Luxury cars have evolved far beyond the traditional saloon, expanding into a diverse landscape of SUVs, electric vehicles, and high-performance grand tourers. While the classic limousine remains a symbol of status, today’s market offers a wealth of options that prioritize exceptional comfort, cutting-edge technology, and peerless refinement. Whether you prioritize being chauffeured in serene silence or desire a dynamic driving experience behind the wheel, the best luxury cars deliver an unparalleled blend of prestige and substance.
To help you navigate this exclusive segment, we have rigorously tested and ranked the top contenders available today. Our selection process focuses on key metrics that matter most: interior material quality, ride refinement, performance, and the ability to isolate occupants from the outside world. Topping our list is the BMW i7, a flagship electric saloon that sets a new benchmark for all-round luxury, seamlessly combining a lavish interior with impressive driving dynamics.
Read on for our comprehensive guide to the 10 best luxury cars you can buy in 2026.
1. BMW i7
Best for: All-Round Luxury
The BMW 7 Series has always been about five-star cosseting, and the all-electric i7 variant represents the pinnacle of this philosophy. It’s a vast machine with a commanding presence, though its slab-sided styling and colossal front grille may polarize opinions. However, once inside, the i7 leaves no room for debate.
The interior is a masterpiece of modern luxury, offering acres of space, the latest in digital technology, and materials of the highest quality. The driving experience matches its opulent cabin, with up to 538bhp delivered through a supple, controlled ride that rivals the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. While the official range is up to 385 miles, real-world testing suggests closer to 300 miles, but this is a minor compromise for what is otherwise the most complete luxury saloon on the market.
- Design: 8
- Interior: 10
- Performance: 9
- Ride & Handling: 9
- Costs: 7
Pros: Cutting-edge interior technology; potent, slick, and quiet electric powertrain; luxurious ride and handling compromise.
Cons: Real-world range disappoints; subjective exterior styling.
2. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Best for: Being Chauffeured
While BMW may have taken the top spot with its latest 7 Series, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class remains a formidable alternative, especially following its 2026 facelift. The new model boasts updated engines and technology, but the current generation still holds a high-ranking position thanks to its world-class cabin ambience.
The interior is one of the most materially comfortable spaces on the market, with digital screens integrated practically rather than intrusively. A versatile range of powertrains is available, from the 317bhp entry-level S350d diesel to the formidable 620bhp AMG S63 E Performance hybrid. For those seeking electric luxury, the EQS offers a similarly upmarket experience within the Mercedes-Benz lineup.
- Design: 9
- Interior: 9
- Performance: 8
- Ride & Handling: 9
- Costs: 8
Pros: Versatile hybrid powertrain; world-class cabin ambience.
Cons: Not as quiet or smooth on the move as hoped; some driver assistance systems can be frustrating.
3. Land Rover Range Rover
Best for: Off-Road Ability
The fifth-generation Range Rover has evolved significantly from its agricultural roots. It combines lighter construction with finely-honed air suspension, 48V active anti-roll bars, and available four-wheel steering to deliver precision and agility that belies its size. A diverse engine lineup, including petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), ensures there’s a Range Rover for every need, with a full-electric version on the horizon.
The P460e and P550e PHEVs offer up to 70 miles of electric-only range, making them highly tax-efficient. Inside, the cabin effortlessly blends traditional club-class quality with the latest technology. While the entry price is now just shy of £100,000, the Range Rover’s exceptional capabilities and prestige easily justify the investment.
- Design: 8
- Interior: 9
- Performance: 8
- Ride & Handling: 10
- Costs: 5
Pros: Vast interior space; clever PHEVs with excellent electric range; outstanding performance.
Cons: Less refined on larger wheels; expensive; heavy.
4. Porsche Cayenne
Best for: Driving Dynamics
The Porsche Cayenne consistently ranks near the top of the luxury car class thanks to its exceptional blend of sports car-like dynamics, high-quality finish, and ergonomic excellence. While some competitors offer a slightly more settled ride, few can match the Cayenne’s effective V8 engines and overall dynamic edge.
