Cars come in every shape and size, but among them all, luxury vehicles are some of the most desirable. Not only do these svelt cruisers promise effortless levels of performance and peerless comfort, but they also make a statement – “you’ve made it”. This is true not only for the latest, cutting-edge models but also for many of the classics like the BMW E90 3 Series. Class is timeless, and these are some of the cars that best embody this sentiment throughout the various body configurations and classifications.
The crème de la crème
When it comes to over-the-top opulence, there are a few names that spring to mind. Rolls-Royce is definitely at the top, with Bentley not far behind. These are the types of cars most people can only ever dream about owning, as they easily break the six-figure mark.
From Rolls, the Phantom is the most well-known. This full-size sedan will cost you a cool half mil in top-spec and comes powered by a 563-horsepower V12 engine. This gives it loads of power for getting around town or cruising down the highway, but speed isn’t the main selling point. The cabin is lavishly appointed, with loads of space in the back seat for the VIPs being chauffeured around. Cargo capacity is excellent, too, which is an area where many luxury vehicles are often lacking.
The Ghost is another great model from Rolls-Royce that mirrors the Phantom in many ways, though it is a smaller car and costs quite a bit less. However, Bentley is the more affordable super-luxury brand, with its flagship sedan – the Flying Spur – coming in at around $200k. If you instead prefer an SUV, Bentley offers one of the best models in the USA, namely the Bentayga.
The base model is powerful, with between 542 and 626 hp on tap depending on the engine in play, while the hybrid variant sacrifices some power in the name of fuel economy. However, it’s not as practical as some of its mainstream competitors, with subpar trunk space and a firmer ride than you might expect from such a prestigious automaker. Where it isn’t lacking, though, is the tech offering; the infotainment is extremely comprehensive, and the safety suite makes it eminently easy to drive while ensuring peace of mind.
The big three
There are quite a few manufacturers of premium automobiles, but three names usually come to mind when thinking about the segment. They may not cost as much as a Rolls or offer the same hand-crafted luxury as a Bentley, but the cars from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi are regarded as some of the best accessible luxury vehicles on the market.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 8 Series are full-size luxury liners that come packed with just about everything either brand has to offer. They are naturally spacious thanks to their enormous dimensions, but they also deliver a decent amount of practicality. However, each brand leans into a specific strength, with Mercedes focusing on comfort and serene ride quality, while BMW prioritizes performance and handling characteristics.
Audi slots somewhere in the middle. Its cars are both quick and comfortable, but their styling is so unlike that of their rivals that they draw a whole different type of consumer. Audi sedans and coupes supply some of the best tech for the money, too, with many features included as standard that you’d have to pay extra for on other cars. Some of the standout models from the brand include the A8 sedan, the e-tron GT coupe, and the RS Q8 crossover SUV.
Affordable luxury
People often equate quality with cost, but while that is often the case, not every vehicle with an exorbitant MSRP is worth your money. Similarly so, some relatively affordable cars present very similar levels of luxury, comfort, and sophistication in comparison to their overpriced rivals.
In recent years, many of the most popular mainstream brands have launched premium divisions. From Toyota, we got Lexus, while Nissan gave us Infiniti, and most recently, Hyundai launched the Genesis brand. The latter has proven capable of competing with the German giants like Mercedes and BMW while asking for quite a bit less money.
The G80 sedan and its SUV counterpart, the GV80, are easily among the best in their respective segments. The most attractive thing about them is their pricing, as their exterior styling has been a point of contention among consumers. Inside, they are plushly appointed and the number of driver-assistance features is mind-boggling. Another boon Genesis vehicles inherit from the mother company is an excellent warranty plan.
Lexus has been around a little longer, and its track record is more of a mixed bag. That being said, it does have some real zingers in the lineup. Among these are the LC Coupe and the LC Convertible, two different versions of the same car. These are enormous 2-seater tourers that prove economy brands know how to make top-tier vehicles. The V8 under the hood feels and sounds amazing, but ride comfort is never lacking, no matter how fast you go. The only real weaknesses to an otherwise exquisitely designed sports car are the diminutive trunk and clunky infotainment system.