They make up less than 5% of total car sales in the United States, but full-size luxury sedans remain a staple for comfort and technology. And plenty of luxury car brands still make excellent full-size models. So, which are the best? Here are Kelley Blue Book’s picks for the eight best full-size luxury cars of 2022.
1. Mercedes Benz S-Class
2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | Mercedes-Benz Group AG
MSRP: $112,150
Thanks to its comfort, technology, and power, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class places first on Kelley Blue Book’s list. Reviewers note the car’s digital assistant — a part of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) — and opulent cabin.
There’s plenty of room for four tall adults to enjoy climate-controlled and massaging seats, surround sound, and health and wellness systems. Meanwhile, the vehicle’s head-up display uses augmented reality and a forward-facing camera to show directions and street numbers in the line of sight.
In addition, the S-Class offers three powertrain options: a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system (429 hp and348 lb-ft of torque), a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system (496/516), and a 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 (612/665).
Thanks to its powertrains and tech features, the S-Class is KBB’s pick for the best full-size luxury car of 2022.
2. Audi A7
MSRP: $70,245
The Audi A7 is in its fourth model year, but it’s already in its second generation and has plenty to offer luxury car buyers. Reviewers note it is stylish and spacious but also practical.
Four powertrain options range from the standard 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, which pushes out 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, to a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 in the RS 7 model harnessing 591 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Unlike the S-Class, the A7 provides a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model with the 55 TFSI e drivetrain, getting an estimated 70 mpg combined.
There’s Audi’s answer to MBUX, too: the Virtual Cockpit. It replaces the luxury sedan’s traditional gauge cluster with a customizable display screen.
Plus, the trunk is spacious, measuring nearly 25 cubic feet. That’s almost double that of the S-Class’ 12.9 cubic feet.
3. BMW 7 Series
The all-new 2022 BMW 7 Series will be revealed on 20 April in pure-combustion, plug-in hybrid and, for the first time, pure-electric forms https://t.co/2QybXX5wCP pic.twitter.com/pnOLmEUmzX
— Autocar (@autocar) March 18, 2022
MSRP: $87,795
BMW sells the 7 Series at a price point that fits perfectly between the new A7 and S-Class. Though it is a bit down on power compared to the S-Class — the top option is a twin-turbocharged V12 making 600 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque — the 7 Series also comes in a PHEV model providing up to 16 miles of electric range.
The 7 Series doesn’t lack luxurious seating accommodations, either. The Luxury Rear Seating package gives rear passengers heated, ventilated, and massaging seats with heated armrests. Additionally, new for 2022 is the remote control parking feature, an individual option instead of part of a package.
If you’re looking for a thrill behind the wheel, the 7 Series is a great option — KBB’s reviewers say it’s hard to find another sedan on this list that can match the BMW’s driver appeal.
4. Porsche Panamera
MSRP: $89,750
Kelley Blue Book names the Porsche Panamera the only model that comes close to providing the driving thrills you get with the 7 Series. The Panamera offers something for everybody: seven drivetrains (including three hybrids) across 20 trim levels. The top option — the Turbo S E-Hybrid — boasts the most horsepower (690) and torque (642 lb-ft) of any new luxury sedan on the list.
Drivers can also enjoy the 4D Chassis Control, which controls suspension and steering to provide the best comfort or sportiness, depending upon what you want.
Reviewers say that “it can be driven softly and calmly while rewarding those who get involved.”
Step inside, and you’ll get partial leather upholstery standard and plenty of room for four adults.
However, the Panamera’s main drawback is the price. For the most potent option and all of the bells and whistles, a new model exceeds $250,000.
5. Genesis G90
MSRP: $76,045
Debuting in 2017, the Genesis G90 provides drivers with tons of standard options and equipment. They include intelligent coasting, where the transmission disengages under ideal conditions to save fuel. Everything returns to normal once the driver is within 65 feet of another car, changes lanes, or signals.
But the G90 offers only two powertrain options: a 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 (365 hp/376 lb-ft of torque) and a 5.0-liter V8 (420/383). There is no hybrid option available either, which KBB reviewers cite as a drawback.
Inside, you’ll enjoy standard options such as heated, ventilated, and adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, navigation-based smart cruise control, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display. Also standard is a 17-speaker surround sound system with Lexicon Audio.
Additionally, the G90 ranks among the best luxury cars for tall drivers.
6. Genesis G80
MSRP: $49,345
The G90’s smaller sibling, the Genesis G80, is in its second model year. As with the G90, the G80 offers two engine options. However, you can also get a fully electric Genesis G80.
And the host of standard features that make the G90 an excellent full-size luxury car come with the G80 too. The Lexicon surround-sound system features 21 speakers, and remote smart parking can hangle parallel and perpendicular parking.
The G80 is very safe as well, making it a solid luxury sedan for less than half the cost of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
7. Lexus LS
2022 Lexus LS 500 gets subtle changes, the same price: https://t.co/h8lOoUtmLy pic.twitter.com/jI7tGJaQoi
— Autoblog (@therealautoblog) November 6, 2021
MSRP: $77,075
The 2022 Lexus LS is in the fifth generation of the automaker’s first model and continues its tradition of quality and reliability without the high price point of its German competitors.
Like the Genesis entries on the list, the LS offers two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 and a 3.5-liter V6 hybrid. The former gives you more power (416 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque), and the latter boasts much better fuel economy (up to 33 mpg on the highway). All-wheel drive is an option for both.
KBB’s reviewers note the LS is comfortable and safe, provides plenty of standard equipment, and features a distinct interior trim. Still, they knock it for not having the same drivability as the luxury cars ranked higher on this list.
8. Audi A8
MSRP: $87,545
A step up from the A7, the Audi A8 is the brand’s flagship sedan. It comes standard with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.
Drivers will find plenty of features to enjoy behind the wheel. Features include a panoramic sunroof, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters.
Keyword: 8 Best Full-Size Luxury Cars of 2022 According to KBB