Executive cars compared: boot space, price and reliability
Figures updated
The 8 executive cars we cover, side by side on price, boot space, safety and how reliable each is in real MOT tests. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has the biggest boot (540 litres), and the BMW 5 Series the best MOT record.
| Car | Price new from | Boot (litres) | Euro NCAP | Reliability score | Failed MOT first time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 3 Series3 Series G20 (2019–) | £41,945 | 480 | 5★ (2019) | 134 | 24.5% |
| Mercedes-Benz C-ClassW206 (2021–) | £46,995 | 455 | 5★ (2022) | 120 | 25.5% |
| Audi A4B9 (2015–2024) | – | 460 | 5★ (2015) | 125 | 27.1% |
| Mercedes-Benz E-ClassW214 (2023–) | £57,170 | 540 | 5★ (2024) | 133 | 22.5% |
| BMW 5 SeriesG60 (2023–) | £53,110 | 520 | 5★ (2023) | 157 | 20.3% |
| Audi A5B10 (2024–) | £42,760 | 445 | 5★ (2024) | 135 | 22.0% |
| Audi A6C9 (2025–) | £54,060 | 492 | 5★ (2024) | 155 | 20.9% |
| BMW 4 SeriesG22 (2020–) | £46,180 | 440 | 5★ (2019) | 138 | 16.4% |
Latest generation of each model. Reliability covers every version tested in the league year; 100 is average for age and mileage. How the score works or see every executive car ranked for reliability.
Head-to-head comparisons
- BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- BMW 3 Series vs Audi A4
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Audi A4
- BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- Audi A4 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- BMW 3 Series vs BMW 5 Series
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs BMW 5 Series
- Audi A4 vs BMW 5 Series
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs BMW 5 Series
- BMW 3 Series vs Audi A5
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Audi A5
- Audi A4 vs Audi A5
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs Audi A5
- BMW 5 Series vs Audi A5
- BMW 3 Series vs Audi A6
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Audi A6
- Audi A4 vs Audi A6
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs Audi A6
- BMW 5 Series vs Audi A6
- Audi A5 vs Audi A6
- BMW 3 Series vs BMW 4 Series
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs BMW 4 Series
- Audi A4 vs BMW 4 Series
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs BMW 4 Series
- BMW 5 Series vs BMW 4 Series
- Audi A5 vs BMW 4 Series
- Audi A6 vs BMW 4 Series
Used comparisons (older generations)
- Used BMW 3 Series F30 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class W205
- Used BMW 3 Series F30 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213
- Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class W205 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213
- Used BMW 3 Series F30 vs BMW 5 Series G30
- Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class W205 vs BMW 5 Series G30
- Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 vs BMW 5 Series G30
Frequently asked questions
›Which executive car has the biggest boot?
Of the executive cars we compare, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W214 (2023–)) has the biggest boot: 540 litres with the rear seats up, according to the manufacturer.
›What is the most reliable executive car?
Going by MOT tests, the BMW 5 Series: it scored 157 in our MOT Reliability League (100 is average for its age and mileage), and 20.3% failed their MOT first time.
›What is the cheapest executive car to buy new?
Of those we compare, the BMW 3 Series, from £41,945 (UK list price). Dealers and brokers often sell for less.