Executive Cars Under The Magnifying Glass
by Tim Barnes-Clay, the man behind the wheel.
Date: 01 August 2011
DESPITE A trend towards downsizing, the executive motoring sector remains an incredibly important one. In a recent major survey by JD Power, five prominent models came out with good satisfaction scores.
Each is quite different, but you’ll notice that the Germans have done it again, with BMW and Mercedes both achieving excellent, neck and neck results.
BMW 5 Series
Satisfaction rating 83.3%
The BMW 5 Series has firm, supportive seats that leave you feeling fresh after several hours behind the wheel. The ride is also outstandingly good for such a large car that is sitting on run-flat tyres.
The legroom in the rear means that back-seat passengers will be as comfortable as those in the front. And despite the coupe-like profile of the styling, rear headroom is still sufficient as well.
This could all explain why the marque gathered some brilliant scores and achieved joint first place with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class in the Executive car category, despite some meagre showings in some sections of the survey. For instance, BMW 5 drivers listed plenty of irritating flaws and grievances with the interior – materials grazed and marked too easily, they said.
However, the engine, transmission and other mechanical parts proved to be tougher than in any other car in the category. This turned things around remarkably for the 5 Series. So too did the top scores in this segment for running costs. Owners were also thrilled to bits with the fuel-efficiency and low insurance costs.
Click here to see the BMW 5 Series review by Tim Barnes-Clay
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Satisfaction rating 83.3%
The standard Mercedes-Benz E Class is no sporting model, but it is a good handling car considering its size and luxurious character. It is spacious, sophisticated and comfortable - everything you could ask for. This is why the E-Class got the same overall score as the BMW 5 Series.
Mercedes owners loved the support and adjustment of the seats, the reliability of the electronic systems and driver aids, the design of the car and the clear view from the cabin.
There are some good engines available, including the excellent CDI diesels but, if there was one drawback, it was that some of the smaller petrol powerplants proved to be slightly slow on the uptake, according to some owners.
Jaguar XF
Satisfaction rating 82.3%
The XF has traces of previous Jaguars in some of the details of its design, but it looks and feels every bit a modern, high-class saloon.
The interior is fabulously stylish and even though it actually contains more wood than any previous Jaguar, it is combined with aluminium to give it an up to date appearance.
It is incredibly comfortable too but also decent to drive with very little body roll and well-weighted, direct steering.
The XF made a dazzling debut in last year's satisfaction survey, topping the class and coming second overall, but this year, mechanical imperfections, issues outside the cabin and high running costs pulled the XF down the ranks a little. Owners still adored the appearance and performance, though.
The Jaguar XF is unruffled on twisty roads or motorways, and strikes a good balance between entertaining the driver, and providing peaceful progress. The supercharged V8 is especially lively and exciting.
Audi A6, RS6, S6, Allroad
Satisfaction rating 81.7%
As you can see, the Audi A6 has stiff competition from the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series. However, in many respects the potent RS6 or S6 models – and even the handy Allroad version - are class leaders.
Audi claims its cars have ‘Advancement through Technology’, or as they like to call it ‘Vorsch Sprung Durch Technik.’ And, generally speaking, the A6's handling is not bad, but this is still a car built with the motorway in mind. B-roads disappear without fuss, although some owners report that they don’t like the way the Audi rides over uneven surfaces.
That said, the rock-hard quality of the A6’s exterior has really helped it keep a good score in this year’s survey.
Volvo V70
Satisfaction rating 79.8%
The V70 is smooth, sleek and stylish and looks purposeful with sweeping bonnet lines and attractively-shaped headlights.
It feels nimble and agile and the steering is beautifully weighted. The suspension has been tuned to provide a mix between handling and comfort, and Volvo's seats tend to be among the most relaxing you'll find - the armchair-like front seats feel especially good.
Unfortunately, owners reported that the car had quite a number of mechanical problems, with steering issues and irregular tyre wear producing most criticism. Drivers loved the amount of room, but they gave the thumbs down for running costs.
But, score-wise, the V70’s general ranking is still higher than the industry average and it gets full marks for a well-built cabin that is mainly free of imperfections. It also gets a pat on the back for suffering very few exterior problems.
