The executive sedan market has exploded with new models over the past decades, and it seems to be increasing by the week. This has led to the well-known leaders of the executive sedan segment – mainly the German "Big Three" – to create versions of their cars that stand out above the crowd.

While BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi do make ‘normal’ versions of their largest sedans, they have also instructed their in-house specialists to build even more luxurious models to compete with the king of the luxury sedan – the Rolls-Royce Phantom. In this regard, Mercedes bought Maybach a while ago, Audi recently recreated its Horch brand and BMW now owns Alpina outright. There has also been competition from outside the normal realm of executive sedans, in the form of electric vehicles. New automakers such as Lucid have joined the fray and Mercedes-Benz is rapidly moving towards electric cars in this segment as well, with the EQS sedan and newly unveiled EQS SUV.

All this means that, for the rich and wealthy, there are now a huge number of options to choose from – with cars from Germany, Japan, Great Britain, and even the USA. So, here are ten top-of-the-range executive luxury sedans for anyone who is not concerned with how much it costs.

10 Lexus LS

The Lexus LS is currently in its 5th generation and is more luxurious than ever. While it is no longer offered with a V8, it is still one of the best large luxury sedans on the market. It may not have the same level of pedigree as the German executive sedans, but it is certainly one of the most striking cars in the segment.

The LS is available with a range of V6 engines, with the top specification being the LS 500h – which is fitted with a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 and two electric motors. The combined output is 354 hp, as opposed to the 409 hp in the normal LS 500. The LS 500h is fitted with a clever transmission which has four physical gears and six ‘virtual’ ones in the form of a CVT – all in an attempt for better economy and emissions.

9 Genesis G90

The Genesis G90 is Korea’s attempt to take on the Germans at their own game. The G90 is available in two trims – Standard and Long Wheelbase. Both are fitted with the same 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, however, the Long Wheelbase model has a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and all-wheel-drive as standard.

The Long Wheelbase produces 409 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque, 20 more hp, and 15 more torque than the Standard trim. The G90, like the Lexus LS, has striking styling and Genesis’ new design language is among the best currently on the market. The G90 also comes standard with many of the optional equipment found on the German rivals, for an overall lower price – making the Genesis G90 great value for money.

Related: Everything You Need To Know About The 2022 Genesis G90

8 Lucid Air

The Air is the California-based electric company, Lucid’s, first car. It arrived with quite a bang, thanks to the 1,080 hp and 1,025 lb-ft performance figures. The awesome power is currently only available on the launch ‘Dream Edition,’ which is also the top-spec model.

The Air will be available with multiple trims and power outputs but is designed to compete in both the executive luxury sedan and high-performance electric car segments. The Air has a massive sunroof, active suspension to make the ride as smooth as possible, and a 29-speaker noise-canceling system to make journeys as quiet as a Rolls-Royce Ghost.

Related: Everything You Need To Know About The 1,050 HP Lucid Air Grand Touring Performance

7 Mercedes-Benz EQS

The Mercedes-Benz EQS is the German marque’s take on an electric S-Class – which doesn’t share any parts. Unlike BMW, which uses the same platform for both their internal combustion and electric vehicles, the EQS is built on a bespoke electric platform. The EQS is currently one of the two production cars with the lowest drag coefficient – along with the Lucid Air.

The EQS is currently available in four trims, including an AMG. The top-spec EQS 53 AMG produces between 650 and 750 hp (depending on the EQ Boost function) and has the least amount of range, at 364 miles. The EQS 450+ is a rear-drive-only model and has a claimed range of over 480 miles. The EQS features Mercedes’ amazing Hyperscreen – which makes up the entire dashboard.

6 Audi A8 Horch

In late 2021, Audi unveiled the refreshed A8 and introduced the A8L Horch Founder’s Edition, an even more luxurious version of the car. Audi revived the Horch name (one of the companies that make up Audi’s rings) to compete against Mercedes’ Maybach and BMW’s Alpina.

The A8L Horch has a fancier and showier exterior, with a more prominent grille and mono-block wheels. The A8L Horch is a brilliant-looking car, which is being considered for European and international distribution as it is currently only available for the Chinese market.

5 BMW M760Li Excellence

The BMW 7-Series is the sportier German company’s flagship and most luxurious model. The top-of-the-range M760Li Excellence is the closest we will currently get to a true M7. The M760Li is fitted with BMW’s version of the Rolls-Royce V12, which in this application displaces 6.6 liters and produces 599 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque.

The M760Li comes in long-wheelbase only and can be fitted with an optional rear seating package, which adds a center tablet with which to control the climate, messaging seats, sunshades, and audio. The individual rear seats also gain a soft pillow on each headrest and offer more messaging functionality. No doubt the upcoming 7th generation 7 Series and i7 will offer even more luxury.

4 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is the highest specification S-Class currently on the market. As of 2022, the Maybach is available in three trim levels – S 480 which is powered by a 3.0-liter straight-6, S 580 which has a 4.0-liter V8, and S 680 which has a 6.0-liter V12. The V8 and V12 models both have Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel-drive as standard, although rear-wheel-steering is an optional extra.

The Maybach S-Class’ cabin is one of the most comfortable and luxurious in the world, featuring individually reclining rear seats which are ventilated, heated, and offer professional massaging options. The car is also able to automatically detect poor air quality – like when in a tunnel or industrial area – and close the windows and recirculate and fragrance the air.

Related: Stunning Collaboration Between Virgil Abloh And Mercedes With The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class S680

3 Bentley Flying Spur Speed

The current generation Bentley Flying Spur has seen massive improvements over the first and second generations and is now its own car, rather than just being a stretched Continental GT. The Flying Spur – while still built on the same platform as the Continental – is now an individual model with model-specific options.

The Flying spur has a host of options that can easily amount to more money than an entire Jaguar F-Pace. The Flying Spur is available with a V6 hybrid and V8 powertrains, but the W12 fitted in the Speed is the best and fastest specification. The Flying Spur Speed is also the current fastest sedan on sale, with a top speed of 207 mph. Talk about bragging rights.

Related: Bentley Flying Spur Vs Rolls-Royce Phantom: Which Luxury Car Has The Cooler Features

2 Rolls-Royce Ghost

The Rolls-Royce Ghost is the smaller of the two most luxurious sedans on the planet. Smaller is an overstatement, as the Ghost is still nearly 9 inches longer than a Flying Spur in non-Extended Wheelbase trim. The Ghost was mostly seen as the Rolls-Royce one buys when the Phantom is too expensive. This is no longer the case.

The Ghost is more orientated towards the driving aspect of the luxury carmaker, rather than being driven around. The Ghost also has a starting price of around $310,000, so not exactly cheap. Unlike the previous generation, the current Ghost is built on the same platform as the Phantom and Cullinan, vastly improving the quality and ride.

1 Rolls-Royce Phantom

The Rolls-Royce Phantom is currently in its 8th generation and has been the most luxurious car anyone could own for the last 20 years. The Phantom was brought back after BMW bought Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and turned it into the magnificent company that it is today. The current Phantom – along with the Ghost and Cullinan – still features the smooth 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12, which produces 563 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque.

The Phantom is available as an Extended Wheelbase model which adds nearly 10 inches to the already long 227-inch length. The Phantom costs from $450,000 for the Short Wheelbase, with the EWB starting from $535,000. This figure easily rises to well above $600,000 with factory options, although unique customizations can result in an even higher price tag. So, the Rolls-Royce Phantom is the most luxurious car in the world and has a value befitting of that status. How magnificent!