Best Full-Size Luxury Sedan of 2023

With most new car buyers moving to SUVs in every segment, from subcompact crossovers to large truck-based models like the Escalade, full-size luxury cars are as prestige as they once were. Is not …

That said, discerning types know that sedans beat luxury SUVs when it comes to quality, whisper-quiet interiors, and top-notch technical features.

For the sophisticated sedan enthusiast, we’ve compiled a list of the best full-size luxury sedans.

1. Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has long been the flag-bearer of the full-size luxury sedan class, and that’s true for model year 2023. Starting at $115,550, the S-Class is packed with features such as a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, heads-up display and Burmester premium stereo system. Includes wireless charging for your device and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Of course, the interior is covered with premium materials, and optional reclining and massage-equipped rear seats keep passengers in maximum comfort. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology.

Two powertrains are available. In the S500 trim, the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine makes 429 horsepower. The S580 trim upgrade means a more powerful engine with 496 HP thanks to a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8.

Both engines come standard with all-wheel drive, a mild hybrid system and a 9-speed automatic transmission. A buyer in this class likely isn’t pinching a penny on the pump, but the S500 gets his EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

V8 models are estimated at 16 MPG in city and 25 MPG on the highway. Available features such as E-Active Body Control and his 4-wheel steering make it easy to control and operate this huge luxury barge.

Click here for the product list of Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

2. Genesis G90

The Genesis G90 aims to be a budget S-class and hits that mark with both price and luxury. Starting at $90,100 MSRP, the G90 positions Genesis at the forefront of its class as a true luxury automaker.

The exterior styling is statement, the ride quality is unquestionable, and the interior quality is on par with anything in its class. Standard equipment includes a Bang and Olufsen stereo, a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a heads-up display.

The G90 is available with two powertrains. A twin-turbo V6 is standard, producing 375 horsepower. E-Supercharged trim adds an electric supercharger and a 409-horsepower mild-hybrid system. Either engine is paired with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission, and AWD is standard equipment.

For buyers who value content and value over grille emblems, the Genesis should be the frontrunner. Add in the peace of mind of a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and the Genesis just might be the best car around.

View the Genesis G90 listing here.

3. Lexus LS

The Lexus LS is an excellent choice in this segment, especially for those less interested in sports car performance and more excited about practical luxury. We recommend opting for the deluxe package, which upgrades the rear seats to dual buckets, heats and cools the front seats, and adjusts the cabin with four-zone automatic climate control. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist.

The Lexus LS has a low entry point into the full-size luxury market at $78,035. Power comes from either a 416-horsepower base twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 or a 354-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 hybrid powertrain. Hybrid models have all-wheel drive as standard, but optional on the base powertrain.

It is recommended to use the standard powerplant as many people find the operation of the hybrid model unwieldy. Overall, Toyota’s luxury brand continues to stay competitive by offering a well-balanced comfort cruiser.

Click here for a list of Lexus LS products.

4. Audi A8

The Audi A8 is slightly less capable than the S-Class and G90, but offers more exciting driving dynamics rather than a harsh ride. The A8 has a huge wheelbase, so there’s plenty of legroom for all passengers and plenty of cargo space in the trunk.

For ultimate luxury, choose a four-passenger configuration with messaging and rear-seat entertainment screens. Despite being a large luxury car, the A8’s air suspension provides sporty handling.

The Audi A8 has a 335 horsepower turbocharged V6 engine and a mild hybrid set-up. A single-engine option is paired as standard with an eight-speed automatic and his AWD. Despite its relatively low starting price of $88,895, adding a popular option to the A8 quickly pushes the price up into his six figures.

EPA fuel economy estimates are 19 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. Buyers looking for more performance should upgrade to the Audi S8.

Click here for the Audi A8 listing.

5. Porsche Taycan

Buyers considering the Tesla Model S but wanting better build quality should look to the Porsche Taycan. Porsche’s all-electric sports sedan roughly matches the Model S in stats like range and acceleration, but has an interior and exterior design and assembly that far surpasses Tesla’s.

Accelerating from 0 to 100 mph in just over two seconds, the top-performing Taycan brings sports car performance and Porsche quality to the four-door luxury sedan market. Its size is more in line with midsize luxury sedans, but the power, luxury and price make it most likely cross-shopping with a full-size model.

The Porsche Taycan is one of the most exciting electric vehicles on the market with up to 750 horsepower. The base model is rear-wheel drive, and most models offer dual-motor all-wheel drive. The Taycan pairs an electric motor with his 2-speed transmission for more range.

The longest-running model can drive up to 246 miles on a single charge, and can charge the battery from 5% to 80% in less than 25 minutes when connected to an 800-volt DC fast-charging station. Base trim Taycans start at $88,150, but highly optional top trim models can run upwards of $200,000.

