Supreme Comfort: 10 of the Most Comfortable Luxury Cars
Spending significant time in our vehicles is a reality for many. The American Automobile Association notes the average American driver spends about 61 minutes daily behind the wheel, equating to roughly 15 days per year. This considerable time investment underscores why comfort is increasingly a top priority for car buyers. “Comfort” itself is multifaceted, encompassing everything from plush interiors and heated seats for cold commutes to serene rear seating for family journeys. While the definition varies, the demand for a comfortable ride is universal. Here, we explore some of the market’s most comfortable cars in 2023, spanning affordable family options to executive luxury sedans, searching for the Most Comfortable Luxury Car experience. Note that SUVs are excluded, having been covered separately.
1. Audi A7
The Audi A7 masterfully combines comfort with performance, featuring a luxurious cabin alongside a potent 335-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine. Standard features like three-zone climate control and leather upholstery immediately signal its luxury credentials, with options to upgrade to even more premium Valcona or Milano leather. The A7 distinguishes itself within the luxury car segment by prioritizing creature comforts.
Rear-seat passengers are equally well-catered for, whether children secured via user-friendly LATCH anchor points or adults enjoying the ride. Optional enhancements include dedicated rear-seat climate controls, heated rear seats, and charging ports, ensuring comfort and entertainment on extended trips. The A7 represents a strong contender for those seeking a blend of dynamic driving and plush accommodation.
Audi A7 showcasing its sleek design, known as one of the most comfortable luxury cars.
2. Toyota Camry
A perennial bestseller in the US, the Toyota Camry has built its reputation on reliability and providing comfortable transport for families, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers. Its affordability doesn’t necessitate a sacrifice in comfort. Available options such as synthetic or genuine leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and both ventilated and heated front seats demonstrate the Camry’s commitment to a comfortable and practical driving experience. Ease of child car seat installation further highlights its family-friendly design, ensuring comfort for passengers of all ages.
For the 2024 model year, the Camry offers a choice between a 203-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a 301-hp, 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 (though the V6 is being phased out). If the current aesthetics aren’t appealing, the redesigned 2025 model promises a significantly more stylish sedan presence.
The stylish exterior of the upcoming 2025 Toyota Camry, promising enhanced comfort.
3. Bentley Flying Spur
The Bentley Flying Spur resides at the pinnacle of automotive luxury, offering an exceptionally smooth ride and an ultra-high-end interior. It delivers supreme comfort whether you are behind the wheel or chauffeured. Ample passenger space allows occupants to relax, work, or celebrate in an environment defined by exquisite leather, wood trim, and metal accents.
Rear-seat passengers benefit from a dedicated touchscreen controller, managing functions like climate settings, window shades, and even a built-in massage feature for ultimate relaxation. Powertrain options reflect its status; the Flying Spur Speed marks the final iteration featuring Bentley’s unique twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12 engine, producing 626 hp for effortless performance. Other options include a powerful 2.9-liter V6 hybrid (536 hp) and a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 (542 hp).
4. Mercedes-Maybach S 680
While the standard Mercedes-Benz S-Class is already a benchmark for luxury, the Maybach S 680 elevates opulence and comfort to extraordinary levels. This variant features an enhanced 30-speaker sound system, heated and ventilated seats for both front and rear occupants, and additional rear infotainment screens. An optional massage function enhances the relaxing journey. Crucially, the S 680 employs an intelligent body control system that scans the road ahead, proactively adjusting the suspension to glide over imperfections. For those seeking the ultimate “money is no object” long-distance cruiser, the Maybach S 680 is a definitive choice, easily ranking as a top contender for the Most Comfortable Luxury Car.
Propulsion comes courtesy of a handcrafted 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine, delivering 621 hp with serene power delivery that makes the car feel almost weightless.
5. BMW 7 Series/i7
The latest BMW 7 Series is a technological showcase, boasting one of the most opulent and feature-rich cabins available. Highlights include a massive optional drop-down rear theater screen and the illuminated crystalline Interaction Bar stretching across the dashboard. Comfort is paramount, achieved through sophisticated driver assists, standard air suspension, and plush rear seats offering extensive reclining and massage functions.
