In association with MotorEasy
What Car? Reliability Survey: Most and least reliable executive cars
In our annual Reliability Survey, we ask readers to rate the dependability of cars aged up to five years old. Here we list the most and least reliable executive saloons and estates...
Executive cars are status symbols that tell the world you've reached a certain standard in your working life. They're usually medium or large saloons or estates with premium badges and lots of electrical gadgetry.
While they're good-looking and generally great to drive, they have a lot of kit that could go wrong, and being stuck at the roadside waiting for a breakdown truck isn't going to do your image any good – so you need to pick your executive express with care.
And our Reliability Survey data shows that some executive cars fall well short of the standard you might expect. While this is not the most problematic car class, the average score of 89.4% signals that some executive cars can be rather flaky. The class average has dropped a little on 2023, when it was 91.1%, demonstrating the need to choose your executive car wisely.
Electrical issues, including problems with the air-con and infotainment systems, were the most common complaints of executive car owners, and diesel-engined models often had more faults than their petrol counterparts. The Lexus ES is the shining star of the executive class, and the previous-generation BMW 5 Series diesel is the most problematic,
The car reliability data reported on here covers cars aged up to five years old.
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Most reliable executive cars
1. Lexus ES (2018-present)
Reliability rating 99.3%
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Most common faults: Sat-nav/infotainment 4%
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Average repair cost: £0
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Typical time off road: one day to a week
The Lexus ES isn't the swiftest or most exciting executive car to drive, but its hybrid engine makes it cheap to live with, both in terms of company car tax and for fuel. Being a traditional hybrid, it's also easier to live with than a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and even the cheapest version comes with a host of standard equipment and safety features.
Another area where the Lexus ES outclasses its premium German rivals is dependability. Only 4% of ES owners reported issues, and only with the sat-nav/infotainment systems. Lexus covered the cost of all remedial work, and the only real inconvenience was that owners had to wait between one and seven days to get their cars back.
Owner’s view: “My ES has been totally fault-free so far over five years.”
2. BMW 3 Series petrol (2019-present)
Reliability rating 97.5%
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Most common faults: Engine 2%, engine electrics 2%, non-engine electrics
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Average repair cost: 89% £0
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Typical time off road: 56% one day to a week, 44% more than a week
The 3 Series still sets the standard in the executive car class with its superb driving manners, great range of engine options and eminently useable infotainment system. BMW dropped the diesel 3 Series from the model's line-up in 2024 due to a shift in buyer demand towards petrol, hybrid, and electric power. The petrol engine line-up now starts with the excellent 181bhp 320i petrol, but the 288bhp 330e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is the one to go for if you pay company car tax.
The petrol 3 Series is also a great choice because models with this type of engine go wrong less often than diesels: 9% of petrol 3 Series owners told us their car had a problem compared with 17% of diesel owners. The most common issues were with the engine and electrical systems. Owners told us that 89% of work was done for free; the only frustration was that in 44% of cases they had to wait for more than a week for repairs.
3. BMW 5 Series petrol (2017-2023)
Reliability rating 96.7%
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Most common faults: Non-engine electrics 10%, sat-nav/infotainment 3%
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Average repair cost: 75% £0, 25% £201-£300
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Typical time off road: 25% one day or less, 50% one day to a week, 25% more than a week
The multi-talented BMW 5 Series is classy, comfortable and efficient. In fact, it's one of the best used luxury cars money can buy. The petrol line-up starts with the four-cylinder 520i and 530i, which are the least recommendable models because they need to be revved hard to achieve their best. The plug-in hybrid 530e is a better proposition, with a punchy engine and an official pure electric range of up to 37 miles.
Like the 3 Series, if you're after a 5 Series, it's the petrol versions that are a better bet in terms of reliability. Previous-generation 5 Series petrol versions have far fewer faults than diesels (14% versus 43%), with most issues concerning the electrical systems. BMW also fully covered the cost of repairing 75% of petrol models but repaired only 46% of diesels gratis. Petrol models were fixed quicker, too.
