Best luxury cars to buy 2026
Indulge yourself with our list of the best luxury cars on sale today
To be considered one of the best luxury cars on the market, a vehicle must offer a fantastically refined experience to its occupants, be made of the finest materials and feature the latest technology. It’s a very big ask, which is often reflected in the prices.
This has been the case for many years and the car brands famous for building the best luxury cars in 2026 - the likes of Bentley, Mercedes, and Rolls-Royce - were also top of the pile 25, 50 or even more than 100 years ago.
The brands which build these luxury machines might not have changed but how the cars are powered certainly has. Once dominated by large, silky petrol engines, electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains are starting to become the norm in the luxury car sector. Some luxury car buyers will never settle for anything less than a big, purring petrol engine but electric power with its minimal noise levels and abundant torque is well up to the job.
Our road test experts have driven every luxury car on sale in the UK, and we’ve rounded up the very finest models we’ve tested right here. Celebrities, business leaders, sports stars and VIPs take note, here are the best luxury cars.
Compare the best luxury cars
Those looking for the best luxury car money can buy, look no further than the Bentley Flying Spur as it encompasses everything you should expect in an opulent saloon. If you’d prefer an SUV to a saloon, the Range Rover is the best luxury car choice.
| Rank | Name | Prices from | Fuel types |
| 1. | Bentley Flying Spur | £226,000 | PHEV |
| 2. | BMW 7 Series | £104,000 | Petrol, PHEV, electric (i7) |
| 3. | Range Rover | £107,500 | Petrol, diesel, PHEV |
| 4. | Rolls-Royce Spectre Series II | £280,000 | Electric |
| 5. | Range Rover Sport | £77,620 | Petrol, diesel, PHEV |
| 6. | Mercedes S-Class | £103,500 | Petrol, diesel, PHEV |
| 7. | Rolls-Royce Ghost | £289,000 | Petrol |
| 8. | Bentley Continental GT | £212,500 | Petrol, PHEV |
| 9. | Rolls-Royce Phantom | £420,000 | Petrol |
| 10. | Mercedes GLS | £100,000 | Petrol, diesel |
For even more information on each model in our best luxury car list, simply click the jump links in the table above or continue scrolling down..
1. Bentley Flying Spur
If you’re looking for the best luxury car currently on the market, look no further than the Bentley Flying Spur.
- Prices from £226,000
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Despite being on sale for nearly six years, a number of tweaks in 2025 have put the Bentley Flying Spur right at the top of the tree in this class, taking the Luxury Car of the Year title at the 2025 Auto Express New Car Awards.
The Flying Spur shares a lot of its DNA with the Porsche Panamera. This has created a much more engaging driving experience than before, and aside from a slight compromise in ultimate ride comfort, gives nothing else away to its predecessor in terms of refinement or luxury. Alongside the 2025 model’s changes, Bentley also phased out its iconic W12 engine, but the twin-turbo V8 Hybrid replacement more than makes up for it, courtesy of an even more charismatic engine note that is matched to impressive all-electric refinement.
Perhaps the real trump card is that it feels just as opulent and imperious in that typical Bentley fashion. The cabin exudes luxury, thanks to the exceptional quality of its wood, leather and turned aluminium, clothed in an exterior design that’ll turn heads whether you’re at your Holland Park mansion or Cotswolds country estate.
“More engaging than a Rolls-Royce, more opulent than a Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance, the new Flying Spur is an utterly spectacular example of luxury motoring.” – Jordan Katsianis, news editor.
As an alternative, you might consider a Rolls-Royce Ghost, though the Bentley has more driver appeal and undercuts it on price. There’s no more AMG S-Class, but a BMW 7 Series can hustle like the Spur, even if it lacks the Bentley’s image
2. BMW 7 Series
Marmite styling aside, the BMW 7 Series offers luxury by the bucketload.
- Prices from £104,000
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As with many current BMWs, the latest 7 Series has looks that are best described as divisive, but there’s no doubting this flagship’s capability as a prestige cruiser.
It’s incredibly quiet, beautifully refined and has a brilliant ride and handling balance that rivals a Rolls-Royce for outright comfort, while the fully electric i7 version offers maximum refinement. Inside, the hi-tech yet luxurious cabin is no less impressive, especially when you’re sitting in the back seats.
