Most Comfortable Electric Vehicles Prioritizing Smooth Rides and Seating

Top 9 most comfortable cars 2024

Tired of getting back aches after a long drive or feeling the jolts of the UKs pothole-filled roads going through your body? You should consider buying a car with a smooth, comfortable ride and supportive seats. While many manufacturers focus on impressive performance or styling, there are a few that do their utmost to make the most comfortable cars on the market, ironing out the bumps and blemishes to make you feel like youre gliding along on a cloud.

Top 10 best executive cars 2024

As cars get heavier due to weighty batteries and as a result of safety improvements, carmakers have to work ever harder to make their cars comfortable. There have been several technological advancements over the years to make cars smoother, such as soft air suspension which uses pressurised air to absorb big bumps and create a comfortable ride. Some even incorporate noise cancelling technology in the interior to dial out exterior noise, just like a pair of fancy headphones.

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Our guide to the most comfortable cars you can buy details the models thatll transport you to your destination, feeling as fresh as you did when you set off. If youre looking for the finest in performance and luxury, why not check out our list of the best luxury cars on sale? If your budget doesnt quite stretch that far, our lists of the best small automatic cars and best motorway cars all showcase models that are relaxing to drive.

For now, keep reading for the most comfortable cars you can buy split up into three price brackets.

Under 30k

Volkswagen Polo

Many associate small cars with an unrefined drive and a barebones interior, however, the Volkswagen Polo feels just as polished as its bigger sibling, the Mk8 Golf, and comes with a plush, tech-focused interior. When equipped with the optional DSG automatic gearbox, the Polo wafts down the road like very few other superminis can, with supple suspension that prevents much intrusion from bumps into the cabin.

Those looking for the most relaxing drive will be best off opting for the mid-spec 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine with the aforementioned optional DSG transmission if you require a bit more poke, a more powerful 108bhp engine is also available and comes as standard with the automatic gearbox. Steer clear of R-Line cars as these come with a stiffer, sportier suspension setup; the Style trim should offer all most buyers could ever need, with an eight-inch touchscreen, digital dials and dual-zone climate control.

Citroen C5 X

Citroen is renowned for making comfortable cars; the original Citroen DS was revolutionary with its hydropneumatic suspension setup. While the new Citroen C5 X isnt quite as revolutionary, it still comes with trick Progressive Hydraulic Cushion suspension, which helps provide a cosseting ride. Partner this with the brands Advanced Comfort seats that have been filled with 15mm of high-density foam for an armchair-like feeling, and the C5 X is one of the most relaxing mainstream cars you can possibly travel in.

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If you can get past the C5 Xs funky shape, youll quickly realise its a practical and spacious family car. Private buyers are best opting for the 1.6-litre petrol engine as it offers sufficient punch and feels less strained under acceleration than the entry-level 1.0-litre unit. Company car drivers or those looking for the most refined drive will be enticed by the even more powerful plug-in hybrid model. With 39 miles of pure-electric range, you can travel around for short distances in complete silence adding to the cars already serene driving experience.

Skoda Octavia

Our Carbuyer Best Estate Car for 2023, the SkodaOctavia is also available in hatchback guiseand is one of the most comfortable cars on the market. The Octavias interior is simple, yet smart and everything you touch feels of high quality. Skoda has also partnered with the German Healthy Back Campaign to develop the cars Ergo Comfort seats, which offer a wide range of support and can even be specified with a massage function.

The entry-level SE model comes with a surprisingly high level of standard equipment, with digital dials, a 10-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control and rear parking sensors. Our pick of the engine lineup would be the 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol as it offers plenty of punch and is whisper quiet when on the move. If youd rather not change gears yourself, the optional DSG automatic gearbox makes the Octavia even more relaxing to travel in.

From 30k to 60k

Mercedes E-Class

The Mercedes E-Class is famed for its comfortable ride and is used across the world as a reliable taxi and/or motorway mile-muncher. All versions of the current-generation E-Class come fitted with an adaptive damper suspension setup, which has multiple settings and allows the mid-size executive car to glide along the road in an unflappable manner when placed into its Comfort mode.

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As youd expect from a premium car such as a Mercedes-Benz, even entry-level models come well-equipped; however, wed step up to the mid-spec AMG-Line Premium model as this adds things like heated seats and a 360-degree camera, to the already-impressive list of equipment that includes Mercedes slick dual-screen MBUX infotainment system. The E 220 d diesel model is the most popular for good reason; its smooth and offers a good blend of performance and fuel economy.

