10 Best Full-Size Luxury Cars

2018 Tesla Model S ・ Photo by Tesla

The crossover craze came late to the luxury vehicle market, but crossovers have now ensconced themselves as the most popular luxury-brand vehicles in the U.S. Still, there is something very exclusive and sophisticated about a large luxury sedan. Because of that, we took a long look at the wealth of luxury sedan choices to select the very best full-size luxury cars.

The mix has changed significantly from a decade ago, when the domestic luxury brands — Cadillac and Lincoln — each offered several large sedans. Now the selection from the American brands is slimmer, but there are still a number of terrific large luxury sedans on the market. In terms of styling, interior comfort, safety, and technology, this class is more sophisticated than ever.

1. 2018 BMW 7 Series

The BMW 7 Series has become the standard definition of what a contemporary large luxury car should be. From its handsome design to its lush interior to its technological artistry, this is a sedan that is easy to fall in love with. The one major complaint about it is that it’s too feature-filled. The equipment list is highlighted by extra-touch items like motorized doors that essentially close themselves and a self-parking feature. The Driving Assistance package includes a forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a rear cross-traffic alert.

The multitude of engine choices begins with a 320-horsepower 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and extends to a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a mammoth 6.6-liter V12. Pricing starts at about $85,000.

Photo by BMW

2. 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Some experts would tell you the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the best large luxury car in the world, and while we’re partial to the BMW 7 Series, it is difficult to argue that point. Mercedes-Benz has made the S-Class its showpiece, stuffing it with technical wizardry that extends beyond adaptive cruise control to automatic lane-changing capability. Its driver support systems are so advanced the sedan uses geographical maps to prepare the driver for curves, intersections, and traffic circles. 

The engine compartment features a 362-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, a 463-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, or a 621-horsepower twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12. Prices start at about $89,000.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

3. 2018 Porsche Panamera

A Porsche sedan? A decade or so ago it was unthinkable, but now the Porsche Panamera resides in the pantheon of the best large luxury cars in the world. Somehow sports-car specialist Porsche has been able to imbue its big sedan with the attributes that have made its performance cars so legendary.

Certainly the idiosyncratic styling says “Porsche.” But this is no mundane sedan disguised as a European sportster. Five separate powertrain options give the buyer an amazing amount of choice. And the base powertrain — a 330-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with an eight-speed automatic — is a beautiful place to start. Other stops along the way include a 440-horsepower twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6, a 462-horsepower hybrid, and a 680-horsepower plug-in hybrid. Pricing for a rear-wheel drive Panamera starts at about $86,000.

Photo by Porsche

4. 2018 Audi A8

The Audi A8 and Porsche Panamera share parentage and some behind-the-scenes technology. But the A8 offers a different aesthetic and feel inside and out. It is the ultimate expression of Audi's sophisticated minimalism in design that makes its vehicles so appealing visually. While the Panamera is a sports sedan, one might describe the A8 as an executive sedan. In long-wheelbase form, its rear sear can become a virtual office with “desk” space and a mobile Wi-Fi connection.

Base power is provided by a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that turns out 333 horsepower. Also available are a 450-horsepower turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 and a 605-horsepower V8 in the A8-derived S8 Plus. All engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Audi A8’s starting price is about $82,500.

Photo by Audi

5. 2018 Lincoln Continental

The Lincoln Continental could be the most underrated sedan in the category. It offers well-drawn styling distinguished from its competitors. Its quality and consumer-appeal scores as measured by J.D. Power are stellar. And its pricing makes it a bargain in the space. It is available in a variety of trim levels, each with an increasing level of equipment. And its driving dynamics are civilized but not demure.

The base 3.7-liter V6 offers 305 horsepower, but better choices are the 335-horsepower turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 and the 400-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. The top-of-the-line Black Label trim level with all-wheel drive is an exceptionally nice package. The Continental's base price is around $45,000 with the Black Label starting at about $69,000.

Photo by Lincoln

6. 2018 Genesis G90

For those of you unaware of the Genesis brand, it is the luxury division of Hyundai. In the effort to break into the consciousness of the luxury buyer, Genesis is offering compelling value. The G90 is exceptionally well-equipped, it's stylish, and it has excellent build quality. The G90 topped the segment in the most recent J.D. Power Initial Quality rankings. 

Equipment includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen, a head-up display, automated emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Other niceties include powered rear sunshades, rear climate controls, and a 17-speaker Lexicon audio system. Powertrain choices are a 365-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 and a 420-horsepower 5.0-liter V8. Both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are available. Prices for the regal G90 start at about $68,000.

Photo by Genesis

7. 2018 Cadillac CT6

Before the Cadillac CT6 sedan was introduced, General Motors execs told us they believed the car would change Cadillac’s image. In the market, the CT6 hasn’t had the transformational effect they had hoped for, but it is still very creditable. It has been tuned to emulate well-regarded sports sedans like the BMW 7 Series. Attractive and filled with expected luxury features, the CT6 makes it obvious that special care has been put into the interior design and materials.

The base engine is a surprising 265-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Available upgrades include a 335-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 or a  404-horsepower twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6. A plug-in hybrid powertrain is available, too. In the spirit of one-upmanship, the CT6 offers a 34-speaker audio system. Really. It starts at about $55,000.

Photo by General Motors

8. 2018 Lexus LS

The Lexus LS was the big sedan that really put Japanese-brand luxury cars on the map, but its star has waned a bit recently in the face of an onslaught from the European luxury-car makers. Still, the newly redesigned LS sedan is a great choice. The brand has upped the bespoke-style options in the welcoming interior. The driver and front passenger can adjust their seats 28 different ways, should they want to.

A twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that provides 415 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque is the single engine choice, replacing the venerable V8. It is coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid version (not a plug-in) is available. In addition to the now familiar laundry list of safety features, the LS offers “intuitive pedestrian detection.” The Lexus LS has a base price of $75,000.

Photo by Lexus

9. 2018 Volvo S90

The S90 luxury sedan is one of Volvo brand’s recent introductions during a new-product barrage that followed several lean years. In a sea of lookalike sedans, there is no mistaking the S90 for anything other than a Volvo. Its interior expresses the spare, tasteful Scandinavian aesthetic. Two four-cylinder engines are available: the 250-horsepower turbocharged T5 or the 316-horsepower turbocharged and supercharged T6. Meanwhile, a 400-horsepower plug-in-hybrid powertrain is the heart of the T8 configuration.

As you might guess, the Volvo S90 nearly buries you in safety equipment. Included are adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, forward and rear collision warnings, and automatic emergency braking. The car pays attention to see if you are paying attention, and it reads road signs for you. The base price of the T5 starts at about $51,000.

Photo by Volvo

10. 2018 Tesla Model S

You might not think of the Tesla Model S as a large luxury car, but it is. And it does a very good job of providing all-around luxury. As you would imagine, its battery-powered electric powertrain is smooth and quiet. And with it, the car is remarkably quick to accelerate thanks to the instant-torque attribute of electric motors.

The interior is a very pleasant place, and information is not a problem because Tesla led the charge in giant infotainment screens. Tesla also has one of the most advanced (and controversial) semi-autonomous driving systems on the market. The Model S has been on the market for a long time, but recently the company freshened it with new front-end styling that eschews a grille. Pricing for the Tesla Model S starts at about $75,00 and can reach $135,000.

Photo by Tesla