for the AMG line and you'll have a sporty body kit and added styling inside.

Overall the A-Class Saloon is a well thought out saloon and as it comes with the same technology as the hatchback and coupe versions you'll find little wrong with this new addition.

AUDI A3 SALOON

Much like the A-Class saloon, Audi took the popular A3 hatchback and created the Audi A3 Saloon.

The style and design of this Audi Saloon is much the same as the original hatchback it is based on. From the front you'd be forgiven for thinking this was another A3 hatchback, but from the back it has a far more distinctive look. It's not a copy of the A4 or A5 either it has it's own sleek style that all Audi's embrace.

With a range of engines you can easily choose one that fits your needs all of which offer impressive efficiency, with the diesel engines in particular achieving 40-50MPG on average. If you fancy something a little bit meaner and quicker you should look closer at the RS3 version. With a turbo-charged 2.5 TFSI engine and an even more impressive 400PS (394bhp) reaching 62MPH in in 4.1 seconds. Which for a smart, sleek and a technology filled saloon is a real differentiator.

VOLVO S90

Whenever you mention the word Volvo it's often followed by safety and rightly so. Volvo places emphasis on quality, but more importantly on safety. The Volvo S90 is no different, with a Euro NCAP of no less than 5 stars you'll be driving a luxury saloon, with one of the highest safety ratings. Perfect for long rides with and without passengers.

The Volvo S90 captures all the elegance, comfort, practicality and family friendliness of its bigger siblings the V90 and the XC90 in a smart, sleek saloon design.

Volvo is renowned for its excellent safety features including The City Safety, Pilot Assist and Large Animal Detection systems providing assurances across a wide range of possibly hazardous scenarios.

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT SALOON

The Passat is an executive saloon car that’s more affordable than most in this list, but equally excels in the areas that make a great saloon car.

The latest Passat Saloon has received plaudits for its executive style, its robust build and smooth driving experience. The Passat’s superior practicality is exemplified by its impressive luggage space, legroom and low running costs – with the BlueMotion variant capable of 76 mpg a low tax cost it will also proves cost effective in the long term.

No matter which saloon car you have in mind, we have a car for you.

If you’d like to know more about our range, take a look at our new and used car catalogues today. You can also book a virtual appointment with one of our team or pay a visit to your nearest Jardine dealer.

Our knowledgeable team will be on hand to support you every step of the way – from your initial enquiry to handing over your keys and beyond.

Saloon cars may feel like a dying breed but with the likes of Mercedes launching smaller, more affordable versions like the A Class there is still a place for this popular car style. SUVs are clearly taking the market by storm at the moment but like with any trend it's likely it will come full circle again.

If you enjoyed our best list of saloons why not check out our other pieces below:

Best City Cars

Top 10 Cars with the Best MPG

Best Supercars