The Pursuitist 5-Star Gold Award-Winners of 2024, Top 5 Best Everyday Luxury Car Brands In the World.
In the realm of automotive distinction, a select group of brands consistently excel, amalgamating craftsmanship, performance, and innovation to curate vehicles that extend beyond mere transportation — they embody an elevated lifestyle. For those who covet a mix of prestige, comfort, and practicality for their everyday travels, certain brands rise to the top, offering vehicles under $150,000 that are not just driving machines, but also powerful symbols of luxury.
Aspirational and affluent individuals, the sort who effortlessly balance their hectic mornings, ensuring their children reach their private school on time, or those who enjoy the afternoon respite provided by a round of golf at the city’s exclusive club, require more than just a car. They need a vehicle that serves as an extension of their lifestyle — prestigious, comfortable, and practical for their day-to-day routines.
Blending premium materials, innovative technology, and advanced safety features, these vehicles go beyond mere driving — they provide a journey steeped in luxury. Whether it’s a road trip through Big Sur or pulling up to the Nobu in Malibu, your journey will be characterized by both style and substance when you choose from these standout everyday luxury car brands.
In collaboration with the Pursuitist editorial team and leading automotive journalists, we present the Pursuitist 5-Star Gold Award-Winners of the Best Everyday Luxury Car Brands for 2024.
1. BMW
BMW, a brand with the tagline “Ultimate Driving Machine,” has been shaping the future of mobility with innovative ideas and technologies since its inception in 1916. Strong performance, safety features, and cutting-edge technology make it an undisputed leader in the luxury car segment.
Key Points:
- Heritage and History: BMW was founded in 1916 and has been a significant player in the luxury automotive market for over a century.
- Leadership: Oliver Zipse is currently at the helm, steering the company towards new horizons in automotive luxury.
- Brand Mission: “To provide premium products and premium services for individual mobility.”
- Key Models: Models such as the BMW 7 Series, including the all-new i7 full-electric sedan; and the BMW X5 stand out for their blend of luxury and performance.
- Defining Aspects: BMW cars are renowned for their driving dynamics, innovative technologies, and craftsmanship.
- Safety: BMW’s commitment to safety is reflected in its advanced safety systems such as Active Guard, Active Protection, and its signature xDrive All-Wheel Drive system.
- Reliability: With a long-standing reputation for quality and durability, BMW is a brand you can trust.
- Technology: BMW is a pioneer in automotive technology with innovations like the iDrive infotainment system and EfficientDynamics “green” technology.
- Service and Support: BMW offers comprehensive support and services, ensuring a seamless ownership experience. BMW was among the first brands to offer 3-year/36,000-mile no-cost scheduled maintenance.
- Fit and Finish: BMW vehicles are renowned for their exceptional fit and finish, from their high-quality materials to their meticulous craftsmanship.
- Power: Known for their spirited driving dynamics, BMW vehicles deliver impressive power and performance.
Why Pursuitist Ranks Them the Best: BMW’s continuous commitment to driving pleasure can be observed through its innovative technologies like EfficientDynamics, BMW ConnectedDrive, and the driver’s choice of its signature Rear-Wheel drive setup, or XDrive All-Wheel Drive, both offering an unrivaled driving experience. BMW’s focus on performance is seen in every model, from the powerful M series to the efficient and sustainable i series, ensuring that each drive is as exhilarating as the last. BMW’s use of premium materials, meticulous attention to detail, and state-of-the-art technology integrate to create an opulent atmosphere that’s both inviting and impressive.
5 Must-Experience Models:
- BMW 7 Series, including the full-electric i7
- BMW X5
- BMW M5
- BMW iX
- BMW M3
Mercedes-Benz, known for its timeless elegance and technological prowess, has been at the forefront of luxury automotive engineering since the invention of the first automobile by Carl Benz in 1886. The brand’s reputation for quality and durability is well-known, and its commitment to safety and comfort is unparalleled.
Key Points:
- Heritage and History: Mercedes-Benz has a rich history dating back to 1886 when Carl Benz invented the first automobile.
- Leadership: Ola Källenius is the current CEO, leading the brand’s focus on luxury and innovation.
- Brand Mission: “The Best or Nothing.”
