The best luxury cars combine elegance and performance in an attractive package. While some luxury automakers use a high price tag as a selling point, most seek to offer value and premium features. At Carfax, data and value drive our rankings, so we give an edge to luxury cars that deliver the best performance, comfort, and features for your money.
Related: Best Luxury SUVs
How We Ranked These Luxury Cars
Best Small Luxury Sedan • 2023 Audi A5 Sportback
- Price: $44,100
- What We Like: Sleek fastback styling; large trunk; variety of engines; premium feel; good mpg; good crash-test scores
- What We Don’t: Not as much rear headroom as rivals; weak base engine
The Audi A5 Sportback is both visually appealing and highly versatile. Unlike other small luxury vehicles in the segment, the A5 Sportback has a hatchback liftgate for extra storage, though it could use more rear-seat headroom. It also earns good fuel economy and performs well in crash tests.
Its standard 201-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is underpowered. Look to the A5 45 trim or the high-performance S5 and RS 5 for better performance.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with a few ADAS features.
Best Midsize Luxury Sedan • 2023 Genesis G80
- Price: $50,000
- What We Like: Good price; strong engines; excellent crash-test scores; large cabin; available EV model
- What We Don’t: Cumbersome infotainment controls
The newest member of the midsize luxury segment earns the top spot by offering so much for less. It has a spacious, upscale cabin with premium materials and solid fit-and-finish. The cabin is complemented by a quiet, composed ride, making for one quiet, comfortable car.
The base turbocharged engine is no slouch, making 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. If you want more muscle, look to the turbocharged V6 engine. It makes 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. While the ride focuses on comfort, it has confident cornering abilities. Just don’t confuse it for a sports sedan.
The Genesis G80 comes standard with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12-speaker premium stereo. The infotainment system can be distracting at times, but there’s less of a learning curve once you have all your presets loaded in.
The G80 also has a generous 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a list of standard safety tech that seems to go on forever.
Best Full-Size Luxury Sedan • 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- Price: $114,500
- What We Like: Perennial class leader in luxury tech
- What We Don’t: More expensive than rivals
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has long been the large luxury sedan by which all others are judged. Still fresh from a complete redesign for the 2021 model year, the S-Class has a higher degree of luxury, technical prowess, and performance than ever.
It’s also extremely spacious inside, and the driver faces a sleek and modern dashboard dominated by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster positioned alongside an expansive 12.8-inch touchscreen. As you’d expect from Mercedes’ priciest sedan, the infotainment system comes standard with many features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless device charging, and voice controls activated by saying “Hey Mercedes.”
Available with a choice of a turbocharged and supercharged inline-six or an optional twin-turbo V8, the S-Class delivers imperious driving manners to match its opulent cabin. One thing notably absent, however, is an expansive trunk. The S-Class’ cargo capacity is a surprisingly small 13.8 cubic feet.
Cheapest Luxury Sedan • 2023 Acura Integra
- Price: $31,300
- What We Like: Low price; manual transmission; good mpg; agile handling
- What We Don’t: Rivals have more horsepower; not as luxurious inside as competitors
The Integra name is familiar to Acura fans who remember the original energetic generations sold from 1986 through 2001. The rekindled 2023 Integra is a solid bargain for anyone searching for an agile and fuel-conscious small luxury sedan.
Under the hood is a 200-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive, and a standard continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Enthusiasts will love that the A-Spec and Technology packages include an honest-to-goodness manual transmission. The Integra also has a roomy 24.3 cubic foot trunk.
Best Luxury Coupe • 2023 BMW 2 Series
- Price: $38,200
- What We Like: Good standard engine; low price; best performance bargain from BMW
- What We Don’t: Not much
The BMW 2 Series is offered in two body styles: a 2-door coupe and a 4-door sedan called the Gran Coupe. BMW redesigned the coupe for 2022 and eliminated the convertible option. The Gran Coupe is more affordable and spacious, but the coupe is more upscale and fun to drive. Coupe models seat four people with very little room in the second row.
BMW is known for making sporty cars, so it shouldn’t be surprising that the 230i Coupe has one of the highest horsepower ratings of any entry-level luxury car. Its standard turbo-4 engine produces 255 horsepower. The 453-horsepower M2 dials up the fun more, but it’s pricey.
The base 2 Series has a touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a healthy array of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS).
