The saloon is having a quiet renaissance. Electric models have made the class genuinely affordable, and business drivers who've done the company car tax maths are switching fast. Whether you want a sharp compact executive, a premium motorway cruiser, or the lowest BiK bill possible, this guide covers the best saloon lease deals available at LeaseCar right now.
Key facts
Saloons start from under £300 per month in LeaseCar's current range
At time of writing, electric saloons currently attract just 4% BiK tax – a significant saving for company car drivers
Available across compact, executive and luxury classes, in petrol, electric and hybrid
Leasing removes depreciation risk – executive saloons lose value fast if bought outright
Why a saloon still makes sense
Before going straight to the models, two arguments are worth making – one for any driver, one specifically for company car drivers.
Saloon vs SUV — the honest comparison
Lower roofline = less aerodynamic drag = better real-world fuel or electric range at motorway speeds
Typically lower monthly lease payments than an equivalent-spec SUV from the same brand
Sportier dynamics – saloons sit lower and handle with more precision than most crossovers
Separate boot: quieter cabin, better noise insulation, more secure for valuables
The trade-off: lower loading height and no raised ride position – worth knowing upfront
Read our full guide on what is a saloon car?
The company car argument – why BiK changes the numbers
Pure electric saloons: currently a 4% BiK rate for 2026/2027.
Petrol executive saloon: can currently be up to 37% BiK depending on CO2 emissions
As an example, a 40% taxpayer in a Tesla Model 3 vs a BMW 3 Series petrol can currently make significant tax savings
PHEV saloons also currently benefit: BiK rates of 6 – 15% depending on electric range
Always calculate total monthly cost (lease payment + BiK tax) – the headline payment is only half the picture
The best electric saloons to lease
The two most compelling saloon lease deals in LeaseCar's current range are both electric – and both carry the BiK tax advantage that makes them especially strong for company car drivers.
All electric car leasing deals
BYD Seal — best value electric saloon
From well under £300 this is one of the most affordable saloons in the LeaseCar range.
Strong range and genuinely impressive performance
BYD's in-house battery technology backed by an 8-year warranty
Currently 4% BiK: same company car tax advantage as any pure EV
A compelling alternative to Tesla at a lower monthly cost
Tesla Model 3 — best all-round electric saloon
From under £300
Currently 4% BiK: can save thousands annually vs a petrol equivalent for company car drivers
Autopilot and large touchscreen included as standard – the most advanced software experience in the class
Supercharger network: practical advantage for high-mileage drivers on long routes
Minimalist, premium interior – genuinely different from its peers.
The best compact executive saloons to lease
Premium quality and driving reward without large executive running costs – the compact class is the smart entry point to the German trio.
Audi A3 Saloon – the compact premium benchmark
From under £250 per month
Five-star Euro NCAP; one of the best-rated small saloons for safety
Virtual cockpit, Pre-Sense City Braking and multiple driver aids as standard (see individual models for full details)
Premium interior quality that competes with cars a class above
Smaller footprint than the A4 – easier in cities, still genuinely spacious inside
View Audi A3 Saloon lease deals
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe – the driver's compact saloon
From under £400 per month
M Sport specification: sportier suspension, larger alloys, sharper exterior styling
Premium BMW interior quality and iDrive infotainment ahead of most rivals at this size (see individual model specs for full details)
More city-friendly footprint than the 3 Series – a good choice for urban and suburban drivers
The best mid-size executive saloons to lease
The heartland of the saloon market. All three models below are consistent class leaders – the choice between them comes down to whether you prioritise driving feel, interior refinement or outright specification.
