There are definitely many luxury car brands out there – producing exotic cars and SUVs from different countries. These brands are notable for producing vehicles that deliver exceptional performance on different roads. Some very popular ones include Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Lexus, and Rolls Royce.
These brands produce several models and have dedicated editions meant for specific applications. Of course, luxury cars can be very expensive; however, to luxury lovers, they are worth every penny spent. Cruising in a luxury ride is a whole different experience.
Now, let’s quickly look at the top luxury car brands in the world!
Note: This list is not presented in any hierarchy; the brands positions do not imply they are actually better than others.
Top Luxury Car Brands In The World
1. Land Rover / Range Rover
Land Rover is a UK automotive manufacturing company that produces top-notch luxury vehicles, mostly SUVs. The company also produces luxury cars under its Range Rover brand.
Virtually all Land Rover vehicles are four-wheel drives, and they are equipped with quite many features. All Land Rover SUVs are off-road capable.
Actually, Land Rover is owned by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), a subsidiary of Tata Motors. Land Rover has its headquarters at Whitley, Coventry, United Kingdom, but its models are built in JLR facilities across different countries: Brazil, China, India, Slovakia, and UK. You can’t go wrong with a Land Rover or Range Rover SUV – the feeling is exciting.
2. Cadillac
Cadillac is the luxury arm of General Motors; it produces exotic, best-in-the-class sedans and SUVs. Even so, the US president’s official vehicle – The Beast – is designed and built by Cadillac.
The company was founded in 1902 in Detroit, Michigan, United States; the company’s headquarters is also located in this place,
GM’s Cadillac models are meant to be sold mainly in the US, Canada, and China. Notwithstanding, you’d find Cadillac models in about 34 additional markets worldwide.
Cadillac has a rich history but has, over the years, struggled to remain noticeable among its rivals. Some popular models of the brand include the CT4, CT5, XT4, XT6, XT5, and Escalade.
3. Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz, Daimler-Benz, or simply Mercedes, is a world-famous luxury car brand. All Mercedes-Benz models are built to a standard – never compromising on quality and hi-tech features. The company, Mercedes-Benz, has quite a long history, dating back to when it was founded in 1926.
Actually, Mercedes is currently owned by Mercedes-Benz Group and its Latest models are made in Stuttgart, the brand’s origin state.
There are many vehicle models produced by Mercedes across different car categories: SUVs, Coupes, Sedans, Vans, and even Wagons. One thing is certain, Mercedes-Benz cars always look different.
The brand keeps renovating and improving various aspects to offer its customers the best exotic riding experience. Although all Mercedes cars are luxury standards, they are, to an extent, affordable.
4. Lexus
Lexus is a top brand that lets you experience what it feels like to drive a luxury car without spending much on it.
Founded in 1989 and owned by Toyota, Lexus is a Japanese automaker that focuses on manufacturing high-class sedans and SUVs; it is basically the luxury division of Toyota – the largest automaker in the world.
Lexus produces four notable models: RX, ES, LS, and LX; there are actually other models. You’d find Lexus cars in over 90 countries worldwide; the brand is widespread like its parent company, Toyota.
In terms of durability and reliability, JD Power and other notable auto-ranking outlets rank Lexus at the top of their lists.
Put simply, Lexus is the brand to go with when you are on a tight budget but wish to experience what it feels like driving a luxury car.
5. Rolls-Royce
Most people refer to Rolls-Royce as an “Ultra-Luxury” brand, which means it’s somehow above the normal “Luxury” vehicles.
Well, Rolls-Royce is not only called an ultra-luxury brand, but other notable brands such as Bentley and Maybach are also in that category. The Rolls-Royce brand was founded in 1904 and is currently owned by BMW.
However, although the top German automaker, BMW, owns Rolls-Royce, the brand is still regarded as a British luxury car brand, with its headquarters located at Westhampnett, United Kingdom.
The name Rolls-Royce was curled from its founders’ names, Henry Royce and Charles Rolls. Rolls-Royce produces more of Sedans and Limousines. Popular models are the Phantom and Ghost series.
6. Maybach
The Maybach brand became more globally recognized after it was acquired by Mercedes-Benz and with the launch of Mercedes-Benz Maybach models. Initially, Maybach was founded by Wilhelm Maybach and his son Karl Maybach in 1909.
It ran as a standalone luxury automaker but failed to sustain a decent market share until it got acquired by Daimler/Mercedes-Benz.
Today, Maybach exists as a part of Mercedes-Benz and headquartered in the same venue with Mercedes-Benz – Stuttgart, Germany.
Maybach sedans and cars are extremely stylish – you could even say they looks more exotic than original Mercedes models. The Maybach brand focuses on producing ultra-luxury sedans.
7. Audi
Audi is one of the oldest luxury car brands that produces all kinds of vehicles; SUVs, sedans, crossovers, coupes, and even supercars.
The Audi brand was founded in 1909 by August Horch; it has achieved a lot of success in automobile production. Currently, Audi exists as a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, and it owns others top brands too.
Audi sedans and SUVs are top-notch, finished with exquisite features, and packed with sophisticated systems. Audi vehicles are produced in nine production facilities worldwide.
The brand targets the affluent class of modern urban consumers. You can’t go wrong with an Audi car; the feeling is different and classical.
8. Bentley
Bentley is a luxury brand that produces more of sporty, racing cars than conventional luxury vehicles. The Bentley team has cringed multiple Le Mans 24 Hour victories and top races even up to this today.
