There was a time when only a few luxury car brands existed in the world. The competition between the companies eventually led to not only luxurious but technologically advanced vehicles as well. And since luxury vehicles tend to be expensive, customers want their money to go in the right place. Let’s look at some of the top luxury car brands and see what makes them stand out.
1. Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz tops the list of top 20 luxury car brands. The company was founded on June 28, 1826, by Karl Benz. It is undoubtedly one of the most popular luxury car brands in the world. Mercedes is always known for high-quality luxury and refinement.
From the ultimate driving experience to advanced features, the company always surprises its customers with new offerings. Today, the company has a huge lineup of vehicles tending to different types of customers. You have small, compact sedans for medium-range shoppers and offerings like the G-Class and S-Class for the super-rich.
To compete with the likes of the best, Mercedes came up with its Mercedes-Maybach collaboration. Maybach happens to be the sub-brand of Mercedes and the joint venture specializes in manufacturing the ultimate luxury vehicles you can ask for. Ofcourse, these vehicles are a lot expensive but you get the comfort, luxury, and features, which you otherwise don’t on regular Mercedes vehicles.
2. BMW
BMW is another German brand founded by Camillo Castiglioni, Karl Rapp, and Franz Josef Popp in 1916. The company today stands as a direct competitor to Mercedes-Benz. BMW specializes in manufacturing luxury vehicles, sedans, SUVs and even racing vehicles by offering competition packages.
Similar to the S-Class, the 7-Series is the ultimate luxurious offering by BMW. The vehicle shares advanced features that are rare in other vehicles. For instance, the laser headlight technology is something BMW has pioneered over the years.
In 2015, BMW emerged as the world’s twelfth largest producer of motor vehicles. At the same time, it was termed as the most sustainable automotive company since 1999. The company’s M760i is the most famous offering amongst its fans and customers. However, the year 2021 has also witnessed the M5 competition giving a tough time to its competitors. And in the future, the company only vows to make its vehicles even better.
3. Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce is a British manufacturer founded by Torsten Muller-Otvos in 1904. If you can afford it, Rolls-Royce is three steps ahead of other luxury car brands such as Mercedes and BMW. Throughout its existence, the company has been known to put in an immense amount of effort and dedication into its cars. From the exterior paint to the interior features, Rolls-Royce does not leave any stone unturned.
Rolls-Royce took off from its Phantom. Although years have gone by since its release but it goes down as one of the most popular luxury vehicles in the world. Rolls-Royce also introduced the starlight feature. Customers can opt for star lights in the roof of their vehicles, which glow at night resembling the sky above. Today, you can custom build your Rolls-Royce however you like considering the sea of options the brand offers its customers.
4. Bentley
The list of the top 20 exotic car brands is not complete without mentioning Bentley. It is yet another British manufacturer founded by H.M. Bentley and W.O. Bentley in 1919. It is a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group and its current model line includes the Continental Flying Spur, Continental GT, Bentayga, and Mulsanne.
If you want the best from Bentley, you can opt for Mulsanne that competes with the likes of Rolls-Royce Ghost and Wraith. Over the years, the brand has gradually improved and progressed to become one of the most famous luxury brands in the world. It specializes in making top-level and high-quality vehicles such as the Mulsanne tending to its high-profile customers.
5. Audi
Audi is a German manufacturer founded in 1910 by Markus Duesmann. At the moment, Audi offers the A3, A4, A5, A6, A8, and Q8, etc. In other words, it has different offerings for varying customers. Those who want something in the middle can opt for A3 or A4. However, if you have the money to spend, you can opt for A8 or Q8 that are the company’s best offerings.
In addition to that, Audi allows its customers to custom spec their vehicles as well. They can choose from different packages or choose to add components and features of their choice by paying extra. Today, Audi competes with Mercedes-Benz and BMW directly, especially when it comes to racing vehicles. The brand has proven itself a strong contender when it comes to offering powerful engines and modifications.
6. Porsche
Founded in 1931 by Oliver Blume, Porsche is a German manufacturer based in Stuggart, Germany. There was a time when Porsche was known for producing extremely powerful racing vehicles. However, today, it has also joined the race for the top luxury car manufacturers in the world. Although Porsche has been competing with the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini but the company has realized a shift in customer preferences with time.
