Despite often being out of the Average Joe and Plain Jane’s reach, the luxury vehicle segment has traditionally been one of the most interesting markets to cover. Maybe it’s because few people are able to afford a true luxury car, or maybe it’s because they’re simply that good. Luxury cars have always graced magazine covers and adorned many a young boy’s walls, so it’s not surprising that people are fascinated by them. Even though their comparably low sales figures reflect the state of the global economy, there are still plenty of luxury vehicles on the market. MY 2019 should be even more interesting, as some luxury brands are doing complete makeovers of their current lineup while others are debuting some all-new models. Here’s our shortlist for the best luxury vehicle 2019 is bringing our way.
Ranking The Top Rated Luxury Cars Of 2019
Lamborghini Urus
The famous Italian sports car and supercar maker is finally joining the crossover craze. This time, for real. You’ll remember their failed SUV experiment from the late eighties; the misunderstood (and absolutely massive) LM002. The 2019 Lamborghini Urus, on the other hand, has all of the prerequisites to succeed in the modern age. It’s stylish, powerful, refined, and above all else, it’s backed by that raging bull badge. It won’t be cheap though, as prices are projected to start from $200,000.
The 2019 Lamborghini Urus might seem like an expensive affair, but then again, what Lambo isn’t? The Urus will offer much more practicality than any other Lamborghini currently available. Unlike many other Lamborghinis, the tastefully crafted upscale interior won’t be limited to just two admirers. The Urus still won’t be able to seat seven passengers, but four’s definitely a start. Furthermore, the Italians have developed a very special powertrain just for the occasion. The Urus’ 4.0L twin-turbo V8 is Lambo’s very first turbocharged engine. Moreover, it’s their first V8 in decades. Mated to an all-wheel-drive system and an 8-speed automatic gearbox, this highly advanced powertrain generates a whopping 641 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. It should be able to propel the 4,850-pounder to a 0 to 60 mph flying start in just 3.5 seconds or thereabouts.
Bentley Continental GT
The highly anticipated third-generation Bentley Continental GT is almost upon us after months of speculation. The iconic British grand tourer is set for production and scheduled to appear during early MY 2019. Most will argue that there aren’t too many differences between this new model and its first and second generation predecessors, though. Their eyes might be in the right place as overall shape and design haven’t evolved as much as some would have expected from a 15-year time frame, but there’s much more to it than sheer looks. The new Continental GT sports an all-new aluminum body and pretty much all-new everything else under it.
One of the few things that have survived the generation shift is the engine, though, this new version does sport a number of new aluminum parts. A 6.0L twin-turbo W12 generates 626 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque which should be enough for a 0 to 60 time somewhere between 3 and 3.5 seconds. Although it’s never been one of the more efficient mills around, the Brits say the new version is up to 16 percent more efficient than the outgoing engine. Needless to say, the 2019 Bentley Continental GT will go ballistic on both the refinement and the available features front. It’ll go so far, in fact, that there will be no advanced safety goodies you can’t order with one. Although we’re used to expecting the unexpected from the Bentley, I’d wager they’ll still find a way to surprise us before all is said and done.
Lincoln Nautilus
Ford’s luxury division is officially discarding the confusing nomenclature that’s been a part of their strategy for more than a decade. The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus is an all-new model in that regard but in truth, it’s only a next-gen Lincoln MKX. The mid-size crossover will be the first of many revised Lincoln vehicles without the MK prefix in its nameplate. Not counting the Navigator and Continental, which were never a part of this naming blunder in the first place, of course.
The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus doesn’t only bring a new name to the table. It’s also debuting a stylish and modern design without the hallmark split grille. Additional advanced safety features like lane-centering assist and pedestrian detection will also be part of the package, and so will a new powertrain lineup. The 335-horsepower 2.7L EcoBoost V6 carries over as an option, but a 2.0L EcoBoost inline-four becomes the new standard engine. This 245-horsepower engine emphasizes efficiency and replaces the aging 3.7L Cyclone V6. The transmission has also been rejuvenated; a new 8-speed trans is now standard across the range instead of the outgoing 6-speed unit. Finally, the list of amenities will also be refreshed as a new infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration and 22-way adjustable seats with lumbar massage, for instance, are becoming available.
