Best luxury cars for fuel efficiency
Luxury cars can be economical too - here are our top picks for premium models that are easy on fuel
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Everyone loves a sprinkle of luxury in their lives. Whether it’s a Rolex watch or a car, it’s nice to treat yourself occasionally because you deserve it.
With that in mind, here are a selection of 15 of the best luxury saloon cars, sports cars and SUVs that offer incredible MPG ratings at a time when fuel efficiency is of the utmost importance.
Luxury saloon cars with the best MPG rating
Audi A4
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Fuel economy figures:
Petrol: 34.9 – 44.8mpg
Diesel: 37.2 – 57.6mpg
The Audi A4 is the middle-of-the-range Audi family car that’s comfortable, spacious and economical.
Inside, this used Audi is packed full of the latest and greatest car tech, from Audi’s virtual cockpit and nice finishes to a solid infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity.
Efficiency is impressive thanks to the A4’s strong petrol and diesel engine options, with the diesel being the best for long-distance driving.
Skoda Superb
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Fuel economy figures:
Petrol: 30.1 – 47mpg
Diesel: 39.8 – 59.3mpg
PHEV: 215.4mpg – 267.5mpg
Like the Octavia, the Skoda Superb is a great hybrid option for families but offers a bit more luxury.
Despite sitting below the Volkswagen Passat in terms of price, this used Skoda does a ‘superb’ job at offering a very close interior in terms of quality look and feel.
It’s got everything you could want from a family saloon, and it won’t let you down in the engine department either.
Options range from the entry-level 150hp 1.5-litre petrol all the way up to the pricier diesel and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models.
BMW 3 Series
 "BMW M340i")
Fuel economy figures:
Petrol: 34 – 44.1mpg
Diesel: 44.1 – 62.8mpg
PHEV: 201mpg
The BMW 3 Series is a staple among European motorists because it offers great practicality (in both the saloon and estate), solid reliability and a premium interior.
It closely rivals the Mercedes C-Class and Alfa Romeo Giulia, and it stacks up well, offering some great engine options, a solid interior and a spacious interior.
Despite being so modern, the BMW 3 Series doesn’t have all those complicated touchscreens covering the whole dash.
Instead, it has a well-sized 14.9-inch display with plenty of physical buttons, which makes life much easier when on the road.
Engine options for this used BMW vary from petrol engines and diesels to the PHEV 330e, which can drive up to 36 miles on electric power alone.
Mercedes E-Class
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Fuel economy figures:
Petrol: 22.8 – 39.8mpg
Diesel: 37.7 mpg – 57.7mpg
PHEV: 134.5 – 188.3mpg
Plug-in hybrid diesel: 176.6 – 235.4mpg
Much in the same way as taxi drivers use Toyota Prius models, airport transfer companies use the humble Mercedes E-Class because of its spacious bootspace, great fuel economy, and comfortable seats.
Inside any modern Mercedes model, you’ll now find large screens that display the sat-nav and infotainment system.
A wide range of engines are also available, including a petrol, diesel plug-in hybrid, and petrol plug-in hybrid. You can also find full diesel models with some used models.
Volkswagen Passat
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Fuel economy figures:
Petrol: 32.8 – 45.6mpg
Diesel: 36.2 – 60.1mpg
PHEV: 217.3 – 235.4mpg
If you do a lot of miles or have a busy family life, then the Volkswagen Passat is a great option for you, offering great comfort and fuel economy.
One of the main reasons you’ll want to do long journeys is because the interior is such a pleasant place to be.
It’s not too hi-tech, but it boasts a large touchscreen, plush materials and a comfortable driving position – like every other modern used VW model.
Engine options are extensive too with the option of a petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid.
Luxury SUVs with the best MPG rating
Mercedes GLE
 "Mercedes-AMG GLE 63")
Fuel economy figures:
Petrol: 26.2 – 32.5mpg
Diesel: 29.1 – 41.5mpg
PHEV: 256.8 – 282.5mpg
Plug-in hybrid diesel: 313.9 – 353.1mpg
The Mercedes GLE is one of the largest SUVs money can buy, and with the 4.0-litre V8 option, it isn’t the most fuel efficient.
There are, however, other options available that are incredibly good on fuel and will make you wonder why you’d want to drive anything else.
The sensible engine options include some good old diesel engines, some petrols, and even some plug-in hybrid petrol and diesels – plenty of choice for those looking for a more fuel-efficient life.
Volvo XC90
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Fuel economy figures:
Petrol: 26.2 – 33.6mpg
Diesel: 34 – 44.1mpg
PHEV: 74.3 – 235.1mpg
Like all Volvos, the XC90 has a clean and fresh-looking interior with a single portrait display in the centre of the dash and a minimal number of buttons.
It’s also vastly more comfortable than most other cars on the market, thanks to its supple suspension and thick leather seats.
In terms of engines, the XC90 is no slouch either. It’s available with petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid power units.
Jaguar F-PACE
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Fuel economy figures:
Petrol: 23.1 – 30.1mpg
Diesel: 35.2 – 46.8mpg
PHEV: 112.5 – 176.2mpg
If you’ve ever been in a Range Rover, climbing inside the F-PACE won’t feel all that different.
You still get a fantastically plush interior, a large infotainment screen and plenty of bells and whistles. This Jaguar SUV is also luxurious, like any Land Rover product, so every journey is going to be a breeze.
Engine options range from the standard petrol and diesel options to a more efficient plug-in hybrid unit.
