Skip advert
Advertisement

Which has the best interior?

Comfort and luxury are paramount – so we reveal the car that delivers

When you travel business class you expect space, comfort and quality – and these cars need to deliver all these attributes by the bucket load.

In the back, the A6 provides the least amount of legroom, and its relatively high-mounted chairs encroach a little on headroom, too. Thanks to their longer wheelbases, the BMW and Mercedes lead the way with rear seats which offer ample space.

Advertisement - Article continues below

However, large transmission tunnels in all three result in the middle passenger having a less comfortable journey than those sitting by the windows. The Audi trails when it comes to passenger space, but it’s the
only car here to feature split-folding rear seats as standard. BMW and Mercedes charge £340 and £400 respectively for the helpful set-up. The A6 also has the largest boot, which at 546 litres trumps the E-Class’s by six litres and the BMW’s by 26 litres.

Our three models have a huge array of hi-tech options in the rear to enhance occupants’ comfort – including TVs, window blinds, soft-close doors and heated seats. This means passengers in the back can be treated to the kind of luxuries which used to be the preserve of cars in the class above. There’s an incredible range of technology available up front, as well. Both the 5-Series and E-Class can be fitted with a lane departure system, blind spot warning devices, night vision and adaptive cruise control. The BMW can also be specified with a useful head-up display, while its vastly improved iDrive control system is now far easier to use.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

S-Max

2019 Ford

S-Max

46,158 milesManualDiesel2.0L

Cash £13,599
View S-Max
Grandland X

2020 Vauxhall

Grandland X

46,232 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £8,500
View Grandland X
Fiesta

2019 Ford

Fiesta

34,636 milesManualPetrol1.1L

Cash £8,950
View Fiesta
3008

2022 Peugeot

3008

34,000 milesAutomaticPetrol1.2L

Cash £16,710
View 3008

Mercedes’ COMAND set-up offers similar functions, but our SE-spec Audi is the only car here that features satellite navigation as standard. Plus, despite being the elder statesman in this trio,
it can still accommodate modern add-ons such as lane departure and blind spot warning. A word of caution, though, because getting carried away with the options can escalate the price alarmingly on all three contenders.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The quality and desirability of the standard cabin are all- important, then, and the 5-Series doesn’t disappoint. With the familiar BMW formula of a minimalist dashboard, classy switchgear and clear instruments, it scores highly for simplicity.

And its materials and build quality are class leading. A huge range of wheel and seat movement makes for a perfect driving position, while visibility is also excellent. In contrast, the upright dash and angular lines of the E-Class cabin mean you don’t feel as cosseted as in the 5-Series. The fact some of the switchgear and materials don’t seem as classy adds to the disappointment. However, the interior is faultlessly put together and we can’t criticise seat comfort.

The A6 immediately feels dated, though. Its driving position is higher set than its rivals’, while the dash layout is cluttered in comparison. There’s nothing wrong with the materials or build quality, but that alone is not enough to win in this category.

BMW: 5 stars
The 5-Series’ minimalist cabin features high-class materials and a great finish throughout, while the driving position is perfect and comfort first-rate. The seats have part-electric adjustment, and leather upholstery comes as standard in SE trim. Our car’s oyster-coloured hide is a no-cost option, but the Anthracite wood inlays are £350 extra.

Mercedes: 4 stars
There's no faulting Mercedes’ build quality, while cabin space is on a par with the BMW’s. The dashboard isn’t especially stylish though, and it lacks the feelgood factor of the 5-Series. Avantgarde trim includes heated seats, and leather is standard, while the foot-operated parking brake and single-stalk controller
are both pure Mercedes.

Audi: 4 stars
inside the A6, there’s not quite as much passenger space as in the BMW or Mercedes in this test, while the dash layout is dated. However, it compensates for this with the biggest boot, and is the only car in this test
to feature satellite navigation as standard. Plus, we can’t fault its build quality or high-class materials, with leather trim included in the price.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £7,568 off RRP*Used from £13,600
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,406 off RRP*Used from £14,850
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,063 off RRP*Used from £14,910
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,576 off RRP*Used from £12,877
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025
Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain
Nissan Qashqai electric render Avarvarii - front 3/4

Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain

There will be an overlap of powertrains for the big-selling SUV
News
15 Sep 2025