Click here for the list of Porsche Taycan.

6.BMW 7 Series

For 2023, the BMW 7 Series will be completely redesigned. The styling may be controversial, but there’s no denying that the new 7 is a major upgrade in luxury, driving dynamics and technology, making him one of the best luxury cars on the market once again. The available 31.3-inch screen and reclining massage rear seats make the 7 Series one of the most luxurious cars on this list.

In the base 740i trim, the big Bimmer starts at $94,295 and has a 375-horsepower, 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six engine. For AWD options, the 760i xDrive also gives you a twin-turbo V8 that puts out 536 horsepower. Upgrade to a suggested retail price of $114,595. The 6-cylinder’s gas mileage is estimated at 26 MPG on the highway, while the thirstier V8 returns the expected 26 MPG.

See the BMW 7 Series listing here.

7. Maserati Quattroporte

The Quattroporte is in some ways the exact opposite of the Lexus LS, eschewing reliability and quietness in favor of drama and noise. The big Maserati offers all the trimmings you’d expect from a car at this price point, but includes some cheap plastic-like parts from cheaper models in the Starantis portfolio.

The suspension is firm and performance oriented. That means it has a rougher ride than others on this list. The interior is the tightest in its class and feels like a midsize model.

Starting at $110,395, the Quattroporte doesn’t sound like it’s worth it, but for those looking to stand out from the crowd in this segment, it might be worth it. In his GT trim of the base, the Quattroporte is powered by his 345-horsepower twin-turbo V6, with the rear wheels driven by his eight-speed automatic.

Modena trims the power up to 345 HP and unlocks the ability to add optional AWD. Top-end Trofeo trim adds even more power with a 580-horsepower twin-turbo V8. Regardless of the engine you choose, Maserati delivers his one of the most exciting soundtracks in its class.

Click here for a list of Maserati Quattroporte products.

super luxury sedan

Luxury is not enough for some buyers. The cars listed below are bespoke, handcrafted, exclusive, and priced close to the price of the average American home.

1. Bentley Flying Spur

As you’d expect in this price class, the Flying Spur includes top-of-the-line interior materials, expansive passenger space and top-class technology. Standard equipment includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker sound system. The Flying Spur’s distinguishing feature is its athletic driving dynamics. Driving a big Bentley is a glamorous experience, but being a passenger is pure luxury.

The Bentley Flying Spur starts at $211,325 in base trim, but with nearly endless options and customizations, most builds are much more expensive. Three powertrain options are available. The base engine is a 542-horsepower V8 twin-turbo.

Plug-in hybrid trim combines electric propulsion with a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 for 536 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. The premium product is the 626 hp twin-turbo W12.

All engines are mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic and all-wheel drive. No powertrain returns decent fuel economy, but PHEV models can go up to 21 miles on electric power, with a slightly lower carbon footprint.

Click here for the list of Bentley Flying Spurs.

2. Rolls-Royce Phantom

The Rolls-Royce Phantom makes a statement with its imposing size alone. Entry into the rear cabin continues the drama with a suicide door, and once inside the Phantom offers unrivaled luxury.

The Phantom offers cloud-like smoothness, ensuring that chauffeur-driven passengers heading to country mansions don’t spill their Dom Pérignon. Surprisingly, the Phantom is thin on standard safety features, but an adaptive cruise control system with night vision is an option.

All Phantoms are powered by a 563 horsepower V12 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels. Starting at around $460,000, the Rolls-Royce Phantom is expensive compared to its rivals.

Fuel economy is 1% irrelevant. EPA estimates for the Phantom are 12 mpg in city and 20 mpg on the highway, so that’s a good thing.

Click here for the list of Rolls-Royce Phantoms.

3. Coming Soon: Cadillac Celestic

Cadillac Celestique for 2024 plans its return to the world leader in luxury goods. Full details of this all-new model have yet to be revealed, but enough to warrant its inclusion here as one of the most premium vehicles on the planet. Celestiq is like no other on the road due to its unique fastback shape.

Inside, a huge 55-inch-wide touchscreen that covers the entire dash space and separate screens for rear-seat passengers are planned. A 38-speaker audio system will satisfy audiophiles, and standard safety features include adaptive cruise control with automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and hands-free driving modes.

Pricing for the built-to-order Cadillac Celestique is expected to exceed $300,000 with options, which could well exceed the base suggested retail price. The all-electric powertrain promises to deliver around 600 horsepower, and all Celestiqs will be equipped with all-wheel drive.

Expected range is estimated at around 300 miles on a full charge, and a 200 kW fast charger can add around 80 miles of range in just 10 minutes. We haven’t seen the Celestiq in action yet, but it certainly pushes the Cadillac brand into new luxury territory and a fierce competition.