Help choosing comfortable car

[jamei303]

I’m am looking for something new, where comfort is the priority, for both motorways and country roads. I have a good idea what to get, but thought I’d go back to first principles and throw it wide open by asking here, in case there are whole classes of vehicles I’m overlooking.

Priorities - auto, comfortable seat, comfortable ride, quiet cabin, heated seats and steering wheel.

Don’t care about back seats, boot space, mpg etc. Could be a hatchback, estate, suv, mpv, saloon, whatever.

Budget is an OTR list price of £38k.

[anonymous-user]

So many potential cars, main thing would be to go for non sports spec, avoid models with larger wheels.

[Pistonheader101]

Try nearly new instead of new.

Your not going to get anything comfortable as a S class, Audi A7, bmw 7 series, if your budget is too low at 38k new.

Just looking it appears the A class is around £38k for a new one with a couple of options.

Maybe have a look at the vw Passat?

Edited by Pistonheader101 on Saturday 1st January 12:42

[A500leroy]

If your keeping it a while Peugeot 508.

[Xaero]

Volvo

[rosejem]

Well so much choice, if it has to be new. Perhaps something boring like a Toyota Camry. The other option could be an entry level 318i non Msport with some nice options like the lumber support, heated steering wheel etc.

[Pistonheader101]

rosejem said:

Well so much choice, if it has to be new. Perhaps something boring like a Toyota Camry. The other option could be an entry level 318i non Msport with some nice options like the lumber support, heated steering wheel etc.

you might be able to sneak a 518i with no spec, assuming bmw haven't raised prices this year

[ZX10R NIN]

New:

Lexus ES300h Premium Edition

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/new...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/new...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/new...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110098...

E200 Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/new...

XF R Dynamic if you take their finance you'll come in under budget

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/new...

Not new but the S500 Coupe will properly hit your boxes of comfortable seating & ride:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112070...

Or something like the RX450h Luxury is a good pick & as long as you have it serviced at Lexus then it'll be warrantied until 2028:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112230...

[samoht]

I've been really impressed with my Merc, mine's not even a particularly comfortable one as Mercs go, but the seat is good, driving position nicely adjustable, and the rubber in the suspension really smooths over sharp little faults in the road surface. So I'd be looking for a nice high-spec Merc with nappa leather etc (not the fake stuff), probably an E-Class or above.

Many people find a more upright driving position more comfortable, so I'd actively consider / try out an upright vehicle, probably an SUV so an ML-class (now GLE I think). I'm assuming you don't want a Transit!

I'd aim for a minimum six-cylinder engine, petrol or diesel, to get that relaxed feeling with an auto box. Personally I'd be prepared to buy a ~5 year old car to get something more high-end and properly comfortable, but that's just me - are you set on brand new?

[bennno]

V90 fits brief, lightly used or with a small discount. As or more refined than former 7 series, S class’ I’ve owned.

[jamei303]

Thanks, some food for thought, especially the 508 and the Lexuses.

Interesting that almost everyone has suggested saloons/estates. I had been set on a SUV (the XC40) mainly because my impression of German barges (admittedly mainly via taxis) hasn't been great. I think even less-than-premium SUVs do a more leisurely job of soaking up bad roads, but I will certainly widen my test-drive pool now.

[bennno]

jamei303 said:

Thanks, some food for thought, especially the 508 and the Lexuses.

Interesting that almost everyone has suggested saloons/estates. I had been set on a SUV (the XC40) mainly because my impression of German barges (admittedly mainly via taxis) hasn't been great. I think even less-than-premium SUVs do a more leisurely job of soaking up bad roads, but I will certainly widen my test-drive pool now.

I’ve had Lexus, not as cosseting as Volvo, nor was my e220. Standard fit autonomous tech on v90 is very clever.

[SuperNads]

jamei303 said:

Thanks, some food for thought, especially the 508 and the Lexuses.

Interesting that almost everyone has suggested saloons/estates. I had been set on a SUV (the XC40) mainly because my impression of German barges (admittedly mainly via taxis) hasn't been great. I think even less-than-premium SUVs do a more leisurely job of soaking up bad roads, but I will certainly widen my test-drive pool now.

You'll often find these SUVs have firmer suspension due to their increased weight - see Tesla Model 3 Vs Model Y suspension complaints.

[Diderot]

Xaero said:

Volvo

+1.

[oop north]

We test drove an xc40 phev - much nicer and more comfortable than I was expecting. My brother has one and he really likes it

[Nickbrapp]

The new hybrid DS4

[Silenoz]

There's a new DS7 on auto trader that fits the criteria.

[lornemalvo]

If comfort is your priority, make sure you test drive on different surfaces. I bought a Volvo V60 Cross Country a few months ago, just about new. The test route was fine but by the time I got home I hated the thing. The most crude, unsophisticated, jiggly ride in any car I've driven for years. I took it back the same day and retrieved my 2017 Audi A4 Avant, which is so much better. The ride in the A4 is much more supple and sophisticated, even though the Volvo seats were a lot better. The Audi is also quieter and more refined (it's a Sport not an S Line)
Comfort is also my priority and I'm struggling to find a replacement. I remember cars of the 80s and 90s that rode better than many new cars, including supposed prestige models.

Edited by lornemalvo on Saturday 8th January 20:31

[wyson]

lornemalvo said:

If comfort is your priority, make sure you test drive on different surfaces. I bought a Volvo V60 Cross Country a few months ago, just about new. The test route was fine but by the time I got home I hated the thing. The most crude, unsophisticated, jiggly ride in any car I've driven for years. I took it back the same day and retrieved my 2017 Audi A4 Avant, which is so much better. The ride in the A4 is much more supple and sophisticated, even though the Volvo seats were a lot better. The Audi is also quieter and more refined (it's a Sport not an S Line)
Comfort is also my priority and I'm struggling to find a replacement. I remember cars of the 80s and 90s that rode better than many new cars, including supposed prestige models.

Edited by lornemalvo on Saturday 8th January 20:31

I tried the old V60 and hated the ride too. It was very jiggly over small, sharp imperfections and wallowy over larger crests and dips. What I didn’t understand was that car was based on the old Mondeo which was taut but comfortable, and Volvo said they had to upgrade the dampers to meet their exacting requirements! Agree the seats were fabulous though. Best I have ever sat in.

[Acapulco99]

Diderot said:

Xaero said:

Volvo

+1.

+2

Volvos are far more comfy than anything else suggested.