Regardless of their Bodystyle and method of propulsion, these cars are expected to provide unparalleled comfort in both the front and back seats, offering a serene and refined ride with minimal noise. Moreover, their interiors must be sumptuously appointed, serving as vehicles and symbols of status for their owners.

In today’s automotive landscape, car manufacturers are as much technology companies as they are automobile producers. Therefore, these flagship luxury cars must impress with cutting-edge technology that seamlessly integrates into the driving experience, avoiding any semblance of an afterthought or gimmick.

BMW i7 and BMW 7 Series

To witness BMW’s unwavering commitment to luxury car excellence, one needs to look no further than the i7 (and its ICE-powered 7 Series sibling), available exclusively in a long-wheelbase version. Unlike previous generations that emphasized driver engagement, this all-new model prioritizes five-star pampering and cutting-edge tech for its passengers.

The all-electric i7 takes the lead in this venture, but regardless of the powertrain, the immense proportions and imposing front grille make the 7 Series stand out effortlessly in any crowd. While some might consider its design to be an acquired taste, the interior exudes opulence, blending state-of-the-art technology with traditional craftsmanship and an array of premium natural materials. Notably, you can even opt for sumptuous cashmere wool trim for the seats, a truly indulgent touch.

With abundant space for relaxation, the 31.3-inch BMW Theatre Screen elevates the rear-seat passenger experience, taking in-car entertainment to unparalleled heights. The driver is not left out, as a wide-screen display sits ahead, but the inclusion of an iDrive rotary controller ensures a harmonious balance between tactile controls and touchscreen interfaces.

Propelled by a twin-motor setup and a 102kWh battery, the i7 boasts an impressive 536bhp, a claimed range of 367 miles, and a swift 0-62mph acceleration time of 4.7 seconds. Admittedly, its curb weight is slightly formidable at just under 2800kg. Nevertheless, the i7 delivers robust performance, and the 7 Series’ handling exudes polish and precision, with four-wheel steering enhancing its agility. However, what truly sets the i7 apart from its predecessors is its newfound sense of comfort, with its supple and controlled ride rivaling the best efforts of the Range Rover and Mercedes S-Class. Finally, the latest 7 Series fulfills the luxury aspirations its predecessors strived to achieve but never quite grasped.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

BMW might have achieved remarkable success with their latest 7 Series, but the Mercedes-Benz S-Class remains the undisputed choice for a good reason. The last redesign in 2020 embraced digitization like never before, and it undeniably succeeded in that aspect. The cabin exudes a reassuringly traditional yet avant-garde vibe, and the expansive displays tastefully avoid the jarring omnipresence found in other manufacturers’ vehicles. The ambient lighting and connectivity are executed with finesse, and underneath it all, apart from a few ergonomic shortcomings, lies one of the most luxuriously comfortable and cozy spaces to sit in while effortlessly covering miles, both for the driver and passenger. In a time of increasingly extravagant grilles, the S-Class’s relatively subtle exterior design should give it an edge in Europe.

For those seeking a large Mercedes with an electric battery pack instead of a traditional engine, the Mercedes EQS is the answer. It presents an entirely fresh perspective on the electric luxury car, bearing very little resemblance to its more conventional counterpart, unlike the BMW 7 Series and i7 twins. However, there’s still much to appreciate about the S-Class’s range of petrol, diesel, and hybrid powertrains. The lineup may vary based on availability, but typically, you’ll have a choice between the S350d or S400d diesel or an S500 petrol, which also benefits from mild-hybrid assistance.

The diesel options are impressively frugal and smooth in real-world conditions, with the S400d providing ample performance for the intended purpose. Still, if you desire even greater speed (while maintaining a hushed and smooth experience), the S500 offers a 400bhp-plus option that fits the bill. Moreover, there’s the plug-in petrol-electric S580e, boasting a combined power of 503bhp, the ability to travel up to 64 miles on electric power alone, and a more manageable company car tax than the non-electric models.

BMW iX

Number three on our list is a fascinating departure from convention. The BMW iX is not just any saloon; it is an all-electric vehicle with no combustion engine. Launched shortly before the BMW i7, it can be seen as an elevated version of the latter, standing a few inches taller. Although it may have marginally less opulence, its hatchback design adds a touch of practicality.

