The Best Cars For Autumn 2025

You may not like it but we are firmly into the grasp of Autumn now. With the sun setting earlier and the heating dial looking more than tempting recently, summer is now no longer and the weather is getting more unpredictable. What that usually means too is that the days of going out for a drive in the sunshine and enjoying the thrill of driving is something resigned to the springtime. But it doesn’t have to be.

There are plenty of cars these days that offer an exciting drive combined with the security of all-wheel drive, or the ability to make an autumnal drive just that bit more special. So, when the weather is less than favourable it doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors or not get out on the open road.

As a result, we have put together a guide to some of the best cars for Autumn. Cars that offer a fantastic driving experience, yet will keep going in the wind and rain without having to worry.

Grand Touring

Bentley Continental GT

For many, the Bentley Continental GT is the definitive ‘grand tourer’. It is the epitome of what a GT car is all about and offers the benefits in abundance. The blend of opulent comfort, huge power reserves and the ability to both cruise around effortlessly yet perform when it needs to is displayed to perfection. It is what the Bentley way has been for over 100 years, only these days they do it even better.

The latest Continental GT has embraced hybrid technology to offer 770hp from its mix of electric motors and 4.0-litre V8 powerplant, together with surefooted four-wheel drive. It is faster, more athletic and more aerodynamic yet offers even more customisation, bespoke configurations and levels of luxuriousness. By combining the latest technology with hand detailed craftsmanship, Bentley have created the ultimate iteration of a grand tourer, and moved the yardstick further than ever before.

Maserati GranTurismo

If you’re going to pick two cars that are the epitome of grand touring, why not pick ones that have ‘GT’ and ‘GranTurismo’ in their names. Much like the Continental GT, the Maserati GranTurismo has also recently been brought right up to date and once again is at the very top of its game. Being an all new model with the latest engine technology and the choice of a 490hp V6 or 550hp V8 would be enough, but Maserati has led the way with the introduction of an all-electric version called the ‘Folgore’. Not just any electric version either, one with over 760hp on offer.

A Maserati has long been synonymous with a symphony of engine and exhaust noise that sound as good as they look. Whether or not the addition of an all-electric model to the line up somewhat ruins that vision remains to be seen. The steep depreciation that the EV model has encountered, not just steep compared to other EV’s but also other Maserati models, is even more drastic than most on the market so it may have been answered in that respect. What it does mean though is that as a result, there are nearly new examples of one of the most comfortable and stylish all-electric gran tourers on the market for a fraction of their price when new. That also happens to come in a V6 or V8 version.

SUV’s

Range Rover

The SUV that created its own genre when it was released remains at the very top of its game even to this day. The original idea of a more luxurious off-roader may have been a niche back in 1970 but today is one of the biggest markets for any manufacturer, especially Land Rover. The Range Rover and Range Rover Sport are some of the best on the market and the latest versions have added even more luxury and refinement to the mix.

Yes, they face even more competition than ever before, even supercar brands Ferrari and Lamborghini are trying their hand at it these days, but the Range Rover has always had a party piece up its sleeve. The fact that a Range Rover can conquer any terrain other than a road, as well as perform exceptionally on the road, has always meant that it is the most reassuring no matter what the weather throws at you. It is that trust and confidence in its capability that makes the experience of the ride and comfort levels just that bit more special than most others.

Mercedes Benz G-Class Electric

At a time when many manufacturers are looking to their past and iconic models for design inspiration, the Mercedes G-Class has always been the king of retro-chic. The fact that it manages to look like it came from the 1970’s, whilst performing like a sports car, yet cocoon you in luxury and the latest technology is a unique feature of this legendary model. One thing is for sure is that the appeal of this near £200k SUV doesn’t seem to be showing any signs of diminishing any time soon.

Adding even more technology these days is the all-electric version. Despite its not-so-catchy Mercedes Benz ‘G580 with EQ-technology’ model name it certainly stands out in the crowd of dull styled electric SUV’s that are on the market at the moment. With the performance to match the range topping AMG version, the silent running and instant torque on offer, as well as its ‘tank turn’ party piece, the electric G-Wagon could be the coolest EV SUV on the market.

Estate Cars

BMW M3 Touring

As the saying goes, good things come to those who wait. Fans of the ‘M’ version of the 3-series BMW have been waiting a very long time for an estate version. Whilst Audi and Mercedes Benz have been offering estate versions of their performance A4 and C-Class models for some time yet, BMW have not. Until now.

