What truly defines a great luxury car? In the automotive world, luxury takes on many forms, each appealing to different desires and needs. For some, luxury is synonymous with unparalleled comfort, epitomized by brands like Rolls-Royce. For others, it’s about style and presence, a realm where Bugatti reigns supreme. Perhaps luxury is found in balance, a harmonious blend of performance and refinement, as often seen in Mercedes-Benz vehicles. In the modern age, luxury can also mean cutting-edge technology, a space where Tesla has carved its niche. And for a select few, luxury is simply the best of everything, a no-compromise approach exemplified by cars like the Toyota Century.
But when we talk about the greatest luxury cars, we often come back to comfort. Consider the Cadillac Eldorado Brougham from 1957. This vehicle wasn’t just a car; it was a statement. Hand-built and laden with features that were revolutionary for its time – cruise control, automatic headlight dimmers, power windows, a transistor radio, and air conditioning – the Eldorado Brougham set a new standard for automotive luxury. These features, once exclusive to this Cadillac, became commonplace in vehicles in the decades that followed, demonstrating its lasting impact on the industry.
Luxury, in essence, is capturing a moment in time, an embodiment of the pinnacle of automotive achievement during a specific era. When ranking the greatest luxury cars, it’s crucial to evaluate each vehicle based on how well it achieved its intended purpose within the context of its time. Comparing a Duesenberg Model J from the pre-war era to a Citroën DS known for its futuristic design, or even a Lexus LS 400 that redefined reliability in luxury cars, and a contemporary Tesla Model S pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle technology, is a complex task. Yet, each of these represents a milestone in the evolution of Great Luxury Cars.
To create a definitive list, a panel of nine automotive experts judged a long list of 148 models spanning over a century. The criteria extended beyond just comfort and style, encompassing innovation, sheer sumptuousness, and historical importance. To maintain focus, the selection was limited to four-door cars, excluding grand tourers, convertibles, and other categories. The aim was not to differentiate between premium, luxury, or ultra-luxury, but to identify vehicles that genuinely embodied luxury in their own right. As the saying goes, true luxury is subjective, but undeniably recognizable when experienced.
The extensive list was narrowed down, with only the top 50 receiving multiple votes and a mere three achieving unanimous selection. This rigorous process inevitably led to some surprising omissions, including numerous Mercedes-Benz models, the iconic first-generation Lincoln Town Car, and the distinguished Humber Super Snipe. While debates were lively, they were less contentious than discussions around the greatest sports cars. Perhaps the most significant point of agreement was that the top spot would be occupied by a Rolls-Royce, the only real debate being which Rolls-Royce model would claim the ultimate title.
The pursuit of creating the best luxury car has been a challenging and sometimes perilous endeavor for automakers. History is filled with manufacturers who have faltered in this quest. However, it has also been a catalyst for growth and innovation. The emergence of Lexus by Toyota and the introduction of the 7 Series by BMW are prime examples of established brands rising to new heights in the luxury segment. Luxury cars represent the pinnacle of an automaker’s capabilities, embodying not just desirable transportation, but objects of aspiration and ownership pride. For those fortunate enough to own one, the hope is that their great luxury car will endure as a classic for generations to come.
Note: Car models mentioned are referenced with their production years in the original article’s extended list.
