Best saloon cars 2025
Sleep, practical, and great to drive – the recipe of a saloon is set up for success – but what are the best of the bunch?
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By Craig Hale
Last updated: 1 July 2025
Saloons come in all shapes and sizes, so whether you're after a sleeker version of your favourite hatchback, you're after the last word in luxury or you want something in between, there's a saloon for everybody.
That's before you think about fuel choices – previously dominated by diesels catering to long-distance drivers, it's easy to find a plug-in hybrid or electric alternative if you want to clean your act up.
But all of that aside, we know the real reason you're after a saloon is simply because they look so smart, so let's explore some of the best used saloons to buy in the UK.
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Which saloon car is best?
Tesla Model 3
Volvo S60
BMW 5 Series
Mercedes S-Class
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
Volkswagen ID.7
Best saloon cars
Tesla Model 3
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The Tesla Model 3 is one of the most popular saloons and best-selling electric cars in the world, and it’s perhaps best known for having some of the most impressive tech of any car.
With well over 400 miles of range in its most efficient form and a 0-60mph time of 2.9 seconds in its power powerful, the Model 3 is a well-rounded option before you consider its 682 litres of storage space and airy cabin.
And, while other charging networks have done a lot of catching up, Tesla Superchargers are still the best, and a massive pull for picking up a used Model 3.
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Volvo S60
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Although the Volvo S60 is no longer available new, we think it might just be the best saloon in the premium executive class.
It stands out for its sporty exterior style and minimalist interior, but it's also packed full of Google-backed tech and boasts an impressive standard equipment list across all trim levels.
All engines are 2.0-litre units, but you'll never feel short on power. In fact, plug-in hybrids can have over 400hp, just note that you can't pick up a diesel S60 from the most recent generation.
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BMW 5 Series
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BMW has been making smart-looking saloons for decades, and this expertise and experience really shows through with every generation of the 5 Series.
It's a relatively large saloon, so you'll have no problem fitting four or five adults in comfort, plus its 520-litre boot offers a similar capacity to many mid-sized SUVs.
Best of all is the BMW badge on the steering wheel, it’s hard to ignore its prowess in the executive saloon market, and you'll never want to go back after driving a BMW saloon.
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Mercedes S-Class
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Sitting at the top of the executive saloon tree is the Mercedes S-Class – it’s effortless elegance and interior luxury set it apart from everything else.
Often used as a chauffeur car, it’s a saloon you can drive long distances in without any discomfort, especially if you’re in the back and enjoying the optional massaging seats.
Effortless is the word we'd use to describe its engines, too, because whether it's a petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid you choose, acceleration is brisk and never feels laboured.
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Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
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When we talk sports saloons, we’re more often than not talking about the Alfa Romeo Giulia – perhaps the greatest to ever grace our roads.
With a grumbling Ferrari-derived 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine and 500hp, the Quadrifoglio is a petrolhead’s dream. Of course, its rivals such as the Mercedes-AMG C63 and BMW M3 are great options, but very few corner and accelerate like the Giulia does. And that sound...
You also get a decent-sized 480-litre boot and all the bells and whistles of the standard Giulia, plus a few extra flourishes.
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Volkswagen ID.7
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Although we're starting to see more and more electric saloons hit the 400-mile mark in terms of range, very few come near to the VW ID.7's list price.
It puts together all the lessons VW has learned from previous ID.-branded cars, so it feels well-rounded and highly refined. Everything just works, and there's an impressive sense of quality about the car.
Admittedly, we're cheating a bit here, because officially this is a hatchback due to the way the boot opens. That's a good thing, though, because you get a very wide opening that makes it easier to get into the back of the deep, spacious boot.
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Explore used saloon cars for sale
There are so many different used saloon cars on offer, and you can start your hunt right here. Whether you’re after a fully electric or petrol one, there are plenty of options to consider.
Or why not come down to one of our cinch Stores and try one out for yourself before buying?
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