The 15 Best Luxury Car Brands 

Luxury cars have become all the rage of late. Once only driven by the rich and famous, many have become more affordable for the everyday guy who wants to drive something that stands out. Luxury car brands have changed with the times too. They have evolved to cater to all manner of car lovers. 

These brands are building cars that our revhead grandfathers could only imagine existed back in their day. From sports cars to SUVs, modern cars are incorporating new technology to create vehicles offering the ultimate driving experience. As well as sophisticated engines and luxurious interiors, many of these cars are also electric, ushering in a whole new era of automobiles.  

Luxury car brands offer an exhilarating driving experience of the highest performance while making you feel like you are driving around in style. With the global vehicle industry set to hit $665 billion by 2027, it seems there is no stopping the heights luxury cars will reach. 

So, if you are thinking about getting in on the market, here are 15 of the best luxury car brands you can choose from. 

1. BMW

Bayerische Motoren Werke, more commonly known as BMW, is one of the leaders when it comes to luxury car brands. Originally founded as a manufacturer of aircraft engines in 1916, the company soon turned its attention to automobiles. This turned out to be a very good decision. 

For over 100 years the German company has been at the forefront of luxurious and advanced motoring. One of the best-known carmakers in the world, BMW produces a range of different vehicles, such as sedans, wagons, SUVs, and hatchbacks, for all types of people. When it comes to power you can’t look past the M3 or M4 models, while the selection of BMW i models cater to those wanting a hybrid. The BMW X3 is also a great SUV for anyone who likes ultra luxury cars to go off-road driving in. 

2. Land Rover

Nothing says prestige like Land Rover. The British luxury car brand is all about luxurious SUVs that not only look incredible but are high performance. While the classic box shape is no longer favored, the new models are still top-notch and have a European flair to them. 

Not content with just creating off-road 4x4s (the Defender) or mid-sized SUVs for soccer moms (the Discovery), Land Rover is also developing new technologies for their models. This includes a new air purification air conditioning system unlike anything else on the market. And, like all good luxury car brands, Land Rover plans to go electric, gearing up to release its first hybrid car in 2024. 

3. Porsche

The Porsche 911 is arguably the most famous sports car in the world. The flagship of the company has been front and center since it came off the production line in 1964. Although the original two-door model was last sold in 1989, there has been a further seven variations of the popular car released over the years, with the most recent being the 992 that debuted in 2019. 

Besides the 911, Porsche has a great range of models, including the sporty Boxster and SUV crossover the Macan. Lately, Porsche has been focusing its attention on producing a high-quality electric car, with the Taycan rivaling Elon Musk’s Tesla when it comes to sleek-looking electric cars worth investing in. Porsche is easily one of the top luxury car brands on the market.

4. Aston Martin

When it comes to British luxury car brands, they don’t get more legendary than Aston Martin. While first known for producing grand touring cars in the 50s and 60s, it was the company’s association with the James Bond franchise that made it a global name. The Aston Martin DB5 first shows up in the classic Bond flick Goldfinger and instantly became an iconic movie vehicle. It has featured in eight Bond films (Goldfinger, Thunderball, GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, Casino Royale, Skyfall, Spectre, and No Time To Die), with the exposure helping boost the carmaker’s sales.

While the DB5 is no longer in production, its most recent predecessor, the DB11, is a fantastic automobile with an aerodynamic body capable of producing 600 horsepower. Aston Martin is also producing the Valkyrie in collaboration with Red Bull Racing. This limited hybrid supercar comes with a 6.5-liter naturally-aspirated V12 engine, which just so happens to be the most powerful naturally-aspirated engine ever fitted to a production road car. 

5. Mercedes-Benz

If there is one thing the Germans know how to do well it’s build cars. Especially luxury cars. Take Mercedes-Benz for instance. This company deals especially in the luxury car market and was rightly the number one selling automobile manufacturer of luxury cars in 2018. The company sold a whopping 2.3 million cars that year. There is a host of contemporary models on offer from Mercedes, from the box-shaped luxury G-Class (also known as the G-Wagon) to the AMG GT sports car with its 4.0-liter turbo engine V8. 

