Last days of the dinosaurs: the best petrol cars under £75K

If you are looking for petrol-powered automotive opulence, look no further than the lavish Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The executive saloon currently holds an Expert Rating of 85%, and has been widely praised for its refined and tech-laden interior.

At the time of writing, this Mercedes-Benz is available near-new on the used market for just under £75k. Picking up a brand-new model is considerably more expensive, and the options list gets really pricey.

Audi’s flagship saloon, the A8 has received almost unanimously positive reviews from the UK media, again commended for its luxurious and tech-filled interior. That said, it isn’t as spacious in the rear as its key rival, the S-Class.

Currently holding an Expert Rating of 75%, the Audi A8 is also available near-new for under £75k, but usually a few thousand cheaper than its Mercedes-Benz counterpart.

The Land Rover Defender is one of the longest standing nameplates in British motoring. The upmarket SUV is a polished all-rounder that combines outstanding off-road ability with smooth on-road performance from a V8 petrol engine (or a diesel, or a plug-in hybrid, but we’re not talking about those today).

Despite its manufacturer’s poor reliability track record, the Defender currently holds an Expert Rating of 80%. A new model can be purchased for under the £75k threshold, with enough room to comfortably explore the options list.

The last-generation Honda Civic Type R was a pretty tough act to follow, and its successor is another corker. Currently holding an Expert Rating of 89%, the hot hatch offers a thrilling and engaging driving experience with a more subdued but still sporty exterior.

Pricing for the latest iteration of the Civic Type R currently starts at around £50k, meaning that you can explore the optional accessories to your heart’s content should you have £75k to spend.

Perhaps the last in a long line of loud and proud coupés, the Toyota GR Supra is an impressive all-round sports car known for its punchy performance and well-balanced handling that is sure to get you grinning in tight bends.

Currently holding an Expert Rating of 73%, the Supra is also pretty comfortable and well-equipped by sports car standards. But if you are looking to set the fastest lap times, you should probably consider its lightweight rivals.

The entry-level model in the BMW ‘M’ division range, the second-generation M2 is the new kid on the block, becoming available to order in Spring 2023. The coupé offers rapid cross-country performance and responsive handling, though reviewers note that it isn’t as charming as its predecessor.

Currently holding an Expert Rating of 73%, the BMW M2 is available new for less than £75k, but it is more expensive than its key competitors.

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is a super saloon that offers a sophisticated interior, poised handling and class-leading straight-line pace thanks to its Ferrari-developed engine. Reviewers unanimously agree that it is a very compelling package – have I mentioned its handsome looks?

The Italian saloon currently sits in top spot in the medium car class, with an impressive Expert Rating of 89%. At the time of writing, this performance-packed Giulia is priced just north of the £75k mark – it’s best to check the used market first.

Let’s move on to the Giulia Quadrifoglio’s key challenger. The BMW M3 has been widely praised for its thrilling performance and its agile handling, as well as its interior quality, which reviewers agree is an improvement over the Alfa. Many reviewers aren’t too impressed by the car’s large kidney grilles though, and the BMW is more expensive than its Italian counterpart.

The BMW M3 holds an Expert Rating of 84%, and is available near-new on the used market for under £75k.

A performance saloon is a very compelling proposition for those looking for high-octane driving fun. But if you need to fit the family pet or golf clubs in the rear, things can get tedious real fast – this is where the Audi RS 4 comes in.

Currently holding an Expert Rating of 70%, the RS 4 is an energetic estate car with a well-built upmarket interior and class-leading infotainment, available for under £75k new.

Looking for a performance-focused family car with a bit more headroom and ground clearance? Alfa Romeo says that its Stelvio Quadrifoglio is the answer. Besides its powerful performance, the Stelvio has been widely praised for its body control and cornering balance, as well as its sporty styling.

That said, some reviewers conclude that the SUV’s ride quality isn’t great at low speeds, and it has the thirstiest engine of any car on this list. It currently holds an Expert Rating of 77%.

Reviewers agree that the Macan GTS is one of the most impressive performance-SUV packages on the market. Currently holding an Expert Rating of 76%, the Macan offers impressive pace and a refined and comfortable cabin, all wrapped in a sleek, sporty exterior.

However, its heavy weight hinders its agility – some reviewers concluding that the Stelvio Quadrifoglio is more fun to drive as a consequence. It is certainly not cheap to buy or run either, but if you have £75k to spend, the Macan GTS does give you some financial wiggle room.