i5, iX, i7... or i4?

[wordsman]

My priorities in a car are luxury, refinement and quiet. The interior quality is really important to me and older model cars tend to look a bit old hat to me as they age. I've had 2 A8s and 2 5 Series' in the past. Looks matter too. And I have a 2-3hr drive to Manchester and back weekly now.

After test driving the iX and i5, the iX felt amazing, fun, really special, loved the interior (looks have grown on me). The i5 was peaceful, refined but not quite as contemporary. Getting comparable lease quotes for those, and only slightly higher for the i7, I felt close to choosing the i7. I mean... it's got to be the ultimate, hasn't it?

Then something struck me. The startup I’m contracting with has a strong social purpose. And our founder told us off last week for booking a 4* hotel for a workshop. So looking expensive isn’t going to sit well with her.

This leaves me with a dilemma. All these cars could be seen to be a bit flash. So do I get the car I'm excited about and hide it in a car park nearby (adding £140/m for parking)? Or do I get something I can put in the staff car park without looking like I’m getting paid too much (much more convenient, and I can get a nap at lunchtime 😉)? 

A buddy suggested looking at the i4 instead – more understated but still nice and my kids are at uni now so I don't need adult space in the back so often now. The reviews are good but my worry is it wouldn’t be as wafty and serene for long journeys. Also the interior isn’t nearly as luxurious as the others and looks a bit old already.

Maybe the only way to decide is to drive the i4 for a while. Or try them back-to back.

Thoughts?