Ever dreamt of wafting along in a car that costs as much as a small house, but without the lottery win? Welcome to the world of used luxury saloons. This is where you can pick up a slice of high-end motoring—think sumptuous leather, whisper-quiet cabins, and more gadgets than a Bond car—for the price of a new supermini. These cars were the flagships of their day, designed to showcase the very best in comfort, technology, and performance, and thanks to the magic of depreciation, they’re now more accessible than ever.
But let's be honest, owning a car that once had a six-figure price tag isn't all champagne and caviar. Running costs can be steep, and the complex technology that was cutting-edge a few years ago can lead to eye-watering repair bills if it goes wrong. That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve sifted through the market to find the models that offer the best blend of luxury, driving pleasure, and value, helping you to make a smart (well, smarter) choice and live the high life on a sensible budget.
About this guide
The cars in this guide have been selected to represent the best options currently available. Our recommendations are the result of a unique three-part scoring system that takes into account real-world tests from our team of expert reviewers, ratings from real-life owners who live with these cars every day, and an analysis of market data from CarGurus UK to identify which models offer the highest percentage of good and great deals. This combined approach ensures our list highlights cars that are not only great to own but also good value to buy. For more information, scroll to the bottom of this page.
The Best Used Luxury Saloons 2026
- 2014-2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- 2010-2017 Audi A8
- 2015-2022 BMW 7 Series
- 2009-2016 Porsche Panamera
- 2026 Bentley Flying Spur
- 2010-2019 Jaguar XJ
- 2012-2024 Maserati Quattroporte
1. 2014-2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.2% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stupendously comfortable | Expensive to buy and maintain |
| Luxurious and supremely well equipped cabin | Not as opulent as a Rolls-Royce |
| Elegant and discreet looks | Reliability concerns stand between the S-Class and a five-star rating |
For decades, the S-Class has been the yardstick by which all other luxury saloons are measured, and this generation is a prime example of why. The interior is a masterclass in opulence, dominated by two vast screens that control the infotainment and display the dials, all surrounded by beautiful wood, high-quality leather, and configurable ambient lighting. While the standard car has acres of room, anyone planning on being chauffeured should hunt down a long-wheelbase 'L' model for a truly first-class experience in the back.
The S-Class is simply imperious on the move. Its standard air suspension glides over bumps, creating a ride so smooth and quiet it feels like you’re floating. It’s an exceptional long-distance cruiser, yet it’s surprisingly easy to pilot around town and can even be hustled down a country lane with impressive composure. You don’t need a huge engine, either. The entry-level S 350 d diesel provides all the effortless performance you could need, along with respectable fuel economy of around 40mpg. It’s a near-perfect blend of performance, comfort, and refinement.
The CarGurus Verdict: "As luxury saloons go, the S-Class is one of the best. It’s endlessly comfortable, preposterously well-equipped, enormously spacious, and beautifully finished." - Alex Robbins, senior car reviewer
Read our full Mercedes-Benz S-Class review
2. 2010-2017 Audi A8
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.6% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Delivers the quality and comfort you'd expect of a flagship limo | Hybrid version has a smaller boot and a very short electric range |
| Cutting edge technology for a luxury car of this era | Not as rewarding to drive as a Jaguar XJ |
| The S8 is exceptionally fast | High running costs, especially if you choose a petrol |
The Audi A8 has always been the intelligent choice in the luxury saloon market, favouring understated style over flashy looks. This third-generation model is no different. Its subtle exterior hides an interior that is a lesson in class, with impeccable build quality and materials that feel a cut above. The standard car is spacious, but for the ultimate chauffeured experience, the long-wheelbase version provides palatial rear-seat legroom. The boot is a decent size, though it's worth noting the rear seats don't fold, which slightly limits practicality.
Engineered for supreme comfort and confidence, the A8 is a phenomenal long-distance machine. While you can opt for some seriously powerful petrol engines—including the monstrous 513bhp 4.0-litre V8 in the S8—the 3.0-litre TDI diesel is the smart pick. It offers the perfect blend of effortless performance and sensible running costs. Every A8 also comes with Audi's famous quattro all-wheel-drive system as standard, giving you an extra layer of grip and security, whatever the weather throws at you.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The A8 is an excellent large, luxury car and, thanks to depreciation, a secondhand example can be bought at a fraction of the price that it would have cost when new. It’s a brilliant cruiser that’s jam-packed with features and offers effortless performance across the range." - Phill Tromans, contributor
3. 2015-2022 BMW 7 Series
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.0% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sharper to drive than most luxury cars | Doesn't ride with the serenity of a Mercedes S-Class |
| Slick iDrive infotainment system | Plain looks and an ungainly grille |
| Huge rear-seat space in long-wheelbase versions | Complex technology could land used 7 Series owners with a big bill |
The 7 Series is BMW’s answer to the S-Class, and it’s a seriously classy place to spend time. The cabin is filled with beautiful materials and features the slick iDrive infotainment system, which is one of the best in the business. Sensibly, BMW kept physical buttons for the climate control, which is a welcome touch. As you’d expect, there’s tons of space to stretch out, and the 515-litre boot is competitive. For those who want the full VIP experience, the long-wheelbase ‘L’ version adds an extra 14cm of rear legroom, turning the back into a mobile boardroom.