Described as “a BMW like no other” by our expert, Greg Kable, the iX serves as the flagship model for BMW’s ‘i’ brand, representing a bold departure from classic BMW design. Opinions about its appearance and the shift in design philosophy have varied among critics, making it a car intended to provoke a reaction.

There’s an entry-level BMW iX xDrive40 version with 296bhp and a WLTP-certified electric range of 249 miles. However, the more appealing choice is the xDrive50, boasting plusher air suspension and a range of 373 miles, making it a viable long-distance luxury car. If you need to charge while on the road, it can handle up to 200kW. For those more interested in performance, the BMW iX xDriveM60 offers even more power than the xDrive50, with its 516bhp. However, it’s worth considering whether additional power is necessary, as the mid-range model already offers an impressive level of performance.

In a comparison test, the BMW iX outperformed the Mercedes-Benz EQS. While the Mercedes is comfortable, the iX’s ride stands out with exceptional isolation and sophistication, making it an appealing luxury car. Furthermore, the BMW counters the EQS’s futuristic design with a warmer, more idiosyncratic, and less formal approach, both inside and out.

Range Rover

The latest, fifth-generation Range Rover has come a long way from its origins as a mildly gentrified farm truck. It has now transformed into a fully-fledged luxury car, sacrificing some on-road dynamics in exchange for unparalleled off-road capability.

Beneath the surface, the Range Rover features Land Rover’s MLA-Flex architecture, boasting an 80% aluminum construction for improved lightness and strength (with a 50% increase in torsional rigidity compared to the previous model). Combined with finely tuned air suspension, 48V active anti-roll bars, and the option of four-wheel steering, the Range Rover handles with assured precision and surprising agility. Its quiet and smooth ride effortlessly conquers challenging terrains. However, some other cars on this list may offer even greater refinement. On larger wheels, a slight thumping and body shimmy can slightly disturb the overall serenity.

The recently added straight-six diesel engines, along with mild-hybrid assistance, carry over from the previous model, providing ample power and emitting only a faint murmur even when extended. For fleet operators prioritizing the environment, the plug-in hybrid Range Rover P440e and P510e models offer up to 70 miles of electric-only range, resulting in an 8% company car tax. Those seeking more performance than environmental concerns can opt for the 523bhp 4.4-liter petrol V8 (sourced from BMW) found in the Range Rover P530, capable of reaching 62mph from a standstill in a claimed 4.4 seconds. Additionally, an electric version is in the works.

BMW X7

Regard not the X7 as a mere enlarged BMW X5, expounds the Munich-based firm. Nay, envision it rather as an elevated BMW 7 Series, suitably prepared for limited off-road endeavors. This description, though overlooking the X7’s seven-seat, two-box passenger car design with an elongated roofline, does shed light upon BMW’s designers’ and engineers’ paramount priorities during the refinement and tuning process. The latest facelift brings it in line with its lower-slung 7 Series saloon sibling.

The original X7 possessed no modesty, yet it is just to assert that the newest iteration is even more, shall we say, commanding. Combining the familiar twin horizontal headlight arrangement and a vast grille with the car’s already substantial frontal area ensures that this is an automobile impossible to overlook in your rear-view mirror. Within the cabin, a lower dashboard, accompanied by the brand’s signature, gracefully curved instrument cluster and infotainment screen, exudes an air of luxury the previous model narrowly missed.

On the road, the X7 handles its grand proportions with finesse, exhibiting surprising precision and athleticism during cornering, while maintaining a comfortable ride without compromising control. The latest facelift introduces a pair of mild-hybrid-assisted straight-six petrol and diesel engines. We have experienced the former, a smooth and eager 375bhp BMW X7 xDrive40i, yet we surmise that the torquey and efficient 347bhp xDrive40d shall prove the optimal companion for the high-riding X7. For those seeking the pinnacle of conspicuous consumption, there exists the M60i, complete with a new M-fettled 523bhp twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, propelling it from 0-62mph in a mere 4.7 seconds – figures previously attainable only with an M5.