With acres of space, fully reclining seats and plenty of equipment, the 7 Series’ interior feels like a step into a new generation of luxury. There’s even the option of a 31.3-inch 8K folding cinema screen to keep the back-seat occupants entertained during their travels. This screen only comes as part of the £6,350 Executive Lounge pack, although this number probably won’t be an issue if you can afford this six-figure BMW in the first place.
The 7 Series continues to set a high standard in the luxury-car segment, combining tech performance and comfort. While it may no longer be at the very top of the luxury car tree, the 7 Series remains a stand-out contender in the class. Against rivals from Mercedes and Audi, it feels a generation ahead.
“BMW’s decision to offer both hybrid and pure EV versions of the 7 Series is a canny one because it means there’s a version for all tastes and business needs.” – Max Adams, online reviews editor.
The 7 Series squares up to its long-time rivals, the Mercedes S-Class and Audi A8, but you could even consider it a cut-price Rolls-Royce Ghost
3. Range Rover
On or off-road, the Range Rover has luxury at its core.
- Prices from £107,500
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Ultra-luxury SUVs can now be found lurking within several brand’s line-ups, but the original luxury off-roader, the Range Rover, is still king.
Having been with us for more than five decades, the latest generation mixes the exceptional levels of capability and technology it’s known for into a contemporary and attractive package.
These elements sit upon a foundation of engineering excellence and comfort, with a unique sense of imperiousness that few rival marques can match. Diesels and plug-in hybrids are our preferred powertrain choices, with the latter being better suited to urban driving.
Unsurprisingly, the Range Rover is by far one of the most practical cars here. With the extra height this SUV has over its rivals, it feels truly massive in the back. The standard-fit air suspension lowers the car to aid access, too. With more than 700 litres of boot space and the option of a seven-seat LWB version, your whole family can travel in the lap of luxury.
“A focus on luxury, quality and on-board technology, plus the latest Land Rover engineering expertise, means the Range Rover feels supremely capable, whether on or off road.” – Ellis Hyde, news reporter.
An SUV it may be, but the Range Rover is as much a competitor for the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series as it is other SUVs like the Bentley Bentayga or Mercedes GLS.
4. Rolls-Royce Spectre Series II
The Rolls-Royce Spectre Series II is so good that it’s easy to forget it’s a fully-electric car altogether.
- Prices from £280,000
- Best for efficiency
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The Rolls-Royce Spectre was the brand’s strongest-selling model in 2024, the company’s customers are clearly ready to make the switch from ICE power, what better way to follow this up than with the Rolls-Royce Spectre Series II.
Open the Spectre’s huge rear-hinged doors and you will see that this four-seat, two-door coupé is awash with the finest leathers, woods and metals, just like any other Rolls-Royce. Open the bonnet and you won’t find a V12 engine, though, rather an electric powertrain that will still prove acceptable to the most discerning driver, with its 592bhp output and 1,015Nm of torque on tap, enough to propel the Spectre Series II from 0-62mph in just 4.4 seconds.
As you’d expect from a Rolls Royce, craftsmanship is peerless. Refinement is exceptional at cruising speeds, the steering is well-judged and it even claims a range of around 390 miles on a single charge.
The suspension in Series I Spectres made the three-tonne car noticeably unsettled when driving at lower speeds, particularly around town; and the regenerative braking system was also a bit too intrusive. Thankfully, we’re happy to report that during our time driving the Spectre Series II, it felt exceptionally well cushioned.
“When on the move, the high dashboard can initially feel a little intimidating, but the Spectre’s clean and accurate steering helps shrink the car around you – the experience is nothing short of imperious.” - Jordan Katsianis, news editor.
There really isn’t anything like the all-electric Spectre Series II, certainly not at the Spectre’s price point. At a push, a BMW i7 is in the same ballpark for refinement, but can’t touch the class (or arguably the style) of the Rolls-Royce
5. Range Rover Sport
If you want a luxury car which offers strong performance, superb comfort and an engaging drive, the Range Rover Sport is hard to beat.
- Prices from £77,620
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It’s fair to say that in comparison with the full-fat Range Rover, the slightly smaller Range Rover Sport is better suited to UK roads. It loses a little bit in terms of luxury and refinement, yet the Sport’s slightly more tied-down handling makes it the more comfortable car, while its more athletic design appeals to a wider customer base.
