Best luxury cars in 2026 – tested, rated and the ones to avoid

If you've done well enough in the game of life to be considering a luxury car, then the range of options in front of you has never been larger – whether your taste is more for the traditional liousine, or for the newer wave of capable and comfortable SUVs.

While lots of attributes go into making the ultimate luxury car, the ones which our data tells us is most important to luxury car buyers are comfort and refinement. That means top-notch materials used inside, the kind of seats you can sink into after a long day, and quiet cruising manners which will let you while away the motorway miles.

To truly be a great luxury car, though, the best in this class will also need to offer the latest technology, loads of space for your passengers to stretch out, and enough room in their boots to tackle all of your luggage.

And, since plenty of luxury cars are also run as company cars, they'll need to be frugal to run, with tax-friendly C02 emissions.

Finding the best luxury cars, then, is a hard task, but it's one which our experienced team of road testers is more than up to. They've spent countless hours at the wheel of every luxury car on the market, testing them across hundreds of miles, both on public roads and back-to-back against key rivals at our private test track.

The result of that testing is this definitive list of the best luxury cars you can buy. If any of them take your fancy, you can click the links to read more about each car in our in-depth reviews, or see our latest discounts through our free New Car Deals service.

We've also named the luxury car we think you should avoid, and answered some of your most commonly asked questions about electric car ownership at the bottom of this page.

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It might not be as smooth to drive as the BMW X7, or have the glitzy interior of the Range Rover Velar, but there's still plenty to love about this upmarket coupé-SUV. Our favourite version is the petrol, which offers more poke than the diesel alternative, and can fire you from 0-62mph in 5.9sec. Its turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol engine develops 335bhp, which feels plenty, even if you have to rev it harder than the diesel to get the same pulling power.

With quiet driving manners and reassuring – if not exactly entertaining – handling, the Q8 is the kind of car you can easily cover big miles in, even if some of the alternatives on this list will put more of a smile on your face while doing so.

When it comes to space for people and luggage, a couple of tall passengers will find that they have plenty of room to stretch out in the rear seats, and while the Q8's boot is slightly smaller than that of the closely related Q7, your holiday suitcases are like to be no problem.

“I know it's the norm these days, but it's a shame that you have to look away from the road in order to use the Q8's touch-sensitive climate controls. At least they're well labelled and offer haptic feedback so you know you've pressed them.” – Dan Jones, Reviewer

Strengths

• Spacious interior
• Fantastic build quality
• Strong range of engines

Weaknesses

• Pricey to buy
• Lack of physical buttons for infotainment system
• Iffy reliability and average warranty

Bentley is exceptionally good at producing beautifully built luxury cars that are also great to drive, and with the Bentayga – 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 Audi Q7, 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.

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 Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, real-time navigation and an embedded SIM.

“The Bentley Bentayga S’s freer-flowing sports exhaust does a fantastic job of transforming the character of the V8 engine.” – Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor

Strengths

• Beautiful hand-finished interior
• Effortless performance
• Impressive infotainment system

Weaknesses

• Gearbox can be laggy around town
• High running costs
• Average boot space

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 S-Class and the Range Rover, the A8 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 here, but it certainly is the most well-heeled.

“Screen-based climate controls look swish but are tricky to use on the move.” – Mark Pearson, Used Cars Editor

Strengths

• Extremely comfortable ride
• Spacious interior and boot
• Class-leading interior quality

Weaknesses

• Expensive to run in terms of depreciation
• Plug-in hybrid has a shorter electric range than the S-Class
• Dim-witted automatic gearbox

The Range Rover 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. It's become more versatile too, with two lengths available – standard and long-wheelbase (LWB), which allows you to have seven seats.

The diesel versions make most sense for private buyers. Although 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.

The only cause for concern is Land Rover's reliability record, which is historically among the worst of any car brand. That being said, the previous-generation Range Rover was actually the third-most reliable luxury car according to the results of our annual Reliability Survey. The latest version, however, was too new to be featured.

“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.” – Darren Moss, Deputy Digital Editor

Strengths

• Fabulous driving position
• Fantastic off-road ability
• Useful seven-seat versatility

Weaknesses

• Very expensive
• Reliability is a concern
• More physical controls for the infotainment would be preferable

Not only is the Mercedes S-Class 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.

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 Audi A8.

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 to keep all of your devices topped up, and a removable 7.0in tablet in the rear armrest.

