From sweeping boulevards to private collections tucked behind museum doors, luxury cars trace a line between engineering, design and social history. They tell stories about their eras—what buyers wanted, what designers dared to try, and which technologies reshaped comfort and performance.
There are 30 Best Luxury Cars of All Time, ranging from 300 “Adenauer” to XJ. For each entry we list Maker,Production years,Notable specs (hp, top speed km/h), which you’ll find below.
How were these models chosen as the best luxury cars?
The selection balances historical importance, design and engineering excellence, lasting desirability, and influence on the luxury market; criteria include production impact, innovations introduced, and the way a model shaped expectations for comfort, performance and prestige.
Can I drive these cars daily or are they mainly collectors’ pieces?
It depends: many modern entries are perfectly usable daily with reliable systems and dealer support, while older classics often require careful maintenance, parts sourcing and occasional limitations—so practicality varies by model, condition and how much upkeep you’re willing to commit to.
Best Luxury Cars of All Time
| Name | Maker | Production years | Notable specs (hp, top speed km/h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Ghost | Rolls-Royce | 1906–1926 | 48 hp, 110 km/h |
| Model J | Duesenberg | 1928–1937 | 265 hp, 193 km/h |
| H6 | Hispano‑Suiza | 1919–1933 | 135 hp, 145 km/h |
| Packard Twelve | Packard | 1933–1939 | 175 hp, 160 km/h |
| V‑16 | Cadillac | 1930–1937 | 180 hp, 160 km/h |
| 600 (W100) | Mercedes‑Benz | 1963–1981 | 250 hp, 200 km/h |
| S‑Class | Mercedes‑Benz | 1972–present | Up to 600 hp, 250 km/h |
| XJ | Jaguar | 1968–2019 | 220 hp, 230 km/h |
| R‑Type Continental | Bentley | 1952–1955 | 200 hp, 220 km/h |
| Mulsanne | Bentley | 2010–2020 | 505 hp, 296 km/h |
| Silver Cloud | Rolls‑Royce | 1955–1966 | 176–220 hp, 180 km/h |
| Corniche | Rolls‑Royce | 1971–1995 | 200–300 hp, 230 km/h |
| Continental (1961) | Lincoln | 1961–1969 | 340 hp, 190 km/h |
| Eldorado | Cadillac | 1953–2002 | 325 hp, 210 km/h |
| 7 Series | BMW | 1977–present | Up to 600 hp, 250 km/h |
| LS | Lexus | 1989–present | 260–500 hp, 240 km/h |
| Century | Toyota | 1967–present | 275 hp, 230 km/h |
| DS | Citroën | 1955–1975 | 75–140 hp, 170 km/h |
| DB5 | Aston Martin | 1963–1965 | 282 hp, 233 km/h |
| Quattroporte | Maserati | 1963–present | 260–580 hp, 300 km/h |
| 300 “Adenauer” | Mercedes‑Benz | 1951–1962 | 115–180 hp, 170 km/h |
| Phantom V | Rolls‑Royce | 1959–1968 | 200–220 hp, 180 km/h |
| Fleetwood | Cadillac | 1936–1996 | 150–300 hp, 170 km/h |
| Continental GT | Bentley | 2003–present | 552–650 hp, 318 km/h |
| 57/62 | Maybach | 2002–2013 | 544 hp, 250 km/h |
| Town Car | Lincoln | 1981–2011 | 150–240 hp, 180 km/h |
| Panamera | Porsche | 2009–present | 330–680 hp, 305 km/h |
| Flaminia | Lancia | 1957–1970 | 140–170 hp, 190 km/h |
| Arnage | Bentley | 1998–2009 | 400–450 hp, 250 km/h |
| Phantom | Rolls‑Royce | 1925–present | Up to 563 hp, 250 km/h |
Images and Descriptions
Silver Ghost
Early British luxury benchmark from Rolls‑Royce (UK), famed for its silence, refinement and reliability. Produced 1906–1926, it set standards in coachbuilt luxury and fetched high custom prices. Collectors prize its craftsmanship and pioneering engineering.
Model J
American ultra‑luxury Duesenberg (USA) produced 1928–1937, famous for advanced straight‑eight engines, supercharging and coachbuilt bodies. Its slogan “It’s a Duesy” reflected status; new prices rivaled mansions. Icon of Roaring Twenties automotive opulence.
H6
Prestigious Franco‑Spanish marque Hispano‑Suiza produced the H6 (1919–1933). Renowned for smooth six‑cylinder engines, luxurious coachwork and engineering finesse, it became favored by royalty and celebrities and symbolized interwar continental elegance and wealth.
Packard Twelve
American Packard Twelve (1933–1939) offered V12 refinement, opulent interiors and bespoke coachbuilt bodies. It represented the zenith of American pre‑war luxury with impressive smoothness and exclusivity, sought after by collectors for elegance and craftsmanship.
V‑16
Cadillac’s V‑16 (1930–1937) epitomized American extravagance with a smooth 16‑cylinder engine, lavish interiors and custom coachwork. It was a technical showpiece priced astronomically then, cementing Cadillac’s image as top American luxury.
600 (W100)
Mercedes‑Benz 600 (W100) (Germany) 1963–1981 was the limousine of heads of state and celebrities. Hydraulic conveniences, V8 power and opulent rear accommodations made it a status symbol, often custom‑built and famously owned by dictators and stars.
S‑Class
Mercedes‑Benz S‑Class (Germany) flagship 1972–present defined modern automotive luxury with innovations: ABS, airbags, stability control and air suspension. Wide engine range to 600 hp; benchmark for safety, comfort and executive transport worldwide.
XJ
Jaguar XJ (UK) 1968–2019 blended sporting handling with sumptuous interiors. A British executive saloon icon, its aluminum later bodies and elegant design made it a preferred chauffeur and enthusiast choice, influencing luxury saloon styling for decades.
