Full-sized luxury cars mostly large traditional limousine saloons, with one or two oversized hatchbacks and demure SUVs included - are those in which high-end executives choose either to drive or to be driven in.
That means they need to offer outstanding comfort both in the front and back seats, a silky-smooth ride, excellent drivability, refinement and ample performance, and they must also serve as better status symbols than most things on four wheels. High levels of in-car technology and infotainment are a must and connectivity systems that will allow such machines to be used as mobile offices are increasingly important.
This list takes in cars that are both incredibly comfortable, great to drive and great to be driven in; and the ones at the top of our rankings are capable of more besides. Our super-luxury cars top 10, meanwhile, is where you will find the even pricier Rolls-Royces, Bentleys and Mercedes-Maybachs of this world.
The 10 best luxury cars currently on sale
1. Range Rover
The latest, fifth-generation Range Rover continues where its imperious predecessor left off: at the top of the class. At a glance, the latest version doesn't look much different to its stately forebear, but it's packed with fresh design details that mean it's much more modern but still unmistakably a Range Rover. It also retains the model's unique blend of talents that sees it blend luxury, comfort and exclusivity with unrivalled usability and, of course, unmatched off-road ability.
Under the skin, it's all-new, featuring Land Rovers MLA-Flex architecture, which features an 80% aluminium construction for lightness and strength (torsional rigidity is up 50% over the old car). In combination with finely honed air suspension, 48V active anti-roll bars and the availability of four-wheel steering, it means this is a Range Rover that handles with assured precision and surprising agility. It's also whisper-quiet on the move and boasts a sumptuous ride that steamrollers awkward topography into submission.
Solihull's lately added straight-six diesel engines are carried over from the old model and with mild-hybrid assistance offer all the urge you will need and emit only a faint murmur even when extended. For fleet operators looking to keep their CEOs happy, the plug-in hybrid P400e and P510e models offer up to 70 miles of electric-only range, which makes for company car tax at a laughably low 8%. Those plutocrats more interested in performance than the fate of the planet can tick the box for a 523bhp 4.4-litre petrol V8 (taken from BMW) that will allow them to crack 62mph from standstill in a claimed 4.4sec.
Whichever model you choose, you will benefit from the same interior that effortlessly melds traditional club class quality and comfort with all the latest tech. There's also more than enough space to lounge around, although that hasn't stopped Land Rover from offering an extended-wheelbase version too.
Ultimately, whatever you need and want from a luxury car, the brilliantly executed Range Rover has it covered. The price of entry these days has risen to just shy of £100,000, which is rather a lot, but it's a mark of the car's abilities that it easily justifies this figure - and more besides.
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