Reliability rating 96.5%
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Most common faults: 12-volt battery 4%, bodywork 4%, non-engine electrics 4%, suspension 4%
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Average repair cost: 50% £0, 50% £101-£200
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Typical time off road: 100% one day or less
The sixth-generation version of the 3 Series was available as an executive saloon and an estate, and because it was incredibly popular as a company car, there are loads of pre-owned examples to choose from. The vast majority of used 3 Series models from this era are diesels. The entry-level 316d can feel a little weak, and we prefer the 2.0-litre 318d or 325d.
We only have enough data to rate diesel versions of the previous 3 Series, but the good news is that they're a pretty dependable bunch. Fifteen percent of the cars reported on went wrong, with issues split evenly between the 12-volt battery, bodywork, non-engine electrics and suspension. All problems were put right in a day or less; half of the work was done for free and none of the other repair bills cost more than £200.
5. BMW 3 Series diesel (2019-present)
Reliability rating 96.0%
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Most common faults: Engine electrics 10%, bodywork 3%, non-engine electrics 3%
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Average repair cost: 80% £0, 20% £1-£50
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Typical time off road: 20% one day or less, 60% more than a week
The diesel 3 Series is no longer available new, but it's still a great used buy. Whichever version you choose you'll get a car that's great fun to drive with sharp steering and excellent body control, and an infotainment system that sets the standard for other brands. Our pick of the diesel line-up is the 320d, which is smooth and almost as economical as the less powerful 318d.
Although diesel 3 Series models went wrong more often than petrols, they're still pretty dependable. Issues with the engine's electrical systems were the main headache for owners; 17% of them told us their car had suffered a problem. Although 80% of cars were fixed for free, and no repair bills topped £50, nearly two-thirds of cars were out of action for more than a week.
6. Jaguar XF (2015-2024)
Reliability rating 94.7%
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Most common faults: bodywork 5%, engine 5%, interior trim 5%, non-engine electrics 5%, sat-nav/infotainment system 5%
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Average repair cost: 83% £0, 17% £301-£500
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Typical time off road: 67% one day or less, 33% one day to a week
If you're after a Jaguar, the XF is your best bet because it's the firm's most reliable model aged up to five years old. There are other reasons to buy one too: it's stylish, sharp to drive and, as a used buy, good value, too. This second-generation version is predominantly made of aluminium, so it's lighter and leaner than the first XF, but it's bigger inside, too.
Jaguar XF owners told us 14% of their cars had a fault, with the bodywork, interior trim engine and electrics all giving cause for concern. Two-thirds of problems were fixed in a day or less and the rest were resolved in less than a week. While Jaguar footed the bill for 83% of faulty cars, that left 17% of owners having to pay between £301 and £500.
Reliability rating 92.9%
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Most common faults: Engine 6%, exhaust 6%, suspension 6%
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Average repair cost: 67% £0, 33% £201-£300
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Typical time off road: 67% more than a week, 33% one day or less
It may not be the most premium executive car, but the Skoda Superb is one of the roomiest and best equipped. Most of the Superbs sold were diesels, and the 118bhp 1.6-litre and 148bhp 2.0-litre are the most common engines. They're both reasonably swift, but also pretty economical.
Unusually, diesel versions of the Skoda Superb rate higher than petrols for reliability: only 13% of diesel models went wrong, compared with 35% of petrols. The main gripes were with the engine, exhaust system and suspension. Remedial work was slow in many cases: 47% of cars were in the garage for more than a week, but 67% of work was done for free and all repair bills were less than £300 per fault.
8. Mercedes E-Class (2016-2024)
Reliability rating 92.7%
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Most common faults: Non-engine electrics 12%, suspension 4%
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Average repair cost: 86% £0, 7% £201-£300, 7% more than £1500
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Typical time off road: 43% more than a week, 36% one day to a week
The fifth-generation Mercedes E-Class is the most high-tech model yet, and compares well against some hugely competent rivals, including the BMW 5 Series. You can buy it as a saloon, or a commodious estate car, a nifty coupé, a cabriolet or a mildly off-road estate called the All-Terrain. Whichever version you go for you'll get a car with a smooth, quiet engine, supple ride and a well-appointed interior.
