In today’s competitive professional arena, having a car that gives the right impression of you is vitally important. Whether you are on the road all the time meeting clients, or simply want to ensure you don’t look out of place in the office car park, you need a set of wheels that matches the image you create outside of it. A beaten up old hatchback isn’t going to cut it. So we’ve put together a list of the best cars for the modern professional. But first, what should you be looking for?

What to look for

There are a few key ingredients that make a car ideal for the modern professional. The first is image. You want something that is nice to look at without being too flashy. Think more Audi’s blocky curves than Ferrari’s extravagance. Next, you want a car that’s comfortable to drive. If you are going to be spending long periods on the road meeting clients, you want to ensure you are in a good state when you arrive. You also want a car that’s fun to drive. That way it will keep your mind active and engaged.

BMW 3 Series

One of the best executive cars on the market, the BMW 3 Series ticks all the right boxes. It’s a very good looking car, meaning it immediately stands out. It’s a fun car to drive with responsive handling and a real sense of power when you put the foot down. There are all sorts of entertainment options available, so you can keep yourself engaged on the drive to and from the office. It’s the perfect all round professional car.

Mercedes C Class

Another quality German executive car, this model has been built for cruising along autobahns in style. The biggest selling point is the interior. Everything oozes luxury, from the way the interface and controls have been ergonomically designed, right down to the stitching on the incredibly comfortable leather seats. It’s a bit pricier, but you can see every pound spend in the quality of the build.

Jaguar XE

It’s not just German cars that have that executive appeal. Jaguar have been making cars for the UK’s gentry since the 50s, and today they have some of the best high class cars on the road. The Jaguar XE is an excellent option for the modern professional. Jaguar describe the car as having a ‘muscular stance and stylish presence’. There is something almost aggressive about its sharper curves. As if it is demanding attention on the road. Aside from that, the car has excellent rear-wheel or all-wheel drivetrain options, an exquisitely designed interior, and a ride that is smooth when you want it to be. But we suspect you’ll find it hard to resist putting your foot down in this beast.

Tesla Model S

If you want to show off your green credentials in a car that shows you have impeccable taste, then the Tesla Model S is the best option by far. Forget about the excellent range on the car’s electric battery, the wealth of smart tech features that make driving a breeze, or the short amount of time it takes to fully recharge the battery. The badge alone is enough to make people’s heads turn. Tesla cars are still a rare sight on the road. So what better way to make an impression?

Audi A3

We go back to Germany for our next choice. In truth, almost every Audi model can be seen as a good option for the young professional. On looks alone, the distinctive Audi bodywork with that almost aggressive front grille makes it feel like every model means business. Add to that the iconic four ring logo and you have a car that quickly tells everyone that you have a strong work ethic. For once, German stereotypes can benefit you!

We’ve opted for the Audi A3 as our pick though. It’s a bit bigger than the A1, making it more versatile. On the road it handles beautifully and, depending on which engine option you go for, can really eat up the motorway on long drives. The interior options and comfort features are just the icing on the cake.

Volkswagen Golf

Now you might think the Volkswagen Golf is a car for boy racers, those who are desperate to have a car that’s fast and furious from the moment they pass their driving test. While older models are still in demand for new drivers, more recent iterations are fantastic all round cars that have a fun drive to go with a professional set of qualifications.

What do we mean by that? Well, there are a range of efficient engines to choose between. On long journeys, you won’t find yourself falling asleep behind the wheel thanks to the fun driving experience. Add to that a whole variety of infotainment and comfort features you can choose from for the interior, then the Golf is much more than a boy racer car (even if you still have that youthful spirit inside of you!).

Volvo V60

On the pricier side of the list, the Volvo V60 is a car that’s going to make an impact – both for you and those you work with. Why? Well this Scandinavian build just oozes style and class. It looks stunning, even if you’re not going to end up driving along beautiful snowy scenes or across picturesque fjords.

It’s also not that common on the road. So if you want to showcase your individuality while ensuring the car still represents you as a modern professional, the Volvo V60 is a fantastic option. Only thing to be aware of is that all Volvo V60’s come with an automatic gearbox. But that just makes the drive even easier.

Hyundai IONIQ

Away from the European models, you can find some fantastic options from the far east. The Hyundai IONIQ is the latest in a long line of high quality vehicles produced by the Korean car-maker. Regularly topping car of the year awards and reliability indexes, Hyundai know produce cars that are designed for comfort and style on the busy city streets of Seoul, making them a good fit for almost any urban area in the UK.

On the motorway, you’ll appreciate the comfortable ride, whilst you’ll be able to tailor your in-car entertainment to match your taste. You can also go for a hybrid, PHEV or electric version of the same car, so if demonstrating your green credentials is important, then you have that flexibility without suffering any loss of quality. Whichever model you go for, the IONIQ has one of the lowest emission ratings on the road, meaning you’ll be paying a lot less for company car tax, should you be lucky enough to have work provide you with this model.