New Mercedes E-Class

Lexus LM

BMW 7 Series

Audi A8

Audi S8

BMW M8

Audi A6

Porsche Panamera

best-luxury-cars-2024-–-tested-rated-and-the-ones-to-avoid

best-luxury-cars-2024

The choice of luxury cars available is as big as the budget you'll need to buy one – ranging from smooth-as-silk executive cruisers to some of the most capable SUVs on the road.

One key thing they all tend to have in common is superb comfort and refinement. On top of this, many offer beautifully finished interiors with high-tech entertainment systems and loads of space for rear-seat passengers. Luxury saloons and SUVs are often run as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-company-cars/n22605">company cars</a>, so CO2 emissions and fuel consumption are also key considerations.

Luxury cars are laden with all the latest high-tech gadgetry, and our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-we-test-cars/n17596">road testers</a>&nbsp;have assessed all this, as well as judging the handling, performance and refinement of each model. Here's our run-down of the 10 best luxury cars.

Slideshow story: please click the right-hand arrow above to continue, or simply scroll down if you’re reading on your mobile

Best luxury cars 2024

In many ways, modern Bentleys offer the best of both worlds, blending traditional British craftsmanship with modern mechanicals developed with the help of the company’s owner, Volkswagen.

The Bentayga SUV, for example, is closely related to Audi’s brilliantly engineered Q7 (another VW Group car). Yet the Bentayga still feels every inch a Bentley, thanks to its hand-finished interior and sonorous V8 engine.

Other Bentleys you can buy today include the Flying Spur&nbsp;saloon&nbsp;and the Continental GT coupé and convertible.

BENTLEY

BENTAYGA

Bentley is exceptionally good at producing beautifully built luxury cars that are also great to drive, and with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bentley/bentayga/4x4/review/n17228">Bentley Bentayga</a> – its first SUV – that continues. It has a great sense of occasion, brilliant refinement and impressive levels of comfort and performance.

You’d be hard-pushed to spot it, but the Bentayga uses the same underpinnings as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q7/4x4/review/n87">Audi Q7</a>, and under the bonnet you'll find that model’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine or the tech-laden V6 plug-in hybrid engine.&nbsp;

That’s where the similarities end, though. The Bentley has a hand-finished interior, and a large infotainment screen that comes loaded with useful features, including wireless&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193">Apple CarPlay</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194">Android Auto</a>, real-time navigation and an embedded SIM.

“The S’s freer-flowing sports exhaust does a fantastic job of transforming the character of the V8 engine.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/neil-winn/n1101">Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor</a>

10: Bentley Bentayga

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Beautiful hand-finished interior</li>
	<li>Effortless performance</li>
	<li>Impressive infotainment system</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Gearbox can be laggy around town</li>
	<li>High running costs</li>
	<li>Average boot space</li>
</ul>

Saloon

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

The A8’s blend of performance, comfort and serenity are wedded to a beautifully built, practical and well-equipped interior. In fact, by a whisker, it beats its chief rival the Mercedes S-Class, which shows just how good it is to drive and be driven in.

Like the BMW 7 Series, the&nbsp;S-Class and the&nbsp;Range Rover,&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a8/saloon/review/n17302">Audi A8</a> can be had in standard-wheelbase form (ideal if you’re a private buyer looking for the ultimate luxury saloon) or as a stretched, long-wheelbase L model, which provides even more leg room for those sitting in the back. We prefer the A8 L.

Whether you’re sitting in the back or front seats, you can’t fail to notice the sumptuous fit and finish of the A8’s interior. It may not be as flashy or tech-laden as some alternatives, but it certainly is the most well-heeled.

“Screen-based climate controls look swish but are tricky to use on the move.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/mark-pearson/n1035">Mark Pearson, Used Cars Editor</a>

9: Audi A8 L

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Extremely comfortable ride</li>
	<li>Spacious interior and boot</li>
	<li>Class-leading interior quality</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Expensive to run in terms of depreciation</li>
	<li>Plug-in hybrid has a shorter electric range than the S-Class</li>
	<li>Dim-witted automatic gearbox</li>
</ul>

Land Rover is synonymous with SUVs, and especially with the Defender – the rugged runabout that has seen service in war zones across the world, but also as part of the Queen’s personal garage.

If off-road prowess is one of Land Rover’s core values, though, the other is luxury. Indeed, the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar are among the best luxury SUVs you can buy.

The Discovery, meanwhile, is a practical rival for the Audi Q7 and BMW X5, while the stylish Evoque (which is available as a three-door convertible as well as a traditional SUV) goes head to head with Audi’s Q3 and BMW’s X1.

