BMW 7 Series

Our verdict

The BMW 7-Series is a superlative limo-lite saloon. If you drive yourself, then this is the best bet bar none.

Comfort

Stick the suspension in ‘comfort' and waft around. The Seven is a big car, so you'll have acres of space to wander around in, and the way it silently glides down a motorway is blissfully stealthy.

Performance

You can have a three-litre petrol or a three-litre diesel. Both are good, but the latter is the limo-driver's weapon of choice thanks to 34.4mpg, 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds and 148mph. Better yet, there are four and five-litre V8s and a 6.0-litre V12 for those really in need of the ‘express' part of executive. The 750i gets 24mpg, hits 62mph from rest in 5.9 seconds and the usual 155mph limiter. The V12 isn't that much faster, but has a different jet-like character.

Cool

The 7-Series gets respect rather than lustful attention. Borderline cool, if you can carry it off - rather like a big hat.

Quality

Brick shithouses quake in the face of 7-Series build quality. The secondhand market knows no fear of the pre-owned Seven.

Handling

The only really big saloon that can deliver on the driving promise - even in the extended long wheelbase version. There's not much body roll, and the rear-wheel drive arrangement is just a joy. Adjustable suspension helps. Everything else in the class feels like a bus compared to this.

Practicality

Remarkably practical, the 7-Series, especially if you opt for the extended 'L' version which has acres of important-businessman space in the back. Loads of space and they all come kitted out with the important bits as standard and the boot is huge with a capital H. They may be hard to park, but you'll get used to it.

Running costs

Not especially cheap to run, but this is a very large, very premium car. Residuals surprisingly aren't that great for a BMW - perhaps thanks to those looks. Go for the 730d short-wheelbase if you're in any quandary whatsoever - it might not bankrupt you.