Buyers Guide: The Best Full-Size Luxury Cars for 2023

The realm of full-size luxury cars has reached unprecedented heights, propelled by tech advancements and constantly evolving customer tastes. These cars, often the flagship of their brands, are painstakingly designed to showcase the pinnacle of opulence, technology and performance.

Exquisite craftsmanship, cutting-edge innovation and uncompromising comfort – these are just some of the keywords that describe today’s luxury sedans.

Here, we spotlight a few of the most luxurious vehicles that redefine the standards of automotive elegance in today’s market.

1. Rolls Royce Phantom
2. Mercedes Maybach S-Class
3. BMW 7-Series
4. Genesis G90
5. Mercedes Benz EQS
6. Audi A8
7. Rolls Royce Ghost Black Badge
8. Bentley Flying Spur
9. Volvo S90 Recharge
10. Lucid Air

Rolls Royce Phantom

Specifications

• MSRP: $475,000 USD /  $658,170 CAD
• Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12
• Power / Torque: 563 hp /  664 lb-ft
• Transmission: RWD
• 0-60 mph: 5.1 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 12 MPG (City) /  18 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 4 years /  Unlimited mileage

Our Take

It is only fitting to kick things off with what is arguably the most luxurious full-size sedan you can buy today. Now in its eighth generation, the Phantom stands apart with a ride sensation unlike nothing else, literally gliding over road surfaces. Its road presence is unmatched, and thanks to endless customization options, each Phantom model can be tailored to match the owner’s tastes.

Mercedes-Maybach S680

 Specifications

• MSRP: $230,150 USD /  $318,900 CAD
• Engine: 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged V12
• Power / Torque: 621 hp /  664 lb-ft
• Transmission: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 12 MPG (City) /  21 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 5 years /  Unlimited mileage

Our Take

The Sonderklasse is the flagship of the Mercedes Brand, with the Maybach badging denoting an extra layer of luxury and elegance. The big sedan is full of next-level tech, premium materials all around and a capable engine to lug all that mass around in utmost style. It may not be at the level of the Phantom, but it comes pretty close.

BMW 760i xDrive

Specifications

• MSRP: $122,295 USD /  $169,456 CAD
• Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8
• Power / Torque: 536 hp /  553 lb-ft
• Transmission: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 18 MPG (City) /  26 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 4 years /  50,000 miles (80,000 km)

Our Take

BMW’s designs have been evolving in recent times, and the new bold approach is evident in the styling of the new 7-Series. That sculpted front end may not be to everyone’s tastes, but there’s no denying the imposing road presence it conveys. Beyond that, the BMW 7-Series is a serious tech-fest with several gizmos topped up by an optional 31.3-inch 8K rear entertainment display. It also handles supremely well, making the car feel smaller than it is.

Genesis G90

 Specifications

• MSRP: $89,200 USD /  $123,600 CAD
• Engine: 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 (entry model)
• Power / Torque: 375 hp /  391 lb-ft
• Transmission: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 5.3 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 18 MPG (City) /  26 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 5 years /  60,000 miles (100,000 km)

Our Take

The G90 is an ambitious attempt by Genesis to compete with the luxurious offerings from traditional heavyweights like Mercedes and BMW. It boasts a host of luxurious offerings that make it a really tempting alternative if you are not so much into brand power. The G90 shines with a host of standard features, quiet ride and a reasonable price point compared to some of its rivals.

Mercedes Benz EQS580 4Matic

Specifications

• MSRP: $128,000 USD /  $177,360 CAD
• Powertrain: 2 Permanent-magnet synchronous AC Motors
• Power / Torque: 516 hp /  631 lb-ft
• Transmission: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 3.7 seconds
• Fuel Economy: N/A
• Range: 380 miles
• Basic Warranty: 4 years /  50,000 miles (80,000 km)

Our Take

The Mercedes Benz EQS sedan is at the tip of the carmaker’s thrust into the world of EVs and it certainly does not disappoint. The futuristic interior space is dominated by a massive 53-inch hyperscreen from where almost every feature of the car can be controlled and monitored. The feeling of serenity is just like one would experience in an S-Class. For the EQS, though, the sensation is enhanced courtesy of the electric powertrain.