The S580e plug-in hybrid 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 (BIK) tax. We'd also go for the stretched L version, which is standard from AMG Line Premium trim upwards, because it gets you a tad more room inside.

“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.” – Doug Revolta, Head of Video

Strengths

• Fantastic plug-in hybrid version
• Ride is mostly very comfortable
• Loads of space, especially in the rear of long-wheelbase models

Weaknesses

• Overly reliant on fiddly touch-sensitive controls
• Entry-level diesel isn't as smooth as it should be
• Mercedes's reliability record isn't the best

The smallest of Rolls-Royce's luxury saloons is supremely comfortable, with monstrous performance, serene cruising manners and an exquisite interior.

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.

Rivals such as the Bentley Flying Spur, the BMW 7 Series and the Mercedes S-Class offer similarly impressive performance, but none can match the Ghost's truly cosseting luxury. You just need to have very deep pockets to both buy and run one, which makes many of the luxury cars here that much more affordable.

“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.” – Darren Moss, Deputy Editor

Strengths

• Outstandingly comfortable ride
• Fabulous interior
• Crushing performance

Weaknesses

• Astronomically expensive to buy
• Thirsty engine also makes it costly to run

The Q7 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. Indeed, it's the latter which we recommend.

The Q7’s interior is one of the roomiest and plushest of any luxury car, and there is plenty of space for adults to stretch out. It has slightly more leg room than a BMW X5 or Land Rover Discovery and virtually matches that of the Volvo XC90. All Q7s also come with seven seats as standard, but the ones in the BMW X7 are a little more comfy – especially for third-row passengers.

“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.” – Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor

Strengths

• Smooth and powerful engines
• Pillowy ride in Sport and S line trims
• Superb interior quality

Weaknesses

• Touchscreen infotainment system
• Third-row space is better in the BMW X7
• Entry-level Sport trim misses some important kit

Electric cars can make excellent luxury cars, and the i7 is one example of 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. It can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 4.7 seconds, which is faster than most versions of the Mercedes EQS – although not as insanely quick as any Tesla Model S. 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-metrelong body has gone into providing VIPs in the back with acres of real estate.” – Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor

Strengths

• Stunning interior
• Impressive optional 8K cinema screen
• Extremely comfy for all occupants

Weaknesses

• Desirable options are very expensive
• Boot has a comparatively small opening

The Range Rover Sport shows that the best luxury car isn't necessarily the most expensive. It offers a lot of what we like about the full-size Range Rover, 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.

It also handles better than its larger sibling, although it’s not quite as sporty as a BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne.

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 engine will haul it up to 62mph in 6.6sec.

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.” – Steve Huntingford, Editor

Strengths

• Offers lots of Range Rover qualities for a lower price
• Incredible ability off-road
• Fantastic range on the PHEV model

Weaknesses

• Cheaper than a Range Rover, but still very expensive
• Rivals are sharper to drive
• Land Rover’s reliability record is a concern

You might be expecting to see a traditional luxury limousine at the top of this list rather than an SUV – but give us a moment to explain, and we think you'll agree that the BMW X7 deserves its place as our reigning Luxury Car of the Year.

For one thing, it is one of the most comfortable cars around – whether you're driving it yourself, or are lucky enough to be being driven in one. If it's the former, then you'll enjoy the smooth and powerful progress offered by our recommended 40i petrol engine. It'll dispatch the 0-62mph sprint in just 5.8sec, yet shouldn't be ruinous to run.

Or if you're sat in the rear seats with a chaeuffeur up front, you'll appreciate the palatial leg and head room on offer, even if you're well North of six feet tall. You'll also enjoy that everything inside the X7 feels built to last, and that it's fit to bursting with the latest technology. To find another car to match the X7 inside, you'll need to spend a lot more on a Bentley Bentayga.

Downsides? Well, the X7 isn't exactly cheap to buy, and there aren't any plug-in hybrid or electric options to attract green-minded buyers, but all things considered we think the X7 is deserving of its title as the ultimate luxury car.

“The BMW X7's Ultimate Pack brings all the necessary kit to make the car a home away from home when I’m behind the wheel, including four-wheel steering, five-zone climate control and adaptive cruise control.” – Dan Jones, Reviewer

Strengths

• Supremely quiet and comfortable
• Incredibly spacious and practical
• Great infotainment system

Weaknesses

• There are cheaper alternatives
• Looks won’t be to all tastes
• No plug-in hybrid or electric option

Jeep's take on the luxury SUV is very good off-road, but it's pricey and can't compete with the best European rivals in the key areas which matter most.