Best luxury cars to buy 2025
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 the most refined experience possible, be made of the finest materials and feature the latest technology for driver and passengers alike. It’s a very big ask, which is reflected in the prices.
That’s been the case for many years, and perhaps not surprisingly, most of the brands that deliver the best luxury cars in 2025 would have been your first stop for a truly high-class car 25, 50 or, in some cases, more than 100 years ago.
Today’s luxury car elite are faster, more technologically advanced and more effortless to drive than ever before. They showcase the deep heritage and continuous technological innovation that has made the likes of Bentley, Mercedes-Benz, and Rolls-Royce some of the most respected brands of any kind in the world.
One thing that is slowly changing, however, is how these luxury vehicles are powered. Combustion engines still dominate the luxury car sector, but they are increasingly assisted by hybrid or plug-in hybrid technology and pure-electric powertrains are starting to catch up. You can expect ever more electric cars in this list in future and while some luxury car buyers will never settle for anything less than a big, purring petrol engine, electric power with its hushed running 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
| Rank | Name | Prices from | Overall Auto Express star rating (out of 5) | Fuel types |
| 1 | Bentley Flying Spur | £226,000 | 4.5 | PHEV |
| 2 | BMW 7 Series | £102,000 | 4 | Petrol, PHEV, electric (i7) |
| 3 | Range Rover | £105,700 | 4.5 | Petrol, diesel, PHEV |
| 4 | Rolls-Royce Spectre | £330,200 | 4.5 | Electric |
| 5 | Range Rover Sport | £76,400 | 4.5 | Petrol, diesel, PHEV |
| 6 | Mercedes S-Class | £100,400 | 4 | Petrol, diesel, PHEV |
| 7 | Rolls-Royce Ghost | £250,000 | 4.5 | Petrol |
| 8 | Bentley Continental GT | £237,000 | 4.5 | Petrol, PHEV |
| 9 | Rolls-Royce Phantom | £420,000 | 5 | Petrol |
| 10 | Porsche Panamera | £89,400 | 4 | Petrol, PHEV |
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
- Prices from £226,000
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
Despite being on sale for nearly six years, a number of recent tweaks 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 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, senior staff writer.
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
- Prices from £102,000
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
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 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 costs an extra £4,400, but 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 no longer holds our Luxury Car of the Year title, 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
- Prices from £105,700
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
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. It has been with us for more than five decades, and 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 the most practical car 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
- Prices from £330,200
- Best for efficiency
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
The Rolls-Royce Spectre serves as the spiritual successor to the Wraith, but this is the start of a new era for the British manufacturer after it pledged to go electric-only by the end of the decade. Given the Spectre was the brand’s strongest-selling model in 2024, the company’s customers are clearly ready to make the switch from ICE power.
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 577bhp output and 900Nm of torque on tap.
There are still some teething troubles, though. Refinement is exceptional at cruising speeds, the steering is well-judged and it even claims a range of up to 329 miles on a single charge. However, the suspension causes this three-tonne car to become noticeably unsettled when driving at lower speeds, particularly around town; and the regenerative braking system can be a bit too intrusive.
“Climb aboard through the powered and frankly ludicrously impractical rear-hinged doors and there’s no denying that Rolls has nailed the Spectre’s cabin.” - John McIlroy, Auto Express contributor.
There really isn’t anything like the all-electric Spectre, 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
- Prices from £76,400
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
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, chief reviewer.
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 it is also an option. Don’t discount the Porsche Cayenne or BMW X5 either.
Latest Range Rover Sport deals
6. Mercedes S-Class
- Prices from £100,400
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
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, drove the S-Class in the UK.
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. The Bentley Flying Spur, while more expensive, is also very appealing.
7. Rolls-Royce Ghost
- Prices from £250,000
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
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, Auto Express 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
- Prices from £237,000
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
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, senior staff writer.
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.
9. Rolls-Royce Phantom
- Prices from £420,000
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
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, chief reviewer.
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. Porsche Panamera
- Prices from £89,400
- Best driving experience
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
The Mk3 Porsche Panamera follows a very similar formula to its predecessors, but that’s no bad thing, because this flagship is a careful blend of luxury combined with the firm’s typical sporting flavour. The car’s sophisticated chassis is composed in corners, making it fun and exciting to drive.
Most Panameras ride firmly with tight body control, but opt for the Active Ride system and the car offers almost as much serenity and pillow-like comfort as any rival. What’s missing is a sense of hand-crafted luxury, with it giving way to more of a expertly engineered and manufactured feeling.
The Porsche Panamera Mk3 follows a very similar formula to its predecessors, but that’s no bad thing, because this flagship is a careful blend of luxury combined with the firm’s typical sporting flavour. The car’s sophisticated chassis is composed in corners, making it fun and exciting to drive.
Most Panameras ride firmly with tight body control, but opt for the Active Ride system and the car offers almost as much serenity and pillow-like comfort as any rival. Even the entry-level model has a 348bhp twin-turbocharged V6 under the bonnet, so there’s a steady amount of performance punch on offer.
The trade-off for this level of driver engagement is a firmer and less refined ride than most other luxury cars on this list, but that’s not to say that the Panamera is without its fair share of plushness. Step inside and there’s plenty of room for four passengers, along with lashings of high-quality materials and technology that’s bang up-to-date.
“Unless you’re craving that extra sportiness, the base Panamera ticks all the right boxes, while the GTS version offers more than enough of a sharper edge.” – Alex Ingram, chief reviewer.
The Porsche Taycan fulfils a similar role in the maker’s range, just with electric power, while sporty versions of models like the Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5 Series also nip at the Panamera’s heels.
Buy a car with Auto Express. Our nationwide dealer network has some fantastic cars on offer right now with new, used and leasing deals to choose from...
Best luxury car deals
