The latest luxury vehicles redefining sophistication, performance, and technological advancement.
Luxury vehicles have long been a status symbol, a way for drivers to quickly convey their style and refinement – or, if nothing else, the size of their wallet. While the segment still holds prestige, it’s evolved over the years.
What was once a lifestyle accessory for only the wealthiest among us has become pretty accessible these days, and a fresh crop of buyers means new preferences are on the shopping list.
Automakers have responded by making sure the luxury segment offers much more than just elegant styling and cushy amenities. Performance is a priority, with these vehicles delivering driving experiences that are as comfortable and thrilling as they are reliable. And as the entire industry continues to shift from mechanical horses to digital powerhouses, this segment more than any other has also become a proving ground (and, perhaps, a playground) for the newest technological innovations.
It is with these criteria in mind – style, comfort, performance, and technology – that we’ve rounded up the list of top luxury vehicles below. From sleek sedans to opulent SUVs, this list aims to showcase the peak of automotive excellence for 2024 across a mixture of vehicle types and price points.
Sedans
While they may be dwindling in overall popularity, sedans have long been stalwarts of the luxury vehicle segment. Looking at the examples below, it’s easy to see why this vehicle type has dominated for so long.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Mercedes’ full-size sedan is large on luxury – and has the price tag to match. Starting at around $120,000, the S-class represents what is, for many, the “gold standard” of a luxury sedan.
It is classically and elegantly styled, sporting a timeless design that promises to age well. Inside, passengers are treated to top-tier cabin appointments, cutting-edge tech, and an envious amount of elbow room. All the better to enjoy the silky-smooth ride quality, compliments of either a 429-hp turbocharged 3.0L straight-six or a 496-hp twin-turbo 4.0L V-8.
Like many new luxury vehicles, the S-class is besieged with touch screens and multiple sub-menus to access controls. However, the brand’s best-in-class MBUX voice assistant can handle most commands with ease, saving drivers the hassle of navigating the infotainment system. With the strides Mercedes is making in advanced driver assistance tech, the brand may even start saving drivers the hassle of driving altogether. Though, at this price point, owners may already be handing the keys over to a chauffeur.
Genesis G80
A relative newcomer to the segment, the Genesis brand is earning a reputation for churning out top luxury vehicles – and the G80 can be counted among them. The mid-size sedan is already well-known for its classy curb appeal and quiet luxury; now a mid-cycle refresh for 2025 helps up the ante on exterior styling and interior comfort.
Outside, the tweaks are mostly subtle and relegated to the grille, headlamps, bumpers, and wheel design. Inside, however, Genesis pulls heavily from its GV80 SUV, merging the infotainment screens into a giant 27-inch OLED display and adding a crystal rotary shifter knob to the center console.
The overall effect is impressively upscale – especially at a sub-$60k starting price – and comes matched by a cool and controlled ride quality. The standard 300-hp turbo inline-four and optional 375-hp twin-turbo V-6 aren’t as spirited as some competitors, but they’re guaranteed to make your morning traffic commute a smoother, more tranquil experience.
BMW 3-Series
As the S-class is to full-size refinement, so the 3-series is to sport-luxury. Classic styling, powerful performance, and a surprisingly roomy interior make for a ride that looks as sharp as it handles.
Power comes in three flavors: a standard 255-hp turbo-four, 288-hp plug-in hybrid-four, or 382-hp turbo straight-six. The lack of a manual transmission is regrettable, especially since the 3-series’ steering can feel a little numb and disconnected. However, all engine options are paired to one of the segment’s best available automatic transmissions, the ZF 8HP.
Its sleek exterior design is complemented by the refined interior that prioritizes modern styling and – yes, more big touchscreens – but not at the expense of premium build materials. A compact sedan that starts over $45k is not a small purchase, and BMW makes sure that owners will feel they’re getting their money’s worth.
SUVs
In recent years, luxury SUVs have become increasingly prevalent and continue to reshape the overall segment. Offering a compelling combination of style, versatility, and performance for discerning buyers, the following models top our list of luxury vehicles in 2024.
Cadillac Escalade
Go big or go home, right? There’s a reason this three-row behemoth is a favorite of celebrities and it certainly isn’t for the fuel economy. The Escalade oozes pure American opulence, with its large-and-in-charge styling, powerful 6.2-liter V-8 standard engine, and cavernous, high-tech interior.
Though base models start around $85k, the Escalade is designed for excess, so it’s safe to say most buyers are jumping up at least one trim level to ensure they can bask in the feel of genuine aniline leather – pushing the price tag much closer to the six-figure mark.