Best Luxury Convertible • 2023 Porsche Boxster
- Price: $65,500
- What We Like: Convertible version of the excellent and agile Cayman; doesn’t cost much more than the Cayman; better performance than the 911 convertible for far less money
- What We Don’t: Gets pricey with options
The 718 Boxster is a small convertible with sharp steering and agile handling. Buyers can choose between three powertrains paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive (RWD). A 7-speed automatic transmission is available. The top-of-the-line engines and options can double the price of the car, so buyers will need to exercise caution if they’re on a budget.
The seating is supportive and comfortable even on longer drives. Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, and an easy-to-use infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen are standard, but Android Auto is unavailable.
Best Luxury Wagon • 2023 Audi A4 Allroad
- Price: $45,900
- What We Like: Premium interior; good mpg; composed handling
- What We Don’t: Not much
It’s a big jump in price from the Mini Clubman to the Audi A4, but stepping into luxury wagon territory pays its dividends. The A4 Allroad received a new powertrain for the 2021 model year, a 261-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. It has a 12-volt mild-hybrid system that boosts power and slightly improves fuel economy.
Regardless of the terrain you’re driving on or the weather, the A4 Allroad is a smooth sailor. The wagon has sublime ride quality, soaking up bumps and rivets while staying serene. Equally as impressive as the wagon’s ride quality is its interior. While the A4 Allroad has an affordable price tag for a luxury wagon, the interior is elegant, handsomely crafted, and comfortable. With 58.5 cubic feet of max cargo space, the A4 Allroad has a spacious cargo area. While not as rugged as other wagons, the A4 Allroad delivers an appealing mix of comfort, capability, and technology.
Best Luxury Pickup Truck • 2023 Ford Super Duty Limited
- Base Price: $96,095
- What We Like: Class-leading payload; does everything well
- What We Don’t: Well, it’s very expensive
The Ford Super Duty lineup includes the F-250, F-350, and F-450. They all combine incredible capability with everyday comfort and luxury.
To get the most expensive Ford truck available (at least to consumers), select the Ford F-450 model and the Limited trim.
The luxurious Limited gives you heated and ventilated leather seats, adaptive cruise control, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and more chrome than you can shake a fender at. Dual rear wheels and Ford’s mighty 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine add to the excess and the capability.
Like Ford’s half-ton pickups, the Super Duty models boast class-leading payload capacities and a well-rounded design that’s tough to match.
Best Luxury Electric Car • 2023 Tesla Model S
- Price: $89,990
- What We Like: Performance and power; cool tech
- What We Don’t: Not as luxurious as rivals
While the Model S is a large and comfortable family sedan, it’s also one of the quickest production cars ever built. Moreover, it offers significantly more range than most other EVs.
The Model S comes standard with dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD), has more cargo space than many SUVs, and is packed with cutting-edge technology. However, like the Model 3, it doesn’t have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
The Model S justifies its $90K price with technology and performance that pushes the envelope for the automobile. Even Tesla’s build-quality issues appear to have been addressed.
Best Small Luxury SUV • 2023 Genesis GV70
- Price: $43,150
- What We Like: 300 hp is best-in-class; below-average price; great 10-year powertrain warranty; sleek design
- What We Don’t: Infotainment system could be more intuitive
Like all Genesis vehicles, the GV70 offers incredible value without skimping. Aside from not having the most intuitive infotainment system, it’s hard to find fault with this Genesis crossover. The GV70 is well-priced, it boasts head-turning good looks, and its standard turbo-4 engine delivers a best-in-class 300 horsepower.
The GV70 features a handsome interior, a giant touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and sufficient room for passengers and cargo. All-wheel drive (AWD) comes standard, and if the base engine isn’t enough, you can opt for a robust 375-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6.
Best Midsize Luxury SUV • 2023 Genesis GV80
- Price: $55,800
- What We Like: Competitive price; large cargo area; 300 hp standard; excellent safety scores
- What We Don’t: Finicky infotainment controls
Like all Genesis models, the GV80 boasts an attractive starting price, sporty performance, and a premium cabin packed with the latest tech features. However, its infotainment system isn’t as easy to use as its rivals. The GV80 got good crash-test scores and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
This Genesis luxury midsize SUV seats up to seven passengers in three rows, though, like many rivals, its third row is cramped for adults. The GV80 features a strong 300-horsepower turbo-4 base engine that returns excellent fuel economy. A 375-horsepower V6 is available.
