Poland is experiencing a surge in demand for premium vehicles. In 2025, these cars accounted for 22.6% of new passenger car registrations, an increase of nearly 8% compared to 2024. This follows an 18.4% rise in interest in premium vehicles in 2024 compared to 2023, according to data from IBRM Samar.
Choosing a single model with a budget of 300,000 zł is difficult, as comparing cars across different classes isn’t straightforward. There are five options, each from a different segment, and the best choice is ultimately subjective. One of these vehicles is manufactured in Poland.
Which Mid-Size Premium SUV Would I Choose?
Audi Q5 (3. Generacja)Źródło: Auto Świat / Krzysztof Wojciechowicz
In January 2026, the Audi Q5 was the most frequently registered new premium vehicle in Poland, a result that isn’t surprising.
Measuring 471.7 cm in length, the Audi Q5 stands out for its comfort: the interior is exceptionally spacious and well-insulated, the seats are superbly contoured, and the suspension effectively absorbs bumps. The high build quality, excellent rear visibility, and generous trunk space (520-1473 liters) are also noteworthy. The biggest drawback is the climate control operation via the screen, requiring two clicks to adjust the intensity or direction of airflow.
I had the opportunity to drive an Audi Q5 with a 204-horsepower diesel engine. Even as it didn’t offer exhilarating performance, the fuel consumption was remarkable: after 24.6 km on Warsaw’s South Ring Road and a provincial road, the computer displayed 4.1 l/100 km. In heavily congested city traffic—covering just 10.3 km in 45 minutes—the Audi Q5 consumed 6.8 l/100 km.
The price of an Audi Q5 in Poland starts at 231,200 zł
Which Compact Premium SUV Would I Choose?
Volvo XC40Źródło: Auto Świat / Krzysztof Wojciechowicz
The Volvo XC40 isn’t just the best compact premium SUV I’ve driven; it’s the best Volvo I’ve ever driven.
Measuring 444 cm in length, the Volvo XC40 surpasses its segment: it offers plenty of space, a superbly insulated interior, exceptionally comfortable seats, and a remarkably comfortable suspension. The test version, the B4 (with a 197-horsepower gasoline engine), proved to be both dynamic and exceptionally fuel-efficient. After covering nearly 28 km on Warsaw’s South Ring Road and a provincial road, the Volvo XC40 B4 consumed just 4.9 l/100 km.
The only drawback is that Apple CarPlay can only be connected via cable. The climate control operation via the touchscreen is also a downside, as changing the temperature, intensity, and direction of airflow requires a second click.
The price of a Volvo XC40 in Poland starts at 176,900 zł
Which Higher-Class Premium Vehicle Would I Choose?
BMW serii 5 (8. Generacja)Krzysztof Wojciechowicz / Auto Świat
BMW promises the joy of driving with its slogan, but the BMW Series 5 delivers much more: genuine excitement.
I appreciate the precision of the BMW Series 5’s steering, its firm but highly effective suspension, and its spirited performance and excellent seats. The build quality is also high, although the ergonomics are average: controlling the climate control from the screen is a misguided idea.
The BMW Series 5 also lacks space in the rear: there’s as much legroom as in a compact car, not a mid-size model. Yet the car is 506 cm long! The trunk capacity is more in line with the dimensions of the body: 520 liters in the sedan version and from 500 to 1510 liters in the station wagon.
The price of a BMW Series 5 in Poland starts at 267,500 zł
Which Urban Premium SUV Would I Choose?
Alfa Romeo JuniorKrzysztof Wojciechowicz / Auto Świat
The Alfa Romeo Junior is currently the only premium car manufactured in Poland, but that’s not the reason it’s my top pick among urban SUVs.
The Alfa Romeo Junior isn’t without its drawbacks: rear legroom is limited, and rear visibility is restricted. However, the ergonomics are excellent, with conveniently angled, classic buttons for climate control on the center console. While the quality of the materials is only average, the precision of their assembly is above average. The trunk is also generous (415-1280 liters), especially for an SUV measuring 417.3 cm in length.
even the base version of the Alfa Romeo Junior—with a 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine—is sufficiently dynamic and very fuel-efficient. During a 25-kilometer drive on Warsaw’s South Ring Road and a provincial road, the car consumed only 4.3 l/100 km.
The price of an Alfa Romeo Junior in Poland starts at 133,800 zł
Which Mid-Size Premium Vehicle Would I Choose?
BMW serii 3 (7. Generacja)Krzysztof Wojciechowicz / Auto Świat
The answer is: BMW Series 3. While I don’t enjoy adjusting the climate control in it.
The BMW Series 3 has many advantages: a spacious interior (including in the rear), excellent seats, high build quality, excellent soundproofing, and precise steering. The suspension is tuned quite firmly, but still effectively absorbs bumps. Climate control is operated on the screen, which is only reasonably straightforward when adjusting the temperature.
The trunk capacity in the sedan is 480 liters, and in the station wagon from 500 to 1510 liters. Both versions are 471.3 cm long.
The price of a BMW Series 3 in Poland starts at 195,000 zł
Prices are as of February 13, 2026.
