Used Car Hunter: high-class luxury cars for £35,000
Our Car Hunter has a £35,000 budget for a luxury saloon that isn’t a Mercedes S-Class
Dear Auto Express, I want a luxury alternative to a Mercedes S-Class for £35k. Ideas? - Stuart Jacobs, E-mail
The Mercedes S-Class has been at or near the top of the luxury saloon class for the past five decades or so but, largely for that reason, the big German saloon is a predictable choice. There’s no shortage of compelling big saloon alternatives if you want to travel in complete comfort.
The BMW 7 Series offers a degree of enjoyment from behind the wheel, and the sixth-generation G11 model’s classy lines are arguably more appealing than the later versions’. The tech is world class, too, but can the 7 Series edge ahead of the fourth-generation Audi A8? Ingolstadt’s offering hasn’t sold quite as strongly as its German rivals in the UK, but with its understated looks and composed dynamics, the A8 is a match for the class leaders.
However, the Jaguar XJ is even more distinctive. Ditching its predecessors’ quaint styling, the XJ has a driver-centric approach and a sumptuous interior that can rival the best. Despite first hitting showrooms in 2010, the XJ remains a compelling used buy – but which is best of this upmarket trio?
Here's our expert pick of the three best luxury executive cars available for a budget of £35,000, together with links to buy them through our Find a Car service…
BMW 7 Series - the dynamic choice
- For: Well judged dynamics, intuitive tech, roomy cabin
- Against: Not very cosseting or special inside
The Mk6 BMW 7 Series followed BMW’s trend of over-sized grilles in 2019, but the pre-facelift model is still handsome. Plus the 7 Series has the kind of excellent chassis that its maker is renowned for. It’s more responsive than an S-Class, keeping the driver more engaged.
The trade-off is a slightly less compliant ride, although the 7 Series is still very comfortable. It’s available with a range of potent, efficient engines too – including a plug-in hybrid. A 2019 740d with a smooth 3.0-litre straight six and 25,000 miles on the clock falls within the £35,000 budget.
The 7 Series delivers on the inside too, with a well built, modern cabin finished in leather, metal and high-quality plastics. Some may find the overall design lacking in flair – particularly next to the Jaguar’s suave interior – but it certainly feels top end. BMW’s iDrive infotainment system, which can be operated with either a rotary dial or touch, is a step ahead of its rivals in terms of ease of use, and the 10.25-inch central display is crisp and responsive. The optional Rear Seat Comfort Package adds a pair of multimedia screens for second-row passengers, and there’s plenty of head and legroom.
Jaguar XJ - the driver’s choice
- For: Engaging handling, punchy engines, distinctive
- Against: Poor rear headroom, ride can be fidgety
For those looking for a big four-door saloon that turns more heads than the German equivalents, Jaguar has you covered. The XJ is also the most driver-focused option of this trio, feeling surprisingly nimble and precise.
The steering is light, and tight body control helps mask the car’s bulk, while the V6 diesel engine in later cars is quietly potent. But to allow the XJ to corner like a smaller saloon, the Jaguar’s suspension set-up is quite firm and its ride can be jittery over rough surfaces. A 38,000-mile example from 2019 comes in under £30,000.
Arguably, the XJ’s interior is more attractive than both the Audi’s and BMW’s, trading aluminium for oak- wood trim. The wraparound element that extends from the door panels to the base of the windscreen is a highlight, but some of the switchgear isn’t up to scratch – in particular the steering wheel-mounted audio controls. However, all XJs from 2015 have a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with later cars available with a much-improved 10-inch infotainment touchscreen. Sadly, tall adults might find the rear seats a bit tight, with the sloping roofline eating into headroom. Long-wheelbase versions are roomier.
Audi A8 - the understated choice
- For: Clean looks, excellent quality, refined engines
- Against: Gearbox could be smoother, firm ride at times
The Audi A8 has always been the S-Class’s subdued, conservative opponent, but the Audi’s physical presence and flourishes, such as a full-width rear light bar, give it class without being brash.
The A8 is also easy going on the move, with its four-wheel steering delivering impressive manoeuvrability. The V6 petrol and diesel engines are hushed and efficient, although they’re paired with an occasionally jerky eight-speed automatic gearbox. The ride isn’t as compliant as its rivals’ either, but it remains a very comfortable cruiser, and you can pick up a 2020, 31,000-mile Audi A8 for under £35,000.
Inside, the A8’s clean, clinical approach continues, with an advanced, sharply styled cabin. Build quality is exceptional throughout, although the shiny piano- black surfaces do attract dust and fingerprints. The Audi’s tech suite is centred around three screens – one infotainment display, one climate control screen and one digital instrument panel – and is mostly touch-based. Although the A8 lacks the physical controls of the BMW, haptic feedback does make the Audi set-up easier to use. As in the 7 Series, there’s loads of space available and the A8 offers a rear-seat entertainment package that adds a pair of screens in the back, while other options worth looking out for include a panoramic sunroof and double glazing.
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