BMW 7-series (2008-2015) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Large
- Used only
- Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
verdict: Limousine with driver appeal
The 7 Series is the daddy of the BMW range, combining potent engines with a luxurious limousine cabin. The 7 Series has traditionally appealed to those who like to drive (rather than to be driven) and this model boasts all the technology to continue this tradition.
- Good build quality
- Excellent ride and handling
- Spacious
- Comfortable
- High depreciation
- Thirsty petrol engines
- Poor rearward visibility
- Impractical boot
BMW Z4 (2019-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Sports
- Available new
- Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
verdict: A superb premium convertible sports car
In its latest iteration, the Z4 is a mature-feeling sports car with high levels of comfort, refinement and technology. It’s an entertaining drive, whichever model you go for, although it isn’t quite as exciting as its more overtly sporting rivals. However, that’s a minor criticism in the face of the Z4’s all-round appeal. It’s hugely impressive and a worthy Best Buy.
- Comfortable
- Well built
- Powerful and fun to drive
- Spacious for two
- Folding roof now fabric
- Poor all-round visibility
- Lot of kit costs extra
BMW X5 (2007-2013) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Medium/Large SUV
- Used only
- Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
verdict: Gigantic 4×4 for keen drivers
The X5 is a Which? Best Buy and one of the best on-road 4x4s, with very sure-footed handling, although the ride can get a bit jittery on bad road surfaces. The diesel engines are sweet, refined and powerful, and the six-speed automatic gearbox shifts smoothly. However, even diesel versions are still expensive to run.
- Surprisingly good fun to drive
- Smooth transmission
- Excellent comfort
- High fuel consumption
- Very high carbon dioxide emissions
Toyota Mirai (2021-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Large
- Available new
- Hydrogen (Fuel Cell)
verdict: Proof that hydrogen works
The Mirai has a significant advantage over pure battery electric rivals: it’s like a conventional car in terms of range and refuelling times, yet it still has the benefit of zero tailpipe emissions. There are downsides, though: finding a refuelling station is a challenge, and most hydrogen is currently sourced from fossil fuels. Despite this, Toyota has convincingly proved that hydrogen-fuelled cars can and do work.
- Zero tailpipe emissions
- Better range than battery EVs
- Refined
- Luxurious
- Small boot
- Limited rear seat space
- Dearth of hydrogen fueling stations
BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo (2017-2020) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Large
- Used only
- Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
verdict: Hits all the high notes
The 6 Series GT is an odd animal – part luxury limousine, part practical hatchback – and it offers tremendous comfort for five people and plenty of space for their luggage. It’s very expensive, but justifies it with a superb passenger and driver experience, and some of the best technology in BMW’s arsenal. It’s a deserved Which? Best Buy.
- Excellent to drive
- Very comfortable
- Highly practical
- Expensive to buy
- Lots of pricey options
Mercedes-Benz SLK (2011-2016) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Sports
- Used only
- Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
verdict: Desirable, comfortable fun cruiser
The SLK is comfortable and good to cruise around in, but unlike some two-seat roadsters, it’s not a hardcore sports car. The seats are very comfortable and the heating system is impressive – you can happily drive around with the roof off in winter. One drawback is that the boot is very small and hard to access.
- Impeccably built
- Easy to drive
- Cracking engines
- Tricky to get into
- Small boot
- Less fun than a Porsche Boxster
Audi Q7 e-tron (2016-2019) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Medium/Large SUV
- Used only
- Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
verdict: Mighty all-round performer
This is a tremendously refined and high-performing luxury SUV. Whether the e-tron hybrid version of the Q7 suits you depends on the use the car will get. The extra expense of the electric motor system is only worth it if you do a lot of short-distance journeys, when the plug-in rechargeable batteries pay dividends; otherwise the diesel version makes more sense.
- Strong performance
- Refined
- Spacious interior
- Very well equipped
- Limited visibility
- Bulk makes it difficult to park
- Expensive
Lexus IS (2013-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Large
- Used only
- Full hybrid
verdict: Emissions concerns spoil the party
Best Buy award removed. It’s a very good car, but we found the Lexus IS emits so much CO (carbon monoxide) in our tests, that it would fail to meet any EU emissions limits set this century. As such, we cannot possibly recommend it.
- Refined and comfortable
- Hybrid is very economical around town
- No diesel option
- Hybrid motorway economy poor
- Controls not intuitive
Mercedes-Benz S-class Hybrid (2014-2018) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Large
- Used only
- Full hybrid
verdict: Performance, luxury and economy combined.
The Plug-In Hybrid version of the S-class performs with effortless ease and is one of the most refined cars on the planet. It’s also extremely comfortable and spacious for passengers. Real-world fuel economy is disappointing, and the compromised boot space is a letdown.
- Economical/zero tailpipe emissions around town
- Fast
- Supremely refined
- Very expensive
- Tiny boot
- Poor visibility
Alpina D3 (2006-2012) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Large
- Used only
- Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
verdict: Impressive – performance and style combined
The D3 offers an impressive mix of style and exhilarating performance. The upgrades deliver a superb driving experience, yet the refinements and quality of the underlying BMW 3 Series are never lost. It’s a Which? Best Buy.
