Saloons have become completely synonymous with what we imagine when asked to think of a car. They are the most popular vehicle types in the world and for good reason. They typically provide impressive fuel economy, excellent ride quality, appealing designs, and a low centre of gravity. They combine practicality with a superb performance to remain UK’s – and Europe’s – top-selling vehicle type. Here are four of the most highly ranked saloons in the UK.

2018 BMW 5 Series

The BMW 5 Series enters 2018 better than ever. This model year adds an electric variant and a new high-performance M550i xDrive to its line-up. For 2018, the base model receives new standalone extras including an anthracite headliner and full Merino leather, alongside expanded equipment packages.

Standard equipment on the latest 5 Series comprises 18-inch double-spoke wheels, LED fog lights, adaptive LED headlights, 12-speaker audio system, an 8.8-inch digital cluster, a 10.2-inch touchscreen, ambient lighting, and BMW navigation. The Dynamic Handling Package installs Integral Active Steering, Adaptive M Suspension, and Active Roll Stabilization systems to the new M550i.

A 3D-view surround camera, a self-parking system, daytime pedestrian protection, Parking Assistant Plus, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning make up the 5 Series’ available Driving Assistance Plus package.

A 248 hp, 258 lb-ft 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is offered in the base 530i delivers a respectable 24mpg city and 34mpg highway. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine combines with an electric motor to supply the 530e and 530e xDrive plug-in models with an impressive 248 hp and 310 lb-ft.

The former and latter trims travel up to 16 miles on pure electric power respectively. A 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder unit worth 335 hp and 332 lb-ft returns 20/30 mpg for both the 540i and 540i xDrive models. The new-for-2018 M550i xDrive seeks inspiration from a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 with 456 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. The V-8 engine churns out a dependable at 16/25 mpg. All engines offered feature an eight-speed automatic transmission.

2018 Jaguar XF

Needless to say, Jaguar is at home on British roads. The Coventry-based automaker is known for its high-end offerings in all kinds and styles, but it is in the saloon segment that they shine the brightest. The XF is especially popular thanks to its roomy interior, upscale materials, superior craftsmanship, ample storage, excellent road manners, and an unbeatable exterior design. For 2018, the XF adds a new turbo-four engine, a new active safety feature suite, and the Shell app.

The XF packs a very comprehensive list of standard features highlighted by Jaguar’s InControl infotainment system that incorporates either a 10.2- or an eight-inch touchscreen. Others include ventilated front seats, a head-up display, a Meridian premium audio system, a heated steering wheel, soft-close doors, full LED headlights, and an Adaptive Dynamics drive mode.

Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, automatic emergency braking, driver condition monitoring, queue assist, lane keeping assist, and forward collision warning are among the 2018 XF’s tech.

Jaguar makes a 2.0-liter gas turbo-four, 2.0-liter turbodiesel I-4, and a 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 unit available for the 2018 XF. An eight-speed automatic complements all engines and sends power to the rear wheels standard, and to all the wheels optionally.

2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Consumers equate the Mercedes-Benz brand with quality and performance. It’s among the most respected brands, not just in Europe but in the whole world. The German automaker takes German engineering and innovation to a completely new level with high-performance – yet practical – vehicles. The C-Class is one of the most recognizable wearers of the three-pointed star emblem. It slots between the entry-level CLA-Class and the E-Class models in the Mercedes-Benz line-up.

The 2018 C-Class comes with a receives several new superlatives for the 2018 model year top among them 18-inch five-spoke split wheels, a power moonroof, a rear-view camera, LED headlights, Dynamic Select drive modes, and LED taillights. It also gets a 7.0-inch colour display and Mercedes-Benz Mbrace Connect. Cabriolets add Airscarf, a power-folding soft top, heated front seats, and a removable wind blocker. The coupe installs Sports seats, a panorama roof, and a sport-tuned suspension.

Safety tech includes the Premium Driver Assistance package that brings together adaptive cruise control, Pre-Safe Plus, speed limit assist, Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping assist, brake assist, blind spot assist, and cross-traffic assist.

Three turbocharged engines are available for the 2018 C-Class: a 2.0-liter I-4, a 3.0-liter V-6, and a 4.0-liter V-8. The plug-in C350e variant combines the 2.0-liter with an electric motor to produce a total output of 275 hp and 443 lb-ft.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on all engines but the V-8 which employs a seven-speed automatic transmission. All models come with either a rear-wheel or all-wheel drive system.

2018 Ford Fiesta

The Ford Focus crosses seas to conquer territories far and wide. As if not contented with the huge sales on the American market, the Fiesta is among the UK’s best sellers for 2018. The model is fast and fun to drive, provides ample legroom, and features a laudable list of equipment for its class. It comes almost unchanged for the 2018 model year and sits below the midsize Fusion saloon.

Standard equipment includes keyless entry, power windows, power side-view mirrors, hill start assist, Illuminated entry, black bezel headlights, ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, and rear parking sensors.

The incorporated Sync 3 infotainment system adds 8.0-inch centre touchscreen, HD Radio, two USB ports, and a 10-speaker Sony audio system. A rear-view camera, a tire pressure monitoring system, blind-spot monitoring, and active park assist are among the complimentary safety tech.

Four engines are available: a 2.0-liter I-4, 1.0-liter turbo-three, 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4, and a potent 350-hp, 350 lb-ft 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.