Fuel efficiency depends on many factors, including your driving style, and where you’re driving, for instance on a long stretch of motorway or a busy town centre. It’s quite unexpected that luxury vehicles would have good fuel economy, but with fuel prices on the rise, companies have to do something to counteract this and still entice the consumer.
The introduction of hybrid and electric vehicles has also helped with fuel efficiency, and because of this car manufacturers have had to develop petrol and diesel engines to give greater mpg to consumers.
Hybrid
BMW 530e IPerformance
This hybrid family saloon was manufactured to bridge the gap between the regular 5 Series, and copies the format of the popular 330e. The 9.2kWh lithium-ion battery allows up to 29 miles of electric-only driving, and a real-world combined range of about 400 miles.
In terms of charge time, it takes approximately 2 hours 45 minutes from a wallbox, and 4 hours and 30 minutes from a three pin socket, which means it’s perfectly feasible to charge overnight or at work. BMW have also released a wireless car charging mat in which you position your car over the mat to replenish the battery.
Overall the 530e is a powerful, yet economical car, and one of the most fuel efficient luxury all wheel drives on the market.
Lexus ES 300h
Under WLTP testing methods, the ES can achieve between 50.4mpg and 54.3mpg, giving it a theoretical range of over 600 miles on a single tank of petrol, depending on trim and alloy wheels.The ES is also unique in that, rather of having a diesel engine, it has a mix of a petrol engine and an electric motor, resulting in lower emissions and lower tax rates for business drivers. There's also no need to plug in the ES because it's a 'self-charging' hybrid, which means power is returned to the battery through a combination of braking regeneration and engine power.
Toyota Corolla Touring Sports 1.8 VVT-i Hybrid
This family estate also makes for a great company car thanks to the low CO2 emissions, at just 103g/km, placing it in one of the lowest company car tax bands. Fuel economy is also the best among the family car class with this vehicle, at 60mpg. It also offers a comfortable ride and is extremely safe, receiving Euro NCAP’s maximum five star rating. For those looking for a diesel alternative, this is well worth a look.
Diesel
Mercedes-Benz A Class A180d
Equipped with a 1.5L turbocharged diesel engine, this Mercedes A-Class returns a fuel economy of 80.7mpg and 89g/km CO2 emissions (with 16-inch wheels). This car isn’t just great on fuel efficiency either, no matter what type of driving you do, be it city or motorway, the A-Class provides great versatility that few other competitors can match. So if you’re looking for a classy and luxurious vehicle but want the fuel benefits, the A180d is the one to go with.
BMW 1 Series 1.6-litre diesel EfficientDynamics Plus
The BMW 1 Series engines, which include the latest turbocharging technology, are some of the most modern and economical in the family hatchback class. The 1.5 litre engine acquired from the MINI Cooper D, is one of the most efficient BMW diesel engines ever. Tweaks to the aerodynamics of the car also put it in favour with the mpg, at 83.1mpg and 89/km of CO2 produced, making it very economical.
Being that the CO2 emissions come in under 100g/km means this car is also exempt from road tax, and allows company car drivers to save a higher rate, at £104 a year.
The BMW 1 Series is a classic, and with this particular model you’re still getting exactly the same power and torque figures as the standard 116d, all while reaping the rewards of improved fuel economy.
Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion
The latest Volkswagen BlueMotion models come in 1.6L TDI diesel and 1.0L TSI petrol engines and develops on the already successful low emissions given by the Polo BlueMotion. With an official combined efficiency of 88.3mpg and CO2 emissions of just 85g/km, it is the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class. The petrol TSI isn’t far behind, returning 65.7mg and 99g/km of CO2, meaning both these cars sit within the group exempt from road tax.
The new Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion remains the most economical family hatch, all while being powerful and smooth to drive.
Petrol
Volkswagen Up 1.0 TSI 90
Closely related to the Seat Mii and Skoda Citigo, the VW Up! is great for both city and motorway driving, and adapts well with it’s sprighly 1.0L engine returning 59bhp. The High Up! model allows you to achieve 74bhp while the Up Beats! reaches you to a turbocharged 89bhp. The standard model, though, retains 68.9mpg and has C02 emissions of 96g/km. This is really a fantastic used car option, so grab one if you can!
Audi A1 1.4 TFSI
This vehicle strikes the perfect balance between fuel economy and performance; returning 124bhp and 55.4mpg. It also qualifies for cheaper road tax as a result of its low 118g/km CO2 emissions.Surprisingly though, the 148bhp model comes out with a lower CO2 figure, at only 112g/km. This is all made possible due to Audi’s cylinder on demand technology which essentially turns off half the engine when it’s not needed in order to save fuel, giving this car excellent economy and emissions statistics.
Mazda 2 1.5
Lots of other manufacturers employ turbocharged engines that result in more efficient fuel economy, such as the ecoboost, whereas Mazda uses something called SkyActiv-G technology. This effectively allows you to get the most out of the 1.5L engine., and Mazda insists it delivers better real world economy.
Of the three power outputs available, the entry level 74bhp version is the standard petrol engine, whereas the others feature mild hybrid technology. The standard petrol engine returns an impressive 58.9mpg and 109g/km of CO2 emissions.
There’s our top picks of the most fuel efficient executive cars on the used car market in the petrol, diesel and hybrid categories. Electric motoring may be on the rise, but this shows there are still some cheap alternatives out there to help you stick to your budget, all the while in a stylish, modern car.
At RIX we have various excellent examples of efficient executive cars in stock. Search our used cars to get started or give our team a call.