High End Luxury Cars

In the United States, a high-end luxury car is generally any car that costs between $60,000 and $100,000 and that offers extremely high levels of quality. High-end luxury cars also must feature a number of technological developments and offer a high level of performance.

If you're in the market for a high-end luxury car, you'll want to do a lot of research and test-driving before making any purchase, as luxury cars are significant investments.

Luxury Car Models and Manufacturers

Today, consumers can choose from a number of high-end luxury car models. Some of the most popular include the following:

• BMW 7-Series
• Jaguar XJ
• Lexus LS
• Lincoln Town Car L Series
• Mercedes CLS-Class
• Mercedes E-Class.

Of course, many other car manufacturers produce luxury cars, including:

• Acura
• Audi
• BMW
• Cadillac
• Jaguar
• Lexus
• Lincoln
• Porsche
• Saab
• Volvo.

Ultra-Luxury Cars

An ultra-luxury or super luxury car is a car that costs more than $100,000. Most of the cars in this category (approximately 70 percent) are made by German car manufacturers. Car manufacturers that fall into this category include:

• Aston Martin
• Bentley
• Maserati
• Maybach
• Rolls Royce.

While some ultra luxury cars don't offer better performance or more features than some of the high-end luxury car models, they do guarantee exclusivity, as only limited numbers of these cars are made.

High-End Luxury Sports Cars

Many of the most expensive cars on the market won't be found on the list of ultra-luxury cars. Although high-performance sports cars (such as those made by Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati) fall into the same price range as ultra-luxury cars, they don't offer the comfort for which ultra-luxury cars are famous. Rather, high-end luxury sports cars offer the best performance possible.

The Cream of the Crop: Top Luxury Cars

Recently car aficionados have set their eyes on three luxury cars: the Continental GT, the Maybach 57/62 and the Rolls-Royce Phantom.

• Combining speed with luxury, Bentley has released one of the fastest four-seat coupes in the world, the Continental GT. This model is the first all-wheel-drive Bentley and offers a 552-horsepower twin-turbo W12 engine. This car is also somewhat more affordable than the Rolls-Royce Phantom and Maybach, starting at approximately $159,900.
• The Maybach 57/62, made by Mercedes-Benz, has a modern, high-tech feel. For about $375,000, you get a 600-watt audio system, reclining rear seats with power footrests and power-closing rear doors.
• The Phantom boasts more than 16 hides of leather in each vehicle, making it the softest in the industry, according to its maker. Of course, for that level of luxury, you'll have to pay handsomely. New models start at approximately $330,000.

Used Luxury Cars

If you'd like to own a high-end luxury car but can't stand the thought of paying more than $100,000 for a car, consider buying a used luxury car. Slightly more affordable, used luxury cars still offer a number of features and a high level of comfort.

Recently, Jaguar was rated as having the best certified used vehicle program for the fifth year in a row by IntelliChoice, Inc. Jaguar was awarded top ranking based on its:

• availability of special financing
• car inspection process
• extended warranty coverage
• roadside assistance benefits
• title verification.

Since a lot of luxury cars are leased instead of purchased, you can generally find a used luxury car that's only two to three years old.