Motorway mile munchers: 5 cars that go the distance with Bridgestone Turanza 6

Whether you’re on a sunny autostrada or sodden M1, highway miles take a toll on your body, mind, and wallet. But why suffer? With help from Bridgestone, these cars make a marathon feel like a sprint.

Sure, motorways are the safest of all roads, but they can also be some of the most taxing for drivers and passengers. We’ve all been there: hunched over after a three-hour slog with insufficient lumbar support, gulping in horror as the digits on the petrol pump continue to accelerate.

That’s why, if you’re regularly racking up the miles, choosing the right car and tyre can make all the difference. From super frugal engines and energy-efficient rubber compounds, to whisper quiet cabins and ergonomic armchairs, these five cars take the sting out of long-haul driving.

Efficiency pick: Mercedes E220d

Yes, we know a comparable C220d would be marginally more fuel efficient but, with a combined 58.9 mpg and a range of over 800 miles, this mildy hybridised diesel is hardly lacking in continent-crushing ability. Plus, compared to its sportier smaller brother, the E-Class prioritises cabin space, refinement, and comfort above all else — crucial traits for a good mile muncher.

Want to eke even more miles out of this fuel-sipping express? Fitting Bridgestone’s efficient Turanza 6 could be the answer. Those regularly draining that 800-mile fuel tank will certainly notice the Turanza 6’s 4% reduction in rolling resistance compared to its predecessor. Similarly, given that mile-munchers accrue huge annual mileages, the Turanza’s 20% increased lifespan means you’ll go further between tyre changes.

Performance pick: BMW M340d xDrive

Who says cruising comfort and efficiency need to be paired with nominal performance and inert handling? Not BMW, anyway. With a 340-bhp 3.0 diesel under the bonnet, the M340d slingshots to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds — perfect for joining busy motorways. More importantly for M-road basher, though, that six-pot has endless torque reserves (over 500 lb-ft), making high-speed overtaking and merging into heavy traffic blissfully easy.

While you might think that grunt would rob the M340d of any true touring ability, the reality is different. Achieving a claimed 46.3 mpg, this hot diesel saloon offers an impressive streak of efficiency if you can resist dipping into the turbos too regularly. And, while refinement might not be on par with some of the flagships on this list, when combined with Bridgestone’s Turanza 6, the M340d’s signature handling poise is a worthwhile trade-off. Simply drop the car into Sport Plus mode and the Turanza’s best-in-class wet weather performance will ensure the 3 Series stays hooked to the tarmac on more entertaining roads.

Refinement pick: BMW i7

An EV for grand touring duties might sound like a horrible mismatch, but BMW’s electric 7 Series proves they can be sublime mile munchers. Sure, with an electric range of around 370-miles, the i7 needs to stop around twice as often as its diesel rivals. However, at an average speed of 70 mph, this means you’ll still be driving for over 5 hours, which is a lengthy stint by anyone’s standards.

The i7 really is in a league of its own, though, when it comes to insulating its occupants from the fatiguing noises and vibrations of long-distance travel. For starters, there’s no combustion engine to groan noisily in the background. This can mean the effects of tyre roar and wind noise are more pronounced, but BMW’s extensive acoustic testing quashes any such issues. Then, for that final degree of polish, Turanza 6’s ENLITEN technology works to reduce road noise inside the cabin, whilst also providing a 2db reduction for those outside the vehicle.

Recreational pick: Volvo V90

Volvo’s V90 isn’t the fastest, quietest, or most frugal mile muncher on this list, but when it comes to motorway bashing with a caravan in tow, it’s hard to beat.  

Initially discontinued in the UK while Volvo diverted all its attention towards SUVs, the V90 recently made a miraculous comeback due to popular demand. This is great news for those who regularly partake in lengthy shifts behind the wheel. Aside from the excellent fuel economy and particularly ergonomic seats designed to ward off the dreaded lower backache, Volvo’s V90 excels when load lugging. In fact, it even won towcar of the year at 2025’s Caravan and Motorhome Club awards.  

Just like Bridestone’s Turanza 6, the V90 is, of course, also synonymous with safety in all conditions. In the Volvo this means innovations such as a Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) and Pilot Assist which can brake and steer at speeds up to 80 mph. With the Turanza 6, it equals a new divergent shoulder lug design to reduce the risk of aquaplaning and new filler-polymer chemistry to offer outstanding wet braking performance.

Best value pick: Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI

Don’t have six figures to spend on a grand tourer? Skoda’s Octavia 2.0 TDI offers similar endurance and efficiency for less than £30,000.  For that money, you’ll still travel in comfort and relative luxury — the refreshed Octavia’s interior is surprisingly well-appointed for this segment — and you’ll not break the bank at the pumps, either. Offering an official 66.6 mpg in the admittedly slightly weedy 114 bhp guise, this Skoda is seriously frugal. Plus, if you need something with a little extra midrange shove, the 148 bhp TDI is only marginally thirstier.  

Ultimately, Skoda’s Octavia 2.0 TDI offers a vast breadth of touring ability for a relatively modest outlay. So, it only makes sense to fit it with a tyre which offers an equally alluring motorway-munching package: Bridgestone’s Turanza 6. 

But what’s your biggest bugbear on a lengthy motorway voyage? Let us know if you agree with our top mile-munching picks and, if not, tell us how you’d pair Bridgestone’s Turanza 6 to waft away the miles.

Hero image credit: Mercedes