In the ever-evolving landscape of automotive excellence, 2021 stood as a banner year for the most luxurious cars, where innovation met indulgence in ways that redefined what it means to travel in style. As the world grappled with the lingering effects of a global pandemic, the ultra-wealthy continued to seek vehicles that not only transported them but elevated their very existence. This year marked a fascinating duality in the realm of the most luxurious cars: a surging dominance of high-end SUVs, blending rugged capability with unparalleled refinement, juxtaposed against the timeless allure of extended-wheelbase sedans and limousines that catered to the whims of the most discerning clientele.
According to industry insights, SUVs were poised to command the luxury electric vehicle market as well, signaling a shift toward versatile, all-terrain opulence that appealed to a broader spectrum of elites—from tech moguls navigating Silicon Valley’s hills to Middle Eastern royals cruising desert dunes. Yet, the tradition of sprawling limousines persisted, offering cavernous rear cabins for business tycoons sealing deals en route to boardrooms or celebrities evading paparazzi in supreme comfort.
The most luxurious cars of 2021 weren’t just about horsepower or leather upholstery; they embodied class, distinction, and status—hallmarks that separated mere transportation from a symphony of sensory delights. Prices soared into the stratosphere, starting at around £200,000 and climbing beyond £500,000 for bespoke editions, but for owners, these weren’t expenditures; they were investments in a lifestyle of effortless superiority. Features like massaging seats with customizable aromatherapy, augmented reality heads-up displays, and whisper-quiet cabins insulated from the world’s chaos became standard fare. Amidst this, brands like Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Mercedes-Maybach reaffirmed their throne, while newcomers like Lamborghini’s Urus injected adrenaline into the mix.
This comprehensive exploration delves deep into the top 10 most luxurious cars of 2021, unpacking their histories, engineering marvels, interior sanctuaries, performance pedigrees, and the intangible aura that makes them icons. Whether you’re drawn to the commanding presence of an SUV or the elongated elegance of a limo, these vehicles promise road trips that transcend the ordinary, turning every mile into a masterpiece of extravagance. Let’s embark on this journey through the crème de la crème of 2021’s most luxurious cars.
Timecodes:
0:00 – Introduction
01:17 – Rolls Royce Cullinan
2:29 – Bentley Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase Limited Edition
3:45 – Lexani Mercedes sprinter B6 Reale
4:47 – BMW M760li
5:54 – Land Rover Velar SVAutobiography
7:17 – Audi A8 L extended
8:28 – Lamborghini Urus
9:48 – Rolls Royce Phantom
11:13 – Bentley Flying Spur
12:19 – Mercedes Maybach S650 Pullman Edition
13:18 – Final
1. Rolls-Royce Cullinan: The British SUV Sovereign
Overview and History
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan, named after the legendary diamond mined in South Africa, entered 2021 as the undisputed king among the most luxurious cars in the UK market. Launched in 2018 from Goodwood, West Sussex, it marked Rolls-Royce’s bold SUV debut, blending the brand’s 117-year legacy of bespoke engineering with modern utility. By 2021, it had become a fixture on Britain’s elite driveways, from Kensington palaces to Highland retreats, symbolising effortless dominion over diverse terrains.
Powertrain and Performance
At its core throbs a hand-assembled 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12, yielding 563 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque—figures that propel this 2.7-tonne giant from 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds, with a electronically limited top speed of 155mph. An eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive ensure seamless power delivery, while the Planar Suspension system—using cameras to scan roads ahead—delivers a ride as serene as a Thames cruise.
Interior and Comfort
The cabin is a cocoon of British opulence: seats in supple Seven Seas leather (sourced from UK hides) offer 24-way adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage modes evoking a Mayfair spa. Rear passengers lounge in a bespoke suite with folding picnic tables and a chilled champagne drawer, all under the iconic Starlight Headliner twinkling 1,500 fibre-optic stars.