E-Class ownership isn't all plain sailing, though. A quarter of the E-Classes in our survey had a problem, most with non-engine electrical issues. While most cars could still be driven, 43% were in the workshop for more than seven days. Although Mercedes covered the cost of 86% of repairs, some owners paid up to £300 to get their cars put right, and some paid more than £1500.
9. Mazda 6 (2013-2022)
Reliability rating 92.4%
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Most common faults: Bodywork 12%, air-con 6%, brakes 6%, engine electrics 6%, non-engine electrics 6%
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Average repair cost: 83% £0, 17% £501-£750
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Typical time off road: 67% one day or less, 17% one day to a week, 17% more than a week
The Mazda 6 is rather an unsung hero in the executive car class. It's good-looking and hugely competent, but often overlooked in favour of more prestigious German alternatives. It has strong, quiet engines, impressive fuel economy and an easy-to-use infotainment system.
Bodywork issues were the main bugbear of the 35% of Mazda 6 owners who reported a fault with their car. There were also complaints about the air-con, brakes and various electrical systems. Two-thirds of issues were resolved in a day or less, though, and most were sorted in less than a week. While Mazda paid for 83% of remedial work, the remaining owners had to pay between £501 and £750.
10. BMW 3 Series PHEV (2016-2020)
Reliability rating 92.0%
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Most common faults: Sat-nav/infotainment 4%
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Average repair cost: 69% £0, 8% £201-£300, 23% more than £1500
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Typical time off road: 54% more than a week, 31% less than one day
The plug-in hybrid 330e 3 Series is the best company car option because it qualifies for cheaper company car tax than its petrol or (used only) diesel siblings. Its 0-62mph time is 5.9 seconds and it can officially travel up to 62 miles on electric power.
However, the 330e has a higher fault rate than conventional petrols: 16% went wrong, compared with 9% of petrol models. The engine's electrical systems were the most common cause for upset. Issues were pretty slow to fix, too, with 54% of cars in the workshop for more than a week. While 69% of repair work was done for free, some bills topped £1500.
Least reliable executive cars
1. BMW 5 Series diesel (2017-2023)
Reliability rating 79.8%
Most common faults: Exhaust 15%, engine electrics 9%, 12-volt battery 6%, non-engine electrics 6%, air-con 4%, bodywork 4%, brakes 4%, sat-nav/ infotainment 2%, gearbox/clutch 2%
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Average repair cost: 46% £0, 34% £201-£750, 4% more than £1500
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Typical time off road: 46% more than a week, 35% less than a day
This generation of the 5 Series was so good that it beat the more affordable competition to become the What Car? Car of the Year when it was launched in 2017. As a used buy, it's delightful to drive, well equipped and very economical.
However, diesel versions of the previous-generation 5 Series not only have a high fault rate (43%) but are also costly and slow to put right. A third of owners had to pay between £201 and £750; some paid more than £1500. Most of the afflicted cars could still be driven, but 46% took more than a week to fix.
Owner's view: "My 2019 5 Series has suffered a constant stream of faults, and they’ve proven costly to fix."
Reliability rating 82.2%
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Most common faults: Bodywork 10%, sat-nav/infotainment 10%, air-con 7%, non-engine electrics 7%, brakes 3%, engine 3%, exhaust 3%, gearbox/clutch 3%, interior trim 3%
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Average repair cost: 60% £0, 13% more than £1500
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Typical time off road: 67% more than a week, 27% less than a day
The Volkswagen Passat is classy, spacious and relaxing to drive. This eighth generation model was more deliberately aimed at the premium end of the market, taking aim at executive cars like the 2012-2013 BMW 3 Series and 2014-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
However, it's not the easiest executie car to live with. Eye-watering repair bills were reported by some Passat owners, with only 60% getting their cars fixed for free; 27% paid up to £750 and 13% paid more than £1500. All cars could still be driven, but 67% took more than a week to be put right. Overall, 32% went wrong, mainly with bodywork and electrical issues.