The cabin is of breathtaking quality, and the ride refinement gives away almost nothing to the most comfortable cars in the segment. A broad range of engines ensures strong performance, and for those seeking even more style, the rakish Cayenne Coupé and the wild GT version—which infuses the SUV with genuine 911 GT3 driver appeal—are available.
- Design: 8
- Interior: 8
- Performance: 9
- Ride & Handling: 9
- Costs: 8
Pros: Tidy, expensive-feeling, digitally updated cabin; class benchmark for driving satisfaction; spacious cockpit.
Cons: Lacks ride isolation compared with some rivals; PHEV electric-only range is good but not class-best.
5. BMW iX
Best for: Electric Motoring
Initially judged harshly for its radical looks at launch in 2021, the BMW iX has been refined with a sharpened aesthetic. The lineup includes the xDrive45 with 402bhp and up to 374 miles of range, the xDrive60 with 536bhp and up to 426 miles, and the potent M70 with 659bhp for those seeking extreme performance.
Regardless of the powertrain, the iX offers a relaxing, understated luxury ambience. It boasts world-class rolling refinement, instant and effortless performance, and credible real-world range that sets a benchmark for electric SUVs.
- Design: 7
- Interior: 9
- Performance: 9
- Ride & Handling: 8
- Costs: 8
Pros: Exceptional refinement and rolling comfort; SUV-typical space and versatility; inviting luxury interior.
Cons: Divisive exterior styling; manual regeneration control could be improved.
6. Bentley Bentayga
Best for: Refinement and Quality
The Bentley Bentayga masterfully delivers an abundance of performance, refinement, and grandeur without sacrificing ride comfort or interior quality. It is available with a 3.0-litre V6 PHEV or a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 542bhp. For the ultimate performance, the Bentayga Speed offers 626bhp from the same V8.
The quality of the fixtures and fittings is a cut above, and while the dashboard retains an analogue style from its 2015 origins, it feels refreshingly timeless. It remains a brilliant choice, provided you can accept its six-figure price and modest fuel economy.
- Design: 8
- Interior: 9
- Performance: 9
- Ride & Handling: 9
- Costs: 7
Pros: Incongruous turn of pace and engaging dynamics; fantastic attention to detail; easier to maneuver than its size suggests.
Cons: Extremely large and heavy, impacting parkability and fuel economy.
7. Bentley Flying Spur
Best for: PHEV Performance
Four-door luxury GTs struggle to match the Bentley Flying Spur in terms of material quality, interior fit and finish, and overall appeal. Every surface is covered in lavish materials, and generous space is offered both front and rear. A pair of electrified twin-turbo V8 engines are available, including a High Performance Hybrid with 671bhp and an Ultra Performance Hybrid with 771bhp.
Electric-only range is impressive at up to 47 miles, nearly double that of the previous V6 hybrid. The Speed model, with 738lb ft of torque, is the missile of the lineup, offering breathtaking performance.
- Design: 8
- Interior: 9
- Performance: 8
- Ride & Handling: 9
- Costs: 7
Pros: Monumental PHEV powertrain; beautifully presented, sumptuously comfortable cabin; keeps touchscreen tech at arm’s length.
Cons: Boot space reduced by PHEV tech; minor drivability issues with the hybrid system.
8. Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Best for: Performance
For those who desire the Range Rover experience in a slightly more manageable package, the Range Rover Sport is the answer. It shares much with its full-sized sibling, including outstanding mechanical refinement and luxury appeal. However, the Sport distinguishes itself with its capacity to control its considerable mass, delivering a more precise and communicative driving experience.
While it excels as a driver’s car, the perceived quality of its interior materials doesn’t quite match that of the larger Range Rover, keeping it from ranking higher in pure luxury terms.
- Design: 8
- Interior: 9
- Performance: 8
- Ride & Handling: 9
- Costs: 7
Pros: Outstanding mechanical refinement; broad range of dynamic ability; improved interior.
Cons: Exterior design may polarize; more expensive than rivals; hot SV version is particularly pricey.
9. BMW X7
Best for: Practicality
The BMW X7 is best described as a jacked-up 7 Series ready for limited off-road work, rather than just an enlarged X5. It is a seven-seat SUV with an extended roofline, handling its size with surprising precision and athleticism. The ride is comfortable without being uncontrolled.