Technology and Features
Infotainment via the Spirit system includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and the innovative Viewing Suite—two rear-folding screens for bespoke entertainment. Off-road, it boasts 10 inches of ground clearance and self-levelling air suspension, perfect for Lake District fords.
UK Pricing and Availability
In 2021, the Cullinan started at £250,000 OTR, with Black Badge variants climbing to £298,800; fully bespoke models often exceeded £400,000. Availability was swift from Rolls-Royce dealers in Mayfair or Edinburgh, with waiting lists under six months for standard builds.
Driving Experience and Verdict
On UK B-roads, the Cullinan glides with imperious calm, its silence broken only by the optional Bespoke Audio’s 1,300-watt symphony. Autocar praised its “magic carpet poise,” making it the ultimate most luxurious cars for Britain’s varied climes—a verdict echoed by Top Gear’s “effortless supremacy.” Ideal for the titled landowner or tech baron, it redefines SUV grandeur.
2. Bentley Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase Limited Edition: Crewe’s Grand Farewell
Overview and History
The Bentley Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase Limited Edition bowed out in 2021 as a swan song for Bentley’s flagship sedan, a model born in 2010 from Crewe’s hallowed halls. With production capped at 30 units worldwide, this 250mm-stretched variant honoured Bentley’s Le Mans heritage while catering to UK luminaries seeking limousine-like rear space for cross-country soirees.
Powertrain and Performance
A 6.75-litre twin-turbo V8—evolved from 1950s designs—delivers 505 horsepower and a Herculean 752 lb-ft, mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic and rear-wheel drive. It achieves 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds, topping 186mph, with progressive damping ensuring the 2.7-tonne chassis floats over pothole-pocked A-roads.
Interior and Comfort
Over 60 square metres of hide envelops 20-way adjustable seats with lumbar support and powered footrests; the extended wheelbase gifts 42 inches of rear legroom, rivaling a private jet. Mulliner options include diamond-quilted panels and cashmere blends, all handcrafted in Crewe.
Technology and Features
A 19-speaker Naim for Bentley system (2,200 watts) serenades occupants, while electrochromic glass tints for privacy. Rear entertainment screens and individual climate zones make it a mobile Mayfair club.
UK Pricing and Availability
Priced from £233,750 OTR for the Limited Edition, with options pushing £300,000; scarce post-2021, but 2021 stock lingered at Bentley London or Crewe showrooms.
Driving Experience and Verdict
On the M4, it wafts with Bentley poise, torque vectoring adding subtle sportiness for Welsh twisties. What Car? deemed it “the world’s finest luxury car, probably,” cementing its status among 2021’s most luxurious cars—a poignant valediction to sedan supremacy.
3. Lexani Mercedes Sprinter B6 Reale: Fortified Elegance for the Discerning
Overview and History
The Lexani Mercedes Sprinter B6 Reale, a US-customised armoured van, infiltrated the UK in 2021 via specialist importers, transforming the humble Sprinter into a B6-rated (bulletproof) sanctuary. Debuting in 2013, its 2021 iteration appealed to UK high-net-worths—from City financiers to royals—needing discreet, secure travel amid rising urban threats.
Powertrain and Performance
A 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel (188 horsepower, 325 lb-ft) pairs with a nine-speed automatic and optional all-wheel drive, managing the armoured weight for 0-62mph in 12 seconds and 110mph top speed. Reinforced run-flats and suspension maintain composure on evasive maneuvers or rural escapes.
Interior and Comfort
A walk-through lounge boasts four Italian leather captain’s chairs with massage and ottomans, plus a king-sized rear bed and en-suite lavatory—akin to a Knightsbridge pied-à-terre on wheels.
Technology and Features
A 55-inch retractable TV, full bar, and videoconferencing suite integrate with Mercedes’ MBUX, while ballistic steel and glass lurk beneath opulent veneers.
