Let's take a quick look at 10 of the best high end cars available for 2015.
01. 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
continues its reign at the top of the high end car pyramid largely by
virtue of its cutting edge technologies (such as semi-autonomous
driving) and exceptional chassis development such as 'Magic Body
Control,' a system of cameras that can scan the road ahead and adjust
the sedan's suspension to match. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is offered
with a wide variety of drivetrain configurations, including a 'base'
4.7-liter, twin-turbo V-8 that generates 449 horsepower all the way up
to a twin-turbo, 6.0-liter V-12 that produces 621 horses and 738 lb-ft
of torque. There's even a hybrid model, if one is feeling green, and
all-wheel drive can be had with several versions of the S-Class as an
option.
02. 2015 Audi A8
The 2015 Audi A8
is another piece of German heavy metal in the same vein as the S-Class,
but with a slightly more reasonable starting price and a focus on
all-wheel drive performance. Quattro all-wheel drive is standard with
every edition of the Audi A8, and you can also get a turbodiesel edition
that pairs 428 lb-ft of torque with 36-mpg in highway driving.
Available in both standard and long-wheelbase models, the Audi's well
turned-out interior is at the top of its class, and while you can opt
for an entry-level V-6 model that generates 333 horsepower you can also
order the A8 with either a 435 horsepower, 4.0-liter turbocharged V-8,
or a 'W-12' engine that is capable of producing 500 horses.
03. 2015 Jaguar XJ
The 2015 Jaguar XJ
and its extended-wheelbase XJ-L platform mate inject a little fun into
the daily driving equation by way of their lightweight construction and
well-tuned suspension systems. You also get some old world British
charm with the Jaguar XJ especially when sampling the spacious rear seat
of the XJ-L with its reclining and massaging features and available
wood work trays. Choose between the car's 340 horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6
(which also offers optional all-wheel drive) or blow the doors off of
your neighbors with the available 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 that
produces either 470 or 550 horsepower (with the latter available via the
XJR model).
04. 2015 Hyundai Equus
The 2015 Hyundai Equus
costs substantially less than any other vehicle on this list, but it
offers a very similar experience to those who choose to ride along in
back seat. With effortless acceleration from its smooth 429 horsepower,
5.0-liter V-8, the Hyundai Equus isolates riders from the outside world
with thick, acoustically-treated glass, reams of leather, the same type
of reclining rear seats that one would expect from a European executive
car, and an array of convenience options including self-closing doors
(and trunk lid) as well as a surround-view camera system. Styling-wise,
the Equus delivers a stately presence absent only the brand cachet that
comes hand-in-hand with pasting a silver star, four rings, or leaping
cat on the rear deck lid.
05. 2015 BMW 7 Series
The 2015 BMW 7 Series, like the Audi
A8, features a full spectrum of drivetrain choices including a
turbodiesel edition (413 lb-ft of torque), a base turbocharged V-6 (315
horsepower), and the choice between turbocharged V-8 (445 horsepower)
and 12-cylinder (535 horsepower) engines. Features such as an adaptive
suspension system and available all-wheel drive appeal to drivers
seeking both performance and security, and the BMW 7 Series can also be
equipped with a full leather interior, rear massaging seats, and a long
wheelbase for those seeking the utmost in rear seat room.
06. 2015 Bentley Flying Spur
The 2015 Bentley Flying Spur
might feature conservative styling, but this enormously potent sedan is
one of the most powerful and self-assured high end cars available.
Hand-built by teams of craftsman, the Bentley Flying Spur provides a
complete bespoke program for those who wish to have their ride fully
customized. There's really no limit as to the equipment, colors, and
materials that can be stuffed inside the Flying Spur's spacious cabin,
but a few things remain immutable: its drivetrain consists of a
twin-turbo 12-cylinder engine that delivers 616 horsepower and 590 lb-ft
of torque, with a standard all-wheel drive system on hand to handle
that prodigious output.
07. 2015 Aston Martin Rapide S
The 2015 Aston Martin Rapide S is in a
similar price bracket as compared to the Bentley Flying Spur, but it's
an enthusiast-oriented sedan that's both smaller and more nimble than
its countryman. The Aston Martin Rapide S disguises its four-door
status by way of its rounded styling and sloped roof, and unlike most of
the other vehicles on this list it's more comfortable from the front
seats than the rear. It's also exceptionally gifted in the performance
department, with a standard 550 horsepower V-12 engine allowing it to
hit 60-mph in less than five seconds and a suspension system that has
been tuned to maximize handling without compromising comfort.
08. 2015 BMW M6 Gran Coupe
The 2015 BMW M6 Gran Coupe
is another four-door coupe, a full-size model that is a little heavier
on its feet when compared against the Rapide S but which packs a
considerable punch under the hood. A 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V-8 is
standard with the BMW M6 Gran Coupe, and can grind out up to 575
horsepower and 502 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers certainly go a long
way towards helping you forget the car's tight rear headroom and
generous curb weight, and its physics-defying sprint to 60-mph takes a
mere 4.3 seconds with the pedal down.
09. 2015 Porsche Panamera
The 2015 Porsche Panamera
stretches out the familiar visage of the 911 Carrera and creates a
powerful four-door high end car that features much of the same
performance capabilities offered by the smaller coupe. Most of the
gee-whiz luxury is reserved for the Porsche Panamera Turbo S Executive
model, which includes an adaptive air suspension, enhanced sound and
temperature insulation, four zones of automatic climate control, an
integrated fridge with matching tumblers, and copious amounts of wood
and leather. The Executive moniker also ensures a longer wheelbase,
giving the car's two rear seat passengers more room to stretch out as
its 570 horsepower turbocharged 4.8-liter V-8 hurries them on to the
next boardroom meeting or country club tee-time.
10. 2015 Lexus LS 600h L
The 2015 Lexus LS 600h
L takes an unusual path to high end car status, with the most
expensive, largest, and most powerful version of the LS sedan
represented by a hybrid model. The Lexus LS 600h L is motivated by a
5.0-liter V-8 that is joined by a pair of electric motors that all
together produce 438 horsepower. As you might have guessed, it's speed,
not frugality that is the promise made by this gasoline / electric
setup, especially taking into account the vehicle's standard all-wheel
drive system. Equipped with its own Executive package, the Lexus LS
600h L gains niceties such as massaging rear seats (with an ottoman for
the right side passenger), and an infrared sensor system for maintaining
a comfortable cabin temperature.
