Skip advert
Advertisement
Best cars

Top 10 best motorway cars 2024

Need a car that can tackle serious motorway miles with ease? Look no further than our list of the best cars for long-distance driving

Top 10 best motorway cars 2023

Even though the 70mph national speed limit has been in force on UK roads since the late 1960s, not all modern cars feel as comfortable, quiet or safe at that speed as you might hope. For that reason, some of our choices listed below are not what you might expect – in fact, some aren’t class leaders in other areas, but come into their own when settled into a motorway cruise.

Advertisement - Article continues below

We’ve selected several different types of cars that are at their best cruising along the UK motorway, so whether you want a hatchback, an SUV, or an executive saloon you should find something that fits your needs. You’ll also find plenty of choices of powertrains from petrol and diesel, to hybrid and electric. Previously long distances in an electric car may have been a challenge, but with motorway electric car chargers dotted around the country, they can be just as pleasurable to drive long distances in.

Top 9 most comfortable carsTop 9 most comfortable cars 2024

We've tried to take a rough cross-section of the market, selecting cars whose motorway finesse is better than others in their respective classes. That’s why you’ll find city cars and hatchbacks in a list that you might have expected to be full of large, luxurious premium cars (which inevitably make an appearance, too).

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Whatever your budget, if you mostly cover motorway miles there’s no shortage of choice. Here are our picks for the best motorway cars on the market today.

Motorway miles get expensive if you don’t have an efficient car, so why not take a look at our guides to the best diesel cars and best hybrid cars too?

Mercedes E-Class saloon review (2016-2023)

Mercedes E-Class saloon
Carbuyer rating

4 out of 5

Read full reviewWatch video

While the Mercedes E-Class is not as great an all-rounder as its BMW 5 Series rival, it does beat it hands down for comfort and it’s a hugely capable executive saloon. When specified in entry-level E 220 d guise, the E-Class returns up to 57.7mpg thanks to a great 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel. Performance is decent, too, with 0-62mph completed in 7.4 seconds. The E 300 de plug-in hybrid is also worth a look because it’s one of the few PHEVs to use a diesel engine; the result is a handy official electric-only range of up to 32 miles and decent fuel economy when the battery has run out. It gets an official fuel economy figure of up to 217.3mpg and will get up to motorway speeds quickly thanks to a 0-62mph time of under six seconds.

Advertisement - Article continues below

As you’d expect from a Mercedes, the E-Class is built with a focus on comfort; its suspension is particularly pliant, its automatic gearbox unobtrusive and its interior very comfortable, even in the lower-priced models. It’s not quite as involved to drive as its BMW rival, but motorway driving is something of an E-Class speciality.

Skoda Octavia review – the most practical family hatchback

Skoda Octavia front quarter driving
Carbuyer rating

4.7 out of 5

Read full reviewWatch video

It may not be the most exciting choice but there really are very few better cars for regular motorway trips than the Skoda Octavia. Nowadays, the interior quality is pretty much on par with the Volkswagen Golf on which it’s based, and the Octavia offers so much more space too. The Octavia is one of the most economical cars for motorway driving on our list, thanks to its frugal diesel and plug-in hybrid options.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Our recommendation is the SE L spec, which includes heated suede seats (with support in all the right places), sat nav, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control - in other words, exactly the right bits of equipment to make long journeys effortless. VW’s Travel Assist function, which adds even more helpful features, costs a mere £260.

Mercedes S-Class saloon review

Mercedes-AMG S 63 e Performance front 3/4
Carbuyer rating

4.5 out of 5

Read full review

The latest Mercedes S-Class boasts leading-edge technology and one of the most refined cabins of any car on sale, making it one of the world’s best motorway cruisers. The plug-in hybrid option can achieve up to 68 miles on a charge, so it can even cruise silently outside the city and low emissions zones. Every model gets air suspension and lots of sound deadening, so it’s always quiet and comfortable inside, and before too long it’ll be able to drive itself for periods of time (where allowed) thanks to advanced self-driving features.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The S-Class is an expensive car even in its entry trim, but impressively for such a large car, the entry-level diesel gets an official fuel economy figure of up to just shy of 46mpg. It’s best enjoyed from the back, where the experience is most civilised and luxurious. Rear-seat occupants can entertain themselves for those miles with a screen each, while the back seats can also be set up like a mobile office if you need it.

