There are people who drive a car for the sake of moving from one place to the other in a safe, reliable, budget – efficient way, with no fuss and no worries, and there are people who are practically in love with their vehicles, searching for the next best thing in the market, the newest version, the best brand, the most upgraded, tuned, hi-tech, originally designed and powerful model out there. While the pop – culture teaches us that all men have a declared passion for cars, some men and women are versed enough to look for and invest in luxury car brands. And we get it, we really do: the thrill, the never – fading enthusiasm of igniting hundreds of horse powers and feel like a king in a castle, all these are addictive, all these are worth spending money on.
We have talked in the past about eccentric people making statements of wealth and spending money on a lot of luxurious products, but this time is all about the cars, their engines, their interiors, the tech which makes them feel and look like space ships. For all of you out there, men and women alike, who are completely swept away by luxury cars, today we will present you with a luxury cars brand list to keep your inner fire burning and your fingers passionately wanting to caress the stirring wheel. We have a top of 20 best luxury car brands in the world for you and even if we know you surely test – drove all of them or most of them, let’s buckle up and enjoy the ride!
But first things first: in order to have an overall view over the luxury car market in the United States this year, let’s take a good look at this chart as a point of reference for our discussion:
And now, let’s hit the gas and start with number 20!
Top 20 Best Luxury Car Brands
20. Buick
Often regarded as the oldest American Car producer, Buick has a long history of making luxury cars for all those who see luxury in terms of space, comfort and reliability. Some detractors might say Buick is making cars for old people, but with the new models and crossovers, the American manufacturer proved that it deserves to be placed among the most successful American luxury car brands in the world. If you take a look at Buick Encore you will see it is still a luxury car but meant for the young sporty drivers with a soft spot for cool things and good drives. The Encore luxury small crossover is around $24,000, becoming both affordable, flexible and enjoyable to ride.
19. Infiniti
Infiniti is Japanese car maker’s Nissan luxury line, although it produces its own cars instead of revamping Nissan models. The Infiniti luxury car brand’s most appraised models were the G ones which ranked on number 9 in the best selling list of luxury cars in America in 2013. According to the statistics a year back,
The G Sedan is priced from $33,455 while the coupe model, now known as the Q60, is priced from $41,305. The convertible is the most expensive of the models, starting at $48,805.
Now we have the Infiniti QX80, a SUV combining both power and elegance. Infiniti cars have a little bit for everybody, from sedans, to SUVs and crossovers and the price range isn’t too bad either.
18. Audi
There is nothing like a German car to speak to you about power, comfort and luxury and, among the BIG 3 German cars, Audi is definitely the most popular one, at least in the United States. A recent Consumers’ Report for 2014 listed Audi A6 as the top choice in luxury cars and there is little argument against that choice:
Simply put, the A6 is a joy to drive. Its potent, supercharged V6 engine and super-smooth eight-speed automatic transmission deliver invigorating power. Its agile handling is complemented by a comfortable ride. Inside you’re treated to a sumptuous, impeccably finished, first-class cabin that’s brimming with the latest high-tech features.
What can one want more? Audi will always be one of the best luxury car brand out there and even if an A6 costs around $56,000, the passionate will tell you it is worth every single cent.
The Audi is a popular luxury car brand among celebrities too, and if you take a good look at the picture below, you will see Zack Efron is pretty happy in his Audi S5!
17. BMW
You can’t make a list of luxury car brands and not add BMW to it. One of the BIG 3 German car manufacturers with an incontestable reputation and world-wide success, BMW seems to make only luxury cars, although not all of them are marketed as such. A ride in a BMW is a life changing experience and something any driver should experience at least once in a lifetime, as the vehicles are the top – notch in terms of comfort and technology.
It doesn’t matter if you try the BMW Alpina B7 Sedan, the BMW 328i or the breathtaking BMW ActiveHybrid 7 Sedan, you won’t be disappointed. Even if the BMW 7 Series Sedan starts at a six figure price at most retailers, the BMW is still one of the best – selling luxury car brands in the world, not only the United States.
