For discerning drivers seeking the pinnacle of automotive excellence, the realm of luxury cars offers a tantalizing array of choices. While some names are instantly synonymous with opulence, this curated list of 10 Top Rated Luxury Cars delves beyond the obvious, spotlighting vehicles that have garnered critical acclaim and, in many cases, achieved remarkable success without excessive fanfare. Luxury manifests in diverse forms, from entry-level models that grant greater personalization through optional extras to stately status symbols and the most lavish, fully-equipped embodiments of driving pleasure. This compilation encompasses a spectrum of these exceptional automobiles, each deserving of recognition among the top rated luxury cars available today.
2017 Acura RLX: The Understated Sophisticate
Acura, a marque known for its refined and subtle approach to luxury, perfectly embodies quiet confidence in the 2017 RLX. This flagship sedan prioritizes understated elegance over ostentatious displays. Its appeal lies in its discreet yet highly effective performance, seamlessly blending into the background while delivering exceptional capabilities. The RLX boasts premium cabin materials, a smooth and powerful 310-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine (enhanced with rear-wheel steering), or an even more potent 377-horsepower hybrid powertrain featuring all-wheel drive and torque vectoring for superior handling. Safety is paramount, and the RLX excels in this area. Audiophiles will appreciate the optional 14-speaker Krell sound system, a feature lauded for its exceptional audio quality within its own right. For those who value refined luxury and advanced technology delivered with quiet competence, the Acura RLX stands as a compelling choice among top rated luxury cars.
2017 Audi A7: Sleek Hatchback Luxury
The 2017 Audi A7 masterfully combines luxurious appointments with a dynamic, non-cumbersome driving experience. This hatchback, sharing its foundation with the highly refined Audi A6 sedan, presents a compelling blend of elegance and practicality. Its exterior design is undeniably sleek, characterized by a sloping roofline, while the interior exudes sophisticated charm. The A7’s hatchback configuration and split-folding rear seats significantly enhance its cargo-carrying versatility, making it as practical as it is beautiful. Power 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 renowned all-wheel drive system further enhances grip and control. The 2017 model year also incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. If rear passenger headroom for taller individuals isn’t a primary concern, the Audi A7 approaches automotive perfection and rightfully earns its place as a top rated luxury car, particularly for those who appreciate stylish versatility.
2017 BMW 7 Series: Flagship Luxury Redefined
Some cars instantly convey a sense of exceptional engineering and driving dynamics, and the BMW 7 Series, especially the new generation that debuted in 2016, exemplifies this. Whether experienced from the driver’s seat or the rear passenger compartment, the 7 Series impresses across multiple dimensions. As BMW’s flagship luxury sedan, it delivers both sumptuous comfort and exhilarating performance. The cabin materials are of the highest quality, and the optional control tablet enhances the opulent experience. Yet, the 7 Series also possesses a surprising agility, rewarding drivers with sharp responses and a desire for open roads. Its innovative body shell construction, utilizing lightweight materials, is key to this versatility, optimizing efficiency, performance, and weight distribution, contributing to its top rated status. The 2017 BMW 7 Series redefines flagship luxury by seamlessly blending indulgence with driving engagement, making it a standout among top rated luxury cars.
2017 Buick LaCrosse: American Luxury Reimagined
The 2017 Buick LaCrosse represents a complete redesign of this full-size luxury sedan, solidifying Buick’s resurgence in the 21st century. It offers generous interior space, particularly in the rear, and provides opportunities for upscale customization without escalating the price to exorbitant levels. The top-tier Premium trim, priced around $42,000, includes advanced safety technologies, and an optional adaptive suspension system can be added for enhanced ride comfort. Power comes from a refined 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower, offering ample performance without being overwhelming. Fuel economy is respectable, achieving approximately 30 MPG on the highway. The infotainment system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, broadening its appeal to a younger demographic. While Buick historically catered to a more mature audience, the 2017 LaCrosse offers a compelling blend of modern features, spaciousness, and value, making it a noteworthy contender in the top rated luxury sedan segment.
