The 8 best full-size luxury cars of 2022 according to KBB – MotorBiscuit | Car Plazas
They account for less than 5% of total auto sales in the United States, but full-size luxury sedans remain a staple of comfort and technology. And many luxury car brands still make excellent full-size models. So which are the best? Here are Kelley Blue Book’s recommendations for the eight best full-size luxury cars of 2022.
1. Mercedes Benz S Class
MSRP: $112,150
Thanks to its comfort, technology and performance, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class takes first place in the Kelley Blue Book list. Reviewers note the car’s digital assistant – part of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) – and the opulent cabin.
There’s plenty of room for four tall adults to enjoy air-conditioning and massage seats, surround sound, and health and wellness systems. The vehicle’s head-up display uses augmented reality and a front-facing camera to show directions and house numbers in line of sight.
In addition, the S-Class offers three powertrain options: a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild hybrid system (429 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque), a 4.0-liter twin -Turbo V8 with a 48-volt mild hybrid system (496/516) and a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 (612/665).
Thanks to its powertrains and technical features, the S-Class is KBB’s choice for the best full-size luxury car of 2022.
2. Audi A7
MSRP: $70,245
Now in its fourth model year but already in its second generation, the Audi A7 has a lot to offer luxury car buyers. Reviewers note that it’s stylish and roomy, but also practical.
Four powertrain options range from the standard 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that puts out 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque to a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 in the RS 7 model that produces 591 hp and 590 lb-ft. ft of torque . Unlike the S-Class, the A7 offers a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model with the 55 TFSI e-powertrain achieving an estimated 70mpg combined.
There is also Audi’s answer to MBUX: the Virtual Cockpit. It replaces the traditional luxury sedan instrument cluster with a customizable screen.
Also, the trunk is roomy, measuring nearly 25 cubic feet. That’s nearly double the S-Class’s 12.9 cubic feet.
3. BMW 7 Series
MSRP: $87,795
BMW sells the 7 Series at a price that sits perfectly between the new A7 and the S-Class. Though performance is a bit lower compared to the S-Class — the top option is a twin-turbocharged V12 that produces 600 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque — the 7-Series is also available in a PHEV model that’s up up to 16 miles of range provides electric range.
The 7 Series also has no shortage of luxurious seating. The Luxury Rear Seat Package offers rear passengers heated, ventilated and massaging seats with heated armrests. Also new for 2022 is the remote parking feature, a standalone option rather than part of a package.
If you’re looking for thrills behind the wheel, the 7 Series is a great option – reviewers at KBB say it’s difficult to find another sedan on this list that can match the BMW’s driver appeal.
4. Porsche Panamera
MSRP: $89,750
Kelley Blue Book describes the Porsche Panamera as the only model that comes close to the driving fun of the 7 Series. The Panamera offers something for everyone: seven powertrains (including three hybrids) in 20 equipment variants. The top option — the Turbo S E-Hybrid — offers the most horsepower (690) and highest torque (642 lb-ft) of any new luxury sedan on the list.
Drivers can also enjoy 4D-Chassis Control, which controls the suspension and steering to offer the best comfort or sportiness, depending on preference.
Reviewers say that “it can be ridden smoothly and quietly while rewarding those who engage.”
Step inside and you get partial leather upholstery and plenty of room for four adults as standard.
However, the Panamera’s main downside is its price. For the strongest option and all the bells and whistles, a new model costs $250,000.
5. Genesis G90
MSRP: $76,045
The Genesis G90, which debuted in 2017, offers riders a variety of standard options and equipment. This includes intelligent sailing, in which the transmission switches off under ideal conditions to save fuel. Everything returns to normal as soon as the driver is within 20 m of another car, changes lanes or signals.
But the G90 only offers two powertrain options: a 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 (365 hp/376 lb-ft of torque) and a 5.0-liter V8 (420/383). There’s also no hybrid option, which KBB reviewers cite as a shortcoming.
Inside, you’ll enjoy standard options like heated, ventilated and adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, navigation-based intelligent cruise control and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display. Also standard is a surround sound system with 17 loudspeakers and Lexicon Audio.
In addition, the G90 ranks among the best luxury cars for tall drivers.
6. Genesis G80
MSRP: $49,345
The G90’s smaller brother, the Genesis G80, is in its second model year. As with the G90, the G80 offers two engine options. However, you can also get an all-electric Genesis G80.
And the many standard features that make the G90 an excellent full-size luxury car are also included in the G80. The Lexicon surround sound system has 21 speakers, and the remote intelligent parking can hang parallel and perpendicular parking.
The G80 is also very safe, making it a solid luxury sedan for less than half the cost of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
7. Lexus LS
MSRP: $77,075
The 2022 Lexus LS is the fifth generation of the automaker’s first model and continues its tradition of quality and reliability without the high price tag of its German rivals.
Like the Genesis entries on the list, the LS offers two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 and a 3.5-liter V6 hybrid. The former gives you more power (416 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque), and the latter offers much better fuel economy (up to 33 mpg on the freeway). All-wheel drive is an option for both.
KBB’s reviewers note that the LS is comfortable, safe, offers a wide range of standard equipment and has a distinct interior design. Still, they do knock that they don’t have the same drivability as the luxury cars ranked higher on this list.
8. Audi A8
MSRP: $87,545
The Audi A8 is an evolution of the A7 and the brand’s flagship sedan. It comes standard with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system.
Drivers will find many features to enjoy behind the wheel. The equipment includes a panoramic sunroof, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters.
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