16. Mercedes – Benz
There is a fierce competition between BMW and Mercedes – Benz, but there are a lot of people buying the MB, for its incredible tech specs, the comfort it gives and the feeling of prestige one suddenly gains behind the wheel. If there is one word to describe the luxury cars produced by MB, that word would be “sophisticate”. The American public is still in love with this car, which ranked first place in the top selling luxury cars in America back in 2012 and which is still going strong in 2014, with a 17.1% of the market share of the luxury auto market in America.
In April 2014, Mercedes-Benz E-Class ranked third place in the overall sales of the luxury car brands available. The S-Class Sedan, the flagship of the entire luxury car making industry starts around $50,000 and can be considered a bit too pricey for the standard American family, but for the ones hooked to comfort, beauty and style, this car is everything you wished for, and then some! Let’s hear it from the enthusiasts!
Receiving a new redesign for the 2014 model year, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is priced from $52,325 for the base model E250 BlueTEC which features 195 hp from its diesel engine. Getting an impressive 28 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway, the 2014 E-Class can also be had with a selection of gasoline engines. Those thirsting for a sedan with loads of performance and luxury can opt for the E63 AMG which features 577 hp with a $100,695 price tag.
15. Acura
Among all Japanese luxury car brands, Acura has perhaps the most interesting history. It represents luxury motor division of Honda Motors and it witnessed a huge drop in sales back in 1990. Since then, however, Acura luxury cars gained their rightful position among the best luxury car brands in the world, ranking the 5th place in the top of the best – selling luxury car brands in the United States in 2014. We are talking about Japanese technology here, so you understand the luxury vehicles wearing the Acura logo are pioneers in innovation, hi – tech, originality and reliability.
There are three notable Acura models you probably know and drive, namely the Acura MDX (easy to find in the top rankings of best selling cars in the U.S.), the Acura RDX (which ranked 10th place in the top best selling cars in America in 2013) and Acura TL, a masterpiece in both luxury and affordability. What is important to mention is that Acura vehicles are on the low end of luxury car brands when it comes to pricing, making them some of the most desirable cars all over the world.
14. Volvo
Is Volvo a luxury car brand? Now that is a good question, as the company was in trouble back in 2012, while this year it made it to the rankings of the top best selling luxury car brands with an almost unnoticeable 3.1 % of the total market share in the United States. Is Volvo worthy to be mentioned in our best luxury car brands list? We are inclined to say it is and only by looking at the 2014 Volvo S80, whose motto is
Make a statement without saying a word
we feel compelled to give this beauty a ride. The S80 series comes with everything one can think of, from smart driving and parking options to entertainment options for the people in the back of the car. Perhaps Volvo won’t completely revolutionize the world of luxury car brands, nor conquer it, but it deserves a place among our powerful four – wheeled beauties because their cars do indeed make a statement and are a daring approach to the future of the automotive industry.
13. Cadillac
You say Cadillac and you say American luxury car brands’ ruler of them all. Initially meant for respectable – aged tycoons with plenty of money and class, Cadillac now follows its fellow American luxury car manufacturer Buick and delivers a series of luxury vehicles targeted to the younger population. According to a fan, Cadillac STS
is designed to suit the luxury needs of people of all ages. It’s one among the best luxury cars which was appreciated by every critics around the world. Smooth ride while you drive on this car will be a pleasing experience than all other rides you took up in your life. With no doubt, this comfort level will tempt you to take it to your garage.
But it’s more to Cadillac than the STS. We also have the ATS and the Escalade among some of the best luxury vehicles in the world, proving once again that this old timer still has some aces down its sleeve.
12. Chrysler
Here we have another American company with the reputation of making awesome cars and delivering some of the best luxury models at very affordable prices. Let’s talk about the Chrysler 300, unfortunately not on a list of best – sellers, but a car that needs not to be overlooked by the luxury and power – seeking drivers. Let’s hear it from some MSN enthusiasts who, not so long ago, listed a top 20 best luxury car brands under $40,000:
Put simply, the 300 is an American Bentley. It has the gait, the heft and the presence of that British luxury icon. It even looks like a Flying Spur from the rear, if you squint a bit. The 300 C has impressive poise, too, with solid performance from its 3.6-liter 292-horsepower Pentastar V6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. Interior fit and finish is outstanding. We could not resist the safety technology and lighting options, which add full xenon headlights, adaptive cruise control and blind-spot, cross-traffic and forward-collision warning monitors.
