Luxury cars represent much more than a definitive statement of their owner’s status. One of the most secure, enhanced and technically sound ways of owning a vehicle is to get a luxury car. They come at a high price, which is why there are a limited number of vehicles across the globe that fall in that sector. The global luxury vehicle segment accounts for less than 10% of the entire car market. Some damaging factors like the newly imposed import tariffs add to the delay of the luxury segment’s expansion.
However, an improvement has been felt in recent years. The luxury vehicle segment offering has been expanded without hurting the increased disposable income of prospective buyers. This change will be felt even more in the coming years, for now, let’s look at the top luxury vehicles 2021 will have to offer:
#3: 2021 Genesis GV80
This will be the first-ever South Korean luxury brand SUV available in 2020 with 2021 models following up without major changes. Although this signifies only the beginning of the Hyundai premium division’s arrival in the SUV segment, the GV80 will remain the biggest and most advanced of their crossovers.
This model will be built on the G80 sedan’s platform in order to accommodate rear-wheel-drive architecture. Doing so will also distance it from the front-wheel-drive Hyundai SUVs like Palisade and Santa Fe. Though it won’t be as grand as its German makes, the Genesis GV80 will still present a sturdy interior with high material all over and advanced technology. Along with the platform, the G80 sedan and GV80 crossover will also share powertrains.
The base engine is expected to be a 3.8L V6 with 311 horsepower, with an optional unit of 3.3L twin-turbo V6 that produces 365 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. Such features are all that a mid-size luxury crossover could ever want, but the word is that the Korean makers might fit a 5.0L V8 in it. The muscular V8 generates 408hp, but this hampers the enhanced fuel efficiency strategy every automaker aims to achieve in today’s eco-friendly world.
All GV80’s will be standard with the rear-wheel drive, while the all-wheel-drive will be optional across the range. The sales of Genesis GV80 are anticipated to start sometime in 2020. The cost is expected to be lower by a couple of thousands compared to its direct competitors, making it one of the most affordable luxury cars in its segment.
#2: 2021 Rolls Royce Ghost
This supreme luxury brand has no competition. With a powerful portfolio, it competes in a league of its own. Although the 4-door entry-level Rolls Royce Ghost hasn’t been updated since 2010, that is about to change by 2021 when the next-gen model is slated to make its grand entry.
The 2021 Rolls Royce Ghost will maintain its forerunner’s general shape with a few more curves in its body. Giving it an additional striking stance is the lower and wider structure than the outgoing model.
The best and most important bit in the makeover is the sedan’s platform, which is an aluminum space frame that you must have seen before in the new Cullinan and Phantom models.
The next-gen Rolls Royce Ghost will also be sharing the Cullinan’s and Phantom’s interior design, including a fully digital instrument and widescreen infotainment.
The engine has the same 6.75L twin-turbocharged V12 mill which gives up to 563 hp and 664 pound-feet of torque. This paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox that routes power to the rear, the new Ghost should be able to go 60 mph from a standstill in under 5 seconds, despite its heavyweight of 5,500 pounds.
The sales of the next-gen Rolls Royce Ghost are expected to commence later in 2020. The price of the new entry-level Rolls Royce sedan is pegged at nothing less than $325,000.
#1: 2021 Cadillac Escalade
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade will feature an aluminum-rich T1XX body-on-frame platform that is backing all the other GM full-size fleet, which are also going through a substantial transformation.
Ensuring improved ride comfort and handling, the next-gen model will include an independent rear suspension setup. The interiors are expected to be refined as ever, with a modern approach. All infotainment functions will be presented through a big curved display fixed above the dashboard. We look forward to all the latest connectivity features and plenty of advanced safety gear as well.
The powertrain lineup is perhaps the full-size luxury SUV’s most noteworthy segment. The luxury SUV will offer more than just a 6.2L V8, which cranks up to 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque in 2021.
All Escalades are paired to modern 10-speed automatics offering a choice between the rear and all-wheel drive. The sales of the fifth-gen models should commence later in the year with prices starting from under $80,000.