The world of luxury cars is vast and varied, offering something for every discerning driver. While some luxury vehicles garner widespread attention, this curated list shines a spotlight on ten top-rated models that have earned critical acclaim, often achieving success with understated elegance. Luxury manifests in different forms, from entry-level models that offer customization options to opulent, flagship vehicles that redefine automotive excellence. This selection encompasses a range of styles, ensuring there’s a perfect match for every taste and preference in the realm of Top Rated Luxury Cars.
2017 Acura RLX: The Understated Sophisticate
Acura’s design philosophy prioritizes refinement over ostentation, and the 2017 RLX embodies this perfectly. This flagship sedan operates with quiet confidence, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate subtle luxury. The RLX boasts a meticulously crafted interior with premium materials, a smooth and powerful 310-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine (enhanced with rear-wheel steering), and an available 377-horsepower hybrid powertrain featuring all-wheel drive and torque vectoring for superior handling. Safety is paramount, and the RLX delivers top-tier protection. Audiophiles will appreciate the optional 14-speaker Krell sound system, renowned for its exceptional audio quality, making the Acura RLX a standout in top rated luxury cars for its refined and comprehensive approach to luxury.
2017 Audi A7: Sleek Design Meets Practical Luxury
The 2017 Audi A7 masterfully blends luxury with a dynamic profile, avoiding any hint of bulkiness. This hatchback boasts a striking, sloping roofline while sharing its sophisticated foundation with the acclaimed Audi A6. The A7’s exterior exudes elegance, subtly refreshed for 2017, and the interior is a haven of sophisticated design. Beyond aesthetics, the A7 offers practical versatility with its rear hatch and split-folding rear seats, expanding cargo space when needed. Performance is readily available from the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 333 horsepower while achieving an impressive 30 MPG on the highway. Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system enhances grip and control in various conditions. This model year introduces Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. For those prioritizing style, performance, and practicality without needing excessive rear passenger headroom, the Audi A7 stands as a near-perfect choice and a favorite among top rated luxury cars, offering a harmonious blend of form and function.
2017 BMW 7 Series: Luxury Redefined for Driver and Passenger
The 2017 BMW 7 Series, debuting its new generation in 2016, immediately communicates its exceptional nature from the moment you experience it. Whether you’re in the driver’s seat or relaxing in the back, the 7 Series delivers a special experience. As BMW’s flagship luxury sedan, it offers both opulent comfort and engaging performance. The cabin is lavishly appointed with high-quality materials, and the optional control tablet exemplifies modern luxury. Yet, the 7 Series also possesses remarkable agility, inviting drivers to enjoy winding roads. This versatility stems from its lightweight body construction, utilizing advanced materials to optimize efficiency, performance, and weight distribution, contributing to its top ratings. The BMW 7 Series redefines the standard for top rated luxury cars by seamlessly blending passenger pampering with driver-focused dynamics.
2017 Buick LaCrosse: Spacious Luxury Without the Premium Price Tag
The 2017 Buick LaCrosse marks a significant step in Buick’s modern transformation. This full-size luxury sedan is generously spacious, particularly in the rear, and provides access to upscale features without exceeding budget expectations. Opting for the top-tier Premium trim, priced around $42,000, unlocks advanced safety technologies, and the optional adaptive suspension, available for an additional $1,625, further enhances ride comfort. Engine choice is simplified to a capable 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower – providing ample power without being overwhelming. Furthermore, the LaCrosse achieves a commendable 30 MPG on the highway. Equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the infotainment system caters to modern connectivity needs. While Buick traditionally appealed to a more mature demographic, the 2017 LaCrosse offers a compelling blend of space, features, and value, broadening its appeal to younger buyers seeking top rated luxury cars with a focus on practicality and refined comfort.
2017 Genesis G80: A New Contender in the Luxury Arena
Including Genesis, a relatively new brand, in a list of top rated luxury sedans might seem premature, but the 2017 G80, along with its larger sibling the G90, has consistently impressed automotive critics. Evolving from Hyundai Genesis models, Genesis now stands as an independent luxury marque, similar to Lexus and Acura. The G80, new for 2017, directly competes with established midsize luxury leaders like the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6. It offers a comprehensive suite of standard features at a competitive price point. A significant portion of this standard equipment comprises advanced safety technologies, including a driver drowsiness monitor. While the G80’s styling subtly echoes German design cues, it represents a strong starting point for the brand. The Genesis G80 confidently enters the top rated luxury cars segment, offering exceptional value and a compelling package of features and refinement.
