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The top five executive cars for 2014

Here’s a rundown of the best executive cars for businesspeople who want to make an impression whether on the road, in the office car park or taking clients for a spin.

1. Jaguar XF

Launched in 2008, the Jaguar XF is the replacement for the Jaguar S-Type, and was designed by Scottish car designer, Ian Callum. The XFR model was driven to a new record of 230 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Circa £10,000 second hand.

2. Volvo S80

Image by MCS@flickr

The Volvo S80 is perhaps one of the safest executive cars on the road with its groundbreaking pedestrian and cyclist detection technology. A sensor at the top of the windscreen detects pedestrians and cyclists close to the car, and a radar and camera technology.

The first generation was launched in 1998 and the second generation was launched in 2006. It has a top speed of 143 mph

The new S80 features the groundbreaking Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection with full auto brake - and fuel consumption is up to 68.9mpg (109 g CO2 per km) in the most efficient D2 Powershift version.

The HMI (Human Machine Interface) functionality Sensus is extended with the option to add intuitive all-new technology that enables connectivity and Internet in the car. The Sensus Connected Touch turns the 7-inch display into a state-of-the-art infrared, beam-scanned touch screen that can be used even when wearing gloves - a world first in cars.

3. BMW 520d

Image by Ishan Manjrekar

Top speed: 143 mph

The E39 5-Series was on Car and Driver magazine’s annual Ten Best list for six years straight, from its introduction in 1997 through 2002. It was also Motor Trend’s Import Car of the Year for 1997 and What Car? Executive Car of the Year 1997 through 2002.

The E60 was named “Best New Luxury / Prestige Car” in the 2006 Canadian Car of the Year awards. Consumer Reports found the E39 5-series their best car tested in 2001–2002. The JB car pages have awarded the BMW 5-Series a best-in-class 4 1/2 star rating.

4.Audi A6 Saloon

Image by NRMA New Cars

Top speed: 130 mph

The Audi A6 is refined and has a luxurious, spacious interior. The model is manufactured at Audi’s Neckarsulm plant in the south of Germany, which employs nearly 800 people. Some models are available with Audi’s famous ‘quattro’ four-wheeled-drive technology.

5. Alfa Romeo GT

Image by Gabriele B

Top speed: 143 mph

The Alfa Romeo GT (Type 937) is a sports car produced by the Italian automaker Alfa Romeo, between 2003 and 2010. A total of 80,832 units were produced. The GT was introduced in March 2003 Geneva Motor Show and it came for sale in Italian markets January 2004. It was built at the Pomigliano plant, southern Italy, alongside the 147 and 159.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Hugh Waddell .