Original article found at Top Speed.
A luxury limousine needs no explanation. For many buyers, it is the only type of car on the market they will consider. Transporting themselves, family members and business colleagues in comfort and luxury is the name of the game.
So, let’s talk big. Don’t you want a back seat so roomy that you can read the full newspaper and cross your legs. For that, it will take the size of the Audi A7 at minimum, and up to the Rolls-Royce Ghost LWB at maximum.
Here’s Top Speed’s list of the top 10 luxury backseats.
1. Rolls-Royce Ghost
Number one on the list goes to the revised 2014 Rolls-Royce Ghost. It is absolutely gorgeous and far more relaxing that the BMW 7 Series, with which it shares many traits under the skin. While just as rapid and confidence-inspiring as the big Bimmer, the Rolls takes a totally different approach to tech integration.
2. Audi A7
No. 2 goes to the Audi A7. It blends the best aspects of the A6 and A8, and trumps them both for originality and style. By doing so, it is far wider and lower than the A6, but packs nearly as much legroom in back as the A8.
3. Mercedes-Benz S550
Third-place goes the classy and brand-new Mercedes S550. Mercedes really wanted to bring over just the regular S350 to American dealers, which has a smaller engine, but all the standard luxury features American S-Class buyers demand.
4. Porsche Panamera
Fourth-place goes the new Panamera. The ’Executive’ long-wheelbase was not originally intended for America, but is coming here for 2014 to sate the huge demand for all variants of this impressive machine.
Extra backseat room in the Panamera is certainly welcome because, despite being an enormous, long and low vehicle, it is a little bit more intimate than many people expect in those racing buckets in back.
5. Aston Martin Rapide S
Speaking of compromised for door ’saloons,’ as the English call sedans. The new Aston Martin Rapide S has been repositioned in all its marketing following much-lower-than-expected sales of this critical model.
6. Lexus LS 460
The LS 460 and LWB LS 460 L are actually incredible vehicles. They are often overshadowed by the LS 600hL, but the gasoline engines are the sweet spot of the line. They are far more affordable and practical than the Hybrid’s $125,000 base price and extremely limited trunk space.
7. BMW 7 Series
The BMW 7 Series takes spot seven. Something is going wrong with the latest 7 Series, despite almost continual updates since the latest bizarre restyle in 2011.
The 7 Series just does not sit well these days, despite being a technological tour de force. By doing its real-world Beta testing with affluent shoppers, BMW has pushed more than a few important customer groups over to Audi.
8. Jaguar XJ
Eighth place goes to the magnificent Jaguar XJ. It is finally an incredible machine with the light and nimble poise missing from the BMW above.
The cabin is absolutely unforgettable, with a low dashboard and sumptuous luxury details that make even $80,000 seem like good value. For 2014, a better backseat infotainment and comfort setup is offered, as well as all-wheel drive on the supercharged V-6 XJ.
9. Bentley Flying Spur
The Flying Spur is here by default. The latest restyling is a nightmare, with the nose looking like a bad clone of the old Continental. The tail attempts to be more formal and less coupe-like than before, but the looks from all angles are really messy and unlovable.
The Flying Spur will be much more desirable if the 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V-8 from the GT is offered on the sedan as well. Until then, this big Bentley is too tacky to be on brand for anyone except J-Lo.
10. Cadillac XTS
In a pinch, the XTS will deliver most of the comfort and relaxing back-seat luxury as these other all-star luxury cars. The XTS also offers all-wheel-drive, and its huge trunk makes it ideal for airport runs.
The hushed ride and smooth suspension instantly makes the old Town Car seem as old as its platform really is.
Any of these strike your fancy? Any we missed? Let us know in the comments!