UK Pricing and Availability
From £450,000 via UK armoured specialists like Hallmark Security; limited 2021 stock, often bespoke-ordered through Mercedes importers.
Driving Experience and Verdict
It cruises the A3 with van-like discretion yet limo-like hush, ideal for evading Fleet Street lenses. Auto Express noted its “unmatched secure luxury,” positioning it as a niche gem among the most luxurious cars for paranoid elites.
4. BMW M760Li xDrive: Bavarian Brilliance in Elongated Elegance
Overview and History
The BMW M760Li xDrive, a flagship of the sixth-generation 7 Series (G11/G12) since 2015, cemented its place among 2021’s most luxurious cars in the UK with its blend of executive refinement and M-division dynamism. This long-wheelbase variant, extended by 14cm over the standard 7 Series, was tailored for Britain’s elite—think City bankers or Cotswolds lords—seeking chauffeur-driven comfort with a driver’s edge. Launched in 2016 and refined for 2021 with updated tech and styling, it marked BMW’s final V12 hurrah before electrification took precedence, embodying Bavarian engineering at its zenith.
Powertrain and Performance
At its heart roars a 6.6-litre twin-turbocharged V12, a rarity in 2021, delivering 601 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque from just 1,500 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed Steptronic automatic and xDrive all-wheel drive, it surges from 0-62mph in a blistering 3.8 seconds, despite its 2.3-tonne heft, with a governed top speed of 155mph (190mph with M Driver’s Package). Adaptive dampers and Active Comfort Drive with Road Preview scan UK roads—be it the M25 or Yorkshire’s B-roads—adjusting suspension to glide over imperfections, while rear-wheel steering sharpens handling for a saloon of its 5.3m length.
Interior and Comfort
The cabin is a masterclass in Munich luxury, swathed in Exclusive Merino leather or optional wool blends, with 48-way adjustable front seats offering heating, ventilation, and massage functions that rival a Belgravia spa. The extended wheelbase grants rear passengers 44 inches of legroom, with Executive Lounge seating including reclining loungers, powered footrests, and cooled consoles for a G&T on the go. An Alcantara headliner and hand-stitched dashboard elevate the ambiance, evoking a private members’ club rolling through Knightsbridge.
Technology and Features
BMW’s iDrive 7.0 powers twin 12.3-inch displays—a digital cockpit and central touchscreen—supporting gesture control, voice commands, and augmented-reality navigation to anticipate Britain’s roundabouts. A Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround system with 1,400 watts delivers orchestral clarity, while the Rear-seat Entertainment Professional, with dual 10.2-inch screens, keeps passengers immersed. Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection and Matrix LED headlights ensure safety on foggy A-roads.
UK Pricing and Availability
In 2021, the M760Li xDrive started at £130,000 OTR, with bespoke options like Individual paint or carbon-ceramic brakes pushing past £150,000. Available through BMW’s UK network—dealerships in Birmingham, Manchester, or Edinburgh—it saw steady supply, though V12 scarcity hinted at future collectability.
Driving Experience and Verdict
On the A1, the M760Li blends serene cruising with M-honed agility, its V12 rumble muted by active noise cancellation for near-silent refinement. Cornering belies its size, thanks to integral active steering, making it a joy on Dartmoor’s twisties. Top Gear dubbed it “an attainable Rolls-Royce,” a fitting tribute to its dual role as a driver’s car and chauffeured cocoon. Among 2021’s most luxurious cars, the M760Li xDrive stands as a Bavarian masterpiece, marrying performance with unparalleled comfort for Britain’s discerning elite.
5. Land Rover Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic: Solihull’s Stylish Sovereign
Overview and History
The Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic, crafted by Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations in Solihull, emerged as a standout among 2021’s most luxurious cars in the UK. Introduced in 2017 as a sleek midsize SUV bridging the Evoque and Sport, the Velar’s 2021 facelift elevated its appeal with refined styling and advanced tech. The SVAutobiography Dynamic, a limited-run flagship, blended Land Rover’s off-road heritage with Autobiography opulence and SV performance, captivating British buyers from Chelsea townhouses to Cotswolds estates seeking a fusion of urban chic and rural ruggedness.