Tesla Model 3 review - one car to rule them all?

Tesla Model 3 facelift
Carbuyer rating

4.4 out of 5

Read full review

You might think that electric cars have no place on a list of the best motorway cars but the latest ones are more than capable of sitting in the fast lane for relatively long distances. One of the most impressive is the Tesla Model 3; it’s Tesla’s cheapest model but offers up to 374 miles of range and acceleration to shame most sports cars. The minimalist interior is airy and tech-filled, so there’s plenty of gadgetry to entertain on a long motorway trip.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

When you need to recharge, you’ll find fantastic Tesla Superchargers at most motorway service stations. Access to them is no longer free for Tesla owners but you won’t feel hard done by - we rated them as the best chargepoints for electric cars. Tesla says you can add up to 172 miles of range in just 15 minutes and with a Tesla app subscription service you’ll also get a discount on rates.

Volkswagen Arteon hatchback review

Volkswagen Arteon
Carbuyer rating

4.2 out of 5

Read full reviewWatch video

Handsome, fast, economical and spacious – the Arteon seemingly has it all. Volkswagen’s rival to the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, Audi A5 Sportback and Mercedes CLS is just as pleasant and cosseting to travel in as its premium rivals, if perhaps not quite as luxuriously appointed.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Motorway cruising is an Arteon speciality – it rides very smoothly and all engines offer a good balance between performance and economy, while remaining hushed under most circumstances. And unlike some cars of this type, the Arteon doesn’t suffer if you go for the larger, more attractive alloy wheels – its suspension is tuned for comfort regardless of wheel size. For frequent motorway miles, we’d recommend the 2.0-litre diesel TDI model capable of up to 58.9mpg, or the 1.4-litre TDI eHybrid plug-in hybrid model for its 37-mile electric-only range and surprisingly good capability as a motorway cruiser.

Skoda Superb review – peak family car takes on executive crowd

Skoda Superb front quarter driving
Carbuyer rating

4.3 out of 5

Read full review

A long-standing Carbuyer favourite, the Superb is seemingly the car that can do no wrong. It’s hugely practical, very well built, powered by a range of eager, economical engines, good to drive and one of the best-value cars on sale. It will come as no surprise, then, to learn that the Superb is a fantastic motorway cruiser, too.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Chosen with one of its diesel engines – preferably a 2.0-litre TDI – the large Skoda sips fuel with an official fuel economy figure of just under 58mpg, and offers sublime levels of comfort and quietness, with enough power in reserve to make overtaking a breeze. If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate do-it-all family car, the Superb is the obvious choice – especially if you have big distances to cover.

BMW 3 Series review – an impressive, but expensive executive saloon

BMW 3 Series saloon
Carbuyer rating

4.4 out of 5

Read full reviewWatch video

BMW puts an emphasis on making cars that are good to drive – the outgoing 5 Series was a great motorway cruiser in diesel guise, but with its replacement yet to arrive, the 3 Series is the next best option. It’s firm, yet comfortable, and specced with the 320d’s 187bhp mild-hybrid assisted engine, it’s a great motorway car, returning an official fuel economy figure of 58.9mpg.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Being a BMW, you can expect the interior to have a premium quality feel about it, and the 3 Series’ cabin is particularly beautifully designed – in fact, you get the impression of a scaled-down 5 Series here, too. The Infotainment system is impressive thanks to a crisp 14.9-inch central screen which blends seamlessly into the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The rear seats are particularly roomy, with back-seat passengers getting more space than in a Jaguar XE, so you can rest assured your occupants will be comfortable on a long motorway slog.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 saloon review

