🏆 Ranking of the 20 Best Luxury Car Brands
To establish the top 20 luxury car brands, we considered eight main criteria: heritage and history, performance, design, exclusivity, prestige and reputation, build quality, innovation, and customer experience. Here’s how each criterion was evaluated and how it influenced the ranking:
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- Heritage and History: A long history rich in significant contributions received higher marks.
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- Performance: The cars’ exceptional technical capabilities and technological innovations were rated higher.
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- Design: Iconic and high-quality styles received higher scores.
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- Exclusivity: Manufacturers with highly exclusive and customizable models were favored.
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- Prestige and reputation : Brands with high brand awareness were ranked highest.
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- Build Quality : High standards of design and craftsmanship have been emphasized.
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- Innovation : Creative and environmentally responsible initiatives received higher marks.
- Customer experience : the quality of after-sales services, personalization and customer relations were valued.
The ranking below takes into account all criteria to provide a balanced overview of the best options available on the market.
1 – Rolls-Royce (since 1906)
Where honor is due! The British brand is synonymous with ultimate luxury. Rolls-Royce‘s iconic model, the Phantom, embodies sophistication and elegance with its handcrafted finishes.
The first model was launched in 1925. More than 90 years later, the Phantom VIII continues to set the standard for automotive quality. The manufacturer has evolved with the times. Today, originality blends with tradition, like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan , the most expensive SUV in existence.
2 – Bugatti (since 1909)
Despite its Italian-sounding name, Bugatti is a French brand (now owned by Volkswagen AG). Founded by the prolific Milanese industrialist Ettore Bugatti, who obtained French citizenship shortly before his death, Bugatti is known for its ultra-luxurious, high-performance sports cars.
Among these, the Veyron, the bolide and the Centodieci are the result of the fusion of art, form and technology, not to mention the speed records to their credit.
3 – Ferrari (since 1947)
The standard-bearer of the Italian luxury car is obviously Ferrari . The prancing horse brand is a giant in the sports car industry. It’s difficult to single out any one of the Maranello firm’s models, as there are so many exceptional ones! Let’s just say that the Ferrari 250 GTO and the F40 are icons, a wonderful blend of cutting-edge performance and seductive design.
The presence of red cars in Formula 1 adds to their prestige and the search for technological innovations. The 296 GTB’s plug-in hybrid V6 is a good example.
4 – Lamborghini (since 1963)
The son of farmers from Bologna is the man behind the brand’s creation. Ferruccio Lamborghini had a long history, having started out producing agricultural tractors. Building on his economic success, the manufacturer devoted himself to his passion for stylish supercars.
It was by presenting bold designs with notable performances that the brand was able to emerge from the shadow of Ferrari.
The Miura is a fine example of automotive extravagance, embodied by Lamborghini. Its successor, the Huracan STO, is no less.
5 – Bentley (since 1919)
Before becoming part of the Rolls-Royce group in 1931, the Bentley manufacturer positioned itself as a direct competitor to our number 1 luxury car brand .
Quickly absorbed, Bentley suffered for a long time from the similarity between the two manufacturers’ models. To stand out from the crowd, it used the sports car successfully. Take a look at the singularities of the “Bentley Bentayga Speed, to convince you.
6 – Pagani (since 1992)
Despite its youth, the Italian brand Pagani has made a lasting impression. Born from the fertile imagination of Horacio Pagani, who trained at Lamborghini, the Zonda, with its quad exhausts, was inspired by the design of fighter jets. The latest model, the 2022 Pagani Utopia, is utopian in name only.
7 – McLaren (since 1963)
McLaren‘s history is closely linked to motorsport in general and Formula 1 in particular.
Founded by veteran racing driver Bruce McLaren, the brand has diversified into various sectors. Since 2013, the automotive division has released a new, cutting-edge, sporty model every year. The latest is the Artura Spider , a plug-in hybrid supercar due out in 2024.
8 – Porsche (since 1931)
An iconic brand par excellence, Porsche continues to produce elegant and high-performance sports cars .
The iconic 911 is an icon of design and performance. Always at the forefront, the German automaker has quickly embraced the sustainability revolution, as seen with its latest models in a fully electric version.
