The British automotive industry may not be as vibrant as American, Japanese, German, but it still takes a prominent position on the global ranking. Some enthusiasts may even argue that it's a shell of its former self and that its best days are long gone, but you can't write off an industry that continues to churn out some of the most respected sports and luxury cars on the market. Think of brands such as Aston Martin, Bentley, Jaguar, McLaren, and Lotus. They serve as good examples to demonstrate that Britain is still a force to be reckoned with.After all, no matter how many new and exciting companies suddenly sprout out around the globe, traditional manufacturers will still always be ahead in at least one thing—making luxurious cars. And for over a century now, there's been no better luxury car manufacturers than those found in Britain.The high-end luxury car market isn't highly competitive and the number of products at the top of the pyramid is a dime a dozen. British automakers continue to leverage their ability to build durable, reliable, and exotic cars to amuse buyers in the luxury segment. And despite the situation on the market changing with the new technologies, most of them have continued to reinvent their cars and their strategies to meet current market demand with a high degree of success.The following 10 cars may not be the fastest or the most reliable in the segment and price point where they compete, but they're undeniably more opulent than anything other countries could possibly offer. With attributes that go beyond just the exterior looks, some British cars are still hard to beat, as we learn from the following list.
9 Bentley Continental GT
When the first Bentley Continental GT appeared back in 2003, it inadvertently provided a template for latter-day Bentleys. The tone and the pace of the entire brand now has something that can be traced back to this car. The Continental has remained one of the most successful luxury cars of modern times. It's no wonder then that Bentley continues to refine and reinvent them to the amusement of the masses.
Take the 2020 Bentley Continental GT, for instance. Having undergone a restyling in 2019, the Continental GT became amazingly refined. It offered both the power of a Lamborghini Huracan and the kind of luxury and isolation from outside noise you'd get in a Rolls Royce. It is a place so serene and inviting that you don't want to venture out. The upcoming version for 2022 promises even more enticing amenities, including W12 engine generating 650 hp.
8 Jaguar XF
The Jaguar XF is the marque's performance and luxury sedan, retaining the sophistication that once characterized Jaguar's design in the 60s. At a time when most of its counterparts have grown into crossovers and heavily-sized SUVs, we must appreciate the XF for remaining practical. The car competes with the likes of the BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class yet brings so much more sophistication and class to the table once you hop inside the cabin.
The touchscreen is 11.4-inch, and you quickly notice its curved glass, which gives it a classy look. Jaguar also gives it more standard equipment such as the surround-view parking camera. The infotainment runs on the Pivi system, a comprehensive connectivity app that drivers can use to access data. A 12-speaker Meridian audio system, HD Radio, and wireless device charging are just a few add-ons that buyers can enjoy.
7 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
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It's one thing to explore off-road adventures in a rugged machine such as the Land Rover Defender, but doing so in a luxurious machine like the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque just hits differently. This SUV has lots of what any man would love for an off-road trip where comfort is a priority. The interior is stylish, calm, and very friendly with a highly responsive infotainment.
The 2021 model has its infotainment system overhauled and the Pivi Pro software interface is now standard. There's also the new Online Pack system that allows wireless smartphone charging, Wi-Fi hotspot as well as Spotify integration. While the Evoque is just adequately spacious, the interior materials are class-leading. Leather is still standard, but you can have a textured-cloth upholstery spreading across the doors, panels, and dashboard. Dual-zone climate control as well 10-way power-adjustable front seats and very friendly ambient interior lighting are part of what makes Evoque an outstanding luxury SUV.
6 Rolls Royce Ghost
There's no point talking about great luxury cars without mentioning Rolls Royce. Pretty much any model in the brand's lineup sits at the very top of its segment when it comes to luxury, and the Ghost is no different. Like so many in its lineage, it is a sophisticated machine that doesn't strain to announce its presence.
The exterior is practical and beautiful, but the interior is complex, high-class, and extravagant. A display of opulence spread across each panel, every switch, surface, and the general atmosphere. Wood and metal meet in a comprehensive mix as LEDs enlighten the space with an air of glamour. The dashboard is illuminated, and you can't help but marvel at the glow it emits as soon as the Ghost turns on. This might be a smaller Rolls Royce limousine than the Phantom, but the rear seat is still a VIP treat packed with amenities.
5 Bentley Mulsanne
The Mulsanne is the name given to a very conniving corner at the Le Mans racing circuit. Bentley honored this corner by naming this king-size luxury saloon car after it. It's befitting, given that the Bentley has at least six titles from competing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
It's one of the most expensive vehicles that a pile of money can buy. It's also among the largest in its class and every piece is built to extreme sleekness and grandiose. Bentley produced the last Mulsanne in 2020 after a 10-year run. We wonder what price they will attract once they become collectibles, given that they are already so expensive.
The leather interior can take up whatever color schemes that your personal interests imagine. The massaging front and rear seats are a driver's dream. The dashboard is outstanding in design and responsiveness, just like every other component of the Mulsanne. This monster rides a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V8 producing 505 hp. It rotates the rear wheels with the assistance of an eight-speed automatic transmission.
4 Aston Martin DB5
The Aston Martin DB5 is justifiably and rightly famous. The was no way this car would be in James Bond movies and fail to capture global attention. It is rated as the most famous car of any movie, courtesy of the movie Goldfinger.
This classic car remains a top-notch luxurious possession that is expensive both for its heritage and rarity. Most collectors are able to fix their DB5s with modernized components and drive off to the envy of the masses.
3 Rolls Royce Cullinan
A lot of good people were pessimistic about the Rolls Royce Cullinan when it came out in 2019. The worry was that the SUV couldn't meet the incredible, luxurious features of other smaller Rollers. To the big surprise of the naysayers, the Cullinan delivered more than was expected, especially because it could do a few off-road tricks that its counterparts can't deliver.
From the shiny Pantheon grille to the rectangular headlight clusters, the Cullinan confidently speaks of its extraordinary stature. It's 210 inches in length, which translates to voluminous space in the two-row sitting arrangement. It propels on a 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 engine that cranks out 563 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. The top speed is 155 mph, which is enough to chauffer any executive passenger to the most prestigious dinner party at short notice.
2 Aston Martin Vanquish S Volante
The Vanquish nameplate reigned like a champion since its introduction in 2001. Several years down the line and with thorough refinement, Aston Martin introduced the Aston Martin Vanquish S Volante, a more potent version whose engine is shaped for 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. The 6.0-liter V12 motor is good for 201 mph and produces 595 hp, which is 27 hp more than its standard version.
Sitting in the same range as the more famous DB11, this 2+2 Vanquish version is a truly desirable supercar. You cannot have it new as it was discontinued in 2017, but it was a great venture worth the top dollar.
1 Bentley Flying Spur
The Flying Spur has been in production since 2006. It takes up several hereditary traits that confirm Bentley's position as one of the most luxurious car brands in the world. The 2020 version got more exciting when a hybrid drivetrain was added. The interior is a space where leather wood and metal converge in seamless harmony. Modern technologically advanced equipment is spread wherever you look.
Bentley promises an even more exciting car for 2022 that will take up a twin-turbo V6 engine producing 536 ponies. Lots of exterior colors will also be available to go along with individual styling choices through the Bentley Mulliner customization program. Precisely, Bentley continues to advance the idea that you get what you pay for in a luxurious vehicle.