Powertrain and Performance
Powered by a supercharged 5.0-litre V8, this Velar pumps out 542 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of torque, channeled through an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. It rockets from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds, reaching a top speed of 160mph, making it a match for sports cars on the M40. Adaptive Dynamics and Torque Vectoring by Braking sharpen handling on winding Lake District roads, while Terrain Response 2 ensures grip on muddy Exmoor trails, with 9.9 inches of ground clearance and a 23.5-inch wading depth for British weather’s worst.
Interior and Comfort
The cabin exudes a gentleman’s club ambiance, swathed in perforated Windsor leather and Ultrafabrics suede across 20-way adjustable seats with hot-stone massage, heating, and ventilation—perfect for soothing after a day at Ascot. A fixed panoramic roof floods the interior with light, enhancing the tactile allure of knurled metal controls and sustainable Kvadrat textile options, reflecting modern British luxury. Rear passengers enjoy 38 inches of legroom, ample for cross-country jaunts, with a 34.4-cubic-foot boot for weekend luggage or shooting gear.
Technology and Features
The Pivi Pro infotainment system, displayed on a curved 11.4-inch touchscreen, offers wireless Apple CarPlay, over-the-air updates, and intuitive navigation for London’s congestion zones. A 12.3-inch digital driver display and head-up display provide clarity, while the 1,700-watt Meridian Signature audio with 23 speakers delivers concert-hall acoustics. A 3D surround camera aids parking in tight Mayfair spaces, and ClearSight Ground View enhances off-road precision on rocky Highland paths.
UK Pricing and Availability
Starting at £109,000 OTR in 2021, with fully loaded models nearing £150,000, the SVAutobiography Dynamic was a premium proposition. Available through Jaguar Land Rover dealerships in cities like Bristol or Glasgow, its limited production meant brisk demand, with some waiting lists extending into early 2022.
Driving Experience and Verdict
On the A44, the Velar SVAutobiography dances with GT-like poise, its air suspension smoothing rutted lanes while the V8’s growl adds drama. Off-road, it conquers Dartmoor with ease, blending capability with refinement. Auto Express praised its “glamorous sleekness,” cementing its status as a versatile icon among 2021’s most luxurious cars. For Britons craving style, power, and all-terrain prowess, this Solihull star delivers a uniquely British blend of sophistication and adventure.
6. Audi A8 L Extended: Ingolstadt’s Subtle Sovereign
Overview and History
The Audi A8 L Extended, a flagship of the fourth-generation A8 (D5) since 2017, secured its place among 2021’s most luxurious cars in the UK with its understated elegance and Teutonic precision. This stretched variant, tailored for Britain’s elite—think diplomats gliding from Westminster to Windsor or CEOs traversing the M4—added 15cm to the standard long-wheelbase A8, creating a rear cabin rivaling a private lounge. Updated in 2021 with mild-hybrid tech and enhanced comfort, it embodied Audi’s “Vorsprung durch Technik” ethos, blending cutting-edge innovation with serene luxury for the discerning UK market.
Powertrain and Performance
Powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 in the 60 TFSI guise, the A8 L Extended delivers 563 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic and quattro all-wheel drive. It sprints from 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds, reaching a governed 155mph, with mild-hybrid efficiency reducing emissions for London’s ULEZ zones. Predictive active suspension, using cameras to scan roads, smooths potholes on rural B-roads, while dynamic all-wheel steering ensures agility despite its 5.45m length, making it ideal for tight Knightsbridge turns.