9 – Aston Martin (since 1913)
Like the DB5, James Bond ‘s famous car embodies British sports luxury. Aston Martin has been a symbol of prestige and elegance for decades. Since returning to Formula 1 in 2021, the brand has added a performance component to its sophisticated image. The commercial result is reflected in increased sales of the DBX, an all-wheel-drive SUV.
10 – Maserati (since 1914)
After Maranello and Bologna, here we are in Modena, Maserati ‘s stronghold . Symbolized by the trident, the brand seems ready to face any attack from its competitors. Its strength lies in the production of sports and luxury cars with a distinctive style.
The Ghibli and GranTurismo are iconic models, magnificent combinations of performance and refined Italian design.
11 – Mercedes-Benz (since 1926)
Daimler, Benz, and Mercedes: three names that joined forces nearly a century ago to make history in the automotive industry. Mercedes-Benz is a model of innovation and luxury. Its sporting performance is part of this same logic of excellence, with its multiple victories in the Formula 1 drivers’ and constructors’ championships. For the general public, the Mercedes range offers high-performance and innovative models in almost all automotive segments, such as its well-stocked Mercedes SUV offering.
12 – BMW (since 1916)
It’s always difficult to separate Mercedes and BMW , as the two German brands are in direct competition. Performance and luxury qualities are also omnipresent at the Bavarian manufacturer. While the 3 Series has long been BMW’s benchmark model, we’re seeing a shift in consumer enthusiasm towards new categories as the offering diversifies. The brand’s showcase in terms of luxury cars is undoubtedly the 7 Series .
13 – Audi (since 1909)
Long considered the poor relation of the German automotive industry, Audi has managed to rise to the same level as Mercedes-Benz and BMW. It is by building cars with a sleek design, true to its slogan “advancement through technology,” that the brand with the rings has achieved this feat. Who doesn’t know the famous Audi Quattro, which marked its generation with its sporty performance?
Today, the Audi luxury brand is proudly carried by the premium electric SUV , the Q8 , and the sporty R8. These models represent the manufacturer’s commitment to performance and innovation.
14 – Koenigsegg (since 1994)
Do you know Koenigsegg? No? It’s normal! This hypercar brand was founded barely a decade ago by a young Swede aged just 22. Confirming the famous adage, the value of this enthusiast hasn’t waited for the number of years.
In partnership with David Craaford for the design side, they produced a large number of models in very limited quantities. With these vehicles, Christian von Koenigsegg had a dual objective: to produce technologically innovative, high-performance, high-end sports cars .
A successful bet, since in June 2023 the Koenigsegg Regera set the world record for acceleration from 0 to 400-0 km/h in just 28.81 seconds.
15 – Jaguar (since 1922)
For over a century, Jaguar has seamlessly combined elegance and performance. The E-Type is often considered one of the most beautiful cars ever made. Its latest successors continue to innovate with models like the F-Type . The British brand isn’t content to rest on its laurels. It’s also committed to sustainability, as evidenced by its successful participation in the Formula E championship.
16 – Lotus (since 1952)
While commercial success has never been a given throughout its history, Lotus nevertheless stands out for its production. Lightweight and agile sports cars , like the Elise and the Esprit. The lucky few owners of these cars praise their dynamic handling and innovative design, focused on performance.
Today, the brand, a subsidiary of China’s Geely, is focusing on 100% electric vehicles. The latest model is the Emeya, the first sedan to bear the ACBC name, a reference to the initials of Lotus’s famous founder, Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman.
17 – Land Rover (since 1948)
Land Rover is undeniably THE benchmark for luxury off-road vehicles. Robustly designed but relatively simple at first, the brand has intelligently evolved to offer “mass market” models. The quotation marks are appropriate, as even used Land Rovers enjoy good value. This underlines the qualities of these vehicles, the luxury model of which is the Range Rover. An ideal combination of exceptional off-road capabilities and luxurious comfort.
18 – Lexus (since 1989)
Lexus , the high-end showcase of the Toyota manufacturer, is synonymous with luxury and reliability. This somewhat crazy project by the Japanese brand quickly won over motorists. Judge for yourself: ten million Lexus models have been sold in just three decades! The reasons for this success? Superior comfort and remarkable performance that hold their own against prestigious German brands, such as the Lexus ES 300 h . Lexus is also a pioneer in hybrid technologies.
