‘Ultimate’ versatile motor is crowned Britain’s BEST used car of 2025 after beating out Volkswagen, Audi and Mercedes

BRITAIN’S best used car for 2025 has been announced by a team of experts – leaving motors by the likes of Volkswagen and Audi in its tracks.

While cars continue to rise in price at a pretty alarming rate – even second-hand cars will make your eyes pop – there’s still some good value to be found.

But no car is seemingly a stronger buy than the BMW 3 Series, which was voted as Britain’s Best Used Car by motoring magazine Auto Express.

Judged by a panel of its experts, the 3 Series was picked unanimously, ranking highly for its sheer variety – from frugal diesels to the high‑performance M3, plus plug‑in hybrids for short electric trips and smooth six‑cylinder petrols.

What’s more, you can also pick different bodystyles – with even the cheaper models driving brilliantly.

Alex Ingram, writer at Auto Express, said: “Whether you’re in the market for a fuel-sipping diesel or a fire-breathing M3 – or anything in between – the 3 Series line-up has you covered.

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“Plug-in hybrids allow for electric-only driving on local trips, and six-cylinder petrols are both smooth and powerful.

“Then there are the various bodystyles, too.

“But whichever derivative you go for, the rest of the package leaves you feeling like there’s no compromise at all.

“Ride and handling are as good as it gets, making even the most affordable models a joy to drive.”

The 3 Series was pushed pretty closely by the gorgeous-looking Jaguar I‑Pace, finishing second overall in the main run but claiming two category victories – taking Best Used Electric Car and Best Used Executive Car.

The I-Pace, which was discontinued by Jaguar last year, is often heralded for its performance, handling and striking design – with many considering it the best-looking EV money can buy.

Mike Hawes, CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), said: “Growth in the used car market is good news given it is where most drivers buy their next vehicle – but their choice ultimately depends on thriving new car demand.

“Ongoing recovery in the new car market means almost 100,000 second-hand buyers have been able to snap up cars less than a year old this year.

“These nearly-new purchases help drive business activity and economic growth while ensuring consumer access to more affordable, increasingly zero emission used cars across the country.”

Separately from the Auto Express awards, Carwow recently named the Chinese‑built Chery Tiggo 8 as its Car of the Year – highlighting that it undercuts a comparable BMW lookalike by a corking £50,000.

And elsewhere, French manufacturer DS is beginning to deliver its new DS No8 – a pure‑electric flagship crossover with up to 465 miles of range – which has the likes of BMW and Audi firmly in its sights.

The luxury marque’s first all‑new car since 2021, it’ll be joined by the DS No4 – a facelifted and rebadged version of the 2021 DS 4 family hatch – and a currently unnamed model to replace the DS 7 Crossback, which is due next year.

And much is riding on the No8 and its stablemates, with the brand seemingly now in make‑or‑break territory.