A significant advantage of the 7 Series is its diverse range of powertrains. Options include the six-cylinder 740i (375 hp), the V8 760i (536 hp), the plug-in hybrid 750e (483 hp), and the all-electric i7, available in multiple configurations including a high-performance 650-hp M70 variant. The ride quality is exceptionally smooth, complemented by quad-zone climate control and a high-fidelity Bowers & Wilkins sound system, ensuring a comfortable and immersive experience.
6. Lexus ES
Sharing its platform with the previous Toyota Avalon, the Lexus ES skillfully blends key attributes from across the Lexus range. It offers the footprint similar to an IS but provides the spaciousness of a GS and approaches the comfort levels of the flagship LS. Generous legroom is available for all occupants, both front and rear, although the non-folding rear seats limit cargo versatility for larger items.
The ES utilizes an innovative suspension technology featuring Swing Valve Shock Absorbers, designed to react minutely to ensure an exceptionally smooth ride. Excellent cabin insulation keeps road and wind noise at bay, even at highway speeds. A comprehensive suite of standard advanced safety features, including blind spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control, contributes to a secure and serene driving experience. Engine choices include a 203-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 302-hp 3.5-liter V6, and an efficient 215-hp hybrid powertrain.
7. Honda Civic
For those seeking a comfortable, family-friendly vehicle without a luxury price tag, the Honda Civic presents a compelling package, available as either a sedan or a versatile hatchback. The front seats offer ample space and support (standard cloth, optional leather), while the rear bench provides more legroom than many competitors in the compact segment.
Beyond seating, the Civic impresses with its composed handling and refined ride quality, unexpected for its class. Standard Honda Sensing driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and emergency braking, enhance both safety and comfort. Combined with Honda’s strong reputation for reliability, the Civic is well-suited for long journeys and daily family use, offering significant comfort value.
8. Genesis G80
Genesis, despite a slower brand rollout now expanding with standalone dealerships, delivers a genuinely premium experience with its G80 midsize luxury sedan. The interior showcases high-quality materials, including authentic wood trim, aluminum accents, and supple leather. The seats are plush and supportive, offering heating and ventilation for both front and rear occupants, along with generous headroom and legroom throughout the cabin.
Ambient interior lighting and a premium Lexicon sound system enhance the luxurious atmosphere, complementing a well-designed infotainment system that thoughtfully integrates both touchscreen and physical controls. Standard highway driving assist features, encompassing lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control, ensure relaxed cruising. Power comes from either a 300-hp 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or a potent 375-hp 3.5-liter turbocharged V6, typically paired with all-wheel drive.
9. Lucid Air
As a relative newcomer, Lucid has rapidly established itself as a significant player in the all-electric luxury market. The Air sedan boasts an exceptional EPA-estimated range of up to 516 miles, mitigating range anxiety and making it ideal for long-distance travel. It’s also a standout luxury vehicle, earning accolades like the 2023 CarBuzz Award for Electrified Luxury.
Innovative packaging results in an incredibly spacious passenger cabin. Comfortable synthetic leather upholstery is standard, alongside features like heated and ventilated front seats with massage function, a heated steering wheel, and power rear sunshades. Generous storage is provided by both front and rear trunks (‘frunk’ and trunk). A 21-speaker Surreal Sound system provides an immersive audio backdrop for luxurious journeys. The lineup culminates in the Air Sapphire, a performance variant generating a staggering 1,234 horsepower.
10. Volvo S90
The Volvo S90 prioritizes ride comfort and interior quality to such an extent that occupants might feel more refreshed upon arrival than at the start of their journey. The cabin utilizes high-end materials like brushed metal and open-pore wood, creating a sophisticated Scandinavian ambiance. Standard 14-way power-adjustable front seats provide exceptional support for long-distance comfort. The optional rear air suspension further enhances the ride, delivering a cloud-like feeling over various road surfaces.
True to Volvo’s heritage, safety is paramount, with numerous standard features including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The base S90 powertrain is a 295-hp mild-hybrid four-cylinder with an eight-speed automatic transmission. More powerful twincharged (turbocharged and supercharged) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants are available, offering up to 455 hp and providing up to 38 miles of electric-only range.