BMW X5
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Fuel economy figures:
Petrol: 20.8 – 31.4mpg
Diesel: 32.8 – 42.2mpg
PHEV: 201.8 – 353.1mpg
The BMW X5 is a popular SUV that offers high levels of comfort and a high driving position that makes you feel on top of the world (or road), which is one of the most luxurious feelings in the world.
Another great feature of the X5 – and all other BMWs – is that the interior is unlike most others you’ll find today, in that it has lots of buttons and no massive screen that takes up the whole dash.
It’s still techy, mind, just not as tech-focused as some brands, which is appealing to many people who don’t want too many distractions while driving and are much happier with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Engine options include some petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid units that only get more efficient as you work your way up the model range.
Audi Q5
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Fuel economy figures:
Petrol: 30.7 – 33.6mpg
Diesel: 32.8 – 44.8mpg
Hybrid: 32.1 – 34mpg
PHEV: 125.9 – 188.3mpg
If you want an economical luxury SUV that feels like a hatchback behind the wheel, then the Audi Q5 is one of the best choices for you.
It’s also practical and will quite happily drive up and down the whole country, thanks to its efficiency and the comfort it offers.
There are four different types of engines on offer including a petrol, diesel, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids.
Luxury sports cars with the best MPG rating
Porsche 718 Cayman
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Fuel economy figures:
Petrol: 27 – 35mpg
If you’re after a luxurious and economical two-seater sports car but don’t fancy forking out for a 911, then the Porsche 718 Cayman is your best bet.
In many ways, it’s the thinking man’s sports car. It’s fast, comfortable, cheaper than some of its rivals, and it’s surprisingly good at sipping fuel. If you grab a used Porsche model, it can be a very respectable price.
Engines range from the entry-level four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged engine to the larger 2.5-litre version, then all the way up to the power-hungry 4.0-litre flat-six engine that produces 400hp and sits in the Cayman GT4.
BMW 4 Series
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Fuel economy figures:
Petrol: 36.2 – 44.1mpg
Diesel: 47.1 – 60.1mpg
If long road trips across continents with comfortable seats entice you, then the BMW 4 Series is a hard and sporty luxury car to ignore.
It may not be quite as hardcore as the Cayman but it’s certainly more luxurious inside, making it better for those longer motorway cruises.
The 4 Series’ interior isn’t too dissimilar to the 3 Series’ one, but that’s no bad thing because it’s logical, clean and packed full of the latest tech, which is ideal on those road trips.
There are both petrol and diesel engines available in the 4 Series, but if you want to reduce your tailpipe emissions completely then there’s the all-electric BMW i4 model that produces 340hp and has a range of up to 366 miles.
Audi TT
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Fuel economy figures:
Petrol: 31 – 42.2mpg
Diesel: 51.4mpg
While it may blend into the crowd, the Audi TT is far from ordinary. Think of it as a small Audi R8 with its sharp looks, comfortable cabin and peppy engine options.
The cabin is very driver-focused, with a large virtual cockpit in front of the driver and a dash that’s angled towards them. It’s available as a manual or automatic too, so it can be suited to anyone.
There are two different engine options on offer: a 2.5-litre five-cylinder, and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder. Both are very economical and performance-oriented.
However, some older models are available with a diesel engine if you favour fuel economy over performance.
Mini Cooper Convertible
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Fuel economy figures:
Petrol: 34 – 52.3mpg
What’s the point of having a small, nippy hatchback that you can’t enjoy in the sun? It’s like living above an ice cream parlour in Greenland.
That’s why Mini makes the Cooper Convertible, and it’s one of the most attractive propositions available.
It’s comfortable, easy to drive around town and on the motorway, full of great tech, looks cute, and the roof retracts to let the sun in on a summer’s day.
This used Mini is also rather quick in a straight line thanks to its 1.5-litre or larger 2.0-litre engine options.
If you want to cruise then the basic one will suit you, but if you’re somewhat of a speed demon, go for the Cooper S or John Cooper Works edition.
If you want the best of both worlds, you can also get the all-electric Mini e that’s got the performance, a decent 125-mile range, and can be had as a convertible.
Mazda MX-5
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Fuel economy figures:
Petrol: 40.9 – 44.8mpg
Cheap fun is hard to come by these days, and Mazda knows that – which is why it still makes the MX-5 sports car.
The older generations were never that luxurious, but the newer models are full of leather, great features and an ergonomically pleasing manual gearstick. You can find both options by hunting for a used Mazda.
You can have your MX-5 with either a 1.5-litre or a 2.0-litre engine. The smaller one is better on fuel, but the larger one is still impressive – and both are punchy.
Rankings overall
If you’ve read the above but still don’t know which one’s for you, we’ll break it down by saying which car we’d have from each section.
If you want a luxury saloon with great mpg then we’d opt for the Skoda Superb PHEV, because – as the name suggests – it’s ‘superb’. You get a high level of performance, luxury and a great all-electric range.
Our go-to luxury SUV that offers great fuel economy would have to be the Volvo XC90. It’s an all-around solid car that’s got an industry-leading interior, strong engine options and a very comfortable ride.
If you want a luxurious, sporty and economical sports car, you’d be silly to not choose a Porsche – more specifically, the 718 Cayman in any trim. The basic Cayman would be the one to have, but if you want a power boost then the S and GTS are worth considering.
Why luxury cars with the best mileage matter
You may be wondering why luxury cars need good fuel economy. But there’s a very simple reason for it.
If you can drive longer between fuel stops then surely that’s the most attractive and luxurious feature a car can have. It means you can stay in comfort for longer and you get to your destination more quickly.
This is one reason why plug-in hybrids are so popular – they’re able to extend the distance you can drive on a single tank of fuel while also offering electric-only driving for when you’re in a city.