Today, the customers not only want power but comfort and luxury as well. Therefore, while the company had the all-time famous 911 in its lineup, it also came up with Panamera to prove its worth. The company has also stepped into the world of electric vehicles as well with its Taycan. Porsche Taycan has become an overnight success thanks to its comfort and extremely powerful electric motors.
7. Bugatti Automobiles
Bugatti is a French manufacturer founded by Ettore Bugatti in 1909. Even though people recognize Bugatti as a brand that produces extremely fast cars. However, little do they know that Bugatti has one of the most luxurious and super rare vehicles in its lineup.
The brand also collaborates with other luxury brands such as Hermes to produce custom 1:1 vehicles. On average, it takes around 2-3 years for a Bugatti vehicle to be made and Chiron is the latest example. There was a time when Bugatti introduced La Voiture Noire, one of the most expensive cars in the world. Apart from featuring a 1500 horsepower engine, the vehicle is equipped with almost every luxury item you can afford or ask for.
8. Ferrari
Ferrari is an Italian manufacturer founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1939. You might be surprised to find the name in the list of the top luxury car brands considering it only produces performance vehicles.
However, the fact of the matter is that the year 2022 will see the release of Ferrari’s Purosangue, the brand’s first-ever luxury SUV. This was an unexpected move, to say the least.
While its competitors like Lamborghini had already come out with the Urus, Ferrari held itself back and kept itself silent on the matter. While the world waits for the Purosangue, the fans can enjoy the mesmerizing curves and performance features of the latest offerings such as the SF-90, 812 Superfast, and F8 Tributo.
Ferrari is perhaps the only manufacturer that properly understood its target market. Therefore, with time, it has only become better by offering bigger and better features not only mechanical and performance-wise but comfort as well.
9. Lamborghini
Lamborghini is another Italian manufacturer founded in 1963 by Ferruccio Lamborghini. It competes directly with the likes of Ferrari and Austin Martin. Although Lamborghini also specialized in making performance vehicles but it took the leap of faith and introduced the Urus.
The aim was to balance both comfort and performance and it did so successfully. It has been a while since the release of Urus but it continues to be an immensely popular vehicle amongst celebrities and the super-rich.
Despite the global pandemic shut down, the company had already reported nine months of orders booked for 2021. However, at the moment, Lamborghini has failed to come up with something such as the Porsche Taycan. While its competitor Ferrari has semi-hybrid vehicles already up and running, it will be a while until Lamborghini steps up.
10. Tesla
Tesla being an American brand takes a good spot in the list for the top 20 luxury car brands for 2021. During the reign and peak of combustion engines, nobody had imagined that there would come a day when electric vehicles will overtake and offer the same luxury and comfort. With that being said, Tesla’s cult-like following ensures that people keep talking about it each year.
Founded in 2003, the manufacturer has only grown and has become the highest valued carmaker in the world. Tesla produced 180,338 vehicles in the first quarter of 2021 alone through its global production expansion throughout Europe and China. And although Tesla vehicles are known for slightly conservative interiors but the quality of the materials used is nothing but luxurious.
11. Lexus 
Lexus is Toyota’s approach to compete in the luxury market. It is known to produce vehicles that are termed “tech-laden”. Even though the brand has not reached the top but it promises to change things by 2025. There was a time when Lexus was known for producing the smoothest engine in the world. The famous champagne test on a Lexus engine is a prime example of how refined the engines were.
Even today, you can hardly hear the engine running while you stand next to it. These engines are not only smooth but also powerful. The Japanese are known for putting in a tremendous amount of reliability and durability in their vehicles. Therefore, one can understand their conservativeness. However, with vehicles like the LX-570, the Japanese have put up a good effort.
It should be noted that this is not the first time that Lexus has introduced its luxury vehicles. It actually started in the 90s, with the LS400. When the LS400 came out, it beat Europe’s best vehicles despite the fact that it was limited to Japan.
12. Volvo
Volvo is considered one of the safest vehicles on the planet. With five more additions to the IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus List and a strong increase in sales across the world, the company is back into the scene. For the last couple of years, the company has been introducing vehicles that tick all the checkboxes to keep conversations alive.
Perhaps the biggest differentiating feature between Volvo and its competitors is that it also specializes in manufacturing trucks. These trucks are not only powerful but packed with comfort and features. A few years back, Volvo remained in the headlines for a long time due to its splendid braking system.
The manufacturer puts as much focus on offering luxury in its transport vehicles as it does in its regular vehicles. Keeping up with the pace of its competitors, the brand has jumped into the electric world.