- Key Models: The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, AMG models, and iconic G-Wagen (G-Class) and SL Roadster are known worldwide for providing superior safety and driving dynamics.
- Defining Aspects: Mercedes-Benz is renowned for its fusion of luxury, performance, and technology.
- Safety: Mercedes-Benz has always been a pioneer in automotive safety with innovations like PRE-SAFE, DISTRONIC PLUS, and ATTENTION ASSIST.
- Reliability: The brand’s commitment to quality ensures its vehicles are among the most reliable in the luxury car segment.
- Technology: Mercedes-Benz consistently leads with pioneering innovations, from the advanced MBUX infotainment system to its semi-autonomous driving features.
- Service and Support: The brand’s extensive service network and customer support ensure a hassle-free ownership experience.
- Fit and Finish: Mercedes-Benz is known for its meticulous attention to detail, from its plush interiors to its elegantly sleek exteriors.
- Power: With a range of powerful engines, from its efficient four-cylinders to its robust V8s, to full-electric drivetrains, Mercedes-Benz delivers impressive performance.
Why Pursuitist Ranks Them the Best: The Mercedes-Benz blend of elegance, luxury, and innovation creates an exclusive driving experience. From its groundbreaking safety features to its plush interiors, every Mercedes-Benz car is a testament to the brand’s dedication to the finer things in life. Mercedes’ commitment to technological innovation ensures that each ride is as safe, comfortable, and luxurious as possible.
5 Must-Experience Models:
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- Mercedes-Benz GLE
- Mercedes-Benz EQS full-electric SUV
- Mercedes-Benz G-Class
- Mercedes-Benz AMG GT
3. Lexus
Lexus, a brand dedicated to creating moments of surprise and excitement, has built a strong reputation in the luxury automotive sphere with its blend of unrivaled reliability, plush comfort, and cutting-edge technology. A relative newcomer, the brand, founded in 1989, has quickly risen through the ranks to become a benchmark in the luxury automotive world.
Key Points:
- Heritage and History: Lexus was founded in 1989 and has been redefining luxury since its inception.
- Leadership: Koji Sato serves as the President, ensuring the brand’s continued dedication to luxury and performance.
- Brand Mission: “Experience Amazing.”
- Key Models: The Lexus LS and the Lexus RX are renowned for their blend of luxury, reliability, and performance.
- Defining Aspects: Lexus stands out for offering internal combustion, full-electric, and hybrid luxury models.
- Safety: Lexus is committed to safety with advanced features like the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 and Safety Connect telematics.
- Reliability: Lexus vehicles have set the benchmark for exceptional reliability and build quality.
- Technology: The brand’s cutting-edge technologies, like the Lexus Enform, offer an intuitive and immersive driving experience.
- Service and Support: Lexus offers exceptional customer service through its extensive dealership network.
- Fit and Finish: Lexus vehicles are known for their meticulous attention to detail, high-quality materials, and superior craftsmanship.
- Power: With a range of efficient and powerful engines, Lexus ensures a smooth and powerful driving experience.
Why Pursuitist Ranks Them the Best: Lexus’ devotion to unparalleled reliability is well-established in the automotive industry. With their excellent build quality and remarkable dependability, Lexus vehicles regularly top reliability surveys. Lexus is also synonymous with plush comfort – their cars are engineered to provide an extraordinarily smooth ride, with advanced suspension systems and meticulously crafted interiors. Furthermore, the brand’s commitment to cutting-edge technology is evident in the array of standard safety features and user-friendly infotainment systems, creating a harmonious blend of innovation and comfort.
5 Must-Experience Models:
- Lexus RC F Sport
- Lexus RX
- Lexus LC Coupe and Convertible
- Lexus LX
- Lexus GX
4. Audi
Audi, a brand committed to ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ or ‘Advancement through Technology,’ is known for its state-of-the-art technology, including “quattro” All-Wheel drive, dynamic performance, and sophisticated design. Founded in 1909, Audi has continually set new standards in automotive luxury and performance.
Key Points:
- Heritage and History: Audi has a history that spans more than a century, dating back to its founding in 1909.
- Leadership: Markus Duesmann serves as the CEO, leading the brand toward an electric future.
- Brand Mission: “Advancement through Technology.”