In the coming years, we’ll see a new road-biased ‘Road Rover’ as well as an all-new Defender.

LAND ROVER

RANGE ROVER

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover/4x4/review/n17353">Range Rover</a> needs no introduction, and this fifth-generation model takes all the elements from the previous model and enhances them.

As before, it has a road presence few cars can equal, but now it gets an upmarket interior with improved technology and a largely comfortable ride.&nbsp;It's become more versatile too, with&nbsp;two lengths available – standard and long-wheelbase (LWB), which allows you to have seven seats.&nbsp;

The diesel versions make most sense for private buyers. Although&nbsp;our top choice, the entry-level D300, is the slowest model in the line-up, it dispatches the 0-62mph dash in a respectable 6.9sec.&nbsp;

The only cause for concern is Land Rover's reliability record, which remains among the worst of any car brand.

“Climbing into the driver’s seat after a long day is like slipping into your favourite armchair. It’s supportive, covered in top-quality leather and heats up quickly.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/darren-moss/n1005">Darren Moss, Deputy Digital Editor</a>

8: Range Rover

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Fabulous driving position</li>
	<li>Fantastic off-road ability</li>
	<li>Useful seven-seat versatility</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Very expensive</li>
	<li>Reliability is a concern</li>
	<li>More physical controls for the infotainment would be preferable</li>
</ul>

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

S CLASS

Not only is the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/s-class/saloon/review/n17355">Mercedes S-Class</a> packed to the rafters with technology, but it’s also a comfortable and exceedingly well-appointed luxury saloon, and one of the best for rear seat passengers.&nbsp;

The standard air suspension makes it ride more gracefully than a BMW 7 Series, although it’s not quite as adept at wiping out the thuds from potholes as an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a8/saloon/review/n17302">Audi A8</a>.&nbsp;

The S-Class’s interior is certain to impress, too. All versions come with a giant portrait-orientated touchscreen infotainment system, heated front and rear seats, four-zone climate control, eight USB-C ports and a removable 7.0in tablet in the rear armrest.

The S580e plug-in hybrid&nbsp;is our favourite S-Class model because it has a substantial real-world electric range of up to 63 miles and it qualifies for low benefit-in-kind (<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/company-car-tax-guide/n9352">BIK</a>) tax.

“The S-Class makes use of driver profiles to store all your preferences. These are recalled via facial or fingerprint recognition when you get in.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/doug-revolta/n1031">Doug Revolta, Head of Video</a>

7: Mercedes S-Class

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Fantastic plug-in hybrid version</li>
	<li>Ride is mostly very comfortable</li>
	<li>Loads of space, especially in the rear of long-wheelbase models</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Overly reliant on fiddly touch-sensitive controls</li>
	<li>Entry-level diesel isn't as smooth as it should be</li>
	<li>Mercedes's reliability record isn't the best</li>
</ul>

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the M8&nbsp;grand tourer, which costs more than £120,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has ten in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and XM, plus the electric iX3 and iX.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

As soon as you step inside the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/ix/4x4/review/n23569">BMW iX</a>, there's no mistaking it for anything other than a luxury car. Swathes of upmarket materials have been used throughout the interior, including sustainably sourced wood and pleasingly robust-feeling plastics.&nbsp;

Being electric, it's also incredibly hushed on the move and offers strong performance, although the real-world range of the xDrive40 model is disappointing at 178 miles. The more powerful xDrive50 has a larger battery and real-world range of 284 miles, which is more in line with rivals, such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q8/4x4/review/n18397">Audi Q8 e-tron</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jaguar/i-pace/estate/review/n122">Jaguar I-Pace</a>.

Designed from the ground up to be a pure electric model, the iX is roomy enough to seat five adults in comfort, and it has lots of useful storage solutions. It doesn’t come as a seven-seater, though.

“The fabric seats that come as part of the £450 Interior Design Loft Pack are very comfortable on a long drive.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/dan-jones/n23433">Dan Jones, Reviewer</a>

6: BMW iX

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>One of the quietest cars we’ve ever tested</li>
	<li>Spacious and luxurious interior</li>
	<li>Great infotainment system</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Air suspension and rear-wheel steering available only on pricier xDrive50</li>
	<li>xDrive40 has a disappointing real-world range</li>
	<li>Teslas have a better charging infrastructure</li>
</ul>

When it comes to making a statement about how successful you are, there is no brand that shouts “I’ve made it!” more emphatically than Rolls-Royce.

If that’s all you want from your car, look no further. The firm has expanded its range in recent years, with the top-of-the-range Phantom saloon being joined by the Cullinan SUV, and other models including the Wraith and Ghost.