Interior and Comfort
The cabin is a haven of German craftsmanship, draped in Valcona leather and Alcantara, with 22-way adjustable relaxation seats offering heating, ventilation, and massage functions akin to a Mayfair wellness retreat. The extended wheelbase grants 44 inches of rear legroom, perfect for stretching out en route to Gleneagles. Open-pore wood inlays and ambient lighting create a warm, sophisticated ambiance, while acoustic double glazing ensures near-silent travel, muffling the M6’s roar or urban bustle.
Technology and Features
Audi’s MMI touch response system powers dual central touchscreens (10.1-inch and 8.6-inch) with haptic feedback, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and navigation tuned for UK roundabouts. A 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit and head-up display provide driver clarity, while the Bang & Olufsen Advanced 3D audio system, with 1,920 watts and 23 speakers, delivers orchestral richness. Matrix LED headlights with laser technology illuminate foggy A-roads, and a rear-seat entertainment package with twin 10.1-inch screens keeps passengers engaged.
UK Pricing and Availability
Starting at £78,985 OTR in 2021, with loaded models nearing £120,000, the A8 L Extended was accessible through Audi Centres in Manchester, Oxford, or Edinburgh. Its bespoke nature meant occasional wait times, but stock was generally available for prompt delivery.
Driving Experience and Verdict
On rain-slicked M6 stretches, the A8 L Extended glides with unflappable poise, its quattro grip and predictive suspension taming Britain’s unpredictable roads. In urban settings, it navigates Mayfair with limousine-like ease. CAR Magazine lauded it as “brilliant in places,” praising its refined tech and comfort. Among 2021’s most luxurious cars, the A8 L Extended stands as Ingolstadt’s subtle sovereign, offering a masterful blend of executive serenity and dynamic finesse for Britain’s high society.
7. Lamborghini Urus: Sant’Agata’s Ferocious SUV Star
Overview and History
The Lamborghini Urus, launched in 2018, roared into 2021’s roster of the most luxurious cars in the UK, blending supercar ferocity with SUV practicality. Hailing from Sant’Agata Bolognese, this “Super SUV” retained its original design for 2021, captivating Britain’s thrill-seekers—from Premier League stars cruising Chelsea to adrenaline junkies tackling Welsh rally routes. As Lamborghini’s first SUV since the 1980s LM002, the Urus redefined luxury performance, merging Italian flair with family-friendly versatility, making it a standout for UK buyers seeking bold statements on motorways or country lanes.
Powertrain and Performance
At its core, a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 unleashes 641 horsepower and 626 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. It rockets from 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds, hitting a top speed of 190mph—figures that rival supercars on the M1. Rear-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension ensure agility on Cotswolds twisties, while six ANIMA driving modes (Strada to Corsa) toggle between refined cruising and track-ready aggression. Off-road, its 9.8-inch ground clearance and torque-vectoring tackle muddy Lake District trails with ease.
Interior and Comfort
The Urus’s cockpit channels Lamborghini’s fighter-jet aesthetic, wrapped in Alcantara and premium leather across sporty, 18-way adjustable seats with heating and ventilation, ideal for chilly British mornings. Hexagonal stitching and carbon-fibre accents evoke the Aventador, while a 21.8-cubic-foot boot (expandable to 56.3) accommodates golf bags for St Andrews or luggage for Cornwall getaways. Rear passengers enjoy 37 inches of legroom, ample for cross-country comfort, though the focus remains on driver-centric exhilaration.
Technology and Features
A 10.1-inch central touchscreen powers the Lamborghini Infotainment System III, with wireless Apple CarPlay and navigation optimised for UK’s complex road network. A 12.3-inch digital cockpit displays performance data, while an 8.6-inch lower screen manages climate and comfort settings. The 1,700-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system with 21 speakers delivers concert-quality audio, and advanced driver aids like adaptive cruise and lane-keeping assist navigate London’s congestion zones. Off-road cameras enhance rugged adventures.
UK Pricing and Availability
Starting at £213,595 OTR in 2021, with bespoke Ad Personam options pushing past £250,000, the Urus was available through Lamborghini London or Manchester, with steady stock despite high demand. Custom orders from Sant’Agata typically arrived within six months.