Hyundai Ioniq 6
Carbuyer rating

4.3 out of 5

Read full review

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a direct rival to the Tesla Model 3 with a sleek, aerodynamic shape that not only makes it look striking, but also means it’s a very efficient electric saloon car that can travel up to 338 miles between charges. It loses out to the Tesla Model 3, because it’s still at the mercy of the UK’s charging network and doesn’t get access to Tesla’s Supercharger stations, so you’ll have to plan your charging stops more diligently before setting off.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The Ioniq 6 is also spacious enough, thanks to plentiful legroom for the front and rear seats for most passengers. It’s an enjoyable car to drive on a motorway given that it’s so effortless, and yet once you do reach the B-roads closer to home, it’s rather satisfying, weaving through bends in a secure and planted manner.

Citroen C5 X hatchback review

Citroen C5 X front 3/4
Carbuyer rating

4 out of 5

Read full reviewWatch video

The Citroen C5 X impressed us with its comfortable ride and large boot, making it easy to drive on a long journey, and capable of taking lots of luggage as well. There are three engine options for car buyers to choose from, although the entry-level 1.2-litre petrol is best avoided for high-mileage drivers as it can feel strained at higher speeds. The 1.6-litre petrol is more powerful, although the plug-in hybrid is our recommendation for effortless acceleration, and because it has 38 miles of electric range when charged.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The C5 X isn’t as exciting around corners as some rivals, although this will be less important to those covering most of their miles on motorways. Prices start lower than most of the cars on our list, however, this is for the entry 1.2-litre petrol model and prices rise quickly as you move up the range.

Volvo V90 estate review

Volvo V90 front quarter
Carbuyer rating

4.3 out of 5

Read full reviewWatch video

Volvo has always had a reputation for producing comfortable cars, and the V90 is no different, with an exceptionally comfortable interior making it an excellent car to drive on motorways. The all-around ability of the Volvo also means that whether you are travelling alone or need to fill the car with people and luggage, the estate boot and powerful engines should shrug it off.

The Volvo V90 estate is one of the largest cars on this list, with acres of space in its light, airy, minimalist interior, smooth diesel and hybrid powertrains and adjustable driving modes to tailor the car’s character and ride to even the worst British roads. If you want to get out of your car after a long motorway slog feeling relaxed and unruffled, few cars quite match the V90.

For more, check out our top 10 best large executive saloons

 

Top 10 best motorway cars

  1. Mercedes E-Class
  2. Skoda Octavia
  3. Mercedes S-Class
  4. Tesla Model 3
  5. Volkswagen Arteon
  6. Skoda Superb
  7. BMW 3 Series
  8. Hyundai Ioniq 6
  9. Citroen C5 X
  10. Volvo V90
Skip advert
Advertisement

Charlie writes and edits news, review and advice articles for Carbuyer, as well as publishing content to its social media platforms. He has also been a regular contributor to its sister titles Auto Express, DrivingElectric and evo. As well as being consumed by everything automotive, Charlie is a speaker of five languages and once lived in Chile, Siberia and the Czech Republic, returning to the UK to write about his life-long passion: cars.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

The best saloon cars to buy in 2024
Best saloon cars
Best cars
20 Sep 2024

The best saloon cars to buy in 2024

Tesla Model 3 review - one car to rule them all?
Tesla Model 3 facelift
In-depth reviews
19 Sep 2024

Tesla Model 3 review - one car to rule them all?

Skoda Octavia review – the most practical family hatchback
Skoda Octavia front quarter driving
In-depth reviews
18 Sep 2024

Skoda Octavia review – the most practical family hatchback

The most aerodynamic cars on sale today
Most aerodynamic cars
Best cars
2 Aug 2024

The most aerodynamic cars on sale today

Most Popular

Jaguar Type 00 concept revealed: a bold electric future for the British brand
Jaguar Type 00
News
3 Dec 2024

Jaguar Type 00 concept revealed: a bold electric future for the British brand

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
6 Dec 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Mercedes C-Class Estate review – a classy load-lugger and great PHEV
Mercedes C-Class Estate
In-depth reviews
2 Dec 2024

Mercedes C-Class Estate review – a classy load-lugger and great PHEV

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024