BIG executive cars lose a huge amount of their value a few years down the road - even those from Lexus and Mercedes.

But if you would like to stand out from the crowd of Mercs and Beemers, take a look at the Volvo S80.

It's a top quality large saloon with svelte good looks, excellent equipment and very good performance, which costs £5,000 less than competitors after four or five years.

Engines range from 2.0 to 2.9-litres petrol or a good 2.4-litre turbo diesel.

They come with slick changing five or six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes, plus a wide range of standard equipment.

The smallest 2.0-litre turbo petrol or a turbo diesel would be my choice for economy and performance.

They are lovely to drive and to ride in and the turbos have excellent power. Mid-range acceleration for overtaking is excellent and, although the automatic gearbox can down shift too easily, overall, it matches the engines well.

There is a little bump-thump from the suspension over bigger potholes, but comfort is good over all but the worst surfaces, while wind and road noise are almost eliminated.

: BMW 5-series