For generations, the allure of luxury has been interwoven with the thrill of speed. From the golden age of transatlantic liners vying for record-breaking voyages to today’s automotive marvels, the fastest machines often emerge from the most prestigious marques. If you crave exhilarating performance wrapped in opulent comfort, explore our curated list of 10 Fast Luxury Cars that perfectly blend breathtaking speed with sophisticated elegance.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
Alfa Romeo’s resurgence in the United States has been nothing short of spectacular, spearheaded by the captivating Giulia. While every Giulia model offers a degree of swiftness, the Quadrifoglio variant catapults performance to another dimension. This Italian fast luxury sedan boasts a formidable 505 horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine, channeled through all-wheel drive, enabling it to conquer 0-60 mph in under four seconds and reach a top speed of 190 mph. Beyond straight-line speed, the Giulia Quadrifoglio shines in corners, exhibiting razor-sharp, responsive steering. For those who demand velocity without sacrificing Italian flair, this beauty is an ideal choice.
Audi RS 7 Performance
The Audi A7, S7, and RS 7 series are celebrated for their captivating silhouette. Their elongated, low-slung design evokes the spirit of classic European touring cars from the 1960s. While their aesthetic appeal is undeniable, the RS 7 is engineered for dynamic motion. The Performance iteration is equipped with a potent twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine unleashing 605 horsepower. This propels the sleek hatchback to 60 mph in a mere 3.6 seconds (Audi’s figures suggest, with real-world tests likely to be even quicker) and onward to a 190 mph top speed. Luxury is also paramount, with the RS 7’s cabin laden with cutting-edge technology and premium materials that distinguish Audi in the luxury automotive landscape.
BMW Alpina B7 xDrive
BMW’s M-Series is widely recognized, but the Alpina B7 xDrive remains a gem known primarily to true BMW aficionados. This is the ultimate performance variant of the flagship 7-Series sedan. The latest Alpina B7 harnesses a 600 horsepower iteration of BMW’s twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine, coupled with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system. This potent combination launches the substantial sedan to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, and with ample road ahead, it can achieve a top speed of 193 mph. Despite its blistering performance, the Alpina B7 maintains the dignified character expected of a 7-Series, offering a lavish interior designed for supreme comfort and sophistication, befitting dignitaries and royalty.
Cadillac CTS-V
Since its debut in 2004, the Cadillac CTS-V has cultivated a devoted following. While some vehicles on this list are luxury cars enhanced with powerful engines, the CTS-V prioritizes raw speed, integrating luxury as a secondary, albeit well-executed, attribute. The most recent CTS-V model packs a thunderous 6.2-liter supercharged V8 producing 640 horsepower, rocketing it to 60 mph in approximately 3.5 seconds. Its top speed is an impressive 200 mph. The CTS-V is assertive, powerful, and commands respect both on the racetrack and public roads. While the CTS-V certainly offers a refined and elegantly appointed cabin, its core mission is unadulterated velocity – transporting you from point A to point B with maximum haste, ideally via roads brimming with challenging curves.
Jaguar F-TYPE SVR
The Jaguar F-TYPE is a vehicle that captivates from the first drive. Envision a car with the agility of a Ferrari, the resonant roar of a Corvette, and the pampering comfort of a classic Jaguar – that encapsulates the F-TYPE. The pinnacle of performance is the SVR variant, featuring a 575-horsepower iteration of Jaguar’s supercharged 5.0-liter V8. Jaguar claims a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds and a 200 mph top speed for the coupe. For those who desire open-air exhilaration, the convertible SVR achieves a formidable 195 mph. Crucially, the F-TYPE delivers this performance enveloped in quintessential British luxury. The leather-clad interior exudes heritage and sophistication, creating a truly premium driving environment.
Lexus LC 500
The Lexus LC 500 stands out as one of the freshest entries on this list, a breathtaking coupe recently arriving in dealerships. Its concept car aesthetics are instantly alluring, yet beneath the surface lies serious performance capability. A naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine delivers 471 horsepower to the rear wheels via a sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission. Lexus quotes a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 168 mph. Intriguingly, the hybrid version, despite a lower 295 hp output, achieves 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds and a 155 mph electronically limited top speed. The hybrid utilizes an advanced transmission emulating the 10-speed feel of the V8 model and produces an engine note worthy of a Formula One simulator. For a blend of futuristic design and refined power, the LC 500 is a compelling fast luxury car.
Lincoln Continental
The inclusion of the stately Lincoln Continental on a list of fast luxury cars might raise eyebrows. While the all-new Continental undeniably embodies traditional luxury – think plush, supremely comfortable interiors with rich wood and leather accents – it also possesses surprising speed. Opting for the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 unlocks genuinely rapid performance. Lincoln aptly terms it “Effortless power,” and they are not exaggerating. This engine generates a robust 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, propelling the large Continental to 60 mph in approximately 5.5 seconds. However, the true delight lies in the engine’s immediate power delivery. It cruises with serene smoothness, yet the instant you depress the accelerator, it surges forward with remarkable alacrity. Driving the new Continental evokes the sensation of attaching jet engines to your living room – a unique blend of plush comfort and surprising acceleration in a fast luxury sedan.
Maserati Ghibli
Power is at its most captivating when accompanied by an evocative sound, and the Maserati Ghibli delivers on both fronts. Its 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine is crafted by Ferrari, and their influence is evident in the engine’s acoustics – a symphony for automotive enthusiasts. Complementing this auditory delight is abundant power; the Ghibli S Q4 sprints to 60 mph in around 4.7 seconds. However, many drivers will likely find themselves downshifting merely to relish the engine’s resonant bellow. Luxury is equally integral to the Ghibli experience. The leather-draped interior embodies distinctive Italian craftsmanship and style, making it a truly fast and luxurious car.
Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR
While this compilation primarily focuses on fast luxury cars, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR merits inclusion as a supremely fast and luxurious SUV. It shares its supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine with the Jaguar F-TYPE SVR, tuned to produce 550 horsepower. This is sufficient to propel this substantial 4×4 to 60 mph in approximately 4.5 seconds. Moreover, this is a genuine, highly capable Range Rover, possessing the off-road prowess to conquer terrain that would daunt lesser SUVs. Land Rover demonstrated this duality by guiding us through a demanding off-road course, then directly onto a racetrack for high-speed laps – all without leaving the driver’s seat. The Range Rover Sport SVR is a testament to the seamless integration of luxury, speed, and all-terrain capability in a fast luxury SUV.
Volvo S60/V60 Polestar
While BMW M, Audi RS, and Mercedes-AMG are household names in performance tuning, Polestar, specializing in enhanced Volvos and acquired by the Swedish automaker in 2015, is perhaps less widely known. The 60-series Polestar models – S60 sedan and V60 wagon – have been established for some time, but Volvo has recently updated them with a unique iteration of their Drive-E engine. This 2.0-liter 4-cylinder marvel employs both a turbocharger and a supercharger to generate 362 horsepower. This enables the S60 to reach 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, with the V60 wagon trailing by a mere 0.1 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. These fast Swedes are best appreciated in signature Polestar blue paint, embodying a distinctive blend of Scandinavian design, luxury, and surprising speed.
