The World's 10 Best Luxury Cars

It's hard to define what a luxury car is, but most will agree that it comes down to a combination of quality interior materials, refinement, on-board equipment, ride comfort and, of course, a huge price tag.

So which luxury cars are the best ones to buy? It can be a hard one to work out, but luckily we will hear from Auto Express today. They have tested and driven all the latest models and can give a helping hand. We've run through the top models on the market to put together the official top ten.


It's not just saloon cars on our list - SUVs and performance cars make an appearance too. However, those lookign for luxury cars are usually best-served by a long-wheelbase saloon car.


Our list gives you the 10 cars that meets this criteria by ranking. Now to the list

1. Mercedes S Class

SEE THE IMAGE AT THE TOP

Mercedes’ technology-crammed flagship is one of the most advanced motorcars you can buy and luxury comes as standard.

There are fewer relaxing experiences than driving the Mercedes S-Class. Vibrations through the pedals and steering wheel are non-existent, and even at motorway speeds you won’t hear any wind or tyre roar.

 2. Range Rover

The mighty Range Rover was designed as an off-roader but it’s evolved into a luxury SUV of rare quality.

Despite its SUV body, the Range Rover is just as comfortable as a long-distance cruiser as it is plugging through a muddy field. Despite it's imposing presence, the Range Rover is surprisingly nimble and hugely refined.

3. Bentley Mulsanne Speed

Bentley’s latest update to the Mulsanne range reiterates the brand’s belief that it makes the best sporting saloons in the world – and we’d have to agree. This Speed upgrade hasn’t transformed the car into a track warrior, far from it, instead it ups the ante when it comes to luxury and effortless performance.

4. Jaguar XJ

The Jaguar XJ is a worthy rival to the German luxury trio of the Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series and Audi A8 thanks to its dramatic styling, composed driving dynamics and high class cabin.
The old Jaguar XJ was considered one of the most conservative looking luxury cars, but the latest XJ has shaken off the gentleman's club image thanks to its classy looks and superb driving experience.

5. Rolls-Royce Ghost

Few car brands carry the luxury connotations of Rolls-Royce and the Ghost is the cheapest way to get the Spirit of Ecstasy on your driveway.

The Ghost provides the opulence, refinement and sense of calm that is so important in a Rolls-Royce. Yet it’s also the famous British manufacturer’s most dynamic car yet, thanks to that technically advanced chassis and massive performance.

6. Porsche Panamera

Is it a luxury car? The Porsche Panamera is certainly luxurious but it has the soul of the sports car.

Like the Porsche 911, Cayman, Boxster and Cayenne, the Porsche Panamera in its second iteration looks pretty much the same as the previous one. However, new for 2014 is a super-advanced and efficient plug-in hybrid that still offers Porsche performance but reduces running costs and company car tax.

7. Bentley Flying Spur

Bentley’s imperious Flying Spur saloon mixes the best of British craftsmanship with high-tech German engineering.

The Bentley Flying Spur is the brand's ‘small’ four-door limousine. It uses an extended version of the Continental GT’s platform, so it comes with four-wheel drive and Bentley’s 6.0-litre W12 and new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engines. Regardless which model you go for, performance is stunning – the larger-engined car is capable of 200mph.

As with all Bentleys, the Flying Spur is beautifully finished inside with the finest wood and leather trim, so occupants can be carried in absolute comfort at high speeds. The downsides? Well, prices start from over £130,000 and running costs are very high.

 8. Audi A8

Audi’s A8 maintains a lower profile than many luxury cars but the technology beneath the skin is more than a match for rivals.

The Audi A8 is handsome and well proportioned, but takes cues from smaller Audis, so it doesn’t turn heads like the Mercedes S-Class and Range Rover. However, A8 is beautifully built from top quality materials and features a logically laid-out dashboard – the touch pad that allows you to spell sat-nav instructions with your finger is a particularly neat touch.

9. BMW 7 Series

The BMW 7 Series has always struggled to match the many benchmarks set by the Mercedes S-Class, but it isn't for want of trying. With a stellar line-up of petrol and diesel engines, handling that owes more to the brilliant 5 Series than a proper limousine and a host of hi-tech gadgetry, the understated 7 Series is still a great choice.

It was given a facelift in the summer of 2012, with a series of design tweaks, more efficient engines and a whole host of new cutting-edge technology. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 Series was also introduced in 2012 as a rival for the Lexus LS600h. But with a starting price of almost £70,000, the petrol-electric model is only likely to make up a handful of UK sales.

 10. Lexus LS600h

The big hybrid Lexus LS 600h might not quite have the class of rivals but it’s utterly relaxing to drive.

Few premium brands can boast as much hi-tech hybrid heritage as Lexus. The brand launched its first petrol-electric model in 2005, and the flagship LS was the first limousine to get this innovative powerplant. A recent facelift has kept the vast four-door looking fresh, while range-topping Premier models come loaded with standard equipment.


Now there is the list. Did we miss a car? What car do you think should make number 11? Share it with us by commenting below.