On the road, the 7 Series is defined by its quiet, effortless performance. Most buyers chose either the 3.0-litre petrol in the 740i or the 3.0-litre diesel in the 730d, both of which are superb. Standard air suspension does a good job of soaking up bumps, though it can feel a little firm over sharp-edged potholes. True to the BMW badge, it handles with impressive composure for such a large car, refusing to wallow through corners like some of its softer rivals. It’s the luxury saloon for those who still enjoy driving.
The CarGurus Verdict: "From its lavish interior to its extensive equipment list, the BMW 7 Series is every inch a luxury limo. The trouble is, its rivals are great ones." - Alex Robbins, senior car reviewer
Read our full BMW 7 Series review
4. 2009-2016 Porsche Panamera
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.4% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Combines driver appeal with genuine luxury | Potential for expensive reliability issues |
| E-Hybrid and 3.0 Diesel promise sensible fuel costs | Colossal thirst of V8 cars |
| Plenty of space for four and their luggage | Awkward looks |
When Porsche launched the Panamera, it was met with some scepticism, much like the Cayenne before it. However, any doubts about its credentials as a true Porsche vanish from the driver's seat. Unlike traditional luxury saloons such as the Audi A8 or Mercedes S-Class, the Panamera delivers a driving experience brimming with sports car DNA. It combines sharp handling and thrilling performance—especially in the V8-powered GTS and Turbo models with up to 542bhp—with the ability to cross continents in supreme comfort. It’s a car that proves you can have a spacious four-door saloon without sacrificing the fun.
Inside, the Panamera offers a unique 'cockpit' for each of its four occupants, creating a more focused and luxurious feel than its rivals. While the 445-litre boot isn't the largest in its class, the practical hatchback opening makes it surprisingly versatile for luggage. A significant facelift in 2013 not only refreshed the styling but also introduced a plug-in hybrid S E-Hybrid model. This version offers around 20 miles of electric-only range and, thanks to its low CO2 emissions, is exempt from the London Congestion Charge and qualifies for free road tax, making it a surprisingly savvy choice for city-based executives.
The CarGurus Verdict: "It may not be the world’s most attractive high-speed trans-continental luxury express, but the Porsche Panamera mk1 is capable of not only consuming huge distances with consummate ease, but also of bringing colossal smiles to the faces of enthusiast drivers who might wish to detour off towards serpentine mountain passes along the way." - Brett Fraser, contributor
Read our full Porsche Panamera review
5. 2026 Bentley Flying Spur
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 3.7 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 22.9% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.0 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Delivers pace and luxury in equal measure | High running costs, especially if you choose the W12 |
| Cabin shows exceptional craftsmanship | Bentley has a poor reputation for reliability |
| Composed handling for such a large and heavy car | Surprisingly small boot |
If you want a car that screams luxury, look no further than the Bentley Flying Spur. The moment you open the door, you’re met with an interior that feels truly special. Huge slabs of polished wood veneer, swathes of the softest leather, and chrome switches that click with satisfying weight all combine to create an atmosphere of pure opulence. This generation feels much more like a bespoke Bentley than its predecessor, successfully hiding its shared parts with the wider Volkswagen Group. It’s a masterclass in modern craftsmanship.
Under the bonnet, you get a choice of two immense engines: a 626bhp 6.0-litre W12 for ultimate bragging rights, or a 542bhp 4.0-litre V8. While the W12 is mighty, the smart money is on the V8. It has a more characterful, rumbling engine note and, being around 100kg lighter, it makes the car feel more agile and responsive. All versions come with air suspension, giving the Flying Spur the exceptionally smooth ride you’d expect from a top-tier luxury car. The only real compromise is the boot, which at 420 litres is smaller than you might think for such a large vehicle.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Whichever Flying Spur you buy, you can at least see where all that money’s going; this is one of the finest cars around, and all but unequalled in terms of craftsmanship, comfort, and old-fashioned luxury." - Alex Robbins, senior car reviewer
Read our full Bentley Flying Spur review
6. 2010-2019 Jaguar XJ
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 20.8% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.0 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sporty to drive for a luxury saloon | Compromised ride comfort |
| XJR is extremely fast | Low-quality finish in some parts of the cabin |
| Lots of luxury kit | Lacklustre infotainment system |
This generation of Jaguar XJ threw the old-school rulebook out of the window. Gone was the traditional, stuffy design, replaced by a sleek, coupe-like roofline and aggressive styling that still looks sharp today. The interior is just as dramatic, with a wrap-around dashboard, fine leathers, and metal finishes that give it far more character than its German rivals. It’s practical, too. The 520-litre boot is bigger than you’ll find in a contemporary A8 or 7 Series, and the long-wheelbase model—a former ride of choice for prime ministers—adds a crucial 120mm of rear legroom.