11. Lexus
There is no luxury brand cars list to not mention Lexus among the top 3 to 5 best selling luxury vehicles in the United States, or the rest of the world for that matter. Let’s see the market share on this car for the last 3 years:
2012
- 2012 sales: 213,555
- Share of luxury market: 15.0%
- Top-selling model: RX
2013
- 2013 sales: 54,255
- Share of luxury market: 15.8%
- Top – selling model: RX
April 2014
- 2014 sales: 29,362
- Share of luxury market: 15.3%
- Top selling model: RX
Lexus is one great luxury car brand and its history proves that it still has a lot of faithful followers. If you listen carefully to the driving passionate,
This luxury car division of Toyota motors is popular among the people for its reputation to produce the expensive vehicles for all rich tycoons around the world. It produces a wide variety of luxury cars that only very few luxury car brands in this list can offer such varieties. Given below are few of the luxury cars which I want to own in my garage for some time. Drive one of these cars. Automatically you will know why I have added this brand into the best luxury car brands list.
10. Bentley
Now this one is a classic and we guess few luxury car addicts and versed buyers don’t know everything there is to know about this high – end car manufacturer which builds some of the fastest and best luxury cars in the world. The Bentley Flying Spur, the Continental GT Speed and the Bentley Mulsanne are models that won the hearts of high – end car lovers, as they bring together excellent performance under the hood, the latest technologies available and interiors that go beyond your imagination.
While on the overall market share of luxury vehicles Bentley scored so far this year only a small 4.5 %, the Bentley luxury cars are dedicated to the connoisseurs.The picture of the Mulsanne interior might give you an idea on what we are talking about.
9. Tesla
Tesla Motors is synonym with state – of – the – art futuristic innovation. All Tesla vehicles represent a “technological tour de force” as some beautifully put it, and in case you don’t know much about the line of luxury cars it produces, we will only say that the Tesla electric cars are not just a glimpse into the future, as it was envisioned by Elon Musk, but true masterpieces of comfort, power, sophistication, elegance and style. The Consumer Reports’ Top Picks 2014 placed Tesla cars in the ranks for “Best Overall”, with an emphasis on Tesla Model S. Let’s hear it from the ones lucky enough to have tested it:
Sure, you can talk about this electric luxury car’s blistering acceleration, razor-sharp handling, compliant ride, and versatile cabin, which can fit a small third-row seat. But that just scratches the surface of this technological tour de force. The Tesla is brimming with innovation. Its massive, easy-to-use 17-inch touch screen controls most functions. And with its totally keyless operation, full Internet access, and ultra-quiet, zero-emission driving experience, the Tesla is a glimpse into a future where cars and computers coexist in seamless harmony. Its 225-mile driving range and 5-hour charges, using Tesla’s special connector, also make it the easiest, most practical, albeit pricey, electric car to live with.
Expensive? Indeed. The Model S is just a bit under $90,000, but then again, it is more than a luxury car, it’s an experience. It seems that famous actor Matt Damon has a soft spot for sports luxury cars, as he too looks pretty pleased with his Tesla Roadster, a car that can win the heart of all passionate drivers out there.
8. Aston Martin
In the top luxury car brands, Aston Martin should have a place of its own, a special one, as this is no regular sports car manufacturer, this is a legend. Even if it changed owners along the years, the company is still going strong, making some of the best and most amazing luxury sports cars in the world. While didn’t make it to the charts of the best selling luxury cars sold in the United States, there are still a few connoisseurs out there who wouldn’t change their Aston Martins for anything in the world.
And if this wasn’t enough, we also remind you that the newer movies featuring the powerful, brilliant and sexy James Bond also feature Aston Martin cars, because you need to be a special type of person to drive this special type of car. Among the best models in the luxury line we have to mention Bond’s car, the Aston Martin DBS V12, the Aston Martin Rapide and the Aston Martin Virage, a world – wide famous car that trumps many other similar cars in looks and performance.
