Best prestigious cars of 2022

Ok so the A1 won’t be at the top of everyone’s luxury car list, but it’s a great entry to the prestigious car market. The Audi A1 Sportback has a smart interior with low running costs but it’s very practical for a small car, too. It has room for five people, a decent boot and hi-tech equipment on board that is managed through a huge infotainment screen behind the steering wheel. Audi’s 1.0 litre, 95PS, averages an impressive 51.4mpg, too.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA is a smart SUV that can be fine-tuned to suit the conditions via its dynamic select system. It optimises the response of the transmission, suspension, steering, and throttle through its eco, comfort, sport, or individual modes. You can also give commands via an intuitive voice command system to turn up the speakers, amend the climate control or phone a colleague.

The ID.5 GTX is a prestigious, fully electric, crossover class vehicle that travels a long way per charge. Its maximum range is 296 miles via the 77kWh battery. It also has all-wheel drive to improve traction. The ID.5 GTX also has a rear-view camera as standard that makes it easy to manoeuvre, three zone climate control, heated seats, auto wipers, and USB-C charge ports. 

The Tesla Model 3 Long Range is a compact executive saloon that covers up to 374 miles per charge. The Model 3 hits 60mph in only 4.2 seconds, has all-wheel drive, and a minimalistic cabin that is typical of the brand. You control most of the car’s features via a big, high resolution, colour screen in the middle on the dashboard. 

The 2022 Volkswagen Touareg can automatically steer itself into standard and parallel parking bays, via park assist. You simply work the throttle, gearbox, and brakes. This SUV has other luxurious features such as four zone climate control, automatic emergency braking and memory seats. Power comes via a 3.0 litre, 231PS, diesel engine that complements eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The Jaguar F-Type Convertible is becoming one of the iconic sports cars of this era - much like its predecessors. Strengths include its fabric roof that opens and closes quickly via a button by the gear stick. The F-Type also has a wind deflector behind the seats to make life comfortable and power comes via a 2.0 litre, 300PS, petrol engine that propels you to 60mph in only 5.4 seconds. 

The Tesla Model Y Performance is one of the fastest crossover vehicles in the world. It hits 60mph in 3.5 seconds and the top speed is 155mph. Despite its speed, this electric vehicle can travel up to 319 miles per charge thanks to its lithium-ion battery and much like other Teslas is all-wheel drive. Under the skin, it shares numerous components with the Model 3 which is the manufacturer’s compact executive saloon. The interior is virtually identical, too.

The BMW X7 is a large and luxurious SUV. Its head-up display projects key information onto the windscreen such as the speed limit, your current speed, and sat-nav commands. You then see this information without looking away from the road towards the dashboard, which arguably makes driving safer. This SUV is also powerful, spacious, and supremely comfortable. The styling is imposing and guaranteed to get noticed. The huge grille ensures it. 

The Lexus LC 500 lets you criss-cross continents in supreme comfort. It’s a long distance grand tourer, after all. The 5.0 litre V8, 464PS, petrol engine is hand built and roars magnificently. It complements the car’s 10-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive, and composed chassis. The LC 500 also looks muscular yet elegant on the road. That is exactly how a grand tourer should look. Standard features include the glass roof. 

The Audi S8 Vorsprung is the manufacturer’s high performance, no compromise, luxury saloon and its specification is remarkable. It has all-wheel steering, all-wheel drive, active suspension, and a sports differential. Power comes via a 4.0 litre, 571PS, petrol engine that propels it to 62mph in only 3.8 seconds. It has 800Nm of torque, too. The Audi S8 is amongst the finest luxury saloons in the world. 

The Mercedes-AMG E 63 S blends extreme performance with family practicality. This 4.0 litre, 620PS, luxury estate hits 62mph in 3.5 seconds yet has room for five people and one of the biggest boots on the market. Cargo capacity is 640 litres rising to 1,820 litres with the rear seats folded flat. The E-Class is cosseting, too. Standard features include the leather upholstery, ambient lighting with a choice of 64 colours, and a wireless phone charger.