Summer Road Trip: Best Models for Comfort on Long Distances
The Perfect Choice for Summer Road Trips
Summer 2025 is here and with it the longing for travel. Whether to the Mediterranean, the Alps or the Baltic Sea - the right vehicle makes the difference between a stressful journey and a relaxed travel experience.
Criteria for the Ideal Travel Vehicle
Before recommending specific models, let’s define the key characteristics:
| Criterion | Importance | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Seats, suspension, noise levels | Very high |
| Reliability | Breakdown safety while traveling | Very high |
| Space | Luggage, rear legroom | High |
| Air conditioning | Performance, multi-zone control | High |
| Consumption | Fuel costs on long distances | Medium |
Top Recommendations by Price Category
Under 10,000 Euros: The Sensible Choice
BMW E39 5 Series Touring - Average EUR 8,147
The BMW E39 is the prime example of long-distance comfort at a small price:
Strengths for road trips:
- Excellent seats with adequate lateral support
- Rear axle comfort through multi-link suspension
- Good air conditioning performance
- Large trunk in Touring (1,525 liters)
Recommended engines:
| Engine | Power | Consumption | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 520i (M54) | 170 HP | 8.5 L/100km | Economical, adequate |
| 525i (M54) | 192 HP | 9.0 L/100km | Best compromise |
| 530i (M54) | 231 HP | 9.8 L/100km | Effortless, slightly thirstier |
Mercedes W210 E-Class - Average EUR 5,892
The Mercedes W210 E-Class offers Mercedes comfort at rock-bottom prices:
Strengths for road trips:
- Legendary air conditioning (Thermatic/Thermotronic)
- First-class seats with massage function (optional)
- Whisper-quiet inline-six engines
- Estate (T-Model) with 1,975 liter volume
Recommended engines:
| Engine | Power | Consumption | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| E220 CDI | 143 HP | 6.5 L/100km | Economical, slightly sluggish |
| E280 | 204 HP | 9.5 L/100km | Ideal, refined |
| E320 | 224 HP | 10.2 L/100km | Effortless |
10,000-20,000 Euros: The Golden Middle
BMW E38 7 Series - Average EUR 16,915
The BMW E38 is the ultimate long-distance machine:
Strengths for road trips:
- Luxury-class comfort and space
- Excellent sound insulation
- Powerful V8 engines (optional V12)
- Climate control with residual heat utilization
Travel qualities in detail:
| Property | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Seat comfort | Excellent | Contoured seats, adjustable lumbar |
| Suspension comfort | Excellent | Optional air suspension rear |
| Noise level | Very low | 68 dB at 130 km/h |
| Range | 650-800 km | Depending on tank (80/90 liters) |
Mercedes W140 S-Class - Average EUR 14,234
The Mercedes W140 is the benchmark for travel comfort:
Why the W140 is perfect for road trips:
- Double glazing drastically reduces noise
- Automatic door closing (soft-close)
- Adaptive damping ADS (optional)
- Rear comfort at limousine level
Over 20,000 Euros: Pure Premium
Audi C6 A6 Avant - Average EUR 10,292
The Audi C6 A6 combines modernity with long-distance qualities:
Technological advantages:
- MMI navigation system
- Quattro drive for all weather conditions
- Adaptive air suspension (optional)
- Most modern assistance systems of its time
Comparison Table: Comfort Ranking
| Model | Price | Comfort | Consumption | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W140 S-Class | EUR 14,234 | 10/10 | 13 L | Best comfort |
| E38 7 Series | EUR 16,915 | 9/10 | 12 L | Sporty-comfortable |
| W210 E-Class | EUR 5,892 | 8/10 | 8.5 L | Best value |
| E39 5 Series | EUR 8,147 | 8/10 | 9 L | Balanced |
| C6 A6 | EUR 10,292 | 8/10 | 9.5 L | Most modern |
Practical Tips for Road Trips
Check Before Departure
- Air conditioning: Test cooling performance, refill refrigerant if necessary
- Tires: Check condition and pressure (0.2-0.3 bar more when fully loaded)
- Oil level: Long distance means higher consumption
- Brakes: Visual inspection of pad thickness
On the Road
- Regular breaks every 2-3 hours
- Air conditioning no colder than 6 degrees below outside temperature
- Use cruise control for relaxed driving
- With older vehicles: Keep an eye on coolant temperature
Conclusion
For the perfect summer road trip, it doesn’t have to be a new car. Our analysis shows: Premium used cars from the 1990s and 2000s often offer more long-distance comfort than current mid-range models.
The insider tip: The Mercedes W210 E-Class offers the best ratio of comfort, reliability and price at an average of EUR 5,892. Those with more budget should go for the BMW E38 or Mercedes W140 for ultimate travel comfort.
All price data based on our current market analysis. As of: July 21, 2025