7. Rolls Royce
You won’t see the Rolls Royce models featured in any “best selling cars of the year” because it is simply too expensive. There is only a handful of people who can afford such jewel, but it seems that BMW doesn’t mind, as the Rolls Royce is like a painting signed by a famous artist: not many can have one on their living – room wall and not many can truly understand what it really means. Rolls Royce cars are the artistic expression of a technological dream. You cannot but stare to such a car in the few instances you see one in the street and you cannot shake the feeling that it is the car which chooses the people and not the other way around.
For instance, Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe is around half a million dollars, but it is a car that offers “extreme comfort” if this can be possible, a sporty feel and the sensation you are ruling the world. Take a look at the new version of the Phantom Drophead Coupe and tell us you don’t dream of driving such a masterpiece!
In case you didn’t know, David Beckham is driving a custom Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead in Beverly Hills from time to time. Given the fact that the Rolls was customized for David’s taste, this spectacular beast cost him $407,000.
6. Porsche
Driving a Porsche is a once in a lifetime experience. Ranked in the top five best luxury cars in the world, Porsche prides itself with powerful, unique – looking, breathtaking vehicles, and trust us, these beauties can take your breath away in both looks and performance.
In 2014, Porsche registered so far only 2.7 % of the total market share of luxury brand cars sales, but not because people don’t love them, it’s just that the majority can’t afford them. One of the highlights in sport luxury cars made by Porsche is the Panamera model, a diamond in the collection of all luxury cars passionate. The Panamera is a statement not of wealth, but of prestige, attitude and luxurious rides. Some statistics may also help you to decide if you want to drive a Porsche in the nearest future or wait for some other four – wheeled miracles.
German sports car maker Porsche AG said its U.S sales jumped 21% in 2013 and set a new record of 42,323 vehicles.The results for individual models also tell a critical story for the company. The Cayenne sport-utility vehicle was the top seller with 18,507 vehicles sold, but the 911sports coupe, which has been the foundation of Porsche’s high-end image and racing provenance since its introduction more than 50 years ago, accounted for a quarter of overall sales.
Want to see Jay Leno driving one of the most magnificent beasts ever made by Porsche? Check this out, then!
5. Jaguar
We are entering the last leg of our journey of presenting you the top 10 luxury car brands in our list of the 20 best luxury car brands in the world and making this final top is getting harder and harder. But let’s talk about the Jaguar, ranking fifth place in our hearts and in many other peoples’ too. According to the statistics, Jaguar is still appreciated in the United States, getting so far a slice of the market share which rose to 0.7%. But do you remember the movie – like Super Bowl commercial implying not only famous actors, but also a masterpiece in driving, the Jaguar XJ? The manufacturer tells the truth:
XJ redefines what a luxury car should be. It’s a dramatic combination of beauty, luxury and power. It provides agility and delivers a refreshingly dynamic driving experience. For the passenger, the cabin is built for stretching out and relaxing. No car looks, or feels, like XJ.
Do you feel like a powerful superhero or villain driving such a beauty? Well, considering the prices, you should better be a superhero or a villain in order to afford these beauties. If you have some $70,000 to start considering buying a Jaguar XJ then it’s all good.
4. Maserati
There is something about Italian super – cars and super – luxury cars that other brands and models just don’t have. While German cars and even Japanese ones take pride in their high – tech specs, features and spaceship-like performances, Italian cars are sometimes something from another world. Maybe because they look aggressive and powerful, maybe because their logos represent the best of the best in engine power, maybe because their names are associated with the biggest and most famous racing competitions in the world.
Among all, Maserati has been making luxury sport cars since 1914 and is ranked among the first best selling luxury cars in the world. They are considered premium ultra – luxury cars and even if the company is currently owned by Alfa Romeo and Ferrari groups, they are still committed to giving us some of the most spectacular vehicles one can imagine. The new models come with a six figure price, definitely not comfortable for the average driver, but comfortable enough for celebrities.
Who may be driving a Maserati? Well, celebrities for that matter and Britney Spears seems to be a huge fan of the Maserati Gran Turismo.
