There are many advantages of learning to drive, but one of the biggest rewards of passing your test has got to be splurging on your very first luxury car. After all, there’s nothing quite like getting behind the wheel of your dream vehicle and taking it for your first solo spin.
The luxury car market offers a plethora of options that combine top-level performance with sophisticated design, the latest tech innovations and advanced safety features to deliver a truly remarkable driving experience. And while many high-end cars tend to be best suited to the more seasoned driver, there are several models that thanks to the ease of handling, reliability and top-tier comfort they offer, are the perfect choice for first-timers.
So, if you’re looking for a smooth introduction to driving in more ways than one, then here, we take a look at some of the best luxury cars on the market for new drivers. Handpicked by the experts at Driving Theory Test UK – the online platform for UK drivers that want to study and pass the UK theory test on their first try – it offers the chance to take practice theory tests to build your confidence before you take the real thing.
These vehicles really are the stuff dreams are made of – and once you’ve ticked off a pass on your practical test too, you’ll be good to go.
Bentley Bentayga
When it comes to luxury SUVs, the opulent Bentley Bentayga is truly the cream of the crop, and with its elegant design, premium performance and user-friendly controls, it’s the ideal car for wealthy first-time drivers to ease themselves into navigating the roads solo in the utmost of style. Offering an elevated driving position for enhanced visibility – which is particularly key in those early days – it’s spacious yet nimble, with its advanced all-wheel-drive system ensuring a seamless experience on every journey.
Safety features are abundant in the Bentayga, and range from adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to a suite of cameras and sensors for effortless parking. The interior is a showcase of handcrafted materials and exudes easy aesthetic appeal, with a high-end infotainment system on board, and it’s simple to customise the set-up to suit your needs.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has long been the benchmark for luxury sedans, and it remains unrivalled in 2024. Its intuitive driving dynamics offer a smooth experience that can provide a welcome confidence boost to new drivers who are still getting to grips with the ways of the road, allowing you to navigate them with ease – and its cutting-edge safety features further support this. The Pre-Safe feature prepares the car for imminent collisions, and whilst it’s hopeful that you won’t experience one, it’s nice to know that should the worst occur, your vehicle has got your back. The Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, meanwhile, is a sophisticated adaptive cruise control system that takes charge of your speed and gives you one less thing to think about whilst you’re driving, leaving you free to focus on any possible hazards and perfect your skill.
The interior, meanwhile, is a sanctuary of luxury, comprising high-quality materials and offering a state-of-the-art infotainment system along with a raft of lavish comfort features, including massage seats and ambient lighting.
Rolls-Royce Ghost
For those seeking the ultimate in luxury and prestige, the Rolls-Royce Ghost is the very pinnacle of both. An example of flawless craftsmanship and attention to detail, the Ghost provides a relaxed and effortless driving experience, making it surprisingly suitable for the first-time driver. Its smooth handling and powerful yet controlled performance make it a top choice for those who want to maximise practicality and functionality without compromising on luxury.
The Ghost’s suite of safety features include night vision, active cruise control, and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies, all coming together in a highly coveted vehicle that is certain to win you compliments as well as offering an easy and enjoyable drive.
Tesla Model S Plaid
If you’re sold on the idea of a super-modern luxury car, then the Tesla Model S Plaid is positively futuristic – and for the eco-conscious driver, it really doesn’t get much better. As an electric vehicle, it offers instant torque and extra comfort due to its quiet operation, and will keep your carbon footprint to a minimum. It showcases an impressive array of high-tech features, with its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving capabilities, automatic emergency braking, collision warning and a surround-view camera system ensuring a safer and more convenient drive and making it a reassuring choice for novices.
The interior of the Model S Plaid is modern and minimalist, featuring a large central touchscreen that controls most functions. In essence, that means no complex buttons and switches to contend with – everything can be controlled quickly and easily so that you don’t have to keep taking your eyes off the road.
