Best Luxury Sedans of 2022

Characteristics of a Luxury Sedan

Premium vehicles need to do a lot of things right in order to stay competitive. This can create a little homology between the different brands and models, with plenty of shared traits. These are the qualities that define the luxury segment and set these cars apart from more mainstream contemporaries:

• Appearance: The first thing you see with these vehicles is their sophisticated and handsome styling. Some can seem a little nondescript or bland, but they are generally among the best-looking sedan models out there. Some of the boldest new sedans include the Rolls-Royce Phantom or Bentley Continental - real head-turners. Large wheels, aggressive grilles, sophisticated LED headlights, and bespoke hood ornaments are quite common in the segment. For the most part, luxury sedans will be four-door models.
• Opulence: The interior of these vehicles is usually just as appealing as, if not more so than, the exterior. Leather seats are almost always assured, or at least high-quality synthetic substitutes. Nappa or Alcantara leather aren’t uncommon. The door panels and dash are usually lined in soft-touch materials and trimmed with genuine wood or metals.
• Performance: While not to be confused with many of the speedsters on the road, high-end vehicles need to have a certain degree of power under the hood, often in the form of a V6 or V8 engine. Since these cars usually have a very high weight, their high power outputs are primarily to ensure effortless cruising on the highway, but some brands, such as BMW and Audi, like to add a little fire to their luxury recipe. Many come with AWD to compound this sense of effortlessness in bad weather and inspire confidence with some extra traction.
• Technology: You’ll almost always find the latest gadgets in the cabin of a luxury sedan, both up front and in the rear. High-definition touchscreens, digital instrument clusters, and loads of driver-assistance features are all par for the course. The layout is almost as important as the options, as form should always match function in a premium vehicle.
• Price: While not exclusively true, most luxury cars are priced well above the average. In this regard, it is true that you get what you pay for. If you want the best, then expect it to cost you an arm or a leg, or both. Still, there are some relatively cheap ways to enter the premium segment.

What to Consider Before Buying a Luxury Sedan

Not everyone can afford to get behind the wheel of one of these opulent cruisers. Buying a new car is always a big move, but spending up to six figures can be particularly daunting. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that you know what you’re getting into. To help make it slightly easier for you, here is a list of the pros and cons when shopping in this segment:

Pros

• Sophisticated good looks
• Featureful, luxurious interiors
• Powerful and smooth engines
• Extremely comfortable ride
• Membership to an exclusive club

Cons

• High price tags bar the gates
• Often more fun in the back than behind the wheel
• Commodious trunks are rare

FAQs