- Fast and fun to drive
- Relatively economical
- Rare and exclusive
- Firm ride
- Only two-year warranty
- Potentially expensive to repair
BMW X6 (2008-2014) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Medium/Large SUV
- Used only
- Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
verdict: Gigantic 4×4 for keen drivers
The X6 is a big but typically good-to-drive BMW. It’s got plenty of power and a comfortable ride, yet it’s also quite sporty. The X6’s coupé-like rear end detracts from both comfort and practicality, although generally the car is good on both fronts. There’s a wealth of clever technology, too.
- Surprisingly good fun to drive
- Smooth transmission
- Excellent comfort
- High fuel consumption
- Very high carbon dioxide emissions
BMW iX3 (2021-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Medium/Large SUV
- Available new
- Electric
verdict: Deeply impressive electric SUV
The iX3 feels a lot like the X3 on which it’s based – and that’s no bad thing. It’s impressively comfortable and spacious, loaded with kit and satisfying to drive. It offers a decent driving range, largely thanks to being relatively energy efficient, while not compromising on performance. It’s a great SUV and a Which? Best Buy.
- Comprehensive standard equipment
- Very comfortable
- Moderate energy consumption
- Low maximum towing capability
- Only average braking performance
BMW 6-series (2012-2018) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Large
- Used only
- Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
verdict: More practical than a regular coupé
Impressively quick, sharp yet safe handling and refined, too: the Gran Coupé gets it right on almost every level. It’s really only a four-seater, but it’s spacious for four adults and has very well designed seats. Unfortunately, a lack of Euro NCAP rating stops us recommending it.
- Outstanding performance
- Reasonable fuel efficiency (640d)
- Comfortable
- Great seats
- Expensive
- Poor visibility
- Can feel cumbersome around town
BMW 5 Series Touring (2017-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Large estate
- Available new
- Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
verdict: Estate of the art
BMW’s 5 Series Touring is one of the best luxury estate cars available. It drives as keenly as the 5 Series saloon but is more practical. The interior is luxurious and its ability to eat up miles while you drive in great comfort is almost unmatched. Yes, it’s expensive, but the sense of quality throughout is unmistakable.
- Strong engine range
- Safe
- Sharp handling
- Comfortable
- Luxurious
- Practical
- Expensive to buy and run
Volkswagen Golf Estate (2021-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Medium estate
- Available new
- Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
verdict: Firm family favourite
We think the Golf Estate is a great choice as family transport. There’s certainly no lack of space inside, either for people or luggage, and it’s a comfortable, safe car for long-distance travel. While the all-digital cabin isn’t very intuitive and the quality of some of the materials disappoints, these are minor gripes and it’s still a Best Buy.
- Generous space for people and luggage
- Great to drive
- Safe
- Well equipped
- Digital controls are distracting and not very intuitive
- Average cabin quality
Suzuki Swace (2021-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Medium estate
- Available new
- Full hybrid
verdict: Well-equipped hybrid estate
The Swace is a great all-rounder for families. It might not have the same engine range or body style options as the Corolla on which it’s based, but what it offers is a well-considered combination of frugality, practicality, and ease of use, making it a Best Buy.
- Spacious
- Safe
- Low fuel consumption
- Lacklustre performance
- Dull handling
- Restricted rear visibility
Toyota Mirai (2015-2021) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Large
- Used only
- Hydrogen (Fuel Cell)
verdict: A commendable alternative to battery EVs
If you want to run a car that minimises your environmental impact, the Mirai makes a pretty good case for itself. Its only emission when it’s being used is water – yet it’s much more feasible to run every day than most electric cars because its range is good and it can be refuelled quickly rather than plugged in for hours. It may be a long time before fuel cell technology reaches the mainstream, but the Mirai is in the vanguard.
- Zero tailpipe emissions
- Refined
- Comfortable
- Well built
- Good range
- Very expensive
- Lack of hydrogen fuelling stations
- Compromised boot space
Toyota Camry Hybrid (2019-2021) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Large
- Used only
- Full hybrid
verdict: Relaxing, high-quality hybrid
The Camry is back with a bang. Toyota’s latest large saloon is very easy to drive and live with, has efficiency and refinement boosting hybrid tech, and is backed by a five-year warranty and the brand’s bullet-proof reputation for reliability. Unless you’re looking for driver thrills – or need to tow something – we’ve no hesitation in recommending the Camry as a Best Buy model.
- Good fuel efficiency
- Roomy and comfortable cabin
- Well specified as standard
- No towing capacity
- Mediocre braking performance
- Currently no Apple Carplay/Android Auto
Lexus RC (2015-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Large
- Used only
- Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
verdict: Striking coupé with some practicality issues
Well built, good to drive and luxurious, the RC is a credible alternative to the German-made two-door coupés that dominate the market. It’s rather ostentatious in style but has more of a cruising role than an overtly sporty one.
- Very well made
- Safe handling
- Comfortable
- Well equipped
- Can be thirsty
- Tiny rear seats
Mercedes-Benz S-class (2013-2021) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Large
- Used only
- Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
verdict: Supreme comfort, safety and technology
Even the least powerful engine in the range provides plenty enough power to shift the S-class with ease. It’s not overly dynamic in the corners, but it’s safe and extremely comfortable. And, as you would expect from the S-class, it’s rammed full of technological goodies and there’s loads of interior space.
- Ground-breaking safety technology
- Supreme ride comfort
- Fabulous engines
- Expensive running costs
- Limited boot practicality
- Poor visibility
