When considering the Great Luxury Cars of all time, the very definition of “luxury” in the automotive world comes into question. Is it purely about comfort, the serene hallmark of Rolls-Royce? Or perhaps it’s the embodiment of style, as seen in the iconic Bugatti? Maybe luxury is found in a harmonious balance, a quality often associated with Mercedes-Benz. In the modern age, could luxury be defined by cutting-edge technology, the driving force behind Tesla? Or is luxury simply having the absolute best of everything, as exemplified by the exclusive Toyota V-12 Century?
Often, the most resonant definition of luxury in cars circles back to comfort, much like the celebrated Cadillac Eldorado Brougham. This 1957 masterpiece, hand-assembled with meticulous care, boasted every imaginable luxury feature of its era. From cruise control and automatic headlight dimmers to power windows, a transistor radio, and air conditioning – these features, once the pinnacle of automotive opulence, eventually became standard in vehicles for decades to come.
Luxury, in essence, captures a specific moment in time. Therefore, when evaluating the great luxury cars, our assessment must consider how effectively each vehicle achieved its intended goals within the context of its respective 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 significant challenge. Yet, each of these automobiles undeniably belongs in the pantheon of great luxury cars ever produced.
Our evaluation criteria extended beyond mere features, incorporating innovation, sheer sumptuousness, and overall importance. A panel of nine experts cast their votes, and to maintain focus, we narrowed the selection to four-door cars, excluding grand tourers, convertibles, and other categories. We intentionally avoided strict distinctions between premium, luxury, or ultra-luxury classifications. Ultimately, true luxury is subjective, a quality instantly recognizable when experienced.
The extensive initial list encompassed 148 models spanning over a century of automotive excellence. While many models in the top 50 received multiple votes, only the top three achieved unanimous selection, highlighting the diverse perspectives on great luxury cars. This rigorous process led to some notable omissions, including numerous Mercedes-Benz models, the first-generation Lincoln Town Car, and the Humber Super Snipe. Interestingly, debates among the panelists were less heated compared to discussions about the greatest sports cars, perhaps because the primary point of contention centered on which Rolls-Royce model would claim the top spot.
History is replete with automakers who faltered in their pursuit of crafting the ultimate luxury car. Conversely, the automotive landscape also celebrates instances of manufacturers reaching maturity and ascending to new heights in luxury, such as Toyota’s launch of Lexus and BMW’s introduction of the 7 Series. Luxury cars represent the zenith of an automaker’s capabilities, not necessarily the most practical vehicle for daily driving, but unequivocally the one you aspire to own. And if fortune favors you, your great luxury car will endure as a timeless classic for generations to come.
Note: Car models mentioned are listed with their production years in subsequent discussions of individual models.