Volvo XC40

Volvo is renowned for making safe and comfortable cars and the brands smallest SUV model, the XC40, is no exception. While some SUVs in its class such as the BMW X1 focus on providing a sporty hatchback-like drive, the XC40 aims to cocoon its occupants from the outside world and offers a plush, minimalist interior and supple suspension to soak up the majority of Britains potholes.

Buyers have the choice of either a 2.0-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine, or a 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid Recharge model with up to 28 miles of electric range unless youre a company car driver, wed stick with the cheaper, yet still punchy petrol offering. Theres also a fully-electric model (confusingly also given the Recharge nameplate) which offers a range of up to 290 miles on the base single-motor model and 334 miles on the top-spec dual-motor car.

Nissan Ariya

Our favourite Large Electric Car for 2023, the Nissan Ariya blends style and substance with its classy interior design and sublime ride quality. Particular highlights of the cabin include an illuminated wood dashboard, which only displays the cars touch-sensitive controls when the ignition is on. A power-sliding centre console allows you to prioritise foot space in the front or rear, allowing passengers to get as comfortable as possible.

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If you spend most of your time driving around town, we recommend saving some cash and opting for the entry-level 63kWh battery model in well-equipped Advance trim; this still offers a decent range of 250 miles, although you need to step up to the Evolve model to get the aforementioned sliding centre console, as well as heated and cooled leather seats. Opting for the larger 87kWh battery increases the Ariyas range to 322 miles, turning the Japanese SUV into an ideal motorway cruiser.

Over 60k

BMW iX

The BMW iX is impressively comfortable, especially given the fact that fully-electric cars can sometimes end up with harsh suspension to support the weight of the battery pack. In Comfort mode, the iX wafts along with a silky smooth feel, but even more impressive is the fact it can transform quite markedly in Sport mode, helping it feel planted and good to drive at the touch of a button.

Depending on the trim you choose, the iX will get you between 257 miles and a class-leading 380 miles on a single charge, according to official figures making it an impressively capable premium electric SUV. Its minimalistic inside but thanks to the high-quality materials used, it feels very expensive more so than many other BMW models. The iX isnt just one of the most refined EVs to ride in, its one of the most refined cars on sale at any price.

Mercedes S-Class

The undisputed king of chauffeur-driven limousines, the Mercedes S-Class offers a cornucopia of technology and comfort, all wrapped in a sleek saloon body. Sweeps of ambient lighting help set the mood of the cabin, while the optional Chauffeur Package folds the front passenger seat down to allow those in the back to stretch out just like in First Class.

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Available in Standard and Long Range configurations, as well as petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains, there are several options available to buyers looking for a new S-Class. No matter which powertrain you choose, all offer a smooth driving experience, with a slick and almost imperceptible dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Rear-wheel steering comes as standard to aid manoeuvrability, while Mercedes AIRMATIC air suspension helps soak up all but the largest of bumps.

Range Rover

The Range Rover has undergone a huge transformation over its lifetime, from a comfortable, yet hugely capable off-roader to a lumbering luxury behemoth thats able to carry its pampered passengers anywhere no matter the terrain. The latest Range Rover is perhaps the most luxurious and comfortable yet, with air suspension to filter out smaller objects such as potholes even when specified with enormous 23-inch wheels and a plush interior that puts even the Bentley Bentayga to shame.

For the most relaxing driving experience, opt for one of the plug-in hybrids; the ability to travel around in blissful zero-emissions silence for up to 68 miles adds to the feeling of serenity, while the combined output of 434bhp in the P440e offers a mountain of grunt under the bonnet. Four wheel steering is standard to aid the titanic SUVs manoeuvrability around town, while a 4.4-litre V8 with 523bhp offers the ultimatein point-and-squirt performance.

Looking for something that feels special, but dont need a giant luxury car? Check out our list of the top 10 luxury small cars...

Top 9 most comfortable cars

Under 30k

1. Volkswagen Polo
2. Citroen C5 X
3. Skoda Octavia

From 30k to 60k

1. Mercedes E-Class
2. Volvo XC40
3. Nissan Ariya

Over 60k

1. BMW iX
2. Mercedes S-Class
3. Range Rover

Charlie writes and edits news, review and advice articles for Carbuyer, as well as publishing content to its social media platforms.Hehas also been a regular contributor to its sister titles Auto Express, DrivingElectricandevo. As well as being consumed by everything automotive, Charlie is a speaker of five languages and once lived in Chile, Siberia and the Czech Republic, returning to the UK to write about his life-long passion: cars.

