The pinnacle of automotive perfection, luxury sedans offer the ideal balance of style, comfort, and performance. These automobiles are made to offer the best driving experience possible, from their sleek aesthetics to their opulent interiors and cutting-edge technology. The best luxury sedans, which provide unmatched comfort, power, and refinement, are frequently preferred by business leaders, famous people, and sophisticated car aficionados.
In case you like the high-end quality, but want less of a carbon footprint, electric cars are becoming more popular and for a good reason. The best luxury electric cars are also environmentally friendly, economical, and sleek. First, there were only electric sedans, and then manufacturers started releasing electric SUVs. Electric vehicles are becoming so trendy and advanced that even luxury car manufacturers are jumping on board.
Another feature of the fanciest sedans out there is their sound systems. If you’re one to blast tunes every time you sit in the driver’s seat, rock on, but with caution. A recent study compared distractibility among Spotify driving playlists. Some hit songs are more distracting than others when people get behind the wheel. Researchers found that the “safest” option is Billie Eilish’s “bad guy.” Not a fa? Also making the cut as the least distracting hit songs are “July” by Noah Cyrus (9.3%), “Bruises” by Lewis Capaldi (10.2%), and “When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars (10.3%).
Now, whether you are looking for a car that can take you on long road trips in style or easily navigate the urban jungle, there is a model out there that is perfect for you. So, buckle up and get ready to explore the five best luxury sedans most recommended by experts and car aficionados. If you own a car you think deserves a spot on this list, let us know in the comments!
The List: Best Luxury Sedans, According to Experts
1. Lexus ES
True Car says this model is famous for its reliability: “It’s not as fancy or fun to drive as European rivals, but the ES’s superb build quality translates to ride comfort that is hard to find elsewhere in its class. The Lexus ES offers as much comfort as a European luxury sedan but with better reliability and fuel economy, practical attributes that help justify its well-heeled pricing.”
“It’s the first ES to ever offer AWD and I couldn’t be more impressed with the new addition to the ES family. From its looks, technology and terrific Mark Levinson sound system to its engaging ride, cabin comfort and all-wheel drive confidence, I have to say the top-of-the-line ES Ultra Luxury AWD is something special. Not to mention it’s what I consider a great value at just under $55,000,” writes a reviewer from Car Pro.
“Lexus has long aimed their luxury sedans at a more laid-back, comfort-oriented crowd. The ES eschews the athleticism available in rivals like the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and instead focuses on a well-groomed, pleasant interior ready for easy cruising,” adds Turo. “No matter which engine or trim level, the Lexus ES provides a plush and relaxing ride with all the options a Lexus driver would want.”
2. Audi A3
Motor Trend explains the upgrades from this car’s predecessor: “Fuel economy is drastically improved, especially for AWD models, and we’re fans of the sharper updated styling. Some may miss the previous-generation A3’s superior performance, but we found the mild hybrid turbo-four peppy enough to propel us through the canyons during our First Drive. We also noted confident handling and a mostly settled ride, but don’t expect the magic carpet of an air-suspended A8 in the comparatively tiny A3.”
“Audi dropped the A3 Prestige trim and made welcome additions to standard equipment levels. The A3’s exterior adapts the understated styling of the larger Audi sedans. The upscale interior is highlighted by the Audi Digital Cockpit, which gives a colorful and bold presentation of driving information,” describes True Car. “The infotainment screen was enlarged in the 2022 redesign and features excellent graphics. Another highlight is the A3’s seating. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and three adults can ride comfortably in the rear. The Audi A3 is a couple of inches longer than its most direct competitor, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan.”
According to Luxatic on the A3: “Probably one of the nicest of the bunch, at least when it comes to smaller sized luxury sedans, the Audi A3 wonderfully combines style with performance. Its road manners are as impressive as the cabin is sophisticated, giving the A3 a nice advantage over its rivals, if you add the starting price of about $37,895 for its most distinct variant of the 3 available, the Premium quattro. This one comes equipped with a 2.0 liter I4 Turbo engine and all wheel drive as standard.”
3. BMW 7 Series
Forbes loves how roomy this design is and says it’s “as audacious as it is large. Aside from its huge grilles it’s the most conservatively styled 7 in two decades and it’s both handsome and imposing. Inside there are exceedingly luxurious details like optional cashmere blend fabrics and tech features galore, including a drop-down theater screen for backseat riders.”