- Key Models: The Audi A8, RS performance models, and e-tron full-electric models are symbols of luxury, performance, and advanced technology.
- Defining Aspects: Audi is known for its technological innovations, dynamic performance, and sophisticated design.
- Safety: Audi’s commitment to safety is evident in its advanced safety systems like pre-sense and the quattro all-wheel-drive system.
- Reliability: Audi’s commitment to quality and durability makes it a reliable choice in the luxury car segment.
- Technology: Audi’s state-of-the-art technologies, like the Audi Virtual Cockpit and the MMI touch response system, ensure a futuristic driving experience.
- Service and Support: Audi’s comprehensive service network and customer support offer a seamless ownership experience.
- Fit and Finish: Audi cars stand out for their superior fit and finish, with high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship.
- Power: Audi’s range of powerful engines, from its efficient TFSI engines to its high-performance RS models, to powerful electric models, ensure dynamic performance.
Why Pursuitist Ranks Them the Best: Audi’s dedication to technological innovation and sophisticated design is evident in each model it produces. From the Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster to the sophisticated Quattro all-wheel-drive system, Audi consistently pushes the boundaries of automotive technology. The brand’s commitment to dynamic performance is apparent in every Audi vehicle, ensuring each ride is as thrilling as it is comfortable. Furthermore, Audi’s interiors, renowned for their high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail, are a haven of luxury and comfort.
5 Must-Experience Models:
- Audi A8
- Audi Q8
- Audi RS6 Avant
- Audi R8
- Audi e-tron GT
5. Range Rover
Range Rover, a symbol of stately luxury and capability, has been setting the standard for luxury SUVs since its inception in 1970. With its plush interiors, advanced technology, and unparalleled off-road capabilities, Range Rover is a standout in the luxury SUV segment.
Key Points:
- Heritage and History: Range Rover, the luxury wing of the legendary Land Rover brand, was founded in 1970 and has been redefining luxury SUV standards since its debut.
- Leadership: Thierry Bolloré is the CEO of Jaguar Land Rover, leading the brand towards a sustainable future.
- Brand Mission: “Above and Beyond.”
- Key Models: The Range Rover and the Range Rover Sport are iconic models known for their luxurious features and impressive performance.
- Defining Aspects: Range Rover is known for its luxurious features, impressive performance, and unrivaled off-road capability.
- Safety: Range Rover’s advanced safety features like the Terrain Response system and the Driver Condition Monitor ensure a safe journey on and off the road.
- Reliability: Range Rover’s reputation for quality and durability makes it a reliable choice in the luxury SUV segment.
- Technology: Range Rover’s cutting-edge technologies, like the Pivi Pro infotainment system and the ClearSight Ground View, ensure a futuristic driving experience.
- Service and Support: Range Rover’s extensive service network and customer support ensure a positive ownership experience.
- Fit and Finish: Range Rover vehicles are renowned for their high-quality materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and luxurious interiors.
- Power: Range Rover’s robust engines and legendary off-road capabilities ensure an exhilarating driving experience.
Why Pursuitist Ranks Them the Best: Range Rover’s blend of luxury, performance, and capability makes it a standout in the luxury SUV segment. Known for their plush interiors and impressive off-road capabilities, Range Rovers are as comfortable on city streets as they are well off the beaten path. Furthermore, Range Rover’s commitment to advanced technology enhances both the driving and ownership experience.
5 Must-Experience Models:
- Range Rover
- Range Rover Sport
- Range Rover Velar
- Range Rover Evoque
- Range Rover Discovery
These top-tier five automotive brands have consistently risen above, time and again, meeting and surpassing the expectations of discerning luxury car buyers. Whether you’re in pursuit of the dynamic driving experience offered by BMW, the timeless elegance of Mercedes-Benz, the unparalleled reliability of Lexus, the cutting-edge technology of Audi, or the unrivaled off-road prowess of Range Rover, these brands deliver in spades. Each vehicle curated by these manufacturers is a testament to their unwavering dedication to quality, performance, and luxurious comfort, affirming their status as the Pursuitist 5-Star Gold Award-Winners for the Best Everyday Luxury Car Brands of 2024.
Here’s to always arriving in style with an everyday automotive brand that’s synonymous with power, unwavering support, and unmatched luxury.