19 – Cadillac (since 1902)
The symbol of American automotive luxury is Cadillac . It represents the pinnacle of comfort enjoyed by sitting in an iconic Eldorado or behind the wheel of an Escalade. Opulence and innovation are the hallmarks of General Motors’ premium lineup. Cadillac continues to reinvent itself while preserving its prestigious heritage.
20 – Volvo (since 1927)
Although Volvo no longer flies the Swedish flag, the brand remains a benchmark in terms of premium vehicles. It has forged its image by relying on a dual foundation: safety and Scandinavian design. Like its iconic 850 with its many variations, it is the family sedan estate that constitutes Volvo ‘s flagship segment . Now produced under the aegis of Geely, the new Volvos have retained their DNA, while moving into the SUV category, with the all-new EX90, both safe and elegant.
The best models from these luxury brands
| Brand | Model | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rolls-Royce | Phantom | 571 hp | between €462,000 and €558,000 |
| Bugatti | Chiron Super Sport 300+ | 1600 hp | approximately €5,000,000 |
| Ferrari | SF90 Stradale | 1,000 hp | around €450,000 |
| Lamborghini | Aventador SVJ | 770 hp | around €460,000 |
| Bentley | Continental GT Speed | 650 hp | around €250,000 |
| Pagani | Utopia | 852 hp | approximately €3,500,000 |
| McLaren | Speedtail | 1035 hp | approximately €2,000,000 |
| Porsche | 911 turbos S | 640 hp | around €190,000 |
| Aston Martin | Valkyrie | 1160 hp | approximately €2,700,000 |
| Maserati | MC20 | 621 hp | around €200,000 |
| Mercedes | AMG GT Black Series | 720 hp | around €300,000 |
| BMW | M8 competition | 616 hp | around €130,000 |
| Audi | R8 V10 Performance | 610 hp | around €190,000 |
| Koenigsegg | Jesko Absolut | 1600 hp | approximately €2,700,000 |
| Jaguar | F-type | 575 hp | around €110,000 |
| Lotus | Evija | 1972 hp | approximately €1,900,000 |
| Land Rover | Range Rover | 557 hp | around €190,000 |
| Lexus | LC 500 | 471 hp | around €85,000 |
| Cadillac | CT5-V Blackwing | 668 hp | around €75,000 |
| Volvo | XC90 | 455 hp | around €110,000 |
FAQ
Discover the most frequently asked questions about luxury cars now.
What is the best luxury car brand?
Rolls-Royce is often considered the best luxury car brand. This title is largely due to its exceptional craftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail, and near-limitless customization options.
Its premium models are also known for their unparalleled comfort, creating a unique driving experience.
With a rich heritage and a prestigious reputation, owning a Rolls-Royce is a symbol of status and success. The brand also incorporates modern technologies to enhance safety and comfort, while maintaining an unrivaled tradition of quality and luxury.
What is the most chic car?
The most stylish car is subjective and depends on personal taste. However, the Rolls-Royce Phantom is often considered one of the most stylish due to its elegant design, luxurious interior, and iconic status. It embodies elegance and prestige at their peak.
With a budget of 100,000 dollar, you can buy high-end vehicles such as Porsche models, BMW 7 Series or Mercedes S Class. On the used market, you can consider buying sports cars like the Audi R8 or the Tesla Model S Plaid.
1 – you can go directly to a luxury car rental agency ,
2 – use a luxury car rental company ,
3 – go through a traditional car rental agency .
This is the case for Ferrari, Rolls-Royce or Aston Martin and, in general, all the luxury car brands that have made automotive history. Of course, “supercar” type sports cars are highly sought after and models like the Ferrari California and its unique acceleration in the world , which sold new for around 180,000 dollar in 2017, easily reaches 200,000 dollar today second-hand.
Fortunately, unlike sports cars, large luxury sedans lose value over time and become affordable, to a certain extent. There are particularly good deals to be had on the Mercedes S-Class and the Audi A8.
