The executive saloon segment is fiercely competitive, so there’s plenty of choice when it comes to well-trimmed saloons, from the likes of BMW, to Mercedes, Audi and Volvo. But how do you strike a balance between a car that suits your career and one that suits your family? Here are five options pitched for a professional.

Mercedes-Benz E220d saloon 2.0 AMG Line auto

The E-Class is a soothing mix of limousine-style comfort and cutting-edge tech. It carries plenty of weight in the boardroom, but also makes a superb family car (it picked up our Best Car for Families Award in 2017). Most company car drivers opt for the popular 220d engine, which is quiet, fast enough and relatively green. But to get the best out of the E-Class, you’ll need to specify air suspension. It’s an expensive option, but it improves the comfort and handling.

Volvo S90 D4 Momentum

The big three German brands – BMW, Audi and Mercedes – are facing increasing competition, including from this, the elegant VolvoS90. Packed with loads of technology, like a 9.0-inch touch-screen with intuitive smartphone-style controls, impressive safety features, and a clean design, this big Swede has plenty going for it. It’s not as sporty and dynamic as a BMW 5 Series: it’s a softer and more cultured thing that prefers to be coaxed down the road rather than blasted along it. But then again, isn’t that what many executives want?

BMW 520d Saloon 2.0 M Sport Auto

The BMW 5 Series is a great all-rounder. Nudge the accelerator and you’ll be wowed by its performance and handling. The plush, precision-engineered cabin features BMW’s iDrive Touch infotainment system and doubles as a relaxing office. The four-cylinder turbodiesel engine in the 520d offers a great balance of dynamic performance and competitive running costs, making it the most popular choice for company car drivers.

Jaguar XF Saloon 2.0D 163ps R-Sport Auto

The winner of our 2017 New Car of the Year award is powerful, sophisticated and slinky. It’s not quite as plush as the Mercedes E-Class, but it offers impressive levels of grip and exceptionally linear steering. With a relatively low insurance group, low CO2 emissions and class-leading fuel economy, the XF is one of the most affordable executive saloons. And, more importantly, you’ll enjoy driving it too.

Audi A6 3.0-litre V6

Due on sale in summer 2018, the new A6 is a state-of-the-art saloon that gets much of its high-tech equipment from the more expensive A8. It launches with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, both of which feature ‘mild’ hybrid battery technology that enables the A6 to coast between speeds of 34mph and 99mph. The diesel will likely be the most attractive mode for company car drivers, promising lower emissions and running costs.