A strong powertrain lineup includes mild-hybrid straight-six petrol and diesel engines. For those seeking ultimate performance, the M60i features a 523bhp twin-turbo V8, enabling a 0-62mph sprint in just 4.7 seconds.
- Design: 8
- Interior: 8
- Performance: 8
- Ride & Handling: 8
- Costs: 7
Pros: Finely judged blend of ride quality and handling; awesome performance; good visibility and endless space.
Cons: Not as serene as the Range Rover; not as polished as the Porsche Cayenne.
10. Audi A8
Best for: Classiness
The Audi A8 is one of the older cars on this list, but a 2022 facelift added a significant dose of technology. While it lacks the sense of occasion found in newer rivals, its interior quality remains exceptional, feeling built to last. The sporty, V8-powered S8 features Predictive Active Suspension for an uncannily smooth ride over bumps.
Noise and vibration isolation don’t match the class leaders, but the A8 offers a choice of turbocharged engines with four-wheel drive as standard, making it a solid, classy choice for those who prioritize discreet luxury.
- Design: 8
- Interior: 7
- Performance: 8
- Ride & Handling: 7
- Costs: 7
Pros: Very comfortable ride; lots of legroom; great interior quality.
Cons: Aging model; PHEV version has disappointing electric-only range.
How to Choose the Best Luxury Car
Selecting a luxury car is a personal decision that balances status with technical substance. To find the right one for your garage, consider these factors:
Driving or Being Driven?
The chassis tuning and interior layout differ wildly based on the primary occupant.
- Owner-Driver: If you’ll be behind the wheel, prioritize cars with a good driving position and agility that masks their large footprint.
- Chauffeur-Driven: If you’ll be in the back, look for long-wheelbase (LWB) versions that offer a lounge-like feel and maximum legroom.
Powertrain
The powertrain defines the refinement, economy, and character of the car.
- Petrol or Diesel: Ideal for those who prefer the effortless character of a traditional large-capacity engine like a V8.
- Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): Perfect for city dwellers, offering over 50 miles of electric range for urban emissions-free driving while retaining combustion-engine capability for long trips.
- Electric: EVs like the BMW i7 blend near-total silence with instant, vibration-free torque.
Technology or Simplicity?
- Digital: Brands like Mercedes-Benz offer enormous screens and AI-driven voice assistants for a cutting-edge experience.
- Analogue: Brands like Bentley prioritize physical buttons for a focus on tactile craftsmanship.
Ownership
- Commissioning: Brands with bespoke divisions (like Bentley’s Mulliner) allow you to hand-pick everything from hide stitching to dashboard trim.
- Residual Values: Luxury cars can suffer from heavy depreciation. Models like the Range Rover historically retain their value well.
How We Tested and Selected
When reviewing the best luxury cars, our priorities shift to refinement, material richness, and the ability to isolate occupants from the outside world.
- Refinement and Noise Isolation: We use decibel meters to measure cabin noise at a steady 70mph cruise and evaluate NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) over broken surfaces.
- Ride Quality and Body Control: We test air suspension systems to ensure they are controlled without feeling floaty, assessing both high-frequency jitters and large undulations.
- Material Quality: We inspect cabins for high-quality materials, panel gaps, and the tactility of switchgear.
- Rear Passenger Space: We measure legroom, test entry and exit ease, and evaluate the intuitiveness of rear entertainment systems.
- Performance: We assess how smoothly a car gathers pace, whether it’s the silent surge of a twin-turbo V8 or the seamless calibration of a PHEV system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a luxury car?
A luxury car is a high-end model designed to provide superior comfort, advanced technology, premium materials, and exceptional performance over other segments. These cars feature cutting-edge safety systems, plush interiors, powerful engines, and a smooth, quiet ride.
What car brands make luxury cars?
Several brands produce luxury cars, including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Lexus, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Porsche.
How big are luxury cars?
Luxury cars generally come as saloons or SUVs, as these body styles are the most practical for accommodating high-level technology and providing ample space for passengers to enjoy the ride.
Join the conversation and share your thoughts on these luxury models. For more in-depth reviews and the latest news from the automotive world, explore our other expert guides and articles.