Audi A8

Specifications

• MSRP: $88,900 USD /  $123,180  CAD
• Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 + 48-volt hybrid system
• Power / Torque: 335 hp/  369 lb-ft
• Transmission: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 5.3 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 15 MPG (City) /  23 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 4 years /  50,000 miles (80,000 km)

Our Take

Audi traditionally adopts a subtle approach in designing its vehicles, and the Audi A8 is no exception, at least on the outside. That understated look, however, wraps around a well-laid-out interior space with ample legroom and loads of features that one might come to expect in a first-class luxury sedan.

Rolls Royce Ghost Black Badge

Specifications

• MSRP: $450,000 USD /  $623,535 CAD
• Engine: 6.7-litre twin-turbocharged V12
• Power / Torque: 591 hp /  664 lb-ft
• Transmission: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 4.2 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 12 MPG (City) /  19 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 4 years /  Unlimited mileage

Our Take

This luxury sedan sits below the Phantom in the pecking order, both in terms of size and luxury. However, it still boasts the kind of first-class opulence synonymous with the Rolls Royce brand. Each Ghost model is highly customizable, like its bigger sibling. The Black Badge option adds more exclusivity and a more potent engine option under the hood.

Bentley Flying Spur Plug-in Hybrid

Specifications

• MSRP: $218,050 USD /  $302,130 CAD
• Engine: 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 + AC Motor
• Power / Torque: 410 hp /  406 lb-ft (V6 engine), 536 hp /  553 lb-ft (combined output)
• Transmission: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 46 MPGe (Combined City/Highway) – electric + gas, 19 MPG (Combined City/Highway) – gas
• Basic Warranty: 3 years /  Unlimited mileage

Our Take

The Flying Spur offers a smooth and comfortable ride, and there’s plenty of power courtesy of its 8 or 12-cylinder engine options. Our pick is the plug-in hybrid V6 with an estimated 35 miles of all-electric range on a single charge. The cabin is decked out in Bentley’s finest, a mix of leather, wood and metal trimmings. The chassis has a surprising amount of athleticism capable of turning an otherwise boring cruise into a thrilling experience.

Volvo S90 Recharge

Specifications

• MSRP: $70,500 USD /  $97,687 CAD
• Engine: 2.0-litre inline-4 + Rear electric motor
• Power / Torque: 313 hp /  295 lb-ft (inline-4 engine), 400 hp /  472 lb-ft (combined output)
• Transmission: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 4.7 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 63 MPGe (Combined City/Highway) – electric + gas, 30 MPG (Combined City/Highway) – gas
• Basic Warranty: 4 years /  50,000 miles (80,000 km)

Our Take

This plug-in hybrid sedan combines a spirited and fuel-efficient powertrain with a spacious, attractive interior. Another plus point is the fact that the S90 Recharge comes with a long list of safety features and driver assists as standard. It is another luxury sedan option worthy of serious consideration, especially if safety, comfort and affordability are top priorities.

Lucid Air Touring AWD

Specifications

• MSRP: $109,050 USD /  $151,103 CAD
• Powertrain: 2 Permanent-magnet synchronous AC Motors
• Power / Torque: 620 hp /  885 lb-ft
• Transmission: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 3.0 seconds
• Fuel Economy: N/A
• Range: 425 miles
• Basic Warranty: 4 years /  50,000 miles (80,000 km)

Our Take

The Lucid Air is a seriously capable EV cruiser, impressing with segment-leading range and overall driving performance. It accelerates like a supercar and handles remarkably well for its bulk. Lucid is a relatively new entrant into the automobile space, but the Air has already proven to be a serious contender against EVs from more established brands like Tesla, Mercedes Benz and Porsche.