Driving Experience and Verdict
On the A5, the Urus delivers heart-pounding acceleration, its V8 roar echoing through Yorkshire dales, yet Strada mode softens it for serene M4 cruises. Its precise handling defies its 2.2-tonne mass, thrilling on Alpine passes. Top Gear hailed it as “endless fun,” a verdict echoing its dual role as a practical luxury SUV and a supercar in disguise. Among 2021’s most luxurious cars, the Urus stands as Sant’Agata’s wild heart, offering UK buyers an unrivalled blend of performance, style, and versatility for urban jungles and rural escapes.
8. Rolls-Royce Phantom: Goodwood’s Timeless Throne
Overview and History
The Rolls-Royce Phantom, in its eighth generation since 2017, reigned supreme among 2021’s most luxurious cars in the UK, epitomising Goodwood’s century-long legacy of unrivalled opulence. Crafted in West Sussex, this flagship saloon, subtly refined for 2021, evoked the grandeur of Britain’s stately homes, appealing to aristocrats and tycoons gliding from Mayfair to the Highlands. As the pinnacle of Rolls-Royce’s artistry, the Phantom remained the ultimate expression of automotive luxury, blending heritage with bespoke innovation for Britain’s elite.
Powertrain and Performance
Beneath its iconic Spirit of Ecstasy lies a 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12, delivering 563 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. It wafts from 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds, with a top speed capped at 155mph, prioritising serenity over speed. The Planar Suspension System, using road-scanning cameras, ensures a “magic carpet ride,” absorbing potholes on Cornwall’s lanes or London’s cobbles, while soundproofing creates a cabin quieter than a cathedral, ideal for contemplative UK journeys.
Interior and Comfort
The Phantom’s interior is a bespoke sanctuary, clad in Seven Seas leather and open-pore wood veneers, handcrafted in Goodwood. Front and rear seats, with 24-way adjustments, offer heating, ventilation, and massage, mimicking a Belgravia spa. The extended wheelbase (5.98m) provides palatial rear legroom, with options like privacy curtains and reclining lounge seats for chauffeur-driven comfort. The Starlight Headliner, with 1,500 fibre-optic lights, transforms the ceiling into a celestial masterpiece, evoking a starry night over the Cotswolds.
Technology and Features
The Spirit infotainment system, housed in a 12.3-inch retractable touchscreen, supports wireless Apple CarPlay and bespoke voice commands, tailored for UK navigation from roundabouts to rural estates. A rear theatre configuration with dual 12-inch screens entertains passengers, while the 1,300-watt Bespoke Audio system delivers symphonic clarity. Advanced driver aids, including night vision and adaptive cruise, ensure safety on foggy M1 stretches, complementing the Phantom’s regal poise.
UK Pricing and Availability
Starting at £350,000 OTR in 2021, with bespoke commissions often exceeding £500,000, the Phantom was available through Rolls-Royce’s Mayfair or Edinburgh showrooms. Its hand-built nature meant wait times of 6-12 months, though stock models were occasionally available for prompt delivery to titled clients.
Driving Experience and Verdict
On the A303, the Phantom glides like a private jet, its silence and smoothness redefining luxury travel. It navigates Devon’s twisties with dignified composure, the V12’s power a gentle undercurrent. Autocar praised its “unmatched refinement,” a sentiment echoed by owners who view it as a rolling palace. Among 2021’s most luxurious cars, the Phantom stands as Goodwood’s timeless throne, offering UK buyers an unparalleled blend of heritage, craftsmanship, and serenity, transforming every journey into a regal procession fit for royalty.
