The Pinnacle of Automotive Luxury in 2025
When it comes to luxury vehicles, compromise is simply not an option. The best luxury cars must exude style, both inside and out, while seamlessly blending performance and comfort. The American market boasts a wide array of luxury car brands, but this abundance of choices can quickly become overwhelming. To help you navigate the options, we’ve compiled a definitive ranking of the top luxury cars of 2025.
1. 2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe
BuzzScore: 8.8/10 Base MSRP: $90,800 Engine: 3.0L Turbo I6 | 4.4L V8 Turbo Horsepower: 335 hp (3.0L) | 523 hp (4.4L)
The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe earns its spot as one of the best luxury cars with an impressive BuzzScore of 8.8 out of 10. While the two-door 8 Series coupe may be discontinued, the Gran Coupe stands out with its blend of premium materials, a smooth driving experience, and a touch of speed, especially if you opt for the more powerful engine. Starting at $91,700 for the base 840i model with rear-wheel drive, the Gran Coupe offers a choice of a 335-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder or a 523-hp 4.4L turbo V8. Standard luxury features include soft-close automatic doors and heated front seats, armrests, and steering wheel.
2. 2025 Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid
BuzzScore: 8.6/10 Base MSRP: $115,500 Engine: 2.9L Twin-Turbo V6 Plug-in Hybrid Horsepower: 463 hp*
Porsche has expanded its Panamera hybrid offerings, and the E-Hybrid is a prime example, earning a score of 8.6. Starting at $115,500, this hybrid model comes standard with all-wheel drive and a 2.9-liter turbocharged V6 hybrid powertrain, producing a combined 463 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. With the Sport Chrono package, the 4 E-Hybrid accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds, reaching a top speed of 174 mph. Luxury features that complement its sporty nature include 14-way comfort seats and an optional 10.9-inch display for the front passenger, which allows for video streaming.
3. 2025 Lincoln Aviator
BuzzScore: 8.6/10 Base MSRP: $57,095 Engine: 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas Horsepower: 400 hp*
Shifting gears from sedans, the Lincoln Aviator presents a luxurious option for families. If you are in search of a high-end and comfortable driving experience combined with the need to transport your entire family, the Aviator is a strong contender. Starting at $58,930, this SUV is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, offering seating for up to seven passengers and up to 77.7 cubic feet of cargo space. Standard features such as Lincoln Embrace, a choreographed sequence of lights including taillight and headlight displays, along with heated and ventilated front seats, add to the luxury experience.
4. 2025 BMW iX
BuzzScore: 8.6/10 Base MSRP: $87,250 Engine: Electric Horsepower: 516-610 hp*
Luxury car options are no longer confined to gasoline and hybrid models. The BMW iX, a fully electric luxury SUV, competes directly with the Audi SQ8 e-tron and the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. Available in xDrive50 and the sportier M60 models, starting at $87,250 and $111,500, respectively, the iX features all-wheel drive with dual electric motors. The base model xDrive50 produces a combined 516 horsepower and 564 lb-ft of torque, while the M60 generates 610 hp and 749 lb-ft. Standard luxury features in the xDrive50 include a panoramic “eclipsing sky lounge” roof and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot.
5. 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan
BuzzScore: 8.4/10 Base MSRP: $104,400 Engine: Electric Horsepower: 355 hp*
The EQS Sedan introduces the first of two Mercedes-Benz luxury vehicles on our list. This electric model embodies the S-Class heritage, bringing the same level of comfort and luxury with a remarkably quiet driving experience. The base EQS 450+ Sedan, starting at $104,400, has a single electric motor that drives the rear wheels, putting out 355 hp and 419 lb-ft. As expected from Mercedes-Benz, luxury features are abundant; standard equipment includes 64-color ambient lighting and heated/ventilated front seats. Also, optional multicontour front seats with massage are available.
“As expected of an EV that’s supposed to be on-par with an S-Class, the EQS Sedan boasts a high-quality interior, which becomes even more premium when equipped with our tester’s MANUFAKTUR Exclusive Nappa leather upholstery – part of a $9,400 Signature Interior Package. The seats deliver heating and ventilation up front as standard, while massage functions are optional.” – Jared Rosenholtz, Senior Test Driver, CarBuzz
6. 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed
BuzzScore: 8.4/10 Engine: 4.0-liter V8 Plug-In Hybrid Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive Horsepower: 771 hp (net)
Among the elite and most expensive premium cars is the Bentley Continental GT Speed. After driving it last year, the Continental GT Speed confirms itself as a car you want to drive, not just be driven in. Although pricing is available upon inquiry, we anticipate a base price exceeding $300,000. This price tag gets you a 4.0-liter V8 PHEV powertrain, which delivers a total of 771 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. Interior materials are of the highest quality, including the new “3D diamond hide” used on the seats and door panels.