While you could get much of the same comfort and capability in the more affordable Tahoe, Suburban, and Yukon models, the brand cachet is half the draw. Also appealing is the incredibly plush ride, thanks to a sophisticated independent rear suspension system, and GM’s well-reviewed Super Cruise hands-free driving technology.
Porsche Macan
When Porsche released its first SUV (the Cayenne) back in 2004, reviews were a mixed bag. A
genre-defining sports car maker releasing a five-seater family hauler felt a bit like madness. It turned out to be the best sort of madness, which Porsche repeated ten years later with even more success.
Since its debut, the small Porsche Macan has been a smash hit and continues to turn heads with its sharp styling, stellar performance, and enchanting charisma. This isn’t merely “a compact SUV for Porsche lovers,” but rather a true Porsche SUV – a crossover that drives like a sport car. The Macan comes equipped with either a zippy 261-hp turbocharged four-cylinder or more powerful 375-hp twin-turbo V-6. In either iteration, the handling is quick and agile, delivering high on driver satisfaction.
This is a compact model, so expect rear passengers to complain about elbow room and cargo space. Additionally, despite the Porsche badging and steep $65k starting price, interior appointments do not hold up to other top luxury vehicles in the segment, nor on this list.
Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV
All-new for 2024, the Alfa Romeo Tonale brings some Italian flair to the luxury SUV segment. Iconic styling, a high-class interior, and intuitive technology make for a fashionable and functional package. And while the Tonale’s driving behavior is admittedly less engaging than its Stelvio and Giulia stablemates, it does offer an exciting way to drive electric.
The plug-in hybrid luxury model features a turbo 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood that is bolstered by a 90-kW electric motor on the rear axle. The result is a best-in-class 285 horsepower and 347 lb-ft. of torque.
For those luxury vehicle shoppers looking to reduce their carbon footprint, the Tonale’s 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery offers an electric range of 33 miles before the engine takes over, delivering an overall driving range of 360 miles. The savings at the pump help justify the $45,000 starting price, as does the impressive list of standard equipment.
Trucks
The once-utilitarian workhorses of the automotive landscape have migrated upmarket in recent years, not just in price but also luxury appointments and advanced technology. The models below are prime examples of this dynamic shift.
RAM 1500 Tungsten
RAM’s full-size pickup truck gets some serious upgrades for 2025, and the new ultra-premium Tungsten model is among them – proving that workhorses can most definitely double as show ponies.
Outside, the vehicle maintains its traditional handsome styling but swaps a front fascia for the usual steel bumper. Inside, RAM builds heavily upon its reputation for luxurious cabins. Quilted leather upholstery wraps around 24-way power massage seats, in an Indigo and Sea Salt color theme. Despite the Tungsten moniker, details in chrome, stainless steel, and carbon fiber can be spotted throughout the interior, tastefully offsetting the new 14.5-inch touchscreen display and optional 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Visible only to the front passenger, the smaller screen can be used to stream entertainment for long drives.
RAM’s dropped the Hemi V-8 from the lineup, but replaced it with a new twin-turbo 3.0L inline-six “Hurricane” engine that can make either 420 or 540 horsepower. The range-topping Tungsten gets the higher output, good for 521 lb.-ft. of torque and a possible sub-5-second 0-60mph time.
Only available in the crew-cab configuration with the shorter five-foot-seven-inch bed, Tungsten RAMs will also sport four-wheel drive, a power tailgate, and a hefty $90,000 starting price.
GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate
It seems that carving out the luxury truck segment wasn’t enough for GMC, it needed to top its own top-tier. Introduced in 2022, the Denali Ultimate trim cranks up the already-impressive luxury found on the regular Denali trim, which GMC has offered since the late ‘90s.
Looking every bit the luxury truck from the outside, the Denali Ultimate features plenty of eye-catching premium features including a unique grille, power running boards, and a tasteful application of chrome. The first-class styling carries over inside, where you’ll find coffee-colored leather embossed with topographical map patterns of Mt. Denali’s summit, along with more screen coverage than any of the top luxury vehicles on this list – an unbelievable 40+ inches to be exact.
Under the hood is a 420-hp 6.2L V-8 that can rocket this beauty of a beast from 0-60 in a scant 5.4 seconds. Where the Denali Ultimate really aims to shine however, is its hands-free driving software. Like the Cadillac Escalade, this luxury ride offers GM’s Super Cruise. Compatible on more than 200k miles of roads in the U.S. and Canada, it allows for hands-free operation of everyday driving functions as well as automatic lane changing and even hands-free towing.