9. Bentley Flying Spur: Crewe’s Continental Conqueror
Overview and History
The Bentley Flying Spur, in its third generation since 2019, solidified its place among 2021’s most luxurious cars in the UK, emerging from Crewe as a four-door grand tourer blending aristocratic elegance with dynamic prowess. Refined for 2021 with enhanced tech and styling, it appealed to Britain’s elite—City financiers to Cotswolds gentry—seeking a saloon that balanced chauffeur-driven serenity with driver-focused thrill. As Bentley’s answer to Rolls-Royce, the Flying Spur redefined continental cruising, embodying Crewe’s 102-year legacy of handcrafted opulence tailored for UK’s diverse roads.
Powertrain and Performance
Powered by a 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine, the Flying Spur delivers 626 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic and all-wheel drive. It surges from 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds, reaching a top speed of 207mph, making it a formidable presence on the M4. Active all-wheel steering and Bentley Dynamic Ride, an adaptive anti-roll system, ensure agility on Yorkshire’s twisty B-roads, while air suspension smooths potholes, delivering a refined ride from London to the Lakes.
Interior and Comfort
The cabin is a masterpiece of British craftsmanship, swathed in diamond-quilted leather and hand-polished wood veneers from Crewe’s artisans. Front and rear seats, with 20-way adjustments, offer heating, ventilation, and massage, rivaling a Mayfair spa. The extended wheelbase (5.3m) provides 42 inches of rear legroom, ideal for chauffeur-driven journeys, with options like reclining loungers and cooled champagne consoles evoking a private club ambiance, perfect for long hauls to Edinburgh.
Technology and Features
A 12.3-inch rotating touchscreen display toggles between infotainment, analogue dials, or a sleek veneer panel, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and navigation optimised for UK’s roundabouts. A 10-speaker Bentley Signature Audio (or optional 2,200-watt Naim system) delivers concert-hall acoustics, while rear-seat entertainment with dual 10.1-inch screens keeps passengers engaged. Driver aids like adaptive cruise and night vision enhance safety on foggy A-roads, complementing the Spur’s refined dynamics.
UK Pricing and Availability
Starting at £170,000 OTR in 2021, with Mulliner bespoke options pushing past £220,000, the Flying Spur was readily available through Bentley’s London, Manchester, or Crewe showrooms. Demand was high, but stock models ensured delivery within 3-6 months for standard configurations.
Driving Experience and Verdict
On the M1, the Flying Spur blends serene cruising with GT agility, its W12 growl subdued for effortless refinement yet thrilling when unleashed on Dartmoor’s curves. Auto Express praised its “superb powertrain and luxurious execution,” highlighting its versatility. Among 2021’s most luxurious cars, the Flying Spur stands as Crewe’s continental conqueror, offering UK buyers a sublime fusion of performance, craftsmanship, and technology, transforming every journey—be it a city commute or a Highland escape—into a statement of timeless elegance.
10. Mercedes-Maybach S650 Pullman: Stuttgart’s Majestic Limousine
Overview and History
The Mercedes-Maybach S650 Pullman Edition, a pinnacle of 2021’s most luxurious cars in the UK, redefined limousine grandeur with its stretched silhouette, rooted in the iconic S-Class lineage. Launched as part of the Maybach revival in 2015 and refined for 2021, this 6.5-metre behemoth catered to Britain’s elite—royals, diplomats, or tycoons—seeking unparalleled opulence for journeys from Whitehall to Windsor. Built in Stuttgart, the Pullman’s heritage traces back to the 1960s, embodying Maybach’s ethos of bespoke luxury for UK buyers demanding a mobile palace.
Powertrain and Performance
Powered by a handcrafted 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12, the S650 Pullman delivers 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic and optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive. It glides from 0-62mph in 5.0 seconds, with a top speed capped at 155mph, prioritising serenity over speed. AirMatic suspension with Magic Body Control scans UK roads, smoothing potholes on the A40, while enhanced soundproofing ensures a whisper-quiet cabin, ideal for discreet boardroom talks en route to Canary Wharf.
