Updated 30 October 2026.
Business class cars are large, comfortable saloons and liftbacks that sit between the mid-size and executive classes. They combine rear-seat space, a quiet ride, rich equipment and a prestigious look. Below you will find what counts as business class, the top 5 models of 2026, a comparison table, affordable used options and SUVs of the same level.
Which cars count as business class
In the European classification, business class corresponds to the E-segment: saloons roughly 4.9–5.1 m long, such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series and Audi A6. In Ukraine, the largest D-segment models, such as the Toyota Camry, Skoda Superb and Volkswagen Passat, are traditionally treated as business class too: their cabin space and comfort are close to the E-class, but they are cheaper to buy and maintain.
Typical features of a business class car:
- a spacious rear seat that stays comfortable for an adult on a long journey;
- engines of 2.0 litres and up or hybrid systems with roughly 180–300 hp;
- good sound insulation and a smooth suspension;
- climate control, heated seats, modern infotainment and driver-assistance systems (ADAS);
- a restrained, executive design.
Compared with the executive class (F-segment: Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series), business class cars are smaller and much cheaper to own.
TOP-list of E-class cars
We built the rating on the following criteria:
- reliability and reputation;
- comfort and cabin space;
- running costs and fuel consumption;
- equipment and safety systems;
- resale value.
We do not quote exact prices, because they depend on the trim level and the exchange rate and change quickly; instead, each model has a price category.
| Model | Segment | Powertrains | Price category | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Camry | D/E | 2.5-litre hybrid | affordable business class | reliability and economy |
| Skoda Superb | D/E | petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid | affordable business class | maximum space for the money |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class | E | petrol, diesel, hybrid | premium | comfort and status |
| Audi A6 | E | petrol, diesel, electric (e-tron) | premium | technology and quattro AWD |
| BMW 5 Series | E | petrol, diesel, hybrid, electric (i5) | premium | keen drivers |
| Lexus ES | E | hybrid | premium | quietness, smoothness, reliability |
| Volkswagen Passat | D | petrol, diesel, hybrid | affordable business class | practicality and low servicing costs |
| Genesis G80 | E | petrol, electric | premium | rich equipment, an alternative to the Germans |
Rating of business class cars in Ukraine in 2026
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is the best-known business class saloon in Ukraine and one of the most reliable cars of its size. The new generation is offered only with a hybrid system based on a 2.5-litre engine, which keeps fuel consumption low in town, and an AWD version is also available. The cabin gets modern infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an extended Toyota Safety Sense package.
Price category: affordable business class. Buyers choose the Camry for its reliability, roomy rear seat and strong resale value.
Toyota Camry Hybrid from the BLS fleet
Skoda Superb
The fourth-generation Skoda Superb is one of the roomiest cars in its class: in rear legroom and boot space it rivals more expensive models. It comes as a liftback and an estate, with petrol engines (including a 1.5-litre mild hybrid), a 2.0-litre diesel and the iV plug-in hybrid, and the all-wheel-drive versions suit winter well.
Price category: affordable business class. The Superb is the best choice for those who need maximum space and practicality.
BMW 5 Series
The eighth-generation BMW 5 Series is the most driver-focused business class saloon. It is offered with petrol, diesel and hybrid engines and as the all-electric i5. Rear- or xDrive all-wheel drive, precise steering and a balanced chassis make it the favourite of people who drive themselves rather than use a chauffeur.
Price category: premium. The BMW 5 Series suits drivers who value performance as much as comfort.
Mercedes-Benz E-class
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the benchmark for comfort in business class. The current generation offers petrol, diesel and hybrid versions, adaptive suspension, a digital instrument cluster and MBUX infotainment with an optional passenger screen. The cabin is quiet and the rear seat is built for long journeys.
Price category: premium. The E-Class is chosen for business travel and as an everyday status car.
Audi A6
The Audi A6 stands out for its technology and signature quattro all-wheel drive. The new generation has a refreshed design, large cabin displays and mild-hybrid engines, and the all-electric A6 e-tron now sits alongside the conventional version. The saloon is comfortable on the motorway and confident on wet or snowy roads.
Price category: premium. The A6 suits those who want to combine status, technology and all-wheel drive.
Business class SUVs
Many buyers now choose a large SUV of the same level instead of a saloon: the Lexus RX, BMW X5, Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GLE or Volvo XC90. They offer similar comfort and status, plus a higher driving position and better off-road ability. Read more about these models in our SUV rating.
Inexpensive business class cars
A business class car does not have to be new and expensive. The key requirements are a presentable look, comfort and reliability, and earlier-generation used models meet them too. This is how most Ukrainians buy cars in this class.
New or used: which to choose
A new car comes with a warranty and the latest technology, but loses the most value in its first years. A used business saloon aged 4–7 years costs far less while keeping a high level of comfort. The most popular options on the used market:
- Previous-generation Toyota Camry (2017–2024): reliable with low servicing costs.
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 (2016–2023): comfort and status for moderate money.
- Audi A6 C8 (2018–2025): a modern cabin and all-wheel drive.
- BMW 5 Series G30 (2017–2023): dynamic and well equipped.
- Volkswagen Passat B8: practical and inexpensive to maintain.
- Ford Mondeo, last generation: production for Europe ended in 2022, so it is only available used, often at attractive prices.
Before buying a used business class car, check its service history and mileage: repairs to air suspension, gearboxes or electronics are expensive in this class.
Volkswagen Passat B8 from the BLS fleet
German, Japanese and Korean brands are the most popular in business class.
German business class
The Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series are the segment's "German big three". They set the standard for comfort, handling and technology but need high-quality, timely servicing.
Japanese business class models
The Toyota Camry and Lexus ES are valued for reliability, build quality and rich standard equipment. Both offer hybrid systems, so they are economical in town.
Korean representatives
The Genesis G80 is a premium saloon that competes with the German big three on equipment and warranty. Among more affordable models, the Hyundai Sonata is popular on the used market.
Frequently asked questions
Which cars count as business class?
Business class covers E-segment saloons around 4.9–5.1 m long: the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, Lexus ES and Genesis G80. In Ukraine it also includes large D-segment models: the Toyota Camry, Skoda Superb and Volkswagen Passat.
Which business class car is the most reliable?
The Toyota Camry and Lexus ES have the best reputation for reliability, thanks to easy-to-maintain hybrid systems and high build quality.
What is an affordable business class car?
Among new cars, the Toyota Camry and Skoda Superb. Among used ones, the Volkswagen Passat B8, Ford Mondeo, previous-generation Toyota Camry and Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213.
How does business class differ from premium?
Business class describes size and comfort (the E-segment), while "premium" describes the brand. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is both business class and a premium brand, while the Toyota Camry is business class without a premium badge.
Business class car rental
If you are planning a business visit, an airport transfer or a meeting with partners, you do not have to buy a car. BLS offers car rental in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities for a few days or longer, and you can also rent a business class car with a driver. Renting is also a good way to try a model in real conditions before buying.
All cars undergo timely maintenance and a technical inspection after every customer, and for a small fee you can add GPS, a child seat or mobile internet. Browse the available models in our business class car rental catalogue.