Indeed, the Skoda Kodiaq diesel is offered in five or seven-seat guises, so those with big families will be well catered for here. Thanks to the engine’s strong torque, the Skoda doesn’t feel particularly underpowered, either, despite its size and weight. The 53.2mpg economy figure (51.7mpg in the seven-seater) is impressive, too.
4. Mercedes S-Class
- Prices from £94,000
- Most refined
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​Massive road presence and a cosseting interior mean the Mercedes S-Class is our top luxury car, and it’s at its best in diesel guise: if you want the ultimate in luxury driving, then look no further.
Mercedes does offer a hybrid S-Class as a true economy champ, but the hybrid powertrain isn’t as well suited to the car as this diesel engine. The 3.0-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder is super-smooth yet seriously quick, with 0-62mph taking just 6.4 seconds – quite a feat in a car weighing nearly two tonnes. Yet driven carefully it will return 42.8mpg.
Whatever guise the S-Class is in, it irons out any imperfections in the road. Sophisticated technology ‘reads’ the road ahead and is able to prep the air suspension for upcoming bumps. This really is one of the most comfortable cars short of a Rolls-Royce Phantom.
The Mercedes S-Class has always been a showcase for the absolute latest technology and this one doesn’t disappoint, with two 12-inch screens in the dash, mobile data, optional night vision, and reclining rear seats. Plus in an industry first, there isn’t a single filament lightbulb on the car.
5. Land Rover Defender
- Prices from £60,500
- Go-anywhere ability
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Land Rover silenced the doubters, producing a Defender worthy of its predecessor’s famous name. It’s clearly a more technologically advanced and luxurious car, but it hasn’t lost any of its character or core attributes, which means the Defender is equally at home on the steepest of muddy slopes or in the urban jungle.