Mercedes-Benz has also dipped its feet into the electric vehicle market with its EQ range. These electric-powered cars are available as sedans, SUVs, and even a mini-van. While they might not be gas guzzlers, this doesn’t mean Mercedes has cut back on the luxury amenities. These cars contain all the gadgets and exquisite leather interiors of other models. 

6. Lamborghini

Nothing screams luxury car brand like Lamborghini. The Italian giant has been consistently delivering high-performance vehicles that look as good as they drive for decades. Some of the brand’s most well known luxury automobiles came from the mind of founder Ferruccio Lamborghini, including the Miura, Diablo, and of course, the Countach. While these famous vehicles are no longer part of the current crop of Lambos, they showcase the history of this iconic brand and tie in with the new range of cars on offer.

While they have always been known for building fast cars, Lamborghini has made big strides on the tech side of things. They’ve introduced new navigation systems into their cars and have incorporated Amazon’s Alexa to help with voice controls. While small things, they add to the luxurious nature of models produced by Lamborghini. 

7. Bugatti

Bugatti is such a famous luxury brand that electronic dance artist Tiga made a song named after the car. It’s actually surprising the Bugatti name lives on. Founded by Ettore Bugatti in 1909, the company went belly up in 1963. Thankfully Italian entrepreneur Romano Artioli purchased the brand in 1987 and revitalized the company. Volkswagen then took over in the late 90s to ensure Bugatti would continue as a company. 

These days Bugatti is regarded as one of, if not the most luxury car brand in the world. Not only are the cars high performance, but incredibly expensive. There’s a reason why rappers always reference them in their songs. Having a Bugatti is a symbol of status. The most widely seen Bugatti is the Chiron, a two-door, mid-engined masterpiece with all the bells and whistles. Along with the Chiron, Bugatti is always releasing one-off or limited edition models that come with the latest tech to enhance your driving experience.  

8. Lexus

The first Japanese car company on this list is also one of the most tech-focused. Lexus has always been ahead of the game when it comes to the driver experience, becoming one of the first luxury car brands to introduce premium audio systems in their cars. Their cars also have some of the best safety features, something Lexus prides itself on. 

The company’s line-up of vehicles is impressive, catering to everyone from the single tech bros with the sporty Lexus LC to rich families with lots of kids with the practical but still luxurious Lexus GX II. Whatever Lexus you decide to choose (it’s hard to go past the Lexus IS), just know that you are getting a smooth driving experience like no other. 

9. Ferrari

The Prancing Horse is one of the most recognizable logos in the world. It’s a fitting reminder of how great Ferrari is. The Italian manufacturer started by Enzo Ferrari has been getting it done for over 80 years. Over that time Ferrari has built some of the fastest and most luxurious cars ever to hit the road. Not only are the specs top of the line, but cars come with luxury interiors and all the modern gadgets that make sportscars so fun to drive. 

Although Ferrari has always been associated with fast cars, no thanks to its participation in the F1, the brand caters to a wider range of people these days. They offer the usual selection of sports cars, but also luxury sedans and SUVs. The only downside is the cost. Only those with six digits in their bank account can afford a Ferrari. But if you have ever had the chance to sit behind the wheel of one of these beauties, you understand why they are so convented by motor lovers. 

10. Rolls-Royce 

Alongside Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce is the height of luxury British automobile manufacturing. The brand has gone through a number of different owners and company changes over the years but remains a leader in the luxury car market. Loved by everyone from rappers to movie stars, the current line-up of Rolls-Royce vehicles is to die for. These beefy, aggressive-looking powerful motors combine high performance with modern luxuries to create the ultimate driving experience. 

The three main models are the Rolls-Royce Ghost, a four-door sedan, the Rolls-Royce Wraith, a sporty couple, and the Cullinan, a five-door SUV beast. Rolls-Royce also releases a variety of limited edition vehicles and offer plenty of customizable options for prospective buyers when it comes to interiors and extra features. This way you can get a car that suits your needs, both functionally and performance-wise.