3. Audi A6 (2018-present)
Reliability rating 82.5%
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Most common faults: Non-engine electrics 19%, sat-nav/infotainment 15%, interior trim 12%, bodywork 4%, brakes 4%, engine electrics 4%, fuel system 4%,
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Average repair cost: 77% £0, 18% £51-£200, 6% more than £1500
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Typical time off road: 35% more than a week, 24% a day or less
The Audi A6 feels lighter and more agile than its size might suggest and that makes it more nimble than many rivals. It's also great value compared with the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class.
The A6 was not only plagued by problems (50% of cars went wrong) but was also costly to fix in many instances. Audi covered the cost of 77% of repairs, but that left 17% of owners with bills of up to £200 and 6% paying more than £1500. Two-thirds of cars were back on the road in less than a week, though.
Reliability of executive cars aged up to five years old
| Rank | Make and model | Score |
| 1 | Lexus ES (2018 -present) | 99.3% |
| 2 | BMW 3 Series petrol (2019-present) | 97.5% |
| 3 | BMW 5 Series petrol (2017-2023) | 96.7% |
| 4 | BMW 3 Series diesel (2012-2019) | 96.5% |
| 5 | BMW 3 Series diesel (2019-present) | 96.0% |
| 6 | Jaguar XF (2015-present) | 94.7% |
| 7 | Skoda Superb diesel (2015-2024) | 92.9% |
| 8 | Mercedes E-Class (2016-2024) | 92.7% |
| 9 | Mazda 6 (2013-2022) | 92.4% |
| 10 | BMW 3 Series 330e PHEV (2016-2020) | 92.0% |
| 11 | Volvo S60 / V60 (2018-present) | 88.9% |
| 12 | Jaguar XE (2015-2024) | 88.1% |
| 13 | Audi A4 (2015-present) | 86.6% |
| 14 | Mercedes C-Class (2014-2021) | 86.1% |
| 15 | Volvo S90 / V90 (2016-present) | 86.1% |
| 16 | Skoda Superb petrol (2015-2024) | 85.6% |
| 17 | Alfa Romeo Guilia (2016-present) | 83.5% |
| 18 | Audi A6 (2018-present) | 82.5% |
| 19 | Volkswagen Passat (2015-2022) | 82.2% |
| 20 | BMW 5 Series diesel (2017-2023) | 79.8% |
To read the reliability data for other car classes follow these links:
Most reliable cars
Most reliable car brands
Most reliable small cars
Most reliable family cars
Most reliable luxury cars
Most reliable small SUVs
Most reliable family SUVs
Most reliable large SUVs
Most reliable seven-seaters
Most reliable electric cars
Most reliable electric SUVs
Most reliable sports cars
Most reliable diesel cars
Most reliable petrol cars
Most reliable hybrid cars
How the research was carried out
The latest survey, compiled in association with MotorEasy, contains data from 29,967 car owners, and reveals the reliability ratings for 199 models from 31 different brands. Each rating is based on two crucial factors relating to every car that suffered a fault: how much each fault cost the car owner in repair bills, and how long the car was stuck in the workshop getting fixed.
To add extra depth to our ratings, we also asked car owners to tell us which component on their vehicle went wrong, asking them to choose from 14 different areas: air-con, battery, bodywork, brakes, engine or motor, engine or motor electrics, exhaust, fuel system, gearbox/clutch, interior trim, non-engine or motor electrics, sat-nav/infotainment, steering, suspension systems. This year we also added two specific categories for electric cars: charging and drive battery issues, to help us to build a better picture of EV ownership.
About the report author
Claire Evans has been a motoring journalist for more than 30 years with a focus on consumer issues for much of that time. She was the advice columnist for Carweek magazine in the 1990s, and also spent six years working on motoring content for Which?.
Claire launched the What Car? Reliability Survey in 2017, and since then has helped thousands of buyers choose the most reliable new cars and SUVs, as well as the most dependable used cars.
