Best cars for long-distance driving
We take a look at the cars that cover the miles in comfort, and have a little something extra to make them stand out
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By Tia North
Last updated: 9 July 2025
Planning a long road trip? You'll want to make sure you and your passengers enjoy the best possible comfort and ride while wracking up the miles.
We take a look at the best cars out there for ensuring you get from A to B feeling refreshed after going the distance.
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Ride in comfort and cover the distance in style. Our pick of the top six cars for long-distance motorway drives.
Skoda Superb
Volvo XC90
BMW 5 Series
Porsche Panamera
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Convertible
Driving long distance
When picking out a long-distance cruiser for big motorway drives, there are a few things you'll need to think about. And comfort is obviously the main priority.
British motorways use both concrete and tarmac for surfaces, and there are also expansion joints on bridges that can interrupt the smooth progress of a car – so a comfortable ride is key.
It's a good idea to test-drive your next car on the motorway, to ensure it suits you as a driver.
Practicality is also important – if you’re travelling long distances, chances are you’ll need some luggage for overnight stays. Boot sizes can vary even in big cars, so make sure you can fit all your cases, bags, golf clubs or work stuff in.
Technology is also increasingly important. When covering long distances, you’ll want to look out for adaptive cruise control, as well as blind spot and lane departure warnings.
Driver assistance systems are designed to do just that – assist the driver. And they can be very useful in taking a lot of the strain of long-distance driving away, but you still have to stay alert and take regular breaks.
So, without further ado, here are our top picks for long-distance cruisers:
Best for comfort: Skoda Superb
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Skoda is renowned for making impressive cars. The Superb, for example, is a large, practical family car that that lives up to its name.
The rear legroom is unbeaten by any rival of a similar size, and if you choose an estate, you’ll also have an even bigger boot.
The Superb is incredibly comfortable, soaking up the worst that British roads can throw at it, including broken surfaces, potholes, speed humps and motorway expansion joints. Everyone inside the car will feel relaxed and unruffled, which is just what you need on long journeys.
And the cherry on top is that the Superb isn’t an expensive car, relatively speaking. Look for used Skoda models and you'll be greeted with plenty of opportunities to secure a great deal.
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Best motorway car: Volvo XC90
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Volvo makes the most comfortable cars, because it has nailed the art of making the most comfortable car seats. At the end of a long journey, your body feels as if it's just been sitting for a matter of minutes – and we really do mean it.
You could pick any medium or large Volvo as the best motorway car, but we’ll go for the XC90 large SUV, because of its high seating position, which gives you a better view of the road ahead.
This used Volvo is fitted with all the latest in safety technology and comes with Pilot Assist – a semi-autonomous driving technology that keeps the car a safe distance from the one in front and in the middle of the lane.
It’s a real help on long journeys, taking some of the strain off the driver and making for a much more enjoyable ride.
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Best executive car: BMW 5 Series
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There’s a good reason why the BMW 5 Series continues to be lauded by critics and snapped up by executive buyers: it’s very, very good.
The 5 Series is big, but it has all the agility we’ve come to expect from BMW and it's great to drive. You feel fully engaged at all times, especially when you leave the motorway and head on to more challenging rural roads.
This used BMW feels at home on the motorway, eating up the miles in complete comfort.
It helps that the cabin is beautifully put-together, with the best quality materials and all the latest tech, including satellite navigation with real-time traffic information that routes you around congestion hotspots.
It’s also surprisingly economical, with the 520d diesel version capable of more than 60mpg.
It's not really that cheap to buy new, but on the used market you can get them for as little as half the price of a new one.
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Best GT: Porsche Panamera
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If you want to spend a bit more for a car with a seriously sporty pedigree, you’ll be wanting a Porsche Panamera.
The Panamera is a four-door saloon, but that's just half the story. It’s a Porsche, so it shares the same engineering as the 911, which is the sports car to own.
It’s a fantastically rewarding car to drive – sporty and quick, with either a V6 or V8 engine to help it cover ground at serious pace.
Motorway miles are dispatched with ease, and at the same time, its firm ride still manages to be comfortable.
Then there’s the cabin. This is a really special place to spend time, with all the latest tech and cosseting seats. Yes, it's expensive, but quality doesn't come for free.
Best road trip car: Mercedes-Benz S-Class Convertible
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The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Convertible is a car that majors in luxury and then throws in open-air driving thrills as a bonus.
With a choice of V8 or V12 engines, the performance is fearsome for a car this big. Yet you can drive it down the motorway at a steady pace and it's supremely quiet.
The boot isn’t massive, but it’s fine for a two-person trip. You may want to rethink things if you want more than one passenger though, because while there are two rear seats, they don’t offer enough legroom, so you'd be better off using the space for extra storage.
Moving inside, the cabin is a joy to be in, festooned in plush leather and wooden trims.
The seats in this used Mercedes are wonderfully supportive and comfortable, and they can even blow warm air on your neck when the roof’s down.
Choosing the best car for long-distance driving
Whether you're looking for something that's sporty and sleek or big and comfortable for the whole family, all of our best cars for long-distance driving will ensure a comfortable ride in style.
The style that suits you best will depend on how much room you need for your journey, your budget and the extras that are essentials for you.
Find your best car for long distance driving.
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