BMW 7 Series and i7
While the 7 Series has played second fiddle to the Mercedes S-Class since the big BMW was launched in 1977, a new generation has changed everything to become the Best Luxury Car 2024. Put simply, you’d need to splash out on something wearing the Spirit of Ecstasy or a winged B to find a more sumptuous luxury car.
Available with plug-in hybrid or full electric power in the i7, the latter gives the full waft while the former is astonishingly agile for something the size of an oil tanker. Yes, you could argue the 31-inch, 8k screen for rear seat passengers is a bit gimmicky, but it adds to the private jet experience best delivered with the Executive Lounge package.
Compared to the S-Class and last year’s winning Range Rover, it feels better screwed together inside with plusher materials than both. The 7 is also better to drive than both and capable of impressive efficiency in PHEV guise. Even with a flat battery, over 35mpg isn’t too hard to achieve.
Read our full BMW 7 Series review
Read our full BMW i7 review
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Based on a 43-year-old male the BMW 7 Series would cost £1463.38 to insure.
*Insurance quotes are from mustard.co.uk and are based on a 43-year-old, employed married male living in Stowmarket with nine-years’ NCD and no claims or convictions. Insurance quotes will vary depending on individual circumstances.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Range Rover Sport
Don’t think of the Sport as the Range Rover’s understudy, in fact it’s 95% of the experience for around 80% of the cost. It’s a little stiffer and more agile than its big brother, but remains comfortable even on giant 23-inch wheels. Just don’t expect Porsche Cayenne rivalling engagement, you have take the Sport bit of the title with a pinch of salt.
That’s not to say it doesn’t perform. Active roll stabilisation means very little lean in bends, and there’s a socking great V8 for those who like visiting petrol stations. We’d stick to the deeply impressive six-cylinder diesel models, although the plug-in hybrids with their huge electric range make the most sense as best luxury cars.
Read our full Range Rover Sport review
BMW iX
Unlike the i4, i5 and i7, the BMW iX doesn’t share its platform with a combustion engined model. This gives greater packaging freedom to create a spacious, speedy and sumptuous luxury SUV. Like the i7, controversial looks on the outside hide a luxurious interior and it’s a good steer, too.
Comfort is as good as you’d hope, and there’s a decent range of motors and batteries depending on your needs. We’d skip the entry-level 40 and pick the 50 for its bigger battery and more urgent acceleration. It’s enough to make the range-topping M60 feel a bit OTT.
Read our full BMW iX review