For the first time since its introduction in 1986, there is an M3 Touring on offer for the G80/G81 model iteration. With 550hp from a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine, enough space for the whole family and the dog, and excellent handling capability for when you need it, the M3 Touring could very well be the perfect car for all occasions and situations. Perhaps crucially for this time of year too, it also comes with all-wheel drive for those wet autumnal leaf covered roads.

Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid

When the Porsche Taycan was introduced, many thought the Panamera’s days were numbered. Yet with the Taycan being electric only, Porsche were adamant that it still had a place in the brand’s line up, and they have a point. The model line up has no fewer than 7 different models depending on how you like your Panamera, yet offering more space and more luxury than its all-electric sibling.

Perhaps the most impressive of all the available models however is the range topping Turbo S E-Hybrid, and not just for the speed. Make no mistake, with over 770hp the Turbo S E-Hybrid is fast, very, very fast. 0-62mph takes just 2.9 seconds and the top speed is in excess of 200mph. All whilst cocooned in perfect luxury and the very latest technology.

It is the combination of that hybrid motor however that makes it quite possibly the most impressive all-rounder. As well as being able to travel up to 55 miles on electric power only, it can also do up to 87mph before the combustion engine kicks in. Whilst using that combustion engine it also offers up to 70mpg and has four-wheel drive for those tricky Autumn driving conditions. The only issue? The flagship Panamera ‘starts’ at £175,000, so can easily become a £200,000 plus car by the time you’ve specified it the way you want.

Sports Cars

Mercedes AMG SL 63 E Performance

There was always a sense that the AMG arm of Mercedes Benz sometimes got carried away with the amount of extra ‘oomph’ they offered in their most powerful models. The good news is that just because most AMG’s are heading in a hybridised direction, they certainly haven’t calmed down any. Their latest SL63 S E Performance uses a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 and electric assistance to offer over 800bhp, a 0-62mph sprint time of less than 3 seconds and near 200mph top speed.

Where the Panamera utilised its massive power and electric assistance to offer impressive all-electric running and economy figures, the SL does nothing of the sort. Silent electric running range is only 8 miles and if you don’t have a full charge the mpg figures will struggle to get into the 20’s thanks to the extra weight. Even with all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering and hydraulically interconnected suspension, the SL’s power reserves are more than enough to prove to be a handful.

However, with many legendary performance versions of iconic badges struggling to know how to blend the hybrid and electric future with an exciting and engaging driving experience, it is good to know that AMG haven’t lost their ‘craziness’ just yet. Yes 800hp might be a bit too much for a rainy leaf-lined autumnal B-road, but it also adapts to the perfect cruising machine the way a Mercedes Benz should.

Lotus Emira

If driving thrills are what you are looking for this Autumn, why not go back to a winning formula. Small and compact in size, stunning good looks, a mid-mounted combustion engine and rear wheel drive. Though it may be hard to find something that offers all of that these days, thank goodness for the Lotus Emira. It may be different to the Lotus experience of old but surely a bit of refinement and luxury isn’t going to be a bad thing.

Intended to be the very last combustion engine Lotus, the automotive world has changed quite a bit in the last few years and Lotus may not have sold their soul to EV-only cars just yet. The Emira thankfully provided enough driving excitement to ensure that even if it was the last of the breed, it was going out with a bang. With a 3.5-litre V6 or 2.0-litre AMG powerplant, head-turning good looks reminiscent of the Evija hypercar and controllable yet fun rear-wheel driving, the Emira is quite the car.

It might not quite match a Porsche 718 Cayman for poise or power, but it is closer than it’s ever been compared to their previous efforts. The interior is a world away from Lotus models of old, offering unseen comfort levels and quality to replace the noise and rattling of old. Even the technology is right up to date, certainly no more wind-up windows on offer. It may not have the reassurance of all-wheel drive for the autumnal weather, but its controllable handling and reassurance of the drive means you can have even more fun now its less warm and sunny.

Convertibles

Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS

Porsche’s 911 Targa models only come in four-wheel drive variants as the 4, 4S or 4 GTS, so that’s the Autumnal unpredictability sorted. They also happen to offer that four-wheel drive stability and assurance with some of the best sports car driving feel and looks, and without a doubt the coolest folding roof mechanism on the market today. The way the roof folds up and down is pure engineering pantomime, and you would certainly find yourself putting it up and down even more often just to watch the whole process again and again.