BMW 3 Series – the executive saloon benchmark
From under £400 per month
Among the highest Euro NCAP results in the class
Rear-wheel drive layout: the most engaging drive of any compact executive saloon
Driving Assistant Professional standard: AEB, lane-keeping, cross-traffic alerts (see individual model specs for full details)
A consistent WhatCar? Award winner – the definition of the well-rounded executive saloon
Audi A4 – refined, precise, quietly excellent
Car of the Year winner – widely praised for interior quality, build precision and long-distance comfort
Slightly quieter and less sporty than the 3 Series – a deliberate and popular trade-off for motorway drivers
Diesel variants particularly well-suited to high-mileage company car drivers
Audi A5 – the sharper step up
From under £400 per month
S line specification: sportier suspension, larger alloys, more distinctive exterior over the A4 (see individual model details for full specs)
Same premium Audi interior quality – refined, well-finished and tech-forward
7-speed S Tronic automatic gearbox: smooth and responsive across mixed driving conditions (see individual model details for full specs)
The best large and luxury saloons to lease
For serious mileage, flagship comfort, or simply the finest interior quality – the large executive class rewards the step up. Depreciation on these cars makes leasing especially smart.
BMW 5 Series — the long-distance executive's choice
Large executive class – competes with Mercedes E-Class, Audi A6 and Lexus ES
Available as petrol and PHEV – plug-in hybrid offers strong real-world range and currently a lower BiK
Optional Technology Plus Pack adds full Driving Assistant Professional suite (see individual model details for full specs)
More space and comfort than the 3 Series
Mercedes-Benz E Class – the motorway comfort benchmark
The class leader for cabin refinement – exceptionally quiet at motorway speeds
Available in petrol, diesel and PHEV varieties
9G-TRONIC automatic: smooth and unhurried at any speed, ideal for long-distance driving (see individual model details for full specs)
Interior materials and layout inspired by the S-Class flagship – a genuine step above rivals
View Mercedes E-Class lease deals
Mercedes-Benz S Class — the flagship
The benchmark luxury saloon – the reference point for rear-seat comfort, materials and technology worldwide
Available in standard and long-wheelbase configurations
Leasing is the most sensible way to access the S-Class – depreciation on outright purchase is substantial
What to think about before leasing a saloon
Business or personal? Company car drivers should calculate BiK tax before choosing a fuel type – it changes the true monthly cost significantly
Mileage: Executive drivers often cover higher annual mileage; set this accurately
Fuel type: Electric suits company car drivers and those with home charging; hybrid suits high-mileage drivers without charging access
Maintenance: Premium saloon servicing costs can be high — a maintained lease makes spend predictable: view maintained deals
Credit score: Required for every lease – see our credit score guide
Depreciation: Executive saloons lose 50–60% of value in three years if bought — leasing removes this entirely: car depreciation guide
End of lease: Know what counts as acceptable wear and tear before you sign — fair wear and tear guide
Frequently asked questions
What is the best saloon to lease right now?
What is the best saloon to lease right now?
Depends on your use case. Best value overall: BYD Seal and Audi A3. Best mid-size executive: BMW 3 Series. Best large executive: BMW 5 Series or Mercedes E-Class.
What is the cheapest saloon to lease in the UK?
What is the cheapest saloon to lease in the UK?
The BYD Seal and the Audi A3 are currently among the most affordable saloons in LeaseCar's range. See current saloon deals.
Is leasing a saloon worth it rather than buying?
Is leasing a saloon worth it rather than buying?
Executive saloons – particularly German models – depreciate heavily; a BMW 3 Series or Mercedes E-Class can lose 50–60% of its value in three years.
Are electric saloons good for company car drivers?
Are electric saloons good for company car drivers?
They're arguably the strongest argument for going electric right now. The current BiK rate on pure EVs means a 40% taxpayer running a Tesla Model 3 can pay thousands less in company car tax annually than for a petrol equivalent BiK rate.
What's the difference between a saloon and a hatchback?
What's the difference between a saloon and a hatchback?
A saloon has a separate, enclosed boot – three distinct body sections. A hatchback's boot opens as part of the rear of the car. Saloons tend to be larger, quieter and more aerodynamically efficient at speed. See our hatchback leasing information if you're weighing up both.
Ready to lease a saloon?
Browse the full range or speak to the team — open Monday to Friday, 8:45am to 5:30pm.
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