14) Infiniti
Average Overall Score: 7.86/10
Infiniti brings up the rear in our brand rankings. The automaker, which is Nissan’s luxury arm, has a product line that’s older than most. The styling of many models – both inside and out – has a dated appearance, and the brand’s aging infotainment system feels out-of-step with what rivals have to offer.
It’s not all bad news, though. The brand is making big strides with its completely redesigned 2019 QX50 SUV (pictured above). Infiniti also pioneered a new engine technology (VC-Turbo), which could become key as fuel economy regulations tighten in the future. This engine can vary its compression ratio to yield higher gas mileage when cruising and more power when accelerating.
13) Alfa Romeo
Average Overall Score: 7.97/10
Alfa Romeo takes a few dings for the so-so interior quality of some of its vehicles, along with refinement issues like cramped seats and slim cargo space. These nagging complaints shuffle the brand toward the back of the luxury pack. That said, few car brands have a vehicle lineup that is as fun to drive as Alfa’s.
The current lineup consists of a two-door sports car (the 4C), a luxury small car (the Giulia – pictured above), and a luxury compact SUV (the Stelvio). All three models reward with exceptionally sharp handling, muscular engine performance, and unmistakable styling flair. The brand may be small, but its vehicles are surely head-turners.
11) Land Rover (tie)
Average Overall Score: 8.03/10
No luxury brand has a closer association to off-road performance than Land Rover. The Land Rover Discovery and Discovery Sport (pictured above) models offer impressive go-anywhere ability at an attractive price point. The Range Rover SUV lineup – especially the Velar, Sport, and full-size Range Rover – add to that off-road talent richer cabin materials, an extensive array of tech features, and even stronger engine performance. As you might expect, every Rover comes standard with four-wheel drive.
Land Rover’s spot outside the top 10 on this list is largely due to the low reliability ratings of many of its vehicles. The brand’s in-car infotainment system is also trickier to use than most.
11) Lincoln (tie)
Average Overall Score: 8.03/10
The Lincoln brand is enjoying somewhat of a renaissance. Lincoln’s products have distanced themselves from the vehicles of Ford (its parent company), and the brand has doubled down on creating new luxury SUV models – one of the hottest vehicle segments at the moment. Look no further than the top-rated Lincoln Navigator, the all-new Nautilus (pictured above), and the refreshed MKC SUVs. The luxury brand has also put an emphasis on ride quality, and its vehicles are among the most-relaxing to drive – even on rough pavement.
Aging carryover models like the Lincoln MKZ sedan and MKT SUV demonstrate that the process isn’t complete yet, though.
10) Acura
Average Overall Score: 8.07/10
Acura’s products no longer feel like ritzier Honda vehicles, thanks in part to distinctive exterior changes; all models now wear a signature pentagon grille. Recent updates to the Acura RDX (pictured above) and MDX SUVs have also rocketed these popular vehicles toward the top of their respective classes.
The sedans aren’t quite there yet, however. The ILX, TLX, and RLX have interior styling and materials that fall short of luxury car standards. Acura’s high performance claims about these models also ring a bit hollow.
9) Jaguar
Average Overall Score: 8.08/10
The Jaguar brand is synonymous with sports cars and luxury sedans, and its racy F-Type and XE (pictured above) models are prime examples of both. That said, Jaguar is keeping with the times, and its new SUVs are arguably the most impressive vehicles in its lineup. The all-electric I-Pace offers blistering acceleration, 240 miles of driving range, and a posh interior. The E-Pace fits confident driving dynamics into a small package, and the F-Pace’s brawny engines and roomy cabin make it a fine compromise between performance and practicality.
Reliability is the factor that sets Jaguar back the most. A number of its vehicles rate below-average for predicted reliability, according to J.D. Power.
8) Cadillac
Average Overall Score: 8.15/10
Cadillac has spent the past few years giving its lineup a thorough refresh, and the results speak for themselves. The refined CT6 sedan offers a pleasant driving experience, a fuel-efficient hybrid variant, and very advanced self-driving capabilities (Super Cruise). The new XT4 SUV (pictured above) is a strong performer, and its larger sibling – the XT5 – treats passengers to a relaxing ride and a well-appointed interior. Even established cars like the Cadillac ATS remain good buys.