Best 3-Row Luxury SUV • 2023 Volvo XC90
- Price: $56,000
- What We Like: 85.7 cu ft cargo area is largest in class; top crash-test scores; good mpg; plug-in hybrid option
- What We Don’t: Not much
The Volvo XC90 earns a slot among the greats in the luxury midsize SUV class by combining practical elements, such as a large interior and competitive price, with style inside and out. While the XC90 can require more time at the service shop than some competitors, its cutting-edge technology keeps it a step ahead.
In addition to a wide range of standard ADAS features, the XC90 has a lineup of turbocharged and electrified engines that help it get excellent fuel economy while delivering up to 400 horsepower.
Best Large Luxury SUV • 2023 BMW X7
- Base Price: $77,850
- What We Like: Most fuel-efficient large gasoline SUV; very luxurious
- What We Don’t: Lowest towing capacity of any luxury full-size SUV
For drivers who want a large SUV with sporty handling that can seat the entire family, the BMW X7 is worth a look. Underneath the X7’s aggressive styling, which BMW updated this year, this SUV features a lavish cabin with high-tech features. In addition to having athletic performance, the X7 features a smooth ride and an incredibly quiet interior, making it a great family cruiser.
Three powerful engines are available: the 375-horsepower turbocharged 6-cylinder in the xDrive40i, the 523-horsepower twin-turbo V8 in the M60i, and the 631-horsepower twin-turbo V8 in the Alpine XB7, although that model is an eye-watering $145,000.
Remember that the X7 trails key rivals when it comes to third-row legroom, cargo capacity, and towing capacity, which is so-so at 7,500 pounds.
Best Electric Luxury SUV • 2023 Rivian R1S
- Price: $78,000
- What We Like: Acceleration, off-road capability, unique design, unique storage
- What We Don’t: It can be expensive
The 3-row Rivian R1S is the second model to be released by the startup EV automaker, following the R1T pickup truck. Both models have a similar design inside and out, right down to the unbelievable acceleration from the available Quad Motor trim. Off-road performance is impressive, with Rivian developing the R1S to compete with the Range Rover when the going gets rough.
The interior of the R1S is luxurious, befitting its lofty price point. Two giant screens serve as the infotainment and driver information centers, and the boxy shape and engine-less front trunk make for ample storage.
Best Hybrid Luxury SUV • 2023 Lexus UX
- Price: $36,490
- What We Like: Hybrid that gets 42 mpg
- What We Don’t: Small interior; weak acceleration
All Lexus UX SUVs have a 181-horsepower hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission. Buyers can choose between FWD and AWD.
The UX also impresses with its smooth ride, making it an excellent choice for a commuter vehicle. In addition, this SUV stands out with a deluxe cabin that’s both stylish and tasteful, with impressive fit and finish and high-quality materials.
This Lexus has some shortcomings, too, including a scant 17.1 cubic feet of space behind the backseat; many vehicles in this class have more cargo space. Also, though this SUV’s powertrain wins points for being frugal, acceleration is sluggish.
Cheapest Luxury SUV • 2023 Cadillac XT4
- Price: $36,295
- What We Like: Decent interior space; easy-to-use infotainment system
- What We Don’t: Not as luxurious as rivals
Even though the XT4 is Cadillac’s smallest SUV, its second row is spacious enough for adults, making it a good pick if you need a small SUV with a roomy interior.
All XT4s, from the base luxury to the upscale Premium Luxury, have a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine under the hood, generating 235 horsepower. A 9-speed automatic transmission shifts the gears, and buyers can choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) and AWD.
The XT4 is a leader in its class for cargo capacity, and it boasts an impressive infotainment system. The setup is easy to use, with sharp graphics and a touchscreen that’s quick to respond.
There are some weaknesses to consider, including this SUV’s engine. The 4-cylinder delivers mediocre acceleration, and it gets noisy when pushed. The XT4’s cabin doesn’t quite measure up to luxury vehicle standards, either.
The base Luxury trim is a good pick for value. It has dual-zone automatic climate control, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors.
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How We Ranked These Luxury Cars
At Carfax, data and value drive our vehicle rankings. We ranked these luxury cars based on the quality, performance, and space they offer for their prices. Our rankings are based on the latest 2023 models, but since many of these vehicles have remained unchanged from earlier years, our insights also apply to used models.
Luxury Car Rankings
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