Best company cars £30,000 to £50,000
These are the best company cars for a budget of £30,000 to £50,000
Many people associate executive saloons with being the traditional company car, but while there are still plenty of these models available on the market, things have moved on. Not only are SUVs more popular than ever, but EVs now offer some of the biggest Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax savings. The good news is that our list of the best company cars for between £30,000 and £50,000 comprises both executive cars and SUVs, so there’s something for everyone.
The best company cars for £30,000 to £50,000
These are the best company cars for a budget ranging from £30,000 to £50,000, listed in reverse order.
8. BYD Seal
The Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6 are two of the more common electric saloons on our roads, but if you’re someone who prefers something a bit more left-field, the BYD Seal is a convincing alternative. The Seal sits at the top of BYD’s current UK line-up, and we think the overall level of quality is excellent. It’s also slightly larger than its rivals, making it a bit more spacious for family use.
When we first drove the Seal on UK roads, we found it provided similar levels of performance and engagement to the Tesla Model 3, so it can put a smile on your face when you’re in the mood. When you just want to relax, though, the Seal’s ride is slightly firm but still comfortable. The standard double-glazed windows also help to keep things nice and quiet. Opt for the rear-wheel drive version and the Seal’s 82.5kWh battery can return up to 354 miles of range on the WLTP combined cycle, which should prove more than enough for the daily commute.
7. Kia Niro EV
If you need your company car to double up as a family car, the Kia Niro EV is an undoubtedly sensible option. This fully-electric small SUV isn’t exactly the most dynamic or exciting EV out there, but it is a highly practical car that should prove very easy to live with. While the Niro is also available with hybrid power, the fully-electric version offers the lowest BiK rates, as well as the obvious bonuses of lower running costs and zero emissions.
In keeping with the theme of sensibility, the Niro’s suspension focuses on comfort rather than handling, but we found it still handled better than the BYD Atto 3 when we pitted the two SUVs against each other in a twin test. The Kia is also very easy to drive for a car of its size thanks to good all-round visibility, an easily manageable throttle response, and the option of one-pedal driving.
6. Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Ioniq 5 was the first result of Hyundai’s ambition to head upmarket. This EV sent shockwaves through the market when it arrived in 2021 — so much so that we named it our Car of the Year — and it still stands out from most of the competition today. While the almost sci-fi styling might make the Ioniq 5 appear a bit gimmicky at first glance, it’s actually a very capable all-rounder.
Even the entry level Ioniq 5 is good for up to 238 miles of claimed range, which means frequent long-distance journeys shouldn’t present a problem, and the large and rather boxy shape means there’s plenty of room for a whole family and their luggage. To match the incredibly bold exterior, the interior looks very modern and classy and is awash with plush materials. When it comes to driving, the Ioniq 5 produces up to 301bhp, depending on spec, but all models pack a decent punch when you put your foot down — even the slowest variant will clear the 0-62mph run in 8.5 seconds.
5. Tesla Model Y
As the world makes the gradual switch over to electric power, the Tesla Model Y is by far one of the UK’s best-selling EVs. Although the larger Model X was the American brand’s first SUV, the Model Y is a bit more understated and far more reasonably priced. This is still a fully-fledged Tesla, though, with technology and minimalism by the bucketload.
Only the standard version is available for under £50,000, but this still has a claimed battery range of 283 miles and even a 0-60mph time of less than seven seconds. When you do need to recharge, Tesla’s Supercharger network should help to greatly reduce the time and inconvenience. During testing, we were highly impressed with the level of technology and efficiency that the Model Y offers, but the ride is very firm which could prove problematic if you cover lots of miles every year.
4. Volvo EX30
While premium SUVs are commonly associated with equally premium prices, Volvo tore up the rulebook with the all-electric EX30. Not only does this small SUV look good, drive well and feel well-built, but you can get all this and even a premium badge for well under £35,000.
We believe that this is one of the most desirable EVs for the money, but the Volvo does have a few foibles that prevent it from ranking higher on this list. Inside, we felt things to feel quite cramped for a crossover, and many of the essential functions are buried within sub-menus. If you can live with these flaws, though, the Volvo is a pretty big bargain.
3. BMW i4
As the closest all-electric alternative to the BMW 3 Series — once a staple of the company car world — the i4 had some big shoes to fill, but BMW clearly recognised this. Just like its petrol-powered cousin, this is a well-built, tech-filled saloon that provides a level of driving enjoyment that its rivals struggle to match. Despite a kerb weight of over two tonnes, the i4 corners beautifully, and every version sprints from 0-62mph in six seconds or less.
When you’re not blasting it down a B-road, the i4 settles down into a comfortable and capable cruiser. Opting for the entry-level eDrive35 will just about keep you within budget, but you’ll still have up to 299 miles of claimed battery range at your disposal. When testing the i4 against the Hyundai Ioniq 6, we found the BMW to be slightly more efficient than its rival at a rate of 3.3 miles per kWh.
2. Tesla Model 3
Few cars have such a fiercely loyal customer base as the Tesla Model 3, and while the old model did a lot to tick boxes with buyers, the refreshed version is a big improvement. When we tested the updated Model 3 on UK roads for the first time, we found it to be a much more peaceful and refined experience with an aura of better overall quality. As is typical with Tesla, on-board technology, practicality and battery range are all massively competitive for this price bracket.
The brand itself is performing strongly, too, as it ranked third in our 2023 Driver Power manufacturer rankings. There is one thing about this facelift that frustrates us, though, and that is the removal of the indicator stalks. Using steering wheel-mounted buttons to indicate is rather fiddly, but if this does slow you down, planting your right foot results in blistering acceleration.
1. Hyundai Kona Electric
The new Hyundai Kona is our 2023 Car of the Year, so it’s only fitting that this small SUV is also our favourite company car in the £30,000 to £50,000 price bracket. We’ve specifically chosen the all-electric version here as it offers the lowest benefit-in-kind rate. On top of this, you’ll also avoid emissions-based charges as well as fluctuating petrol and diesel prices.
Although it technically isn’t part of Hyundai’s Ioniq range, the new Kona borrows some of its design features from this line-up. Light bars and angular panels make the exterior a lot more eye-catching than the old car, and the interior is light and airy while being filled with pretty much all of the technology that you could possibly need. There’s plenty of room for a family of five, and even the smallest 48kWh battery is good for up to 234 miles on the WLTP combined cycle. If you often cover long distances, upgrading to the larger 65 unit boosts this figure to 319 miles.
Best company cars for £30,000 to £50,000
