Luxury cars have been there from the very start of motoring, not least for the fact you had to be well off in the first place to own one. These early motorists may have been enjoying their first taste of four-wheeled freedom but the luxury and comfort they were accustomed to when travelling by carriage, train or sea were all carried over to this new-fangled invention. Fast forward to the modern age and luxury cars are still the pinnacle of craftsmanship, technology, opulence and style. Here, then, are our favourite no-expense-spared cars of the modern age.
The eight best luxury cars for 2020
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Rolls-Royce Phantom – the ultimate
As a brand Rolls-Royce is top of the pile, as it always has been. Even at this level there is a hierarchy though and, while any Rolls-Royce is a benchmark of luxury, some are even more imposing than others. BMW ownership has been a great boost and 7 Series foundations for the Ghost, Wraith and Dawn offer relative economies of scale. But even they have to play second fiddle to the mighty Phantom, its physical stature such that it towers over every other car on the road, SUVs included. The fact the last one we tested had a price tag of over £400,000 – a quarter of that accounted for by customisation options – offers a sense of the league in which the Phantom operates.
Rolls-Royce Phantom specifications
|
Engine and transmission |
6.75-litre twin-turbo V12, eight-speed automatic |
|
Power/torque |
571PS (563bhp) @ 5,000rpm/900Nm (664lb ft) @ 1,700rpm |
|
0-62mph |
5.3 seconds |
|
Top speed |
155mph |
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Bentley Mulsanne – the one we’ll miss
The subtleties of the British class system are revealed in the apparent similarities between our two leading luxury car brands and fact they are, in reality, chalk and cheese. While Rolls-Royce flourishes under BMW, Bentley’s unspoken new-money traditions have been successfully modernised by its Volkswagen owners to appeal to a younger, cash-rich audience. That suits Continental GTs and Flying Spurs, built as they are with tech shared with Porsche, Audi and others in the group. But it’s a shame the old school Mulsanne and its legendary V8 engine have reached the end of the line, given they were the bedrock on which modern Bentley was built. The Flying Spur picks up where it left off, the valedictory 6.75 Edition by Mulliner offering a poignant send-off to this majestic old bruiser.
Bentley Mulsanne specifications
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Engine and transmission |
6.75-litre twin-turbo V8, eight-speed automatic |
|
Power/torque |
512PS (505bhp) @ 4,200rpm/1,020Nm (752lb ft) @ 1,750rpm |
|
0-62mph |
5.1 seconds |
|
Top speed |
184mph |
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Mercedes-Maybach S650 – the S-Class with a twist
Every brand has a ‘ceiling’, even Mercedes-Benz. Accordingly, in the early 2000s it revived Maybach, the long-dormant German luxury brand known for its imperious limousines of the ‘20s and ‘30s. The modern Maybach launched to huge fanfare (and expense) but quickly faltered, the badge absorbed back into Mercedes and now used to distinguish ultra-luxurious concepts and special editions, including a super exclusive, GLS-based SUV. For the S-Class version two-tone paint is a clear visual signifier while a 20cm wheelbase stretch releases even more space inside and puts the occupants behind the rear pillars for increased privacy. The 630PS V12 engine is suitably imposing while trim, fixtures and fittings are all upgraded and the £183,000 asking price is best considered a starting point for further indulgence.
Mercedes-Maybach S650 specifications
|
Engine and transmission |
6.0-litre twin-turbo V12, seven-speed automatic |
|
Power/torque |
630PS (621bhp) @ 4,800rpm/1,000Nm (738lb ft) @ 2,300rpm |
|
0-62mph |
4.7 seconds |
|
Top speed |
155mph |
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Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic – the one for the country estate
Range Rover arguably invented the concept of SUVs as luxury cars in the first place and is now watching the rest of the industry – Rolls-Royce included – belatedly wake up to the fact. No Range Rover is lacking in creature comforts but, recognising there were customers who demanded more, the Special Vehicle Operations department created the SVAutobiography with further upgrades to trim and materials and huge scope for further personalisation. Starting at £180,000, the 565PS SVAutobiography includes a 20cm wheelbase stretch, two airline-style reclining seats in the back, mohair floormats, a two-tone paint option (nearly £10,000 extra on its own) and more besides. A standard-wheelbase Dynamic version is also offered.
Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic specifications
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Engine and transmission |
5.0-litre supercharged V8, eight-speed automatic |
|
Power/torque |
572PS (564bhp) @ 6,000rpm/700Nm (516lb ft) @ 6,000-6,500rpm |
|
0-62mph |
5.1 seconds |
|
Top speed |
140mph |
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Audi A8 – the posh Uber
For all its strengths Audi has a credibility gap to cross before it can operate at the S-Class level. Mercedes’ long-practised trick is to offer the appropriate gravitas for the rich and powerful to travel and get business done, without attracting attention as you might in a Bentley or Rolls. There is no lack of ambition or quality in the A8 to move in the same circles and its sleek modernism fits brand values while contrasting with the ruched chintz of establishment rivals. In typical style Audi has seized on marketing as its way in, chauffeur-driven A8s as much a fixture of London streets as Prius Ubers and there to make sure the right people are papped in the right places with an Audi as the backdrop.
Audi A8 specifications
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Engine and transmission |
3.0-litre twin-turbo V6, eight-speed automatic |
|
Power/torque |
340PS (335bhp) @ 5,000-6,400rpm/500Nm (369lb ft) @ 1,370rpm |
|
0-62mph |
5.6 seconds |
|
Top speed |
155mph |
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BMW 7 Series – the perpetual runner-up
Perhaps having accepted it was never going to beat the S-Class on its own terms (despite many decades of trying) BMW’s latest version of the 7 Series looks to Asia and, specifically, China as the place where its luxury saloon can finally realise its dreams. This explains last year’s facelift and kidney grille so large and imposing it was mocked as parody by many European reviewers. In markets were bold statements count it makes more sense though, BMW pairing this with hybrid tech and a cool blend of traditional luxury and cutting-edge tech. Stretched out on airline-style seats in the back of the long-wheelbase version it’s as opulent and refined as cars come.
BMW 7 Series specifications
|
Engine and transmission |
4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, eight-speed automatic |
|
Power/torque |
529PS (522bhp) @ 5,500rpm/750Nm (553lb ft) @ 1,800rpm |
|
0-62mph |
4.0 seconds |
|
Top speed |
155mph |
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Volvo S90 – the breath of fresh Scandinavian air
The luxury market is a conservative one. Enter Volvo, with disruptive ambitions to move upmarket and – specifically – build products to suit the tastes of its Chinese owners. Saloons still carry status there and Volvo’s modern design language translates well, managing to be imposing without straying into vulgarity or caricature. The S90 is a big car too, scaled up on Volvo’s latest architecture and sharing much with the S60 and XC60 and XC90 SUVs. It’s also virtuous, the hybrid Twin Engine powertrain less sophisticated than those in German rivals but efficient, powerful and effective. Inside it feels as cool and fresh as any modern Volvo, albeit with more luxurious finish and distinctive detailing like the Swedish flag upholstery tags and Orrefors crystal gear selector on the posh Inscription version.
Volvo S90 specifications
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Engine and transmission |
2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder, eight-speed automatic |
|
Power/torque |
314PS (310bhp) @ 5,700rpm/400Nm (295lb ft) @ 2,200-5,400rpm |
|
0-62mph |
5.9 seconds |
|
Top speed |
155mph |
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Toyota Century – the Japanese Rolls-Royce
Lexus may be Toyota’s premium brand but its most luxurious car carries its own name. Launched in 1967 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of founder Sakichi Toyoda’s birth, the original Century lasted three decades before replacement in 1997 with an all-new, V12-powered version. Two decades on a new Century has now launched, V8 hybrid powered and priced at Mercedes-Maybach levels. Favoured by royalty, politicians, business leaders and Yakuza alike, the Century combines a Japanese sense of modesty with obsessional engineering and hand-finished craftsmanship, up to and including paint polished to a degree you can discreetly check your reflection in it without appearing vain. Suffice to say, if you see a black Century gliding by the occupant is a boss of some kind, the combination of exclusivity (Toyota builds just 600 a year) and humble badge adding to the Century’s mystique.
Toyota Century specifications
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Engine and transmission |
5.0-litre V8 mild-hybrid, eight-speed automatic |
|
Power/torque |
399PS (394bhp) @ 6,400rpm/520Nm (383lb ft) @ 4,000rpm |
|
0-62mph |
NA |
|
Top speed |
155mph |
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