2017 Genesis G80: The Newcomer Making Waves
Including a relatively new brand like Genesis in a list of top rated luxury sedans might appear premature, but the Genesis G80, along with its larger sibling the G90, has consistently impressed automotive critics. Genesis, now an independent brand spun off from Hyundai (similar to Lexus and Acura’s relationship with Toyota and Honda), builds upon the foundation of previous Hyundai Genesis models. The 2017 G80 is a fresh entrant in the competitive midsize premium segment, challenging established rivals like the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6. It offers a generous array of standard features at a comparatively accessible price point. Many of these standard features are focused on cutting-edge safety technologies, including a driver drowsiness monitoring system. While its styling may draw inspiration from German designs, the Genesis G80 delivers a compelling value proposition and a luxurious experience, establishing itself as a serious contender among top rated luxury cars.
2017 Jaguar XF: British Sophistication and Driving Prowess
The midsize luxury sedan category is populated by exceptional vehicles, and the Jaguar XF stands out with its distinctive British character. It seamlessly blends sportiness with comfort, prioritizing a fluid and controlled driving experience. Even its lane-keeping assist system is designed to be subtle and refined. The XF’s 3.0-liter engine utilizes supercharging instead of turbocharging, eliminating turbo lag and providing immediate power delivery. An optional head-up display employs laser light technology, ensuring visibility even when wearing polarized sunglasses—a thoughtful feature reflecting Jaguar’s attention to detail. The XF’s styling is universally appealing, and its dynamic driving characteristics and refined luxury contribute to its status as a top rated luxury car for those who appreciate British automotive artistry.
2017 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque: Luxury Crossover with Off-Road DNA
While technically a crossover, the Range Rover Evoque functions much like a luxury car for most drivers. Despite its elevated ride height and Land Rover’s Terrain Response System as standard, the Evoque can be viewed as a premium compact hatchback with enhanced ground clearance. Regardless of categorization, the Evoque’s strengths are undeniable. It boasts standard all-wheel drive, a spirited 240-horsepower engine, and a wealth of luxury features even in its base trim, including leather upholstery, an updated infotainment system with navigation, and front and rear parking sensors. From behind the wheel, the Evoque exhibits a responsiveness rarely found in crossovers, making it a uniquely engaging and top rated luxury option for those seeking versatility and premium features in a smaller package.
2017 Lexus ES: Serene and Smooth Luxury
The Lexus ES often flies under the radar, yet it undeniably deserves recognition among the top rated luxury cars. It is Lexus’s second best-selling model, only surpassed by the incredibly popular RX crossover. The ES prioritizes comfort and refinement over sporty handling with its front-wheel drive configuration. It excels in providing a spacious, serene, and exceptionally smooth ride. 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 3.5-liter V6 engine, and the ES 300h hybrid system remains unchanged, both offering well-equipped, high-quality sanctuaries from the stresses of daily life. For buyers prioritizing tranquility and dependability in a top rated luxury sedan, the Lexus ES is an outstanding choice.
2017 Lincoln MKZ: Sleek and Value-Packed Luxury
The Lincoln MKZ has evolved into a strikingly sleek and modern luxury sedan. While the common critique of Lincolns is their shared platform with Ford models, the MKZ benefits from the exceptionally well-engineered Ford Fusion platform. This refined chassis provides a solid foundation for the MKZ’s luxurious aspirations, particularly when paired with the new-for-2017 400-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine and available all-wheel drive. From a value perspective, the MKZ offers an impressive list of standard features that are often optional extras in competing models, such as adaptive headlights, heated front seats, rear parking sensors, and an adaptive suspension. Notably, the hybrid version is offered at the same price as the standard model, further enhancing its value proposition. The 2017 Lincoln MKZ presents a compelling combination of style, performance, and value, making it a smart choice within the top rated luxury car market.
2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: The Undisputed Luxury Benchmark
No discussion of top rated luxury cars is complete without acknowledging the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It reigns supreme as the long-standing leader in the luxury sedan segment, consistently outselling its primary rivals combined, even during model transitions. The current generation S-Class remains relatively recent and boasts an extensive array of convenience and safety features, setting the benchmark for the entire class. The S-Class lineup includes a plug-in hybrid variant, the ultra-luxurious Maybach model, high-performance AMG versions, and coupe and cabriolet body styles. However, even the standard rear-wheel-drive S550 sedan is exceptionally desirable. For 2017, this model and its all-wheel-drive counterpart (S550 4Matic) received a new 9-speed transmission, further enhancing their refinement and performance. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class continues to define automotive luxury and remains the quintessential top rated luxury car.