Roomiest, Most Comfortable EVs

The electric cars of today arent the small models stuffed with a giant battery array that takes up a lot of cargo and passenger room. Rather, they come in more shapes and sizes, and almost all are designed purely as EVs, instead of being based on the same platform as a gas-powered vehicle. So you can go electric without any compromise when it comes to fitting passengers and cargo.

Because CR buys and tests its own vehicles, including the EVs on our list below, we know exactly how much cargo can fit in the back, exactly how roomy the drivers seat feels, and exactly how easy it is to get into and out of the front and rear seats.

To come up with our list of the roomiest, most comfortable EVs, our experts measured interior space, checked how many suitcases and duffel bags could fit in the back, calculated cargo room, and had testers of all shapes and sizes repeatedly get into and out of the front and rear seats. We do this as part of our weekslong, in-depth evaluation of all the vehicles we buyincluding the top-selling EVs on the market.

CarBuzz

According to the American Automobile Association, the average American spends 61 minutes a day in their car, or about 15 full days per year. With so much time spent driving or sitting in cars, prospective car buyers are increasingly recognising the importance of comfort when making their choice. "Comfort" can mean something different for every driver: plush interiors, heated seats for those commuting in cold climates, comfy rear seating for family road trips, and everything in between. Let's take a look at some of the most comfortable cars available on the market in 2023, ranging from affordable family cars to luxury executive sedans. The only caveat is that SUVs are excluded, as we've already dedicated an entire article to the most comfortable SUVs.

1. Audi A7

The Audi A7 gives its occupants a seamless blend of comfort and performance with a luxurious interior and a 335-horsepower, turbocharged V6 engine. With its three-zone climate control and leather upholstery (which comes as standard, with the option to upgrade to Valcona or Milano ultra-premium leather), the A7 stands out in the luxury car category when it comes to creature comforts.

The passengers in the back seat, whether they are children or adults (easy-to-use LATCH anchor points make installing child car seats a breeze), are not forgotten about either: a wide range of optional comfort features is available on the A7, including rear-seat climate controls, heated rear seats, and charging points for mobile devices to keep boredom at bay on long trips.

2. Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry is one of the best-selling cars in the US, and for a good reason: with its reputation for reliability and comfortable transport for the whole family, it's become a favorite for young families on a budget. Its affordability, however, does not mean you have to compromise on comfort. With options available such as synthetic or genuine leather, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated and heated front seats, the Camry has proven itself to be a comfortable car as well as a practical one. It's also very easy to install and uninstall child car seats; every passenger's comfort, down to the very youngest, has been taken into account.

The Camry is available with a choice of two engines for the 2024 model year: a 203-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a (soon-to-be-extinct) 301-hp, 3.5-liter turbocharged V6.

And if you're not a fan of the looks of the current model, the all-new generation (pictured below) arriving for 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most stylish sedans around.

3. Bentley Flying Spur

With its ultra-high-end interior and smooth ride, the Bentley Flying Spur is one of the most comfortable luxury cars available on the market, whether you're driving yourself or being driven around by your chauffeur. Naturally, there is plenty of passenger space to stretch your legs, pop open a bottle of champagne, or join a business call.

The Flying Spur's cabin is awash with high-quality materials such as leather, wood trim, and metal. The rear-seat touchscreen allows passengers to control most comfort-related functions independently, such as the climate control system, the window shades, or the built-in massage function to soothe aching backs.

As for powertrains, the Flying Spur Speed is the final version available with a W12, an engine configuration unique to Bentley, a twin-turbo 6.0-liter unit with 626 hp and 664 lb-ft, propelling the sultry sedan to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds as it flies toward a top speed of 207 mph. Lesser models make do with fewer cylinders; a 2.9-liter V6 hybrid generates 536 hp while a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V6 churns out 542 hp.

4. Mercedes-Maybach S 680

Even in its most basic version, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is among the most opulent high-end cars on the market. However, the peak of luxury and comfort is found in the Maybach S 680 version, which boasts an upgraded sound system with 30 speakers, heated and ventilated seats in both front and rear, and two additional infotainment screens for passengers in the rear seats. The seats also have an optional massaging function for the most relaxing journey possible. And while you're kicking back in your seat, the S 680's intelligent body control system scans the road ahead to adjust the suspension so you're floating over bumps and rough surfaces. If you're looking for the best "money is no object" luxury car for long-distance travel, the S 680 should definitely be on your list.

There's also the not-so-insignificant matter of its engine - a handcrafted 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 with 621 hp that carries the Maybach S along as if it were weightless.