Whichever way you go, if you have to ask how much it costs, the chances are you can’t afford it. And, even then, the base price is unlikely to be what you end up spending, such is the list of alluring options on offer.

It’s also a moot point whether the cars themselves – rather than the image they portray – represents the very best way to spend your money. What Car?’s testers rate all of them positively but reckon that – if you’re buying with your head rather than your heart – there are other cars that you should also consider.

ROLLS-ROYCE

GHOST

The smallest of Rolls-Royce's luxury saloons is supremely comfortable, with monstrous performance, serene cruising manners and an exquisite interior.&nbsp;

It’s powered by a stonking great 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine, and has four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering as standard. It’s no snarling big cat to drive, though. Instead it wafts its occupants along almost silently, its standard air suspension ironing out virtually all bumps and potholes. Only when you press your foot to the floor is the silence broken by the gravelly sound of the engine.&nbsp;

Rivals&nbsp;such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bentley/flying-spur/saloon/review/n17297">Bentley Flying Spur</a>, the&nbsp;BMW 7 Series and the&nbsp;Mercedes S-Class&nbsp;offer similarly impressive performance, but none can match the Ghost's truly cosseting luxury.

“If you’re the sort of person who’s more likely to shop for a superyacht than at a supermarket, the Rolls-Royce Ghost is the car to have waiting for you at the quay.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/neil-winn/n1101">Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor</a>

5: Rolls-Royce Ghost

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Outstandingly comfortable ride</li>
	<li>Fabulous interior</li>
	<li>Crushing performance</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Astronomically expensive to buy</li>
	<li>Thirsty engine also makes it costly to run</li>
</ul>

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q7/4x4/review/n87">Audi Q7</a> has been one of our favourite luxury SUVs since the original version went on sale in 2006. Instead of resting on its laurels, the latest Q7 is a great all-rounder, offering a supremely comfortable ride and excellent agility for such an enormous SUV.

Air suspension comes as standard on all versions of the Q7, so ride quality is good across the board, but if you want to waft along with the most relaxing ride opt for a Sport or S Line version.&nbsp;

The Q7’s interior is one of the roomiest and plushest of any luxury SUV and there is plenty of space for adults to stretch out. It has slightly more leg room than a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x5/4x4/review/n38">BMW X5</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/discovery/4x4/review/n17342">Land Rover Discovery</a>&nbsp;and virtually matches that of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc90/4x4/review/n99">Volvo XC90</a>. All Q7s also come with seven seats as standard.

“Even with the leather-wrapped dashboard, flat-bottomed steering wheel and Alcantara roof lining that comes with range-topping Vorsprung spec, the Q7 still looks a bit conservative inside.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/will-nightingale/n1020">Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor</a>

4: Audi Q7

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Smooth and powerful engines</li>
	<li>Pillowy ride in Sport and S line trims</li>
	<li>Superb interior quality</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Touchscreen infotainment system</li>
	<li>Third-row space is better in the BMW X7</li>
	<li>Entry-level Sport trim misses some important kit</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">Electric cars</a>&nbsp;can make excellent&nbsp;luxury cars, and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/i7/saloon/review/n25141">BMW i7</a> is one example of&nbsp;the pairing working very well. It has a lavish, tech-filled interior, very hushed driving manners and an impressive official range of up to 387 miles (depending on the spec).

For those who are being driven, it offers an enormous 31in 8K touchscreen, which lowers from the headlining at the touch of a button, and two supremely comfortable rear lounge seats that have a massage function.

If you prefer to drive, the i7 is a good proposition, too.&nbsp;It can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 4.7 seconds, which is faster than most versions of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/eqs/saloon/review/n24120">Mercedes EQS</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;although not as insanely quick as any&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-s/hatchback/review/n150">Tesla Model S</a>. Its real-world range of around 300 miles is a little lower than those rivals, though.

“The i7 is the kind of limo that lends itself to being chauffeur driven, and that ’s why much of its enormous, 5.4-metre-long body has gone into providing VIPs in the back with acres of real estate.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/will-nightingale/n1020">Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor</a>

3: BMW i7

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Stunning interior</li>
	<li>Impressive optional 8K cinema screen</li>
	<li>Extremely comfy for all occupants</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Battery range isn’t spectacular</li>
	<li>Desirable options are very expensive</li>
	<li>Looks won’t appeal to everyone</li>
</ul>

RANGE ROVER SPORT

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover-sport/4x4/review/n74">Range Rover Sport</a> shows that the best luxury car isn't necessarily the most expensive. It offers a lot of what we like about the full-size&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover-sport/4x4/review/n74">Range Rover</a>, but at a much more affordable price. That means you get a commanding view of the road, a luxurious interior, a cosseting ride and impressive off-road ability.&nbsp;

It also handles better than its larger sibling, although it’s not quite as sporty as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x5/4x4/review/n38">BMW X5</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/cayenne/estate/review/n17375">Porsche Cayenne</a>.&nbsp;

Our favourite model, the D300, is the more affordable of the two diesel options on offer, but it has plenty of power. Its 3.0-litre six-cylinder V6 engine will haul it up to 62mph in 6.6esc.

