Which exec

[paul_c123]

Out of these, what would you say was most desirable:

BMW 3 series
BMW 5 series
Audi A4
Audi A6
Merc C-Class
Merc E-Class
Merc CLS-Class
Lexus IS
anything else similar? (Not Jag XF, had one, didn't like it)

Assume a reasonable size diesel, auto, saloon (maybe estate), new enough to avoid the cam chain issues (BMWs), <90k miles, nice colour, not poverty spec.

[Disco You]

The CLS is the only exec car on the list. So.. er… that.

[TTB]

Just out of interest what do you mean by desirable? To create an image or best to drive/own?

[Jamescrs]

Too many variables such as age, mileage, spec, engine etc but as a BMW fan it would be the 3 or 5 series for me all other things being equal

[scot_aln]

https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-used-executive-c...

[PistonTim]

scot_aln said:

https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-used-executive-c...

The fact that this has the Tesla Model 3 as a first on the list renders the link garbage.

Perfectly serviceable every day car but exec....?

[SWoll]

Desirable is of course utterly subjective but for me these at least have something interesting about them.

MB CLS shooting brake
Maserati Ghibli
Audi A7
BMW 6 series grancoupe
Alfa Giulia

[ilikejam]

You don't mention budget, but Volvo S90 would be up there for me:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509236...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510177...

[macron]

Yeah no budget kills this.

What a 3 series is doing in a list seen as wanting to be desirable I just don't know!

Desirable to whom, also a factor!

[paul_c123]

TTB said:

Just out of interest what do you mean by desirable? To create an image or best to drive/own?

I'm planning on keeping it only a few months, then selling it on, so I don't want to be stuck with a difficult-to-sell car.

It does seem the Merc CLS is a cut above the others, for not much more complexity/money. Budget is a bit open-ended - it would be as much as I had/can afford at the time, after selling 1 or 2 existing cars, and holding some back either for another car or Xmas or a cheap holiday. But it would definitely be the 2nd gen CLS era. I've had a 1st gen CLS500 and it was lovely but a cheap dinosaur which was jettisoned into an auction, went through a number of speed cameras, then never passed its MoT or got taxed again.

Thank you for the suggestions so far.

[J4CKO]

A8, 7 Series, XJ, LS460 are execs arent they ? they are all nice but more middle manager cars.

The Later CLS would be worth looking at.

[cerb4.5lee]

Disco You said:

The CLS is the only exec car on the list. So.. er that.

The CLS was the one that I was drawn to as well. I've always liked the 3 and 5 series too.

[cerb4.5lee]

macron said:

What a 3 series is doing in a list seen as wanting to be desirable I just don't know!

True! Good cars nonetheless though I think.

[ZX10R NIN]

Need a rough price guide.

[cerb4.5lee]

J4CKO said:

A8, 7 Series, XJ, LS460 are execs arent they ?

I'd think of all of those(and the S-Class) when I think of executive cars as well.

[paul_c123]

ZX10R NIN said:

Need a rough price guide.

Looking at £8-9k retail.

[macron]

paul_c123 said:

I'm planning on keeping it only a few months, then selling it on, so I don't want to be stuck with a difficult-to-sell car.

Aygo/C1/107

The idea you can flip a barge quickly is for the birds.

[ZX10R NIN]

A8:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511147...

730d M Sport, these are the best buy at this price point:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510177...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505222...

740i:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412127...

You won't get a good S Class at this price point but you will get a nice CLS & you're just into shooting brake territory too:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511157...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511167...

640d GC:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511057...

Phaeton:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511037...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510137...

I know you said no Jags but the XJ is a cracking car especially in Portfolio spec:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510167...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510086...

Leftfield

Genesis:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509036...

V6 S Ghibli:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509206...

[Rob 131 Sport]

Audi A4 or A6 in S Line or Black Edition Trim

BMW 3 or 5 Series in M Sport Trim.

First choice would be an Audi A6 50 TDI Quattro followed closely by a BMW 530d. You really can’t go wrong and due to their continuing desirability, resale will be no problem.

[Truckosaurus]

macron said:

...What a 3 series is doing in a list seen as wanting to be desirable I just don't know!...

Indeed. Although whilst a 3-series isn't really a bucket list car, it does fit in with the OP's desire for a popular car.

There'll always be people looking for a decent 3 series same as a Golf is the generic hatchback choice for people who know no better.