Every business executive needs a car that is not only reliable but which makes a great impression.
After all, closing business deals is not just about how we package our products; it is also about how we package ourselves, right?
Consequently, most business people desire luxury cars that won’t break their bottom line. In this list, we feature the top five mid-budget luxury cars for business executives in 2021.
These are cars that ooze sophisticated professionalism. They not only give you the right look but come at favourable prices.
Not only that, they have the right brand pedigree to match. Here are the five best budget-friendly business class cars worth considering renting or buying in 2021 and beyond.
1. SUBARU FORESTER
The Subaru Forester is proof that there is more to Subaru than its past racy image.
The Forester has conquered the upmarket segment with this stylish yet corporate model.
Compared to its predecessors, the Subaru Forester revs things with improved safety features and better interior quality. It also has excellent on-road handling, all while maintaining the brand’s rich off-road handling heritage.
The car is available in four engine options and is one of the cars with the fewest engine and transmission issues.
Unlike some of the brand’s previous models, known as guzzlers, the Subaru Forester has a better fuel economy averaging at just 8.5 L/ 100Km.
As far as driving comfort is concerned, the vehicle’s fine-tuned suspension system and lowered centre of gravity make it an all-purpose vehicle.
It is thus capable of delivering smooth rides on city roads with minimal body roll; in other words, it is ideal for going wherever business meetings take you.
On the safety front, the car features the Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection (SRVD), whose sensors deliver blind-spot warnings when necessary for safer lane changes.
Aesthetically, the car boasts robust body hardware and sleek lines.
2. TOYOTA RAV 4
Over the years, the Toyota RAV4 has steadily evolved to become one of the most sought-after SUVs in the market.
The car comes in six trim levels, the first three being LE, XLE, and XLE Premium. Then there is Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Limited.
No matter the trim, the RAV4 packs a four-cylinder engine set to deliver 203 horsepower. The machine is coupled with eight-speed automatic transmission.
Depending on the model and trim you opt for, you can have it in FWD (Front Wheel Drive) or AWD (All Wheel Drive) for greater control on rough roads.
What makes the RAV4 an attractive option is its low fuel consumption, as it averages at 6 L/ 100Km.
In addition, this five-seater offers a spacious interior with tons of cargo space.
As far as safety is concerned, the vehicle comes with an automatic braking system and active lane control for every trim.
You will undoubtedly enjoy the adaptive cruise control feature on longer trips, which significantly enhances your safety by ensuring that you keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you.
The latest models of the RAV4 also have a more refined interior and a more decadent infotainment display that comes with Apple CarPlay integration.
3. BMW X1
For the business executive who is keen on making an impression at a glance, BMW will help you do precisely that.
Not only does the brand enjoy a heritage of high-performing luxury vehicles, but its cars’ also have classic commanding good looks to boot!
The BMW X1 gives you 228 horsepower thanks to its 2-Liter four-cylinder engine.
Unlike most vehicles in the market today, the X1 offers you an automatic transmission with a manual shift mode.
Enthusiasts of more active driving and stick shifting would therefore enjoy driving the car.
Professional road tests reveal a vehicle with crisp and trustworthy handling around bends, a hallmark of the BMW brand.
Its interior features a SiriusXM satellite radio and a businesslike gauge cluster that is not only elegant but easy to read.
The cargo area is generous, with gorgeous chrome trim.
In terms of functionality and safety, the X1 has both forward collision and lane departure warning systems.
Its high beam headlamps and LED fog lamps also come in handy when navigating at night or in areas with poor visibility.
4. AUDI A6
The Audi A6 range comprises various engines, including 2.0 Liter, 3.0 Liter TDI diesel engines, and three TFSI petrol variants.
The Audi A6 production line also features a petrol-electric hybrid for the eco-conscious executive on the modern front.
And the progressive outlook does not stop at the hybrid engines. The car has a futuristic infotainment display as well as several state-of-the-art driver-assist mechanisms.
These include twelve ultrasonic sensors, a laser scanner, and five radar sensors. These serve to issue lane departure warnings and also monitor your car’s proximity to other vehicles.
While it has many impressive attributes under its belt, part of what makes the Audi A6 an attractive choice for executives is the car’s agility on the road.
The Audi A6 also has a sophisticated yet elegant style that few cars in its class can match. Looking at the car, you get the satisfaction of knowing that less is more.
5. BMW 3 SERIES
This executive sedan has dominated the young executive market for years. That is partly due to the range of variety the model has on offer.
Its production line carries a wide range of engines, from petrol to diesel to hybrid.
You are at liberty to go for the 318i 2.0 Liter petrol engine with 154 brake horsepower or the 320i with 182 brake horsepower.
Alternatively, you may opt for the 330i and its 254 brake horsepower or the 369 brake horsepower delivered by the 340i.
The BMW 3 family offers a lot of wiggle room where specs are concerned. It is nigh impossible not to get a car ideally suited to your tastes with these varied choices.
Here are some tips for buying a new car! Also, check out 10 Things Your Mechanic Won’t Tell You