When it comes to finding the best luxury family car, comfort, style, and practicality are paramount. Whether you're embarking on long road trips or navigating daily routines, a luxury family car offers a combination of spaciousness, cutting-edge features, and refined elegance. In this guide, we will explore some of the top contenders in the market, highlighting the exceptional qualities that make them the ideal choice for discerning families seeking the ultimate driving experience. From advanced safety technologies to indulgent interiors, join us as we delve into the world of luxury family cars and discover the perfect blend of luxury and functionality for your family's needs.
1. Volvo V90
Volvo has undergone a notable transformation in recent years, presenting a stylish lineup of cars that deviate from the boxy image traditionally associated with the Swedish brand. The V90 estate, in particular, showcases this shift with its sleek design. While it may not be the largest estate on the market, boasting a boot space of 560 litres (which expands to an impressive 1,526 litres with the rear seats folded), it exudes a sense of comfort and luxury that sets it apart.
Under the hood, the V90 offers a choice between 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines, as well as a powerful petrol-electric plug-in hybrid option. Its on-road performance leans more towards comfortable cruising rather than sharp handling, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a luxurious driving experience. Rather than zooming around, the V90 allows occupants to relax and indulge in its plush seats.
The true highlight of the V90 lies within its cabin. The interior excels in providing comfort, featuring some of the most comfortable seats available in any car. The chic and minimalist dashboard places a nine-inch portrait touchscreen media system at the center stage, exuding a cool and contemporary aesthetic. This makes the V90 an inviting space for families to spend quality time together.
2. Audi A3
The Audi A3 made a significant impact in the automotive industry when it was introduced in the 1990s. Prior to its launch, no other model had successfully combined the compact size of a family hatchback with the high build quality and luxurious interior typically found in larger, more expensive cars.
In present times, the Audi A3 has become a familiar sight on the roads, and for good reason. While it shares certain mechanical components with the VW Golf, Seat Leon, and Skoda Octavia, it possesses an added level of desirability that appeals to families seeking a vehicle with a prestigious brand. Its distinguishing features include exceptional build quality, meticulous interior finishing, and attractive exterior design.
The Audi A3 offers a broad selection of engines, including petrol, electric, and plug-in hybrid variants, as well as various trims and optional features. This wide range allows potential buyers to be selective according to their preferences. On the road, the A3 provides a mature driving experience consistent with its reputation as a compact yet upscale car.
3. BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series has long been recognized as the 'Ultimate Driving Machine,' a slogan the company has used for an extended period, and it remains the preferred choice for those seeking a premium sedan that offers a fulfilling driving experience while accommodating family needs.
The 3 Series delivers agile handling, ensuring ample engagement for enthusiastic drivers on the road. Moreover, it offers a diverse range of engines to cater to different preferences. However, the 3 Series offers more than just impressive driving dynamics. It boasts an exceptional 'iDrive' media system, widely regarded as one of the finest in the industry, and its automatic gearbox stands out for its smooth operation.
In terms of practicality, the 3 Series proves to be a sensible option. It provides competitive luggage capacity, and only exceptionally tall individuals may find the rear seats slightly uncomfortable. With a wide array of models available, selecting the most suitable one can be challenging. However, the 320d diesel and 320i petrol variants are commendable choices due to their versatile capabilities. For those seeking additional practicality and a larger trunk, the Touring estate model is worth considering, as it combines hatchback convenience with enhanced cargo space.
4. Lexus RX
Families seeking ample space should consider the Lexus RX as a viable option. This sizeable SUV is known for its exceptional build quality, consistently performing well in reliability and satisfaction surveys, which indicates that high-mileage models can be trusted without concerns.
For those prioritizing eco-friendliness, the RX is an ideal choice as it offers a self-charging hybrid option. The RX 450h combines a 3.5-litre V6 engine with an electric motor, providing an appealing combination of performance and efficiency. However, it's worth noting that the automatic gearbox is most suitable for gentle driving, as it tends to maintain high revs during acceleration.
Internally, the RX boasts meticulous construction and finishing, ensuring a visually pleasing environment. Additionally, the ownership experience is expected to be hassle-free, as Lexus dealers are renowned for their excellence within the industry. While the boot may not be the absolute largest, the RX strikes a commendable balance between comfort and overall space.
