10 Best Luxury Cars for Women

2016 Volvo V60 ・ Photo by Volvo

Women are buying more cars than ever, according to study after study, and whether they’re buying for themselves or for a household, there are decisions that must be made. In fact, we’re a little envious of women who are currently shopping for a luxury car—there are tons of great options out there, even if sorting through them takes some effort. We know that no two women—or two cars, for that matter—are the same, but we’ve identified some characteristics that make certain upscale vehicles more suited to the fairer sex. Here are 10 of the best luxury cars on the market right now, and some of the features that might make them particularly attractive to women.

1) 2016 Acura ILX

In some circles, the 2016 Acura ILX is thought of as nothing but a more upscale Honda Civic. A car like that has its place in the market, though, and deserves to be considered among the best luxury cars for ladies. Since much of the mechanicals are, in fact, shared with the Civic—and there’s nothing wrong with that—the ILX is safe, reliable, and pretty affordable for a high-end small car. The 2016 Acura ILX also got a mid-cycle refresh this year, so the styling’s been updated and there’s a more powerful base model. Women who like to drive around with lots of friends may like the ILX more than other small sedans because of its spacious back seat.

Photo by Honda

2) 2016 BMW 3 Series

We know that there are bigger, sexier, and more powerful BMWs. But we’re choosing the 2016 3 Series as one of the best luxury cars for women because it offers so many options, which makes it perfect for a woman who enjoys customizing her new car. Sedan, Gran Turismo hatchback, and wagon bodystyles are on offer with the 3 Series, and just because the sedan is the most popular doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best. That said, the 3 Series’ extensive list of available drivetrains is somewhat limited with the wagon and hatchback models, so choose carefully. Don’t think of the 3 Series as purely a budget option, either; although the base sedan is an affordable luxury car, prices of these BMWs quickly skyrocket as the options add up.

3) 2016 Kia K900

The 2016 Kia K900 is one of the more practical considerations in this Autobytel roundup of 10 best luxury cars for women. Somehow, though, the K900 luxury sedan is often overlooked as a legitimate upscale option. The Korean budget brand competes in this class by providing a lot of amenities—similar to those found on class-leading vehicles—for a very low price. On top of that, Kia also backs its flagship luxury sedan with an excellent warranty. The 2016 Kia K900 may not be especially sporty, but this large sedan does provide good overall handling composure and a smooth ride. That's a trait liked by both women and men.

Photo by Kia

4) 2017 Cadillac XT5

Though the 2017 Cadillac XT5 is brand new and hasn’t yet had a chance to prove itself, it belongs on our list of the 10 best luxury cars for women. Why? Well, Cadillac’s heritage as a domestic luxury brand certainly plays a role, but these all-American cars have never really been what one might call feminine. The XT5, a midsize crossover that’s slated as a replacement for the dated SRX, has the potential to change that perception. More nimble than its predecessor and with a more modern interior, the XT5 signals a change in direction for the brand. Women in the market for an upscale SUV should consider—perhaps for the first time—claiming a Caddy as their own.

5) 2016 Audi A5 Cabriolet

No list of the best luxury cars for women would be complete without an upscale convertible in the mix. The 2016 Audi A5 Cabriolet is a drop-top version of the German brand’s popular compact coupe, which offers good reliability, excellent fuel economy, and a great driving experience. Women who prefer a manual transmission will need to get the regular A5 coupe because the A5 Cabriolet comes only with an automatic. The 2016 Audi A5 also has a sumptuous interior with plenty of standard equipment, as well as standard quattro all-wheel drive.

Photo by Audi

6) 2016 Lexus ES 350

At least one of the 10 best luxury cars for women should be known for excellent reliability, and the 2016 Lexus ES 350 is just that car. This year’s Lexus ES also scored very well in crash tests, earning a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Top Safety Pick+ honor from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The competitively priced Lexus ES might not be the most exciting car on this list, but it’s one of the most comfortable, for passengers as well as the driver. This midsize sedan is also available in a hybrid version that offers gains in efficiency while sacrificing none of its style.

Photo by Lexus

7) 2016 Volvo V60

Forgive us for indulging a stereotype here, but sometimes a station wagon is simply the best vehicle for a woman. And the 2016 Volvo V60 is one of the best. It’s as good (and as safe) as a Volvo sedan, except it has extra cargo space for whatever you might need to carry. Volvo offers a couple different turbocharged engines with the V60, and both make this luxury wagon a satisfying car to drive. Optional all-wheel drive means foul weather won't get in your way. And although this traditionally Swedish brand may never completely shake its reputation for designing boxy cars, the Volvo V60 wagon makes it work, rounding out the edges for a sophisticated style.

8) 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The GLA-Class is a subcompact Mercedes-Benz SUV that’s one of the most affordable ways to get into the brand. It's also one of our favorite luxury cars for women. According to J.D. Power and Associates, the GLA-Class has good reliability scores, just one of the strong points in its favor. It’s also priced lower than an entry-level Benz sedan, despite being more practical in terms of cargo space and passenger comfort. The GLA was designed to handle like a car, so don’t be surprised by its agility. And while many of the German company’s larger vehicles give off a distinctly masculine vibe, the 2016 GLA-Class makes a stylistic statement without all the testosterone.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

9) 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

The 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque makes our list of 10 best luxury cars for women. Although it’s undeniably an upscale vehicle, the Evoque also has some practical features. It offers more standard equipment than many of its competitors, as well as decent fuel economy for its class. The Evoque is a good option for more adventurous women, too, since it’s an extremely capable off-roader. Yet this subcompact SUV seems even more luxurious because it’s not pretending to be a responsible choice. We wish the Evoque cabin and cargo area were a little more spacious, and although the 2-door version is a true head-turner, it sacrifices some functionality. As always, however, it's nice to have a choice.

Photo by Land Rover

10) 2016 Tesla Model S

A car as smart and as sexy as the Tesla Model S is a sure bet for our list of 10 best luxury cars for women. Though the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hasn’t published scores for the 2016 Tesla Model S as of this writing, the safety organization’s crash tests for the 2013, 2014 and 2015 editions of the vehicle all yielded perfect 5-star scores. And of course, this electric luxury sedan is loaded with driver-assistance technology. And as you may have heard, it’s also super efficient, able to travel up to 270 miles on a full charge. It's also super powerful, making up to 532 horsepower in its top trim level. Brains and beauty: a perfect combination.

Photo by Tesla