Defining a “luxury car” can be subjective, yet in the automotive world, certain characteristics consistently emerge. Often, luxury is synonymous with comfort, the very essence of Rolls-Royce. It can also be embodied by style, as seen in Bugatti, or balance, a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz. In the modern era, technology has become a key aspect of luxury, exemplified by Tesla, while for some, true luxury represents the best of everything, like the Toyota V-12 Century.
However, the most enduring definition of luxury often circles back to comfort, reminiscent of the Cadillac Eldorado Brougham. This hand-built marvel from 1957 was ahead of its time, boasting every conceivable luxury feature of the era. From cruise control and an automatic headlight dimmer to power windows, a transistor radio, and air conditioning, the Eldorado Brougham pioneered features that would become standard in mainstream vehicles decades later.
Luxury, in essence, captures a moment in time. When evaluating the greatest luxury cars, it’s crucial to consider how effectively each vehicle fulfilled its purpose within its specific era. Comparing a Duesenberg Model J to a Citroën DS or a Lexus LS 400, and even more so to a Tesla Model S, presents a challenge. Yet, each of these cars stands as a testament to automotive luxury in its own right.
Criteria for judging these automotive masterpieces extend beyond mere features. Innovation, sheer opulence, and historical importance all play vital roles. In a comprehensive evaluation by nine experts, focusing on four-door models to exclude grand tourers and convertibles, the lines between premium, luxury, and ultra-luxury blurred. True luxury, it seems, is intrinsically personal – an undeniable quality recognized upon sight and experience.
The extensive list considered encompassed 148 models spanning over a century. While many garnered votes within the top 50, only the top three achieved unanimous selection, revealing some notable omissions. Surprisingly, this included numerous Mercedes-Benz models, the first-generation Lincoln Town Car, and the Humber Super Snipe. Interestingly, debates among the panel were less contentious compared to discussions around the greatest sports cars, with the primary point of contention seemingly revolving around which Rolls-Royce model would claim the top spot.
The pursuit of crafting the ultimate luxury car has proven to be a perilous endeavor for some automakers, leading to financial ruin. Conversely, the automotive landscape has also witnessed the rise of manufacturers who matured into luxury giants, such as Toyota with the launch of Lexus, and BMW with the introduction of the 7 Series. Luxury cars represent the pinnacle of automakers’ ambitions – perhaps not always the most practical choice for everyday driving, but undeniably the vehicles one aspires to own. And for the fortunate few, these automotive masterpieces transcend trends, becoming enduring classics for generations to appreciate.