5. Mercedes E-Class Estate
Remarkably, Mercedes secured the position of the third best-selling car manufacturer in the UK in 2020, which raises the question of whether a brand can still maintain its upmarket status despite its popularity. Opting for an E-Class Estate model would provide a clear understanding of why there are numerous Mercedes vehicles on the roads, given its comfortable cabin and minimal noise levels.
The E-Class Estate presents an appealing combination of attractive design, generous space, and a luxurious ambiance. Additionally, it offers the advantage of delivering a more composed driving experience compared to taller SUVs. Particularly for those who frequently travel on motorways, the E-Class Estate proves to be an exceptional choice, thanks to its remarkable comfort and superb refinement at high speeds.
Undoubtedly, boot space plays a vital role for estate car buyers, and in this regard, the E-Class Estate excels with its substantial 640-litre capacity. Coupled with robust and efficient diesel engines, it becomes an excellent option for families. However, if you prefer to avoid diesel, there is no need to worry as there is a wide range of petrol alternatives available as well.
6. Ford Fiesta Vignale
The Fiesta is a widely recognized car in Britain, consistently holding the title of the best-selling car. However, the Vignale version of the Fiesta may be less familiar to many. Essentially, it represents the most luxurious variant of this popular Ford model, designed to compete with the upscale VW Polo. As a result, it is a much rarer sight on the roads compared to the standard models.
The Vignale version offers several enhancements for the price, such as abundant chrome accents, quilted leather upholstery, a panoramic glass roof, a Bang and Olufsen sound system, and an eight-inch color touchscreen media system. It exudes genuine luxury, providing the sensation of a larger car within a compact size. Furthermore, it delivers an enjoyable driving experience.
Although it may not be the top choice for driving enthusiasts within the Fiesta lineup, as it prioritizes comfort over sportiness, it still holds its own against other superminis in terms of on-road capabilities. Both petrol and diesel engine options are available, and the rear seats offer ample space for accommodating a couple of average-sized children comfortably.
7. DS 7 Crossback
DS Automobiles, established as a separate brand in 2016 following the success of the Citroen DS3, serves as Citroen's upscale division. The brand's fundamental aim is to cater to the global demand for French luxury. While various car manufacturers like Audi and BMW strive to produce increasingly sporty vehicles, DS unapologetically prioritizes comfort.
The DS 7 Crossback represents DS Automobiles' SUV offering, comparable in size to the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. It is available with petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid options. On the road, the emphasis is placed on providing a comfortable driving experience rather than focusing on sharp handling. Certain models are equipped with Active Scan suspension, which utilizes a camera to analyze the road surface and adjust the suspension accordingly.
The interior of the DS 7 Crossback exudes a genuinely lavish ambiance and is dominated by an eight-inch touchscreen media system (or a 12-inch screen in higher-spec models). The vehicle offers ample space and a generous array of features, making it an appealing choice. However, being a relatively new upmarket brand, purchasing an older DS model may provide better value as it has likely experienced a greater depreciation compared to a rival from a more established upscale alternative.
8. Range Rover Evoque
Recognized for its impressive style among smaller SUVs, the Range Rover Evoque's original design was truly groundbreaking, which is evident in the subtle evolution seen in the all-new model released in 2019.
Consequently, even early iterations of the Evoque continue to exude a striking presence on the road, and the positive news is that they are now more affordable than ever. Opting for a diesel engine instead of a petrol variant can help in keeping fuel costs low, while models equipped with the nine-speed automatic gearbox, available from 2013 onwards, offer a smoother driving experience and are worth considering.
The interior of the Evoque still exhibits a high level of quality, and the car undeniably provides a feel-good factor. However, it is important to be prepared for running costs and servicing expenses that align with those of a premium vehicle. Additionally, due to the inclusion of four-wheel drive in most versions, the Evoque's fuel efficiency may not match that of similarly sized two-wheel drive estates. On the other hand, if you ever find yourself in need of off-road capabilities, the Evoque is undoubtedly capable of taking you much further.
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