Audi A8
After less than successful model years 2015 and 2016, which saw the Audi A8’s sales take a nosedive, the Germans have decided to completely redesign their flagship sedan. The fourth generation A8 has already debuted overseas, but the U.S. spec models are only just now arriving for MY 2019. When they do, they’ll become the first Audi models to offer Level 3 self-driving capability. The new A8 will also sport a fresh futuristic design; especially on the inside. The flagship car’s interior will feature multiple display screens, the top level of refinement that the automaker has to offer, and a host of new high-tech amenities.
The powertrain lineup will remain unchanged. The first models to arrive will be limited to a 3.0L turbocharged V6, this time with 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The second batch will be also offered with a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 that should deliver more than 429 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque it’s been making in outgoing models. All new A8s will receive a limited hybrid assistance thanks to an alternator that’ll serve as a starter as well. It should be good enough for 9 additional ponies when assisting the main powerplant, or 16 horsepower as an energy recuperation unit. Moreover, all models will also ride on an all-new active suspension that too, will be powered by the aforementioned 12-volt alternator which, in turn, powers 48-volt subsystems.
Mercedes-Benz G Class
The iconic G Wagen is one of those precious few things in the world that have remained the same for 40 years without changing. I can probably count a few more off the top of my head, though, and that list includes the Yugo, Lada Niva, duct tape, Motörhead, and my laziness. Joking aside, the G Wagen did receive a number of mechanical updates over the years, but it still visually resembles the original 460-series models that made their debut in distant 1979. Current 463-series models have been running mostly intact since 1990, and the 2019 Mercedes-Benz G Class finally brings some major changes for the first time in years. Don’t expect a revolutionary new design though, because we aren’t getting one.
Slightly softer around the edges (only slightly), the new 2019 Mercedes-Benz G Class carries over its predecessor’s engine as well. The 4.0L twin-turbo V8 that’s been motivating the G Wagen since 2015 is still making 416 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. It’s now tied to a new 9-speed auto, which should help reduce fuel consumption. Of course, the new model is also lighter by some 375 pounds which will also play a role in an almost impossible mission to make the G Wagen’s fuel consumption less scandalous at the very least. Price range shouldn’t really change by much, so north of $120,000 for base models is still very much the deal. More expensive and powerful AMG units will likely arrive a year later, so don’t worry yourself with them just yet.
Aston Martin Vantage
The revived Aston Martin Vantage served as an entry level to the British luxury automaker’s range for more than a decade between 2005 and 2017. The 2019 Aston Martin Vantage finally brings home the long-awaited visual update and a few surprising changes as well. The most unusual of them certainly being the switch from in-house to Mercedes-Benz twin-turbo V8 engines. The 4.0L AMG-sourced unit is rated at 503 horsepower and 505 lb-ft of torque, and it routes all that power to the rear via a ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox. Considering the new Vantage only weighs 3,373 pounds, the sporty grand tourer should easily be able to hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and max out at 195 mph.
If the aforementioned figures aren’t enough to put the new Vantage on the best luxury vehicle 2019 is bringing our way shortlist, then maybe the following will be. The 2019 Vantage is underpinned by the British automaker’s new architecture which shares some 30 percent of its parts with the Aston Martin DB11, and relies heavily on bonded aluminum. Despite that, the Vantage is almost 11 inches shorter than the DB11. Despite being smaller in size, it doesn’t fall short in terms of available tech. Mercedes-Benz has again provided its own expertise by offering in-house electronic architecture. As you can imagine, all this comes at a price. Base models start from just north of $150,000, while all future iterations are expected to build on that. It may not be the best luxury vehicle 2019 has in store for us, but it very well may be one of the fastest.
Porsche Cayenne
Love it or hate it – it’s the Cayenne that’s sitting atop the Porsche pantheon. The sporty SUV is the German automaker’s bread and butter vehicle, being sold in close to 800,000 copies since its inception in 2002. In comparison, the fabled Porsche 911 needed more than 50 years to reach the 1 million mark. With that kind of response, it’s no wonder the Germans are taking a safe approach when it comes to the next-gen model. Don’t fix what ain’t broken is probably the best way to describe it.
