Best Luxury Cars
Luxe life
For buyers wanting a little more shine and pizzazz from their cars, these Drive Car of the Year categories look at the best the luxury world has to offer. For many, a car is much more than a mode of transport. It can be a statement, a reward, even a goal.
For buyers looking at something more luxurious, there are four Drive Car of the Year 2025 categories for cars that seek to deliver just a little 'more' for buyers.
From an executive sedan, to technology-centric SUVs and an aspirational off-roader, these are the best luxury cars of 2025.
| Model | Category | |||
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 | Land Rover Defender 2025 Land Rover Defender 110 D350 X-Dynamic SE 3.0L Diesel SUV 4XD Best Luxury Off-Road SUV under $150k | Best Luxury Off-Road SUV under $150k | View  View details | |
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 | Polestar 4 2024 Polestar 4 Long range Single motor Coupe RWD Best Luxury Car under $100k | Best Luxury Car under $100k | View View details | |
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 | Porsche Macan 2024 Porsche Macan 4 SUV 4WD Best Luxury Electric Vehicle under $150k | Best Luxury Electric Vehicle under $150k | View View details | |
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| Porsche Macan 2025 Porsche Macan 4 SUV 4WD Best Luxury SUV under $150k | Best Luxury SUV under $150k | View View details | |
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Drive Car Of The Year
Best Luxury Car under $100k
The Finalists
In this category, judges focused on cars that delivered a premium approach to technology and features to enhance the driving experience for buyers.
To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.
Winner: Polestar 4
1 / 3Both the 200kW single and 400kW dual-motor variants are eligible, with the Scandinavian four-door coupe’s minimalistic but high-quality interior and window-less rear hatch creating plenty of chatter from DCOTY judges.
Find out why this car won
Finalist: BMW i4 eDrive
2 / 3The BMW i4 eDrive 35 delivers a true BMW experience under the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold, making the fully-electric four-door coupe something of a revelation for novated lease buyers.
Learn more about the BMW i4 eDrive35
Finalist: Mercedes-Benz C-Class
3 / 3From the three-pointed star on the grille, through the high-tech interior and rear-drive chassis, the W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class presents and feels like a proper Mercedes, every way you look at it.
Learn more about the Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Best Luxury SUV under $150k
The Finalists
Buyers wanting a mix of performance, practicality and prestige in a well-rounded package were where judges focussed their assessment in this category.
To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.
Winner: Porsche Macan
1 / 3Porsche has made a bold statement with its all-new Macan, ditching petrol power in favour of an all-electric line-up. This has only enhanced the Macan’s appeal, with new modernist styling inside and out, a generous list of standard equipment, up to 654km of driving range and the inherent sportiness expected from cars bearing the Porsche badge.
Find out why this car won
Finalist: Cadillac Lyriq
2 / 3The very definition of American automotive luxury, the Lyriq has slotted straight into the fray with the kind of performances we’ve come to expect from electric vehicles. That it blends performance with the brand’s trademark focus on premium appointments only enhances its reputation.
Learn more about the Cadillac Lyriq
Finalist: Mercedes-Benz GLC
3 / 3The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class continually impresses with its interior presentation, new technology and an interior fit-out befitting a luxury SUV. Buyers have a choice of coupe or wagon and a punchy 190kW/370Nm 2.0-litre GLC300 or an AMG-fettled GLC43 with outputs pumped to 310kW and 500Nm.
Learn more about the Mercedes-Benz GLC
Best Luxury Electric Vehicle under $150k
The Finalists
For buyers wanting the best of what electrification can bring in both the technology and luxury worlds, judges focused on refinement and capability to select the best in this category.
To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.
Winner: Porsche Macan
1 / 3In Porsche's corner, the new Macan blends family SUV practicality with sporting performance – all built atop a new-generation electric vehicle (EV) platform that offers faster charging and impressive driving range. All versions are equipped with a 96kWh battery, with a driving range of up to 654km.
Find out why this car won
Finalist: Polestar 3
2 / 3The Polestar 3 delivers strong luxury credentials from an emerging brand in Australia. Standard equipment highlights include adaptive air suspension, three-zone climate control, and a panoramic glass roof, while upmarket touches available in option packs include Nappa leather seats and soft-close doors.
Learn more about the Polestar 3
Finalist: Cadillac Lyriq
3 / 3The Lyriq is the first modern-era model from Cadillac to officially arrive on local soil. This makes the US luxury car more affordable than similarly sized large SUV rivals from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi, while still offering an attractive equipment list and upmarket presence.
Learn more about the Cadillac Lyriq
Best Luxury Off-Road SUV under $150k
The Finalists
In this category, judges again prioritised adventurous Australian families looking for no-nonsense capability in their vehicles, but here, buyers are also looking for that little bit 'more'. More equipment, more refinement, more technology, and ultimately, more luxury.
To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.
Winner: Defender 110
1 / 3The Defender 110 is still feeling fresh and impressive after four years on the market. This is helped by a steady flow of updates and spec changes, with 2025 bringing a more powerful ‘D350’ tune to the charming and athletic 3.0-litre diesel inline-six. Now making 258kW and 700Nm, it’s joined by a silky petrol of the same size and configuration, making 294kW and 550Nm.
Find out why this car won
Finalist: Lexus GX550
2 / 3In comparison to the diesel-powered Prado of Australia – which has been rampantly popular for decades – the GX goes for a more luxurious experience with higher quality interior materials, more bells and whistles and an extra dose of refinement to the driving experience.
Learn more about the Lexus GX
Finalist: Toyota LandCruiser Prado Altitude
3 / 3Reviving a special-edition badge as a permanent model, the new Prado shares the GX's boxy body shell, mixed with the latest technology the brand can offer, and an upgraded 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine assisted by 48-volt technology.
Learn more about the Toyota LandCruiser Prado