“You no longer have to trade comfort for handling, speed for efficiency, or opulence for modernity. You can have your cake, eat it, and also get a filet mignon for good measure. There isn’t a finer two-door luxury coupe on the market, and there may not be a superior vehicle; period.” – Jared Rosenholtz, Senior Test Driver, CarBuzz
7. 2025 Genesis GV80
BuzzScore: 8.4/10 Base MSRP: $58,700 Engine: 2.5L Turbo Inline-4 | 3.5-liter Twin-Turbo V6 Horsepower: 300 hp (I4) | 375 hp (V6)*
The Genesis GV80 is a luxurious SUV that many more people will find attainable. Designed to compete with entries like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, the GV80 received a refreshed look for this model year. There are several trims, with the base model starting at $58,200. Four of its six trim levels are powered by a 2.5-liter turbo-four-cylinder that delivers 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. The two top trims come with a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 creating 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Genesis has elevated the GV80’s driving experience with a 27-inch OLED gauge cluster and navigation screen.
“It delivers a luxury car experience from the style to the features to the performance combined with pricing that’s lower than expected. It’s a value within the segment without having to compromise on features or quality. Genesis is far more than just a fancy Hyundai: It’s a true luxury brand, and the new GV80 is a perfect example of what Genesis does so well.” – Nicole Wakelin, Senior Test Driver, CarBuzz
8. 2025 Audi S8
BuzzScore: 8.3/10 Base MSRP: $125,300 Engine: 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Horsepower: 563 hp*
For a combination of speed and luxury in a full-size sedan, the Audi S8 brings unmatched performance. This Audi is less expensive and more powerful than the Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance, its direct competitor. Starting at $125,300, the S8 is a worthwhile investment. Under the hood is a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that packs 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, pushing the sedan from 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. Standard features of the S8 include heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, quad-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof.
9. 2025 BMW 4 Series Coupe
BuzzScore: 8.3/10 Base MSRP: $50,700 Engine: 2.0L I4 Turbo | 3.0L I6 Turbo Horsepower: 255 hp (2.0L) | 386 hp (3.0L)*
While we have highlighted luxury sedans and SUVs, as well as one Bentley coupe, here’s a luxurious coupe offered at a more accessible price point. The BMW 4 Series Coupe has multiple versions, with the base 430i starting at $51,500, up to the M4 coupe, with a price of at least $80,100. The base model features a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft, reaching 60 mph in approximately 5.5 seconds. Sports seats and the BMW personal assistant with voice activation are standout features throughout the models.
10. 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
BuzzScore: 8.3/10 Base MSRP: $45,800 Engine: 2.0-Liter Turbo I4 Horsepower: 221 hp*
The Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class delivers Mercedes luxury in an SUV at a more affordable price. Beginning with the GLB 250 SUV, which starts at $45,800, this front-wheel-drive model is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mild hybrid that delivers 221 hp and 258 lb-ft. Offering a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds, it delivers a sense of luxury with features like heated power front seats, heated side mirrors, and 64-color ambient lighting. Upgrade options include a heated steering wheel and sport front seats.
Key Characteristics of Top Luxury Cars
While the list of outstanding luxury car brands stretches long, and each brand features a range of models in different sizes and configurations, there are a few commonalities at the core of top-rated luxury car models:
- Style: Luxury vehicles are designed to capture attention, sometimes through sensuous and sleek curves and other times through bold design elements. The design philosophy continues on the interior, where high-quality materials are common. Genuine wood or metal trim are often found in top-tier vehicles.
- Performance: Even premium cars require serious power. You can’t have a premium vehicle without a capable powertrain. But not all luxury cars are sports cars, and many primarily focus on enhancing the driveability, rather than exclusively delivering thrills.
- Price: Luxury is undeniably expensive. These vehicles are generally outfitted with the latest in comfort and driver-assistance technology. Another important point is that, due to the focus on performance, these cars frequently have lower mpg returns, making large fuel bills a common aspect of ownership.
What to Consider When Buying Premium Vehicles
Most luxury cars come with a few potential drawbacks, which consumers are usually willing to look past, considering the advantages. A simple cost-benefit analysis can help you decide if this is the right kind of car for your needs.
Pros:
- Stylish exterior and interior designs
- Luxurious interiors that deliver ultimate comfort
- High-performance figures
- High safety standards
- More standard appointments than you are likely to use
Cons:
- A substantial initial investment
- Lower gas mileage, leading to higher running costs
Sources: BMW, Porsche, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Bentley, Genesis, Audi