The future does look a bit shaky for Cadillac, though. General Motors has announced that the Cadillac XTS and CT6 sedans will be cancelled due to lower demand. The ATS is expected to be on the chopping block as well.
7) Lexus
Average Overall Score: 8.24/10
Lexus – the luxury arm of Toyota – offers a wide variety of vehicles, and there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy. The lineup includes the IS, ES, GS, and LS luxury sedans. There are the RC and LC coupes. The SUV line includes the all-new UX, and the NX, RX, GX, and LX. A number of these models are available in hybrid trims too.
Generally speaking, these vehicles earn praise for their ride comfort, interior quality, and long list of standard safety features. Dependability is another common theme. Lexus is among the most reliable luxury car brands, according to J.D. Power.
In-car infotainment is the one area where Lexus visibly trails the competition. The Remote Touch system found in almost all Lexus products is awkward to use.
6) Volvo
Average Overall Score: 8.3/10
Volvo is a perfect example of corporate restructuring done right. A decade ago, Volvo floundered with low sales, aging products, and a loss of brand identity. Now, the Swedish automaker is thriving with award-winning designs, cutting-edge technology, and a family of punchy four-cylinder engines – it has record sales to match too.
The lineup now includes the S60 and S90 sedans, the V60 and V90 wagons, as well as the XC40, XC60, and XC90 SUVs. Volvo’s latest project is its Polestar line of high-performance hybrids and electric vehicles.
The elegant styling of its vehicles – both inside and out – is a major key to Volvo’s success. One of the other factors is the brand’s focus on safety. Volvo equips all of its models with a generous suite of active safety features, which can detect other vehicles and avoid accidents.
5) Mercedes-Benz
Average Overall Score: 8.37/10
Mercedes-Benz has a history of building luxury vehicles with high-end interiors and muscular engine performance – and, well, the brand hasn’t changed course. The Mercedes cars and SUVs of today pack brawny turbocharged and twin-turbo engines, a dazzling array of driver assists, and some of the nicest materials you’ll find in any vehicle – especially the exclusive Mercedes-Maybach models. Mercedes tends to update its vehicles more often than other luxury car brands as well, so you can always expect to find the latest and greatest amenities.
The current Mercedes lineup includes the CLA, C-Class, E-Class, CLS, and S-Class sedans, coupes, and convertibles. There’s the GLA, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class SUVs. For performance enthusiasts, the brand offers the SLC, SL, and Mercedes-AMG GT sports cars. An all-new A-Class luxury sedan is slated to arrive in 2019.
4) BMW
Average Overall Score: 8.48/10
The BMW brand’s focus on driving performance has paid dividends; its entire vehicle line rewards with spry handling and eager acceleration. But that’s only half of the success story.
BMW is one of the most reliable luxury car brands, according to J.D. Power. The company’s in-car tech features are particularly user-friendly. BMW outfits even its lowliest vehicles with high-end materials, and its reserved designs tend to age well.
The brand’s current lineup is more diverse than it has ever been. BMW offers EVs and hybrids like the i3 and i8. Its luxury car line includes every digit from the 2 Series all the way up to the BMW 7 Series and 8 Series. The SUV line spans from the X1 to the all-new X7. A new Z4 sports car is on the way as well.
3) Genesis
Average Overall Score: 8.5/10
If you’re unfamiliar with the Genesis brand – take notice. This recent Hyundai spinoff has earned critical acclaim for its trio of luxury sedans: the full-size G90, the midsize G80 (pictured above), and the new compact G70. Early on, Genesis positioned itself as an affordable alternative to pricey European brands, but you’d be hard-pressed to find any signs of cost-cutting with these cars. They boast top-quality interiors, an extensive list of standard tech and safety features, balanced handling, and stout engines.
Genesis is expected to broaden its lineup this year with an SUV model – a move that couldn’t come soon enough. Despite media praise, Genesis’ sales remain small next to established car brands.