Just like Audi, Bentley’s current parent company is the Volkswagen Group; the acquisition never had a negative impact on Bentley’s long history of excellence.
The cheapest Bentley car sits around the $250k rank, and for sure, you’re getting more value for your money. Bentley cars are exactly what luxury cars should look like, and they can run at incredible speeds – little wonder why the racing models easily cringe to victories in championships.
9. Jaguar
Jaguar is in the same league with Bentley as one of the topmost luxury car brands. The brand Jaguar is currently owned by Jaguar Land Rover, the same parent company that owns and manufactures Land Rover vehicles. When you talk of classy luxury vehicles, Jaguar is one of the names to call.
Jaguar Cars was founded in 1922 with its headquarters located in with its headquarters in Whitley, Coventry, England. It is a British auto brand sold in over 40 countries worldwide.
The brand focuses on producing Saloons, Coupes, Supercars, and Sedans. Notwithstanding, there are clinical Jaguar SUVs packed with sophisticated technologies you can’t easily let go.
10. Tesla
Here comes Tesla, you probably was looking forward to seeing it on this list, right? Well, Tesla is a top luxury car brand; its vehicles are completely EVs and run with advanced technologies.
Tesla was founded in 2003, in San Carlos, California, United States. It is an American brand focused on producing cars that run with zero petrol – electronic vehicles.
Tesla employs about 110,000 workers, according to a 2022 study. Model S and X are the most popular Tesla models; however, the company also has Autopilot models that do not require human drivers. Headed by Elon Musk, Tesla cars are the best luxury electronic vehicles driven anywhere in the world.
11. BMW – Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, shortened as BMW, is a world-famous German multinational manufacturer of high-performance luxury vehicles headquartered in Munich, Germany.
BMW has a long interesting history that centers on reliability and performance. The company produces different class of cars, including limousines.
As a company, the BMW Group owns Rolls-Royce, along with other auto brands. Over the years, BMW cars have moved from being just luxury cars to becoming exotic cars featuring incredible designs and cutting-edge technologies.
BMW is one of the top German automakers, and its cars are sold in many countries worldwide.
12. Infiniti
As we continue with this list, Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury car line, is worth mentioning. The brand doesn’t have too many models or series, but the few it has are top-class. Infiniti focuses on small sedans, coupes, and SUVs.
Vehicles produced by Nissan, under the Infiniti brand are remarkable for scoring above-average in reliability and performance.
The Infiniti brand was established in 1989 and has remained under its parent company, Nissan, since then. Infiniti’s popular QX55 SUV comes with spacious cargo space and a generous passenger space; it is a comfortable luxury ride sold at a considerable price.
Infiniti cars are the closest alternatives to choose from when you don’t want to buy a Lexus or Acura model.
13. Acura
Like Infiniti and Lexus, Acura is Honda’s luxury division, and its vehicles typically look stunning! Not just the outside but also the interior of Acura vehicles is top-notch!
You’ve got to give the brand some accolades in that aspect. Acura vehicles hold up their value over time, and there are quite different models to choose from.
Popular Acura models include the RDX, ZDX, and MDX. Acura focuses more on performance and exotic-looking SUVs than other car types. However, Acura vehicles are really as luxurious as what you can get from other notable brands such as Cadillac and Audi, but they are affordable and decent-looking.
14. Genesis
Genesis is actually new in the luxury car market. It is a division of Hyundai with a focus on producing affordable higher-end sedans and SUVs to compete with other brands in the luxury car market.
The brand was established in 2015, with the headquarters located in Seoul, South Korea – the same place the parent company, Hyundai, is headquartered.
If you’re looking to buy a performance luxury car but have a low budget, Genesis is a good brand to check out the models.
Some notable Genesis models include the G70, G80, and G90 sedans, along with the GV70 and GV80 SUVs. The brand alleges that it’s looking forward to launching an all-electric model sooner.
15. Lincoln
Okay, let’s talk about Lincoln! Lincoln Motor Company, simply Lincoln, is the luxury division of American top automaker Ford.
The brand is marketed to rival Cadillac models from Ford’s closest competitor in the United States, General Motors. The Lincoln brand was born in Dearborn, Michigan, United States, in 1917.
The brand was named after Abraham Lincoln, an American Lawyer and statesman who also was the 16th POTUS. The current product range of Lincoln comprises luxury crossovers and SUVs.
However, the brand had produced some limousine models at some point. Lincoln limousines served as state limousines for the POTUS long before custom-made Cadillac models took over.
16. Volvo
Volvo? Yes. Volvo Cars, simply Volvo, is a Swedish multinational manufacturer of luxury vehicles. It is located in Torslanda, Gothenburg, Sweden.
The Volvo brand manufactures station wagons, SUVs, and sedans, with a stern focus on safety and retaining its Swedish heritage. Between 1999 and 2010, Volvo Cars was owned by Ford, but the current owner is Geely Holding Group.
Volvo was founded in 1927 and has maintained producing luxury vehicles sold in different markets globally. Also, in Sweden, Volvo is one of the top automobile manufacturing companies with a solid reputation for quality and performance. Furthermore, Volvo cars are pretty affordable compared to its competitors.
Summary
Summarily, these are the top luxury car brands in the world. Don’t mistake luxury car brands with luxury supercar brands like Ferrari, Aston Martin, Bugatti, and the likes.
These listed car brands produce cars ranging from SUVs to sedans, wagons, crossovers, vans, limousines, and even coupes.
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