The 2019 Porsche Cayenne was already presented in the summer of 2017. Despite being built on a new platform, new models are only slightly longer, wider, and lower. Visually, they still resemble the Cayennes of old. The entry-level 2019 Cayennes will be powered by Volkswagen’s 340-horsepower 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine also found in the Panamera and at least a few Audis. Porsche’s own 2.9L twin-turbo V6 with 440 horsepower will be the next rung on the ladder. Finally, the most powerful 2019 Cayenne Turbos will all sport a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine with as much as 550 hp and 567 lb-ft of torque. The 2019 Porsche Cayenne may not differ greatly from the outgoing models, but as expected, it clearly outperforms it. Pedigree considered, this could be the best luxury vehicle 2019 will bring our way.
Land Rover Range Rover
The fourth generation Land Rover Range Rover is slowly but steadily nearing its end. Before the next-gen replaces one of the most off-road capable SUVs, the British automaker’s flagship model will first usher in a new era for the brand. The 2019 Land Rover Range Rover will, for the first time, offer a choice of a plug-in powertrain. The Range Rover P400e plug-in hybrid will mash a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a 13.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. A 296-horsepower engine and a 114-horsepower motor are supposed to be good enough for a 398-horsepower net output. The Brits have yet to disclose the P400e’s fuel economy ratings.
Other than the addition of the all-new plug-in hybrid, the 2019 Land Rover Range Rover will be mostly carried over without meaningful changes. This goes for both the overall design and the powertrain lineup which consists of 3.0L supercharged petrol and turbo diesel V6’s, and a supercharged 5.0L V8. The lineup was recently bolstered by the addition of the all-new Velar model, so there probably aren’t going to be any movements on that front as well. Only the addition of some new tech is worth the mention, but the Range Rover is still one of the best luxury vehicles currently available on the market, regardless.
Mercedes-Benz S Class
No list of best luxury vehicles is complete without the Mercedes-Benz S Class. The German automaker’s range-topping lineup of sedans, coupes, and convertibles is simply the epitome of luxury. Moreover, the S Class has always been synonymous with technological advancement as well. Although MY 2019 doesn’t bring any revolutionary changes, the Mercedes-Benz S Class simply can’t be left out of this type of list.
As always, the S Class offers a wide range of powertrains which includes the likes of a 362-hp twin-turbo V6, 463-hp twin-turbo V8, 603-hp 4.0L twin-turbo AMG V8, and 621-hp 6.0L AMG V12. Coupes, which have been late to adopt the aforementioned new line of engines, have finally been revised for MY 2019. These extra-luxurious land yachts start from at least $90,000, but can easily cost more than $230,000 in their fabled AMG S 65 guises. Despite exorbitant price tags, those that have driven one will tell you they’re well-worth the money. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a flagship car that’s as luxurious, powerful, and tech-savvy as the Mercedes-Benz S Class. That’s quite simply a fact, which means the new S Class may very well be the objectively best luxury vehicle 2019 will have on tap.
Audi e-tron Quattro
Audi is planning on introducing no fewer than 8 new crossovers and SUVs by the year 2020, and the e-tron Quattro might just be the most important of the lot. This all-electric concept car was first unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show, and its reservations have already commenced in some European markets. The end-product won’t stray too far away from the concept version, and that’s something we usually like to see. Slotting between the Q5 and Q7 in terms of size, most people expected the Germans to give it the Q6 moniker. However, the Germans are so committed to keeping the concept as much unchanged as possible that they’ve even decided to keep the original name intact.
The 2019 Audi e-tron Quattro promises to deliver around 300 miles of range thanks to a trio of electric motors and a 95 kWh battery pack. The entire electric setup should generate 429 horsepower. Or at least, that’s what the concept car from three years ago was able to do. The Audi e-tron Quattro’s introduction will coincide with the introduction of the all-new Audi A8 which we’ve already mentioned above. The two flagship vehicles will share the same futuristic interior and a very similar level of refinement. They’ll also fall within the same price range as the e-tron Quattro and likely won’t be available for less than $80,000 when it finally arrives next year. Price aside and tech considered, the e-tron Quattro may very well be the best luxury vehicle 2019 will have to offer.