2) Audi
Average Overall Score: 8.59/10
Audi takes runner-up status in this battle of the luxury car brands, and that’s no consolation prize. Many of its models earn high honors in their respective classes, such as the Audi A5 (a luxury small car), the Q5 (a luxury compact SUV), the Allroad wagon, and the A6 (a luxury midsize car).
More than anything, Audi’s vehicles just feel well-rounded. They offer agile handling along with a pleasant ride. The interior quality is top-notch, and Audi integrates its tech features in a very seamless way. The brand’s turbocharged and supercharged engines strike a nice balance between power and fuel economy as well. Every vehicle is offered with Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system, though front-wheel drive is standard on a few models like the Audi A3.
1) Porsche
Average Overall Score: 8.81/10
The history of Porsche can be summed up pretty simply: 911. This storied sports car put the brand on the map, and it has been consistently raising the bar for over half a century.
The future of Porsche is a bit more varied, though. The brand has expanded to include other top-rated sports cars (the Cayman and Boxster), practical SUV models (the Macan and Cayenne), a Panamera super sedan, and the 918 hypercar. Soon, you can add the Taycan electric car to that list too.
Through it all, every Porsche model has stayed true to the brand’s fun-to-drive spirit. You get lively and characterful engines, finely-tuned handling, user-friendly technology, and superb interior craftsmanship. Factor in Porsche’s strong reputation for dependability, and you’re looking at the Best Luxury Car Brand of 2019.
Tesla
Honorable Mention
We didn’t have enough reliability data to include Tesla in our luxury brand rankings, but this innovative automaker does deserve a shout out. Tesla’s vehicles continue to spur the automotive industry in terms of all-electric driving range and autonomous driving capabilities. The company’s interior designs have also changed how we interact with cars, as evidenced by the larger and larger touch screens found in modern vehicles.
The brand’s current lineup includes the full-size Tesla Model S sedan, the compact Model 3 sedan, and the Model X crossover SUV. A smaller Model Y crossover is expected to debut in early 2019.
Maserati
Honorable Mention
Maserati also deserves a mention for its latest vehicle. The Levante delivers on the brand’s promise of high-performance, but for the first time, it’s in the shape of an SUV – not a sports car. The Levante’s twin-turbo V6 catapults the SUV up to speed, and its well-tuned suspension keeps the vehicle pinned to the road. Inside, the Levante offers comfortable seating space, but some of its cabin materials fall short of luxury car standards.
We could not include the Maserati brand in this ranking because we did not have enough reliability data. A number of Maserati’s vehicles also exceed our pricing and sales volume limits.
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U.S. News’ 2019 Best Luxury Car Brands
- Infiniti - Average Overall Score: 7.86/10
- Alfa Romeo - Average Overall Score: 7.97/10
- Land Rover - Average Overall Score: 8.03/10
- Lincoln - Average Overall Score: 8.03/10
- Acura - Average Overall Score: 8.07/10
- Jaguar - Average Overall Score: 8.08/10
- Cadillac - Average Overall Score: 8.15/10
- Lexus - Average Overall Score: 8.24/10
- Volvo - Average Overall Score: 8.3/10
- Mercedes-Benz - Average Overall Score: 8.37/10
- BMW - Average Overall Score: 8.48/10
- Genesis - Average Overall Score: 8.5/10
- Audi - Average Overall Score: 8.59/10
- Porsche - Average Overall Score: 8.81/10
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Head to These Dealers First When Buying a Luxury Car
Shopping for a new car can be stressful, especially if you’re in the market for a luxury vehicle. There are fewer options in this segment, and the high prices and extra features of these models can make the buying process difficult.
We get it – and that’s one of the reasons we created our Best Luxury Brand award, which aims to find the manufacturer with the highest-quality vehicles. We’ve evaluated factors like safety scores, reliability ratings, and the driving impressions of automotive critics.
Scroll through the following pages to see the car brands we review, ranked from worst to best, including the one we’ve named the Best Luxury Car Brand for 2019.