If you’re in the market for a seriously high-end car, it can be difficult to make that all-important call between practicality and performance. As a fellow petrol head, you probably want a vehicle that can handle even the most savage chicane on the circuit, but let’s face it – despite its many appeals, the sportscar of your dreams is not going to be the best choice for a long business commute, as a family car – or for anything else, for that matter.
Fortunately, you don’t have to compromise on excitement and luxury by choosing practicality instead, as this year, the top manufacturers’ high-end offerings cater more and more towards the adrenaline seeker with an executive position to hold down.
So, if you’re looking for a luxurious set of wheels that not only looks and sounds the part, but is a dream to drive – and also fulfils all of your day to day needs – then you’re in luck. And, to help you make the difficult decision as to which one – rather than five – to choose, we’ve rounded up our pick of the best cars on the block for 2019 that are sure to satisfy the car fanatic in you.
These beauties certainly don’t come cheap, but when money is no object – and even better, if you’ve just scored a massive jackpot hit – an exclusive motor is more than worth the splurge.
Mercedes E63 AMG
Top of the class for us in terms of luxury cars that you need to take for a spin just has to be the Mercedes E63 AMG. Understated yet sophisticated and blisteringly fast, the E63 AMG might not be an immediate head turner like the supercar offerings of comparable performance, but if you’re looking for luxury, then you’ve come to the right place.
This spacious vehicle comes with four doors and has a real executive feel. Inside, Mercedes’ pursuit of style and class doesn’t let up, and the interior is, frankly, stunning. Large, luxurious seats; a racing-style steering wheel; tasteful wood finish throughout; and classic analogue clocks all give the E63 a feel of real opulence – and show that Mercedes is aiming to impress.
At first glance, it might seem like a bit of a family car from the outside, but work the E63 up and that 603 bhp sends it screaming to 60 miles per hour in just three seconds. It might not be the fastest motor on the planet, but for a four-door sedan, its performance is pretty breath-taking.
Allowing the E63 to shift so dramatically is its hand-built, four litre, twin turbo, twin scroll, V8 engine. It’s truly a beauty to behold. It’s not all grunt though, with the high-tech engine allowing the driver to fiddle with endless different configurations to really get their perfect driving experience when needed – and the most economical ride when a sensibility prevails.
Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid
If the Mercedes was a little too understated for your tastes, the Porsche Panamera Turbo SE-Hybrid edition could be right up your street. It might be a hybrid, but this bad boy is the fastest and most powerful Panamera to date. Previous editions relied exclusively on that meaty V8 engine under the hood, but this version adds the power from its 14-kwh lithium ion battery into the mix to achieve an even slicker top speed.
This engine setup really does make the Panamera the best of both worlds. When powered by the hybrid engine, it’s practical and economical. However, flip it into “Sport Plus” mode and the V8 roars into action for some serious fun.
Enjoying a ride in the Panamera is also a much more different experience than the previously mentioned Mercedes. It features more classic styling than the modern touches seen in the Merc. In the end, it’s all going to come down to personal preference, but we can certainly appreciate the charms of both vehicles’ interiors.
Rocking a much sportier exterior look than the E63 AMG, the Panamera is a curvier breed that shows its wild side round the back with a relatively large (for a luxury car) spoiler.
If you like a loud engine, the Panamera might not quite do it for you. However, Porsche do offer an optional sport exhaust for those who can’t do without that extra oomph.
BMW Alpina B6 Gran Coupe
Rounding off our trio of the most track-ready luxury cars on the market today is the BMW Alpina B6 Gran Coupe. The BMW Alpina makes a great alternative to the Mercedes if you’re not convinced, and shares a similar luxury-over-sporty feel. It’s undeniably a BMW design even at a distance. That said, Alpina has tweaked the curves to ensure maximum aerodynamics and therefore performance.
Under the hood, the B6 is packing a monstrous 4.4 litre V8 engine. The 600 bhp produced allows it to creep up to 200 miles per hour without much difficulty. Going from a standing start to 60 miles per hour will take about three and a half seconds – remember though, it’s a luxury car!
Inside the B6, one of the most impressive features is the fully-active, Bang and Olufsen sound system, complete with 16 speakers. If you just have to blast your tunes whilst tearing around the track, this is likely the luxury vehicle for you.
The interior itself is spacious, plush, yet modern and tasteful in its finishing. We think it’s the least visually pleasing of our three selections inside but, of course, your taste may vary.
If you’re looking for comfort, style, and performance all wrapped up in a neat bow, and you’re more than happy to part with the cash, then any of these three stunning motors will make for a great choice. Comparable in ability, it’s all a question of preference and taste – but one thing we can be sure of is that you’re bound to enjoy the ride.
Image credit at the very top of the article: Amor26/Bigstock.com