It competes toe to toe with the likes of Audi and Mercedes when it comes to offering electric vehicles at the lowest price and maximum luxury and comfort.
13. Land Rover
Land Rover is another top 20 luxury car brands company. The manufacturer is determined to remain a step ahead when it comes to new technology. The British manufacturer stays one of the most popular luxury car brands thanks to partnerships with commercial spaceline Virgin Galatic and Panasonic’s nanoe X Virus-busting air conditioning purification technology.
Land Rover is mostly known for the Range Rover lineup. The Range Rover Vogue being the most popular offers both power and ultimate comfort and luxury. Range Rover allows its customers to choose between different color combinations and features to make their vehicles unique. However, reliability is something that the manufacturer currently needs to work on.
14. Jaguar
During the past few years, Jaguar was lacking interms of competition. It failed to impress the public and especially car enthusiasts. However, over the last 12 months, the company has been making continuous announcements and justified its position as one of the strongest competitors in the market.
The company has introduced predictive touchscreens and virus-fighting technology to keep the conversations across the world going. It has recently launched the Jaguar I-Pace electric SUV, which is making rounds on the internet. The thing with Jaguar is that most people do not know that it was amongst the trendsetters back in the day.
For instance, the Jaguar XJ is a legend when it comes to luxury vehicles of the 90s. In addition to that, the E-Type was termed as “the most beautiful car in the world” by Enzo Ferrari. The amount of luxury and comfort added to Jaguar vehicles back in the 90s and 2000s was simply ahead of time.
16. Cadillac
There is a reason that Cadillacs are still used for chauffeuring VIPs and famous people around the world. It is one of the most comfortable, safest, and technologically advanced vehicles out there. The Cadillac Escalade was the most popular offering back in the day. It was made popular mostly by hip-hop stars who were obsessed with the vehicle at the time and therefore, could be seen in music videos.
Today, the Escalade is all grown up and offers features that others don’t. It is an ultra-luxurious SUV that is hard to ignore and overlook. Apart from that, the vehicle is equipped with self-driving features and a high-quality audio system to provide the best listening experience.
Throughout its existence, Cadillac has continued to use leather and other high-quality materials in its vehicles. From the seats to whatever your hands touch, the feel is always luxurious.
16. Maserati
The year 2021 marked Maserati’s 50 years of the Bora, which was one of the brand’s most famed and first mid-engine vehicles. The Italian manufacturer over the years has introduced some of the best cars in the history of the automobile industry. For instance, the MC20 and Quattroporte took the world by storm.
Furthermore, the company has also ventured into the SUV category by introducing Maserati Levante. Although the vehicle had a hard time competing with its competitors but that is not stopping the manufacturer from being in the race. It has been announced that the coming years will be full of Maserati releases featuring state-of-the-art technology and comfort features.
17. Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo is one of the oldest car manufacturers in the world. There was a time when the brand focused on performance and features. However, today it has joined the SUV bandwagon and equipped its cars with luxurious features.
At the moment, the Guilia is one of the lineups, which is extremely fun to drive according to the owners. Back in the day, Alfa Romeo was known to produce classic and luxury vehicles such as the Tipo 33 Stradale. It is also amongst the rarest cars in the world.
18. Mclaren
If you are into performance vehicles, then you might be well-familiar with Mclaren. There was a time when the brand’s F1 became an overnight sensation around the world to the point where it featured in games like Need for Speed.
Today, the manufacturer continues its stride and has been in the limelight for several years owing to its offerings like 650s Coupe and 720s. Unlike it’s competitors, Mclaren understood the need for comfort and luxury early on. Not because it was a trend but because it was necessary.
Mclaren engines on average produce somewhere around 700 horsepower. But the brand’s luxury was not just limited to seats. It extends to the dashboard and everything that surrounds the driver.
For instance, the roof, and the floors, come carpeted with high-quality fabrics to ensure that the driver remains comfortable during long drives. Mclaren aims to make their cars daily drives. And with both performance and comfort at the driver’s disposal, it is setting the right example.
19. Koenigsegg
Koenigsegg is a Swedish manufacturer that specializes in manufacturing high-performance cars. And these are not just any high-performance cars, they are super rare and expensive. What differentiates Koenigsegg from other manufacturers is that it is known for manufacturing its own parts rather than outsourcing them. This gives the brand a lot more control over the production and designing process of the vehicle.