Where the XJ really stands apart is how it drives. With its sharp, accurate steering and composed chassis, it feels more like a sports saloon than a luxury limo, proving to be a genuine joy on a winding road. This doesn’t come at the expense of power, either. The engine range is vast, from a surprisingly frugal 3.0-litre V6 diesel to a thunderous 5.0-litre supercharged V8 that delivers a 0-62mph time of just 4.9 seconds. While it doesn't quite have the magic-carpet ride of an S-Class, the XJ strikes a brilliant balance between driver enjoyment and executive comfort.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Jaguar XJ is an easy to recommend luxury saloon, especially if you’re seeking something that’s going to offer a bit of driving fun along with class and comfort." - Lewis Kingston, contributor
Read our full Jaguar XJ review
7. 2012-2024 Maserati Quattroporte
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: Insufficient user reviews Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 0.0% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.5 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish and distinctive looks | Budget for high running costs and the odd unexpected bill |
| The Trofeo model is incredibly quick | Firm ride for a luxury saloon |
| V8 engines are aurally rewarding | Confusing switchgear |
The Quattroporte—Italian for ‘four-door’—has always been the choice for those who find the German alternatives a bit too sensible. This sixth-generation model is all about Italian flair, mixing head-turning style with a cabin full of sumptuous leather. It makes a strong case for itself on practicality, too, offering huge rear legroom and a massive 530-litre boot that’s ready to swallow a full set of designer luggage. While some of the interior switchgear can feel a little quirky, the overall feel is one of handcrafted, distinctive luxury.
Of course, being a Maserati, performance is front and centre. The magic happens under the bonnet, where you’ll find a choice of twin-turbo V6s or the headline-grabbing 3.8-litre V8, which in its most potent Trofeo guise produces a staggering 572bhp. This isn't a car designed to simply float along; its firmer suspension setup is geared towards driver engagement, making it feel much more agile in the corners than many of its rivals. It’s a luxury saloon with the heart and soul of a sports car.
The CarGurus Verdict: "There is no denying the Maserati Quattroporte is a beautiful car, and with its unique range of characterful engines and sharp handing, every drive is memorable. This is a car that you buy with your heart, rather than your head, and it offers something many of its rivals lack: character." - Leon Poultney, contributor
Read our full Maserati Quattroporte review
FAQ
What are the biggest risks when buying a used luxury saloon?
The main risks are high running costs (fuel, tax, insurance, and tyres) and the potential for expensive repairs. These cars are packed with complex technology like air suspension and advanced infotainment systems, which can be costly to fix if they fail. Always factor in a healthy budget for maintenance.
Is a diesel or petrol luxury saloon better?
It depends on your driving habits. If you cover a lot of motorway miles, a diesel engine will offer better fuel economy and effortless cruising. If you do mostly shorter journeys or want the most performance and a better engine sound, a petrol model is the way to go.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection?
Absolutely. For a car of this complexity and value, a professional pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is essential. An expert can spot potential issues that you might miss, saving you from buying a car with hidden, expensive problems. Consider it a small investment for significant peace of mind.
Are extended warranties for luxury cars worth it?
They can be. A single repair bill for a major component on a luxury saloon can easily run into thousands of pounds. An extended warranty can provide a safety net against these unexpected costs. Be sure to read the policy carefully to understand what is and isn't covered.
What's the difference between a standard and long-wheelbase model?
Long-wheelbase (LWB) models have a longer body, with all the extra space dedicated to rear-seat legroom. If you plan on regularly carrying passengers in the back or using the car for chauffeuring, a LWB version is the ideal choice for ultimate comfort.
Which used luxury saloon is the most reliable?
While European brands have a reputation for patchy reliability, the most important factor is a car's history. A vehicle with a complete and comprehensive service history from a main dealer or a trusted specialist is always the best bet. That said, brands like Lexus (with its LS saloon) often top reliability surveys if dependability is your absolute priority.
What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different?
Most car buying websites publish lists of the best cars across a variety of categories, with recommendations generally driven by editorial expertise. Here's what makes our best cars guides different: we combine the insights and verdicts of our team of car-testing experts with other factors that we know matter to buyers - real owner experiences and current market value.
To that end, our expert reviewers come from some of the UK's most trusted automotive publications including What Car?, The Telegraph, Auto Trader, Electrifying.com, and Carbuyer. They put each car through real-world testing, and create detailed reviews noting performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners, to running costs and reliability.
But we don't stop there when it comes to creating our best cars guides; we also analyse hundreds of thousands of used car listings on CarGurus UK to track which models consistently offer the highest percentage of best deals relative to how many are listed for sale. Then we factor in user reviews and ratings gathered on CarGurus to get feedback from people who actually live with these cars every day. Our best cars algorithm then creates a final Overall CarGurus rating that combines expert ratings, user reviews, and the percentage of listings on CarGurus UK rated as good or great deals. This three-way approach reveals not just which cars excel on paper, but which ones deliver satisfaction and value when you're ready to buy.
*The CarGurus UK market data in this guide was last updated in March 2026. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.*