And we'd go for Dynamic SE trim, which adds some attractive styling touches to the comprehensive entry-level SE version, which comes with keyless entry, two-zone climate control, a plush leather interior and adaptive cruise control.

“A standout feature of the Sport is the way it lets you look HGV drivers in the eye and see over the top of pretty much any other type of vehicle on the road.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/steve-huntingford/n1018">Steve Huntingford, Editor</a>

2: Range Rover Sport

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Offers lots of Range Rover qualities for a lower price</li>
	<li>Incredible ability off-road</li>
	<li>Fantastic range on the PHEV model</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Cheaper than a Range Rover, but still very expensive</li>
	<li>Rivals are sharper to drive</li>
	<li>Land Rover’s reliability record is a concern</li>
</ul>

You might not be expecting to see the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x7/4x4/review/n19102">BMW X7</a> at the top of this chart, but it has more to offer than the lavish accoutrements expected of a prestigious saloon. As well as a plush interior with limo-like space and every new electronic gadget you can think of, the X7 has a commanding driving position and enough room to seat seven people in comfort; these are two things alternatives, such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/7-series/saloon/review/n127">BMW 7 Series</a>&nbsp;or i7, can’t provide.&nbsp;

Decked out in soft-touch materials and fitted with a massive digital dash and infotainment system, the X7 really has a wow factor. If you go for the optional Ultimate Pack, you’ll also get massaging front seats and four heated seats.&nbsp;

The xDrive40d's diesel engine remains hushed in most situations, and the Ultimate Pack adds upgraded air suspension and active roll bars, which give the X7 a glassier ride than a Range Rover. It also comes with a four-wheel steering system that makes the BMW easier to manoeuvre around town.&nbsp;

All these attributes combine to provide the perfect blend of luxury and versatility, making the X7 our reigning Luxury Car of the Year.&nbsp;

“The Ultimate Pack brings all the necessary kit to make the car a home away from home when I’m behind the wheel.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/dan-jones/n23433">Dan Jones, Reviewer</a>

1: BMW X7

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Supremely quiet and comfortable</li>
	<li>Incredibly spacious and practical</li>
	<li>Great infotainment system</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>There are cheaper alternatives</li>
	<li>Looks won’t be to all tastes</li>
	<li>No plug-in hybrid or electric option</li>
</ul>

Do you look at the models of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz and find them all a bit too… common? Well then, Maserati might be up your street.

This Italian car maker has one SUV in its line-up – the Porsche Cayenne-rivalling Levante – but also the Ghibli and Quattroporte saloons, GranTurismo coupé and GranCabrio drop-top.

Despite its long history, Maserati has been through several periods of inactivity but is now in better health thanks to being part of the large Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group.

In the future, we’re expecting to see Maserati grow its SUV range with new models to sit above and below the Levante, as well as a new range-topping sports car.

MASERATI

GHIBLI

We can understand why you might be drawn to the exotic styling and enticing purr of the V8 and V6-engined <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/maserati/ghibli/saloon/review/n17214">Maserati&nbsp;Ghibli</a> models, but rivals are a lot better to drive and the plug-in hybrid versions are pricier than rivals for company car tax and running costs.

And the luxury cars to avoid: Maserati Ghibli

QUATTROPORTE

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/maserati/quattroporte/saloon/review/n25833">Maserati Quattroporte</a> looks and sounds great, but it doesn't deliver as a luxury limo. Rivals are more comfortable and refined, and many offer sportier performance and handling.

Maserati Quattroporte

Best luxury cars 2024 – tested, rated and the ones to avoid

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plush ride and the ability to cruise in near-silence </li> <li>Powerful and efficient engine</li> <li>Space for passengers to stretch out in the rear seats</li> <li>Exquisite materials and build quality</li> <li>Endless luxuries on the options list</li> <li>Sensible fuel and tax bills</li></ul>

If you’re in the market for a luxury car, you’ll be after a sumptuous interior, a ride that can soak up the worst of the UK’s pockmarked roads and supreme refinement that allows you to travel at speed in near-silence.

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A luxury car should have sumptuous materials, ride comfort worthy of a magic carpet, and a super-smooth engine. Here's our run-down of the top 10, and the one we'd avoid

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