It’s also cheaper than a Range Rover, and offers an equally variable mix of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The only real issue is that space in the second row is a little tight for a four-door luxury SUV.
Considering that this large SUV weighs 2.3 tonnes, the Range Rover Sport offers a genuinely engaging drive with admirable capability in both performance and handling. The steering is precise, the air suspension keeps the car’s weight in check when cornering, and every powertrain will launch the Sport from 0-62mph in well under seven seconds.
“Smarter styling, improved onboard technology, along with a raft of developments in the way the Sport drives mean that it remains as sophisticated as ever.” – Alex Ingram, contributor.
Up the budget from the Range Rover Sport and you can get the full-size Range Rover, or for even sleeker styling, the Range Rover Velar below the Range Rover Sport is also an option. Don’t discount the Porsche Cayenne or BMW X5 either
Latest Range Rover Sport deals
6. Mercedes S-Class
Supremely luxurious, refined and brimming with technology, the Mercedes S-Class is a classic of the luxury car genre.
- Prices from £103,500
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Many people classify the Mercedes S-Class as the pinnacle of luxury motoring. Space is cavernous, and the tech is bang up to date, despite not having the huge displays of rivals such the BMW 7 Series. The main downsides are some less-than-desirable cabin plastics and a poorer ride on larger 21-inch wheels.
The S-Class doesn’t sit higher on this list because it doesn’t offer anything more than just a comfortable ride. Many of the top luxury cars have an ace up their sleeve – such as a Range Rover’s off-road ability – something the S-Class just doesn’t really portray.
What the Mercedes S-Class does, though, is a particularly wonderful job of portraying ultimate comfort in both the front and rear. Space is cavernous, and the tech on board is bang up to date, despite being short of the wow-factor displays of rivals such the BMW 7 Series or even Mercedes’ own all-electric Mercedes EQS.
“The S-Class is a supremely luxurious, refined and technology-laden conveyance for affluent and successful individuals.” – Max Adams, online reviews editor.
The Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series have long snapped at the S-Class’s heels, though these days the BMW is arguably a better luxury car, sitting higher up this list. The Bentley Flying Spur, while more expensive, is also very appealing
7. Rolls-Royce Ghost
For those who want a Rolls-Royce Ghost of a slightly more manageable size, the Ghost delivers.
- Prices from £289,000
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While the Rolls-Royce Ghost is the entry point to the line-up, don’t for one minute think it’s anything other than a true Rolls-Royce. More than ever before, the new Ghost embodies all the marque’s greatest attributes, from its peerless refinement, incredible craftsmanship and imperious driving experience.
Although perhaps a little less conspicuous than its Phantom sibling, the Ghost is still five metres long and 2.5 tonnes in weight, so it can hardly be called understated. You won’t have to worry about merging from slip roads, either, as the 6.75-litre V12 petrol engine produces 563bhp, which allows a 0-62mph time of 4.8s and a 155mph top speed.
Naturally, being a Rolls-Royce means that nothing is allowed to compromise the Ghost’s ride quality, and it made short work of just about every road surface we could throw at it during testing. However, that beefy V12 engine means running costs and emissions are as high as you’d probably expect, so we’d steer you towards the Spectre if you want a Roller without the footprint.
“Somewhere deep in the software of the Ghost’s infotainment screen will be the bare bones of BMW’s iDrive, but with different graphics, and operated by Rolls-Royce’s own take on the central control dial, it’s no mere hand-me-down.” - Antony Ingram, contributor.
The Ghost operates on a level arguably above that of other saloons, but the Bentley Flying Spur is an alternative option if you prefer driving to being driven
8. Bentley Continental GT
One of the most compelling grand tourers on the market, the Bentley Continental GT is fantastic, even if it’s no longer available with the iconic W12 engine.
- Prices from £237,000
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While the Bentley Continental GT isn’t quite a luxury car by definition, we’d challenge you to sit in its cabin and not feel the charm and grace associated with the best luxury cars. Its blend of comfort, refinement and style take it away from the sportier rivals in the GT class, and give the Bentley an eloquence missing in rivals from Aston Martin or Ferrari.
It’s also one of the finest high-speed cruisers on sale, using a new plug-in hybrid V8 powertrain to give it more personality than its W12 predecessor, also improving efficiency. It’ll even do a solid 50 miles on electric power, adding another string to its bow.