R‑Type Continental
R‑Type Continental (Bentley, UK) 1952–1955 was one of the first postwar grand touring luxury cars. Lightweight, fast and hand‑built, elite buyers prized its performance and coachbuilt elegance, cementing Bentley’s sporting‑luxury reputation.
Mulsanne
Contemporary Bentley Mulsanne (UK) 2010–2020 offered powerful twin‑turbo V8s, sumptuous leather and wood, and rear‑seat comfort rivaling limousines. It revived Bentley’s bespoke craftsmanship for a global ultra‑luxury clientele until production ended.
Silver Cloud
Rolls‑Royce Silver Cloud (UK) 1955–1966 combined traditional coachbuilding with modern chassis: silky straight‑six or V8, formal styling and opulent interiors. It was favored by royals and celebrities and remains a classic symbol of mid‑century luxury.
Corniche
Rolls‑Royce Corniche (UK) 1971–1995 was a long‑running luxury convertible/coupe with comfortable V8 power, bespoke trim and Rolls‑Royce prestige. Popular among wealthy buyers, its coachbuilt tradition and elegant presence made it a luxury icon.
Continental (1961)
1961 Lincoln Continental (USA) redefined American luxury with clean slab‑sided design, rear‑opening “suicide” doors and plush interiors. A status symbol for executives and celebrities, it combined imposing style with comfortable V8 power and chauffeur appeal.
Eldorado
Cadillac Eldorado (USA) 1953–2002 spanned eras of American luxury, noted for flamboyant 1950s styling, large V8s and opulent interiors. It became a cultural symbol of American excess and personal luxury, prized by collectors today.
7 Series
BMW 7 Series (Germany) 1977–present is BMW’s flagship, blending sportiness with executive comfort. Packed with leading technology, adjustable air suspension and engines up to 600 hp, it set standards for dynamic luxury saloons worldwide.
LS
Lexus LS (Japan) 1989–present launched Japanese luxury globally with quiet V8s, exceptional build quality and customer focus. It challenged European incumbents, introduced hybrid variants, and redefined value and reliability in the flagship luxury segment.
Century
Toyota Century (Japan) 1967–present is Japan’s hand‑built chauffeur limousine, focused on quietness, rear comfort and restrained luxury. Favored by executives and officials, its bespoke craftsmanship and V12/hybrid power define domestic ultra‑luxury tradition.
DS
Citroën DS (France) 1955–1975 combined avant‑garde styling, hydropneumatic suspension and roomy luxury, revolutionizing ride comfort. Its futuristic design and innovation made it a cultural icon and a landmark in luxury automotive engineering.
DB5
Aston Martin DB5 (UK) 1963–1965 is the archetypal British grand tourer known from James Bond films. Combining refined straight‑six performance with elegant coachbuilt bodywork and luxurious interiors, it married sporting pedigree with exclusive luxury.
Quattroporte
Maserati Quattroporte (Italy) 1963–present mixed Italian flair, sporting engines and luxury interiors in a four‑door format. It offered performance with handcrafted trim, becoming Europe’s answer to sporty executive saloons and a symbol of automotive style.
300 “Adenauer”
Mercedes‑Benz 300 “Adenauer” (Germany) 1951–1962 was the postwar executive saloon used by statesmen. Heavy construction, smooth six‑cylinder power and luxurious appointments made it a diplomatic favorite and early S‑class predecessor.
Phantom V
Rolls‑Royce Phantom V (UK) 1959–1968 was a hand‑built state limousine with massive presence, V8 power and bespoke coachwork. Often used by royalty and heads of state, it embodied postwar ceremonial luxury.
Fleetwood
Cadillac Fleetwood (USA) nameplate across decades symbolized American formal luxury with long wheelbases, plush interiors and V8 power. Fleetwood coachwork was synonymous with bespoke opulence, used for limousines, town cars and presidential transport.
Continental GT
Bentley Continental GT (UK) 2003–present revived fast, ultra‑luxury grand touring with powerful W12/V8 engines, hand‑finished interiors and timeless proportions. It made bespoke British luxury more accessible to wealthy drivers while maintaining craftsmanship.
57/62
Maybach 57/62 (Germany) 2002–2013 resurrected the historic marque as an ultra‑luxury rival to Rolls‑Royce. Long wheelbases, sumptuous materials, V12 power and bespoke options targeted the very richest and reintroduced coachbuilt exclusivity.
Town Car
Lincoln Town Car (USA) 1981–2011 continued America’s large rear‑wheel‑drive limousine tradition with comfortable V8s, spacious rear seats and conservative luxury. It was ubiquitous in chauffeured services and represented approachable American opulence.
Panamera
Porsche Panamera (Germany) 2009–present blended Porsche performance with luxury sedan comfort. Range from V6 to V8 and hybrids with up to 680 hp, handcrafted interiors and driver‑focused ergonomics created a new luxury‑sport executive category.
Flaminia
Lancia Flaminia (Italy) 1957–1970 was a refined flagship with elegant Pininfarina coachwork, advanced engineering and luxurious interiors. It represented Italian sophistication in a grand touring package favored by elites and custom coachbuilders.
Arnage
Bentley Arnage (UK) 1998–2009 reestablished Bentley as a bespoke luxury marque under Volkswagen ownership. With hand‑built interiors, twin‑turbo engines and tradition‑inspired styling, it bridged classic Bentley character and modern engineering.
Phantom
Rolls‑Royce Phantom (UK) is the marque’s flagship across decades, representing ultimate bespoke luxury, vast rear‑seat space and quiet refinement. Modern Phantoms feature powerful V12s, cutting‑edge isolation tech and prices reflective of custom coachbuilding and status.
