Luxury cars – also called executive cars – have to display a broad range of skills. These are the cars high-end executives choose to drive or, more likely, be driven in. That means they need to offer outstanding comfort both in the front and back seats, and a silky smooth ride.

5. BMW 7 Series G12 760Li

The BMW 7 Series adds a new version this year. The M760Li xDrive is right behind the exclusive Alpina B7 in terms of power. The 760’s 6.6L V12 delivers no less than 600 horsepower. The 7 Series can also go green thanks to the 740Le xDrive plug-in hybrid. Whichever 7 Series you choose, the level of technology defies belief for semi-autonomous driving and connectivity.

4. Audi A8 L

The A8 is the pinnacle of Audi’s luxury sedans: packed with tech including autonomous driving features, and redolent with luxury options—even a back-seat foot warmer. A 340-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 is standard; a 460-hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 is optional. All-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic, and air suspension are standard. An optional suspension system scans the road for imperfections, adjusting to soak them up. A 449-hp plug-in hybrid with inductive charging is in the works.

3. Bentley Mulsanne

The Mulsanne is a leather-lined, wood-adorned rolling lounge for the well-heeled motorist. A 505-hp 6.75-liter twin-turbo V-8 drives the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic. Although perfect for chauffeur duty, the Mulsanne is also a driver’s car with sharp steering, a poised chassis, and the moves of a smaller car. Rear-seat passengers will be similarly charmed, especially when the Mulsanne is personalized through the Mulliner customization program and its wide range of bespoke features.

2.  Mercedes Maybach S600

Words such as sumptuous and lavish don’t properly illustrate how luxurious the palatial Mercedes-Maybach S-class truly is. Passengers can stretch out and relax on hot-stone-style massaging leather recliners and enjoy the Burmester audio system while an atomizer fills the cabin with one of Maybach’s five signature fragrances. The S560’s 463-hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 and the S650’s 621-hp twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12 both provide effortless motivation.

1.  Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII

Rolls-Royce’s Phantom enjoys the longest-lived model name on the market today, but new versions of the spectral range topper don’t come along very often.