Ten Top Luxury Cars

Making a list of the top ten luxury cars in any given year is like making a grocery list for a group of celebrities--everyone wants the Almas caviar, Italian white alba truffles, Yubari melons, Wagyu steak, and La Bonnotte potatoes with a nice cup of Kopi Luwak coffee afterwards. But, it’s the cook that really makes the meal and it’s the features that make buying a car difficult. Here is a list of the ten top luxury cars and their most impressive features:

• Acura RL: Acura is a relative newcomer to the list of top luxury cars, but the RL got a 2011 ranking of 8.1 out of 10. The Acura has top ratings in safety, performance and interior, but lacks in terms of its exterior design. Its tech package includes advanced navigation controls, backup camera and parking sensors. It has Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and a Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS). The 3.7-liter V6 engine provides reliable power and the six-speed transmission is for performance-minded drivers.
• Audi A8: No list of best cars would be complete without an Audi. The Audi A8 lives up to the company’s tradition of quality and performance. A 2011 upgrade to the sedan’s design has put its exterior style above the rest. Its 4.2-liter, 372 horsepower, V8 engine has top ratings. Four driving modes allow each driver to get the experience she desires, and the multimedia sound system, navigation controls and advanced crash warning system make it a technological wonder. Trunk size is an issue as is shakiness in the steering.
• BMW 5-Series: The BMW 5-series continues BMW’s reputation as one of the top luxury cars on the market. It has high rankings (over 8 out of 10) in performance, interior quality, exterior design and safety, though only a 7 for reliability. The 2011 exterior design was a complete overhaul and reviewers praised BMW’s work. The iDrive multimedia controller makes running the internal features easy. The engine size depends on the model and ranges from a 3.0-liter V6 for the 528i to a 4.4-liter V8 turbocharged variety for the 535i and 550i. Some questions exist concerning its suspension and the feel of its braking system at low speeds.
• Cadillac CTS: A Cadillac is a Cadillac, and it's one of the best cars around. Forever a top brand, the Cadillac CTS does not disappoint. An 8.9 out of 10 rating demonstrates the quality of the CTS. Its 3.0-liter V6 engine is not at the top, but still gives it enough speed. The exterior is visually beautiful, the interior radiates luxury and the CTS was rated 10 for safety. It also has one of the best maintenance packages in the business at four years and 50,000 miles. The only major critique is the comfort of its front seats.
• Infiniti M37: The Infiniti M37 combines luxury and performance into a car with reliable handling, a user-friendly tech system that does not require a degree in computer engineering to understand and a respectable 9.3 out of 10 for safety. Its 330 horsepower V6 engine adds power, and its innovative handling all-wheel drive, all-weather traction control system is top notch. The interior wood and leather design is classy and comfortable. The control system is too button-heavy for some drivers, though. The major downside is reliability due to historic problems with Infiniti vehicles.
• Jaguar XF: The Jaguar XF is for drivers who want sleek performance with a tradition of luxury, rather than the more comfort-orientated designs of other luxury cars. The powerful 420 to 470 horsepower V8 engine of the XF is a step above most, but power and class are trademarks of the Jaguar name. The exterior design is a continuation of its newer style, so it doesn’t look like the standard Jaguars of the past. The control system is touch screen and easy to use. Its most significant issues are poor rear visibility, cramped rear seating and no all-wheel drive options.
• Lexus GS: The Lexus GS comes in standard and hybrid models for the more environmentally minded owner. The GS series continues the long tradition of quality from Lexus. Both the V6 GS350 and V8 GS460 offer smooth rides, classy interior design and top safety ratings at 9.4 out of 10. The GS also has a new brake override system to stop unintentional acceleration and a comprehensive range of safety features. The GS does lack headroom and does not come with a manual transmission.
• Lincoln MKS: Lincoln is synonymous with class and the MKS continues that tradition. Its SYNC® system gives voice control over Bluetooth and other internal controls, which makes learning its tech module easier. The MKS has some of the best cargo space in its class and an electronic stability control system that earned it a 10 in safety. Its engine lacks power with a 3.7-liter, 273 horsepower V6 engine, but the all-wheel drive provides good handling for all weather conditions. On bumpy roads, however, its suspension may prove to be too soft.
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Mercedes makes buying a car easy. Available as a standard coupe or a convertible (the only luxury car to offer both choices), the Mercedes-Benz E-Class models are superb. The V6 E350 does not have the speed of some of its closest rivals, but for a jump to the V8 E550 that problem is quickly fixed. Mercedes continues its elegant styling in the E-Class with fine lines and beauty and the most intuitive tech system available with the patented Mercedes COMAND infotainment controls. It received a 10 in safety ratings with its Attention Assist system.
• Volvo S80: A truly "under the radar" luxury sedan, the S80 deserves a serious look. It ranks lower than most performance-based luxury cars with only a 3.2-liter V6 engine (the V8 is no longer available). But, where it may lack in true performance, it steps up in handling and a smooth ride. It received the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) top rating for safety, so if you’re looking for a truly safe luxury car the S80 is a viable choice.