5. BMW 7 Series/i7

Not everyone is a fan of the new BMW 7 Series, but we are. It's a technological tour-de-force inside and out with one of the most opulent and tech-crammed cabins we've ever experienced, like the massive drop-down screen in the rear and the illuminated crystalline Interaction Bar across the dash. It's also remarkably comfortable, both as a driver thanks to smartly packaged driver assists and as a rear-seat passenger thanks to air suspension and cushy rear seats with massaging functionality that recline way back.

Perhaps one of the coolest features of the 7 Series is that it's available with a multitude of powertrains, from the six-cylinder 740i (375 hp) and V8 760i (536 hp) to the plug-in hybrid 750e (483 hp) and the fully electric i7, with three powertrain options up to a 650-hp M70 variant.

The ride quality is as smooth as you'd expect of a luxury sedan, and the quad-zone climate control will keep you at the optimal temperature while you listen to your favorite playlist on the high-end sound system courtesy of Bowers & Wilkins.

6. Lexus ES

The Lexus ES shares a platform with the now-defunct Toyota Avalon and combines the best features of the Lexus line-up into a single vehicle, being the size of a Lexus IS but as spacious as a GS and as comfortable as an LS. There is plenty of legroom for even the tallest passengers, both in the front seats and the sofa-like rear seat (the only negative to keep in mind is that the rear seats don't fold down, which limits cargo space for larger items).

The ES's innovative suspension technology, dubbed the Swing Valve Shock Absorber, responds to even the slightest movement to ensure the most comfortable ride possible. The cabin is excellently insulated and remains quiet even at highway speeds. Lots of advanced safety features come as standard on the ES, including blind spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control for a safe and smooth ride. Three engine choices are available: a 203-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a 302-hp, 3.5-liter V6, or a 215-hp hybrid powertrain.

7. Honda Civic

If you are looking for a comfortable, family-friendly vehicle with an affordable price tag, the Honda Civic might just be the perfect option, with a choice of sedan or hatchback to suit your needs. The front seats are spacious and comfortable (cloth seats are standard, but leather seats are also available as an option), and the rear bench seating has more legroom than almost any rival in this segment.

That aside, it drives like a dream with controlled body motions and sublime ride quality for something in the compact segment.

A wide range of driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and emergency braking, are standard, meaning you won't just be comfy, you'll be safe, too. Combined with a penchant for reliability, the Civic offers a package ideal for long-distance driving and everyday family life without breaking the bank.

8. Genesis G80

An often-overlooked brand due to its slow rollout (now being expanded with new standalone dealerships) Genesis offers a premium driving experience with the G80 midsize luxury sedan. A range of high-quality materials is used in the interior, including real wood accents, aluminum, and leather. Furthermore, the seating is plush and comfortable, with heated and ventilated seats front and rear, as well as plenty of headroom and legroom.

Ambient interior lighting and a premium Lexicon sound system, along with a high-end infotainment system that incorporates both a touchscreen and physical controls, are the finishing touches on the G80's luxurious cabin. On the driver assistance features front, the G80 offers a highway driving assist package as standard, which includes functions such as lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. And it'll waft along effortlessly, powered by either a 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder (300 hp) or a 3.5-liter turbo V6 with 375 hp and AWD.

9. Lucid Air

A newcomer on the automotive scene, Lucid is quickly making itself a name as an all-electric luxury brand. The Air sedan has an exceptionally long range (516 miles), making it one of the best electric cars for long journeys without range anxiety, but it's also one of the best luxury cars around, winning the 2023 CarBuzz Awards Electrified Luxury category.

Clever packaging gives the air an enormous amount of passenger volume to stretch out in, with comfortable synthetic leather upholstery, and a range of other comfort features such as heated and ventilated front seats, a massage function, a heated steering wheel, and power rear sunshades. Storage space is capacious, thanks to the presence of both a front and back trunk, too. A 21-speaker stereo completes the package, providing the soundtrack for a road trip in the lap of luxury. The Air Sapphire sits at the top of the range, with the highest horsepower in the lineup - a shocking 1,234 hp.

10. Volvo S90

With its amazing ride comfort and interior quality, the Volvo S90 is one of the few cars where you're more refreshed when you get to your destination than when you started. The cabin's high-end materials including brushed metal and open-pore wood for a luxurious feel, and the 14-way power-adjustable seats keep you and your passengers in total comfort even when covering long distances. The S90's optional rear air suspension gives you the smoothest ride possible, making the driving experience feel like floating on a cloud no matter how bumpy the road surface is.

Volvo's reputation for safety is upheld by the numerous standard safety features, which include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The S90's base mild-hybrid powertrain is a 295-hp four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, but twincharged and PHEV variants provide up to 455 hp and 38 miles of all-electric driving range.