A List of the Best Luxury Cars

It’s easy to fall in love with the sleek curves of a luxury car. But can you justify the hefty price tag? Luxury vehicles are often considered a status symbol, letting your neighbors know you’ve made it. They also tend to be at the forefront of innovation, with many innovations first rolling out on upscale models and eventually trickling down to mainstream vehicles. And of course, they typically feature high-quality materials and amenities. If you’re weighing your options, this list of the best luxury cars is a good place to start.

Traditionally, luxury cars were associated with European brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Porsche. But in recent years, newcomers to the luxury field have emerged. For example, Hyundai’s Genesis brand became a stand-alone luxury division in 2016, competing with longtime premium names like Toyota’s Lexus and Honda’s Acura. While Genesis doesn’t have the name recognition of these established competitors, it does offer a full range of luxury features at a reasonable price.

These new luxury vehicles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with powertrains ranging from fire-breathing V8s to electric propulsion. Some are even available in plug-in hybrid versions, combining luxury with eco-friendliness and fuel efficiency. But no matter their differences, all luxury cars have one thing in common: a premium driving experience.

Luxury cars are often praised for their performance, offering much quicker acceleration than their mass-produced counterparts. They’re also known for their interior comfort, with most boasting advanced technologies and spacious cabins. Those with an eye for detail will notice that even the entry-level luxury models are decked out with leather seats, heated steering wheels, and ambient lighting.

When you see a Mercedes S-Class or a Rolls Royce Wraith pulling up to your local country club, you can’t help but turn your head. And there’s nothing quite like the feeling of being chauffeured in a luxury sedan or SUV.

A luxury vehicle can be a big investment, so it’s important to weigh your options and decide whether it’s right for you. This list of the best luxury cars will help you find the right fit for your lifestyle, budget, and needs.

While there isn’t a clear definition of what makes a car a luxury vehicle, most people consider vehicles from manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Infiniti, Lincoln, and Lexus to be luxury models. They usually have a starting price of more than $50,000, feature the latest or near-latest technological and safety features, and prioritize comfort over outright speed.

This includes the newest model from each manufacturer. For example, the 2023 BMW 2-series coupe combines the classic virtues of German engineering with cutting-edge features. For instance, it has a variable-ratio steering system and a rearview camera that automatically adjusts to lane markings. It’s also available with a manual transmission, which is becoming increasingly rare in modern vehicles. Plus, it has a sporty driving position and excellent visibility, especially in comparison to its luxury rivals.