Considering the fact that Koenigsegg produces ultra-high performance vehicles, it was important for the manufacturer to ensure driver safety. However, at the same time, the brand also had to focus on its ease of use since Koenigsegg buyers mostly lie in the 40-45 age bracket.
With that being said, Koenigsegg has continuously upped the level of luxury in its newer vehicles. For instance, the Jesko, and Gemera feature climate control system, infotainment system and electrically adjustable seats to make them extremely expensive yet easy daily drivers.
Infiniti
Infiniti is the luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automaker Nissan. Established in 1989, Infiniti was launched primarily to compete with other premium automotive brands, especially in the North American market. The brand is known for combining Nissan’s renowned reliability and technological expertise with a focus on luxury, comfort, and performance. Infiniti’s lineup includes a range of vehicles such as sedans, coupes, convertibles, SUVs, and crossovers, each designed to offer a high-end driving experience. Over the years, Infiniti has expanded its presence and is now recognized in over 50 countries around the world.
Infiniti has been notable for its innovative approach to vehicle design and technology. The brand has introduced several industry firsts, including steer-by-wire technology and the pioneering use of powerful yet efficient V6 engines across much of its lineup. Infiniti’s design philosophy often features sleek, aerodynamic styling, and interiors that blend luxury materials with user-friendly technology. Despite facing stiff competition in the luxury car market, Infiniti has carved out a niche for itself by offering vehicles that blend Japanese craftsmanship with contemporary luxury, appealing to a clientele that values both performance and sophistication.
Additional Top Luxury Brands:
- Pagani – Italian manufacturer of carbon fiber supercars.
- Genesis – Hyundai’s luxury division, offering premium vehicles.
- Aston Martin – British manufacturer famous for sophisticated grand tourers.
- Lotus – Renowned for its lightweight sports cars and exceptional handling, Lotus combines racing heritage with innovative engineering to create exhilarating driving experiences.
- Spyker – A Dutch manufacturer known for producing exclusive, hand-built sports cars with distinctive designs and aviation-inspired details.
- Wiesmann – A German boutique car manufacturer, is celebrated for its retro-styled roadsters and coupes that blend classic aesthetics with modern performance.
- Zenvo – A Danish supercar manufacturer, specializes in producing limited-edition, high-performance vehicles with unique, aggressive designs and advanced technology.
Interesting Facts About the Luxury Car Market
- Limited Production Numbers: Many luxury car brands produce vehicles in limited quantities to maintain exclusivity and high value, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
- Customization and Personalization: Luxury car buyers often have the option to customize their vehicles extensively, from choosing unique color schemes to hand-stitched upholstery and personalized in-car technology.
- Technological Innovation Leaders: Luxury car brands are often at the forefront of automotive technology, introducing cutting-edge features like advanced driver assistance systems, hybrid and electric powertrains, and bespoke infotainment systems before they trickle down to the mass market.
- High Resale Value: Certain models of luxury cars, especially those from iconic brands or limited editions, can maintain or even increase in value over time, contrary to the typical depreciation of cars.
- Brand Heritage and Prestige: Many luxury car brands have rich histories and heritage, often tied to racing or exclusive craftsmanship, which adds to their allure and prestige.
- Global Market Growth: The luxury car market has been growing globally, with significant demand in emerging markets like China, India, and the Middle East, along with sustained interest in Europe and North America.
- Eco-Friendly Luxury Cars: There’s a growing trend towards eco-friendly luxury vehicles, with brands like Tesla leading the charge in electric vehicles and others introducing hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell options.
- Celebrity Endorsements and Collaborations: Luxury car brands often collaborate with celebrities or luxury brands in other sectors (like fashion or watches) for limited edition models, enhancing brand visibility and appeal.
- Experiential Marketing: Luxury car brands focus on experiential marketing, offering exclusive events, driving experiences, and VIP treatment to their customers, fostering brand loyalty and a sense of community.
- After-Sales Services: The level of after-sales service and customer care in the luxury car market is typically far superior to that of the mass market, with services like bespoke maintenance plans, concierge services, and extended warranties.
Final Word
Luxury brands have emphasized higher levels of comfort and safety over the years. With the competition being harder than ever and the race to come out at the top, vehicles are only destined to become better. Today, it is not only about looks but also about environmental sustainability and comfort while offering maximum performance at the lowest price. Therefore, let’s see what the future holds, especially for electric cars.