11. Audi

Audi might not be the name that comes to mind when you think of luxury car brands, but the automaker has always been at the forefront of creating affluent vehicles. Along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the German brand is one of Europe’s best-selling luxury car manufacturers. It is currently controlled by the Volkswagen Group, which owns many of the major European car manufacturers building luxury vehicles. The cars are easy to drive, have eye-catching designs, and best of all, won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Audi produces luxury cars that fall somewhere between a standard high-end car and a top-of-the-range sports car. There is a wide range of Audis to choose from, with the Audi R8 convertible coupe, Audi Q5 compact sedan, and Audi A8 luxury sedan just three of the brand’s flagship motors. If you’re after something with a little more speed, check out the Audi S and RS models. These aesthetically pleasing cars are part of Audi’s high-performance division and are for those with a little more money who want more power and speed in their luxury car. 

12. Jaguar

Similar to some of the other luxury car brands on this list, Jaguar has gone through a number of owners over the years. Despite this, the company has continued to produce incredible luxury cars that tick all the boxes. The Jags of yesteryear are classic sports cars with a regal appeal, and while the contemporary versions are quite different, they still retain an elegance about them.

Jaguar sells a number of sedans and SUVs that combine sleek designs, powerful engines, and modern tech. For those wanting a little more speed, the Jaguar R and R-S/SVR models provide exactly that, although you’ll be forking out a few more dollars for those models. For the environmentally conscious, the new Jaguar I-Pace is the one for you. This all-electric SUV is one of the best on the market and was given a ringing endorsement by Top Gear who declared the I-Pace, “A rapid, desirable, good-looking car that happens to be powered by electricity.”

13. Acura

The luxury and high-performance division of Honda is much more impressive than you might think. Based primarily in North America, Honda has only been making luxury vehicles under the Acura banner for three decades, but it has made an impressive impact on the luxury car market. It might surprise you to know that Acura is one of the best-selling luxury vehicles in the USA. This is no doubt thanks to the redesign of the cars during the mid-00s. 

Acura’s line of sedans and SUVs might not have the distinct look of a Rolls-Royce or Ferrari, but they more than make up for this in other areas. The Acura TLX for example comes with top-of-the-line safety features,  Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, and a new turbocharged 3.0-liter DOHC V6 engine. For those that really want something fast, the NSX is for you. This is Acura’s flagship model. With an aerodynamic body made from aluminum and ultra-high strength steel and a 3.5 L twin-turbocharged V6 engine and three electric motors under the hood, this car can really go.

14. Maserati

Maserati is a brand synonymous with luxury. This Italian company based in Modena is all about powerful high-performance automobiles. Recognizable thanks to the large exhausts and trident logo, Maserati has a rich history of developing attractive sports cars that are ideal for driving to work or road tripping in the country. 

Powered by Ferrari engines, it is no wonder Maseratis deliver when it comes to speed and traction. There are currently four main models, the Quattroporte (full-size saloon), the Ghibli (executive saloon), the Levante (mid-size SUV), and the MC20 (two-door luxury sports car). The MC20 model won the ‘Best of the Best’ prize at the highly acclaimed 2021 Red Dot Awards, underlying Maserati’s standing in the luxury market. 

With the Grecale (five-door compact SUV) and GranTurismo (grand tourer) on the horizon, as well as electric versions of all current models, it’s safe to say Maserati is cementing itself as one of the top luxury car brands.

15. Cadillac

For over 100 years Cadillac has been America’s favorite constructor of muscle cars. During the 70s the company began reaching its first peak, with the Fleetwood and Eldorado models outdoing the competition and making Cadillac one of the most desired luxury muscle cars. The DeVille became the success of the 90s before the company changed direction in the 00s with a new philosophy. As detailed by The New York Times, this new ideology “incorporates sharp, sheer forms and crisp edges—a form vocabulary that expresses bold, high-technology design and invokes the technology used to design it.” 

The new range of Cadillacs comprises sedans and SUVs, with the Cadillac Escalade the best known. Driven by the rich and famous, the Escalade is available in a number of different packages that allow you to pick the interior and add various features. They are also going electric, with the Cadillac Lyriq the American brands foray into this new type of motor.