3. Lamborghini
This Italian super – cars manufacturer is not only making some of the most iconic luxury cars of all times, but it also makes exotic cars that cannot be mistaken for any other vehicles on the road. Lamborghini has a long history of delivering the world some car models that have a story and a name of their own, each becoming a separate personality in the universe of super powerful cars. Nothing compares to the sound, the color and the sexy lines of Lamborghini cars and the newest member of the family, the Lamborghini Huracan is said to be the fastest machine in the streets. In the words of Australian journalists,
With a top speed of 325km/h, the new Lamborghini Huracan supercar may be one of the fastest machines on the road, but owners better be good at parking it. A rear view camera and parking sensors are a $5900 option on this $465,000 car, even though they are standard on a $20,000 Toyota Corolla and available as an accessory on any vehicle for as little as $500.
No matter if you choose a Diablo, a Gallardo or an Aventador, driving a Lamborghini is like an adrenaline injection right into your heart, while you benefit from the finest Italian interior art decorating.
2. Ferrari
We will sit this one out and give word to car experts and driving passionate who don’t even conceive a top best luxury cars list without placing Ferrari on the first place. It was hard even for us to choose the winner of this top and, in all fairness, Ferrari should never leave the podium as the ultimate winner in everything a car can offer, from a unique experience in driving, to a maximum level of comfort and reliability. But let’s see what others say about the luxury super – car models belonging to Ferrari:
A week after receiving the award for “Best Sports Car and Convertible” for the 458 Spider, Ferrari has received another award from The Sunday Times Driving, the motoring section of the influential British newspaper. This time it is the F12berlinetta that takes the honors as the “Best Supercar and Luxury Car” in the second of two special edition issues celebrating the Top 100 Cars published yesterday. The Sunday Times Driving commented: “It sounds like it should be an uncontrollable animal, but most of the time the F12 is actually a rather civilized car. According to your mood, you can tailor it to be any Ferrari you like. Which is why the F12 is not just Ferrari’s quickest car to date, but it’s one of the best too.”
What more do you want? Ferrari cars don’t come cheap and they are not for everybody, but if you manage to gather up the money, the skills and the attitude to become a Ferrari driver, few things in life will compare with that experience.
Are we sure Kim Kardashian, Ashton Kutcher or Ludacris have what it takes to drive a Ferrari? We don’t know, but these celebrities look indeed awesome in their super – powerful rides. And they can afford them, too. Rumor on the street says Kim paid $186,925 for her Ferrari F430.
1. Bugatti Veyron
There is no car to compete with the Veyron and this is why we couldn’t help but put it on the first place in our top. It’s not a car you see regularly in the streets. It’s not a car to drive your kid to school. It’s not a car you can own too soon. But it is the car of the century, the masterpiece of all technological breakthrough made so far, a super – car that wins in all categories, including performance, looks and comfort. We will end our journey among the best most luxurious cars in the world by giving you some insights on the Veyron as they were published by the ones blessed with the opportunity of seeing it, hearing it and driving it.
The Bugatti Veyron is, by every measure, the world’s most extreme production road car. It’s the quickest to 60, has the highest top speed, and can absolutely dominate a track. The original Veyron claimed 1,001 horsepower, which in itself was a major technical achievement. Its engine, boasting 16 cylinders, was essentially formed by joining two V8 engines at the crank.
The standard Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Coupe ran a cool $1.3 million and could reach a top speed of 253 mph – a speed it can maintain for 12 minutes before all the fuel is gone. Power is transmitted to the pavement via four-wheel-drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. The car could hit 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds, 100 mph in 5.5 seconds, and 150 mph in 9.8 seconds. Getting to 200 mph took 18.3 seconds, and 250 mph takes 42.3 seconds. A special key is required to “unlock” the Veyron’s top speed of 250+ mph. The car is then lowered to just 3.5 inches from the ground. A hydraulic spoiler extends at speed, and it can also serve as an air brake.
The Veyron weighs a hulking 4,160 lbs, but even its harshest critics admit its handling is surprisingly sharp. Gordon Murray, designer of the McLaren F1 was very skeptical of the Veyron during its development, but after driving the finished car, he conceded it is a “huge achievement.”
Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson also publicly stated the Veyron was ridiculous and would never be built, only to call it “best car ever made” after he drove it. He famously characterized it as “utterly, stunningly, mind blowingly, jaw droppingly brilliant.”
Simon Cowell is one of the few lucky ones to drive a Bugatti Veyron. According to the media,
The model cost him $1,700,000 and can reach 60mph in just 2.5 seconds.
Let’s all just say “WOW!”