“BMWs have always relied on their mostly great engines for the soul and sensation we all crave, as well as their dynamics, but the focus is shifting elsewhere now. The new 7 Series has arguably the finest interior in the automotive world, beautifully executed, well-made and imaginative. You can argue among yourselves about the exterior design, but inside is a knock-out. It’s blissfully smooth, fast and easy to drive, and impressively efficient for such a large car. A lot of clever, highly motivated people have dug very deep here and you can tell. The i7 is one hell of a car,” writes Top Gear.
According to Car And Driver BMW continues to push boundaries of design with this car: “Redesigned for 2023, the flagship sedan’s slab-sided sheetmetal, split headlights, and massive grille give it a distinct look that helps it stand out from the competition” . “Whether consumers find the new 7-series attractive remains to be seen. Full-size luxury sedans are more about what’s inside, though, and the big Bimmer does not disappoint. Its cabin is richly appointed and its rear seating area offers ample space. That said, we wish the 7’s tiller were a bit more communicative, and as crisp and responsive as the sedan’s touchscreens are.”
“It introduces an expressive front end with the new design language of luxury BMW vehicles. In addition, the new 7 Series introduces the first all-electric BMW i7. The i7 is BMW’s all-electric luxury sedan that demonstrates the brand’s unwavering commitment to sustainability. The 7 Series lineup also includes ICE-powered models, including the 740i with a 3.0-liter Biturbo inline-six engine and the 760i xDrive with a 4.4-liter Biturbo V8. Both versions use the 48-volt mild hybrid technology for better response and power delivery,” notes Hot Cars.
4. Audi A6
U.S. News paints a picture of what to expect: “It has brawny engine options, composed handling, a comfortable ride and a spacious and upscale cabin. That said, there’s stiff competition in this class, so you’ll want to consider a few rivals before making your decision. The 2023 Audi A6 is available in three trims: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige.”
Motor Trend says a drive in this car leaves you overwhelmingly impressed: “The German automaker’s midsize sedan features superb materials, and it’s incredibly quiet inside, too. The A6 is the middle child of Audi’s sedan lineup, positioned above the A3 and A4 but below the flagship A8. The A6 is a midsize luxury sedan that competes with the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, as well as non-German alternatives including the Genesis G80, Lexus ES, and Volvo S90.”
“The Audi A6 impresses on all fronts. The interior comes with the refinement expected from such a car, and the ride is all fun given the 3.0 liter V6 turbo and all wheel drive. The base price is a little higher than other rivals at over $60k, but as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. The car also got a five star safety rating, which is a thing to consider when looking for more affordable options,” adds Luxatic.
5. Tesla Model 3
Looking for an electric model? Motor Trend recommends: “The Model 3 ranks well in both the electric car and compact luxury sedan segments. Generous range and accessible pricing alone would be enough to make this car appealing, but the exceptional performance and luxurious minimalist interior only add to the allure. In fact, the Model 3 impressed us enough to take home a comparison test win over the BMW 3 Series and the 2019 Car of the Year-winning Genesis G70. That said, some buyers won’t appreciate the massive center touchscreen. Nearly every aspect of the car is controlled through that display; there are only a handful of actual buttons in the cabin. The system carries with it a significant learning curve compared to more conventional luxury electric cars like the BMW i4 four-door or Audi E-Tron SUV.”
“The Tesla Model 3 needs no introduction, as it’s garnered plenty of attention since its launch. With its advanced electric powertrain able to reach some of the most impressive driving ranges in the pack, it’s hard not to think of it as one of the best choices,” writes Luxatic. “But despite the obvious high-end performance and the top notch tech features it comes with, the Tesla lacks the refinement and style seen in most other competitors on the luxury market. All in all, it’s still a top option especially given its amazing driving range.”
“The Tesla Model 3 embodies how far EVs have come in recent years. When the initial wave hit about a decade ago, EVs lived on the fringe, hobbled by limited range (the first Nissan Leaf traveled a mere 73 miles between charges) and quirky styling. Today’s EVs have evolved in the best ways possible, and the Model 3 is proof. It has traits that have helped other Tesla vehicles win a wide audience: clean design, outstanding battery range, and leading-edge technology. And as the most affordable vehicle in the brand’s electrified lineup, the Model 3 is a relatively accessible choice,” adds True Car.
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