Whilst the 911 is often considered by most as the ultimate everyday sports car, being a Porsche, you know it will also remain reliable and perform day after day. Not only does the all-wheel drive mean that you remain confident whatever the weather throws at you, but the metal folding roof means you remined cocooned at the same time too. The Targa offers effortlessly chic motoring and enough performance to ensure it could be the ultimate car for all seasons.

Choose the GTS model and you get what is arguably the pick of most Porsche model ranges. With a sportier set up and an abundance of equipment included as part of the GTS, it is the pinnacle of the ‘regular’ models without stretching to the lairy Turbo or GT products. A GTS offers so much without the showmanship or excessiveness of some of the more expensive models, though with that folding roof mechanism there’s certainly a lot of theatre.

McLaren Artura Spider

Whereas the Porsche offers sophistication, surefootedness and style whatever the weather throws at you, the McLaren is somewhat the opposite. It only comes with rear wheel drive, offers almost 700hp and is built for the upmost in performance. It does however come with a folding hard top to cocoon you and when the weather is optimal, will offer the pinnacle of top down thrills.

The Artura Spider has almost been forgotten amongst supercar fans yet it more than deserves another look. First of all it looks incredible. An updated yet familiar McLaren appearance that looks neater and more purposeful than ever before. Underneath that near-700hp power output is a blend of the brand’s very latest twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine and an electric motor. Not only does that allow instant power delivery and exceptional performance but also the capability of up to 20 miles of silent electric driving.

Despite the additional motor and battery pack on board the Artura Spider is somehow also the lightest in its class at under 1,500kg. A breath of fresh air amongst todays bloated hybrid and EV heavyweights. It is this lightness, ease of driving and retractable hard top possibilities that make the Artura Spider the perfect way to cruise around this autumn. Though you might have to take it steady if the weather is a bit blustery.

Supercars

Lamborghini Revuelto

Lamborghini are one of the latest to push back and maybe even cancel their previously upcoming EV plans. Yet with their line up these days offering a very strong hybrid line up it is easy to see why. A Lamborghini should be loud, powerful and outlandish and rather than dilute that experience, the addition of hybrid power seems to have merely enhanced those factors.

The extreme looking Revuelto not only looks more aggressive than ever but also comes with 1,000hp from an all-new lighter 6.5-litre V12 and electric tri-motor set up. This means a top speed over 220mph and a 0-62mph sprint of just 2.5 seconds. But it isn’t all power and speed. The Revuelto is more refined, more capable and more technologically advanced. As is the way with hugely powerful supercars and hypercars these days, it also manages to be easier to drive and easier to live with every day.

With adjustable drive modes, adjustable suspension and all wheel drive it is possible to dial your Revuelto down so that it is as easy to drive and comfortable around town as any other car. Which also means it can be dialled up again when the mood, and the weather, allows you to see exactly how impressive all the changes have made their flagship supercar. It is this adaptability that shows how much the latest Lamborghini has grown up, yet manages to not lose any of the brand’s magic.

Audi R8

The Porsche 911, especially in Turbo guise, has often been considered as the ultimate everyday supercar. Reliable, refined, comfortable, able to be used every day and offering supercar performance and driving excitement at the same time. But what if you want that everyday supercar to come with exotic and head turning looks. That’s where the Audi R8 comes in.

Built specifically to take on the 911 at their own game, the R8 was a revelation when it was first released and 3 iterations later it remains one of the best around. As easy to drive as a TT yet offering so much more, few get out of an R8 without a huge smile on their face. 600hp may sound like a lot for a supercar for the autumn weather, but the famed Audi quattro surefootedness will make sure you’re pointing in the right direction. Whilst the luxurious technology laden interior continues Audi’s reputation for their interior quality.

It may have unfortunately fallen victim to the changing automotive landscape right now, a 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 isn’t exactly the most eco-conscious way to power a car these days, but there are rumours it could be making a comeback. The R8 has always had the Gallardo and Huracan as it’s closely related sibling, and with the Temerario only recently launched with its all new hybrid powerplant, there may be hope for the R8 yet. Fingers crossed.

Car Finance Any Time Of The Year

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