Interior and Comfort
The cabin is a sanctuary of extravagance, swathed in Exclusive Nappa leather and high-gloss wood, hand-stitched in Sindelfingen. Rear-facing lounge seats, with 20-way adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage, offer 48 inches of legroom, creating a first-class suite for two or four passengers. Privacy partitions, electrochromic glass, and retractable curtains shield occupants from prying eyes, while a chilled champagne compartment and crystal flutes elevate sojourns to Ascot or Glyndebourne.
Technology and Features
The MBUX Hyperscreen, a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen, powers infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and navigation tailored for Britain’s complex road network. A Burmester 4D audio system with 30 speakers and 1,750 watts delivers immersive sound, while dual 11.6-inch rear screens provide bespoke entertainment. Advanced driver aids, including Level 2 autonomy and night vision, ensure safety on foggy M5 stretches, complementing the Pullman’s regal composure.
UK Pricing and Availability
Starting at £200,000 OTR in 2021, with bespoke configurations often exceeding £400,000, the S650 Pullman was available through Mercedes-Maybach specialists in London, Ascot, or Birmingham. Its limited production meant wait times of 6-12 months, though select dealers held stock for immediate delivery to high-profile clients.
Driving Experience and Verdict
On the A40, the Pullman wafts with imperious grace, its V12 power delivering effortless progress while the cabin remains a silent haven, even amidst London’s bustle. It navigates tight Mayfair streets with surprising ease, thanks to rear-axle steering. Carwow lauded its “insane luxury,” a fitting tribute to its role as a mobile boardroom or royal carriage. Among 2021’s most luxurious cars, the Mercedes-Maybach S650 Pullman stands as Stuttgart’s stretched splendour, offering UK buyers an unmatched blend of heritage, technology, and opulence for journeys that transcend the ordinary.
Conclusion
In 2021, the UK’s love affair with the most luxurious cars reached new heights, reflecting a nation that cherishes both its storied automotive heritage and its appetite for cutting-edge innovation. From the rolling hills of the Cotswolds to the vibrant streets of London, the top 10 most luxurious cars of the year—spanning the imperious Rolls-Royce Cullinan to the majestic Mercedes-Maybach S650 Pullman—catered to Britain’s elite with unmatched sophistication. These vehicles, crafted by marques like Rolls-Royce and Bentley in Goodwood and Crewe, alongside continental giants like Mercedes and Lamborghini, embodied class, distinction, and status, transforming every journey into a celebration of opulence.
The year underscored a seismic shift towards luxury SUVs, with models like the Cullinan and Urus blending all-terrain capability with interiors rivaling Mayfair penthouses, perfectly suited for Britain’s diverse landscapes—from Highland trails to urban jungles. Industry data highlighted a 20% surge in luxury SUV sales, driven by their versatility and commanding presence. Yet, the timeless allure of extended sedans and limousines, like the Phantom and Pullman, held strong, offering cavernous rear cabins for tycoons sealing deals or royals seeking seclusion. Priced from £78,985 to over £500,000, these cars were investments in a lifestyle where bespoke leather, hand-polished woods, and technologies like Starlight Headliners or Hyperscreens redefined travel.
Each vehicle, whether the driver-focused BMW M760Li or the serene Audi A8 L Extended, showcased engineering tailored for UK roads—suspensions that tamed potholes, driver aids navigating roundabouts, and soundproofing silencing the M25’s roar. British craftsmanship shone in Bentley’s diamond-quilted cabins and Rolls-Royce’s celestial roofs, while continental contenders brought precision and flair, ensuring options for every discerning taste. The Lexani Sprinter’s armoured opulence and the Velar’s rugged elegance further highlighted the market’s diversity, catering to security-conscious magnates and adventure-seeking aristocrats alike.
As 2021 unfolded, these most luxurious cars mirrored Britain’s dual identity: a nation of tradition, where Goodwood’s heritage thrives, and forward-thinking ambition, embracing electrification