A Bentley needs as much prestige as it has power, though, and the Continental’s cabin is undoubtedly up to standard. The fit and finish is absolutely top-notch and the materials are class-leading, too. If you’re a fan of the fresh air, there’s always the option of the convertible GTC variant.
“Electric assistance helps the V8 engine feel extraordinarily powerful and responsive, while retaining a burbly, menacing character.” – Jordan Katsianis, news editor.
The Continental GT has a special blend of style, presence and luxury that not many other brands offer, but the Aston Martin DB12, Ferrari Roma, and Maserati GranTurismo all tread the GT path in their own way
Latest Bentley Continental GT deals
9. Rolls-Royce Phantom
The Phantom is the classic Rolls-Royce formula for the modern age, as magnificent as you’d expect.
- Prices from £420,000
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The Rolls-Royce Phantom would be the best luxury car in the world, if there was no such thing as compromise. To some wealthy clients this is a reality, but in the real world the Phantom comes with some compromises, such as its sheer size, that make it a little tricky to live with every day in the UK.
It's powered by a 6.75-litre V12 petrol engine, which produces 563bhp and a satisfying 900Nm of torque. This allows you to plant your right foot and accelerate from a standstill to 62mph in 5.3 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 155mph.
The Phantom is unbelievably comfortable and quiet on the road, but for the driver it often feels as if you’re missing the best seat in the house. While there is no car that can get close to the Phantom in the world of luxury motoring, that’s only true for the lucky passengers sitting behind the driver.
The price is suitably large to go with the Rolls’ grand dimensions, and the least you can expect to pay is north of £400,000. If you so much as look at the options list, you will find that this figure heads upwards very quickly.
“From the outside, the Phantom has a look that's evolutionary from the previous generation. It's still huge and imposing, but it's slightly less brutish than before. It's also lighter than its predecessor in a nod to improved efficiency.” - Alex Ingram, contributor.
There really isn’t anything to compete with the Phantom. Bentley no longer sells the Mulsanne, and a Mercedes-Maybach S-Class just isn’t in the same league
10. Mercedes GLS
Want a luxury SUV which isn’t a Range Rover? Look no further than the Mercedes GLS.
- Prices from £100,000
- Best for in-car tech
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The Mk2 Mercedes GLS has been around since 2019, but a recent facelift has ensured this opulent SUV isn’t trailing in the dust of the competition.
Unlike rivals, you can only get the GLS with a diesel engine in the form of a mild-hybrid 3.0-litre in-line six cylinder. The powerplant is no slouch though as it can produce 325bhp and 700Nm of torque.
While this might sound a little disappointing to those who want a thunderous V8 under the bonnet, the good news is that both AMG GLS 63 S and Mercedes-Maybach GLS feature a twin-turbo V8.
On the road, the GLS rides incredibly well for such a large and bulky car. The air suspension and adaptive damping all do a superb job of ironing out pockmarked roads and undulating surfaces.
While the recent updates mostly saw styling tweaks and the introduction of a brand-new digital infrastructure through the MBUX interface, the software actually helps improve comfort. The new E-Active Body Control system is able to store location of rough roads and preempt the car’s system when approaching the same stretch of road next time. Data is collected from all Mercedes cars fitted with this system and shared.
Inside, the GLS was never short when it came to luxury, but the facelifted car has upped the ante with more opulent materials, personalisation options and not one, but three 12.3-inch displays running Mercedes latest MBUX infotainment software.
The GLS is available with six and seven-seat configurations, and there should be enough cabin room for even the tallest occupants.
“The Mercedes GLS is superb to drive but running costs are punishing. That’s why we’d stick with the diesel option rather than the hot AMG or Maybach models.” – Richard Dredge, contributor.
The Mercedes GLS is only up against the most luxurious full-sized SUVs, including the Range Rover, which has one of the best cabins going. There’s also the BMW X7 which will be a much more engaging car if you want to tear-up some country roads.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A luxury car is a car that prioritises refinement, comfort, and high-tech features above all others.
While luxury cars have changed over the years, the idea of a car that cossets its occupants with comfortable seats, in near silence, and often puts the needs of passengers above that of the driver, has remained fairly constant in the luxury car space almost since the dawn of the motor car.
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