Would you pick the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

I am in the very fortunate position to buy whatever car I want within reason, but realistically I am not that interested in cars other than in the need to get from A to B. Whichever car I choose needs to be reliable and economical. I probably will not do much more than 7000 miles per annum and this will probably be my last large car purchase. I am replacing an old Saab 9000 with a car that will need to carry at least one set of golf clubs, plus golf trolley, most of the time and two sets on some occasions. I have narrowed my preferences down to the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class but I do like the look of an Audi A5. Is there something out there that I have not considered and if not what would you advise is the best purchase?

Asked on 18 May 2010 by nib

Answered by Dan Harrison
That’s a very fortunate situation to be in. All the cars you mentioned are reliable and economical and all can fit in a set of golf clubs, trolley (and a second set) with ease. The A5 is a two-door coupe but still has a reasonable boot, however you may struggle to get two large sets of golf clubs plus a trolley in. The Audi A6 is due to be replaced very soon, while a brand new BMW 5 Series has just been launched and recently went on sale in the UK. You have narrowed it down to the best three cars that suit your requirements and there’s nothing else we could recommend that would be better. Out of the three, the new 5 Series is the best choice – it’s head and shoulders above the A6, (or A5) and E-Class. The 520d version is amazingly economical for such a big car and has a claimed economy figure of 56.5mpg while CO2 emissions of 132g/km mean tax is band E (currently £110 a year).
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