Five alternative used luxury saloons we found for sale

With news that the Century nameplate is to be spun off into its own luxury premium brand, here’s an example of why: a four-door Japanese saloon outfitted with a V12 and more wool than a farm. Yes, it’s an import, and does without the arch-mounted mirrors, but it’s a facelifted car so gets a six-speed auto rather than a four. Woohoo!

The only luxury car you’ll ever need is behind this link

We searched high and low for a W12-engined Phaeton, but came away disappointed. There are plenty of V6 diesels on offer, though, and all of them are probably fine. However, we did strike a bit of gold: here’s an extremely rare 4.2-litre V8-engined long-wheelbase version of Volkswagen’s brilliantly executed executive folly.

Be the envy of about eight or nine people who know why this car is so cool

Why a folly? Find out here

No, a big LS is never going to win against an S-Class or a 7 Series, but it’ll likely outlast both of them. And when you step off the gas and just cruise around, you’ll be doing it in absolute refinement, class, rarity and the knowledge that you’ll probably never, ever break down. Peace of mind is cool!

Plus, it’s got a V8! Woohoo!

So, so cool. Get one now because Volvo doesn’t do saloons anymore. Like the Lexus, it does things differently from ze Germans… which is why we like it so much. The T8’s the one you want: a 2.0-litre four-pot with an e-motor for a grand total of just under 400 horsies and a 0-62mph time of 5.1s. Fast and cool, then.

And what do you know, here’s a fast and cool T8 we just happened upon

It’s got screens in the rear headrests. It’s covered barely any miles for a car of its age. It’s ULEZ compliant, somehow. And it’s got a supercharged 4.2-litre V8 under that long, beautiful bonnet. Yes, we regularly feature the old Jaguar XJ on these pages, and… that’s not gonna stop.

Pretend you’re a high-rolling East End crim in this lovely example