2017 Jaguar XF: British Charm and Dynamic Handling
The midsize luxury sedan category is rich with excellent vehicles, but the 2017 Jaguar XF distinguishes itself with a unique British character that sets it apart from its German rivals. The XF embodies a distinct sportiness without compromising on comfort, prioritizing a balanced driving experience characterized by fluidity and control. Even its lane-keeping assist system operates with subtle and refined inputs. The XF’s 3.0-liter engine employs supercharging rather than turbocharging, resulting in instant throttle response and eliminating turbo lag. An innovative optional head-up display utilizes laser light instead of LEDs, ensuring visibility even when wearing polarized sunglasses – a thoughtful feature for drivers in varying light conditions. The XF’s styling is universally appealing, contributing to its status as a top rated luxury car that blends performance, comfort, and distinctive British elegance.
2017 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque: Luxury Crossover with Car-Like Agility
While technically a crossover, the 2017 Range Rover Evoque functions primarily as a luxury car for most owners, despite incorporating Land Rover’s renowned Terrain Response System as standard. One could consider the Evoque a premium compact hatchback with an elevated ride height, but its unique blend of attributes transcends simple categorization. Beyond its all-wheel-drive capability, the Evoque delivers an energetic 240 horsepower and a wealth of luxury features even in its base trim level. These standard features include leather upholstery, an updated infotainment system, navigation, and front and rear parking sensors. From the driver’s perspective, the Evoque exhibits a responsiveness and agility often absent in both cars and the majority of crossovers. The Range Rover Evoque carves its own niche within top rated luxury cars by offering a unique combination of luxury, versatility, and engaging driving dynamics in a compact package.
2017 Lexus ES: Serene Comfort and Unwavering Reliability
The Lexus ES often operates outside the spotlight, yet it undeniably deserves recognition as a top rated luxury car. It stands as Lexus’s second best-selling model, following the immensely popular RX crossover. The ES prioritizes comfort and refinement with its front-wheel-drive configuration, intentionally avoiding any pretense of sportiness. Instead, the ES focuses on delivering a serene and smooth driving experience, offering ample space and tranquility. For 2017, Lexus enhanced the ES with new safety features, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure assist, and pedestrian detection. The ES 350 retains its refined and dependable 3.5-liter V6 engine, while the ES 300h hybrid system remains unchanged, both offering well-equipped, high-quality sanctuaries from the stresses of daily life. The Lexus ES excels in providing a comfortable, reliable, and understated luxury experience, making it a consistent favorite among discerning buyers.
2017 Lincoln MKZ: Sleek Styling and Surprising Performance
The 2017 Lincoln MKZ showcases a strikingly sleek and modern design. While Lincoln vehicles are sometimes perceived as upscale Fords, the MKZ leverages the exceptionally refined platform of the Ford Fusion midsize sedan, effectively dispelling such notions. The chassis is remarkably composed and capable, readily handling the new-for-2017 engine option: a potent 400-horsepower turbocharged V6 (when paired with all-wheel drive). From a value perspective, the MKZ includes a generous array of standard features that are often extra-cost options in competitors, such as adaptive headlights, heated front seats, rear parking sensors, and an adaptive suspension. Another significant advantage is that the hybrid version is offered at the same price point as the standard gasoline model. The Lincoln MKZ offers a compelling combination of stylish design, robust performance, and exceptional value within the top rated luxury cars segment, challenging traditional perceptions of the Lincoln brand.
2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: The Undisputed Benchmark of Luxury
When discussing top rated luxury cars, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is inevitably part of the conversation. It reigns as the long-standing leader in its class, consistently outselling its primary competitors combined, even during model transitions. The current generation S-Class remains relatively modern, featuring an extensive suite of convenience and safety technologies, and setting the benchmark for the entire luxury sedan segment. The S-Class model range encompasses diverse options, including a plug-in hybrid, the ultra-luxurious Maybach variant, high-performance AMG models, and coupe and cabriolet versions. However, even the standard rear-wheel-drive S550 sedan exemplifies desirability. For 2017, this model and its all-wheel-drive counterpart (designated with the 4Matic suffix) receive a new 9-speed transmission, further enhancing their performance and refinement. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class remains the definitive top rated luxury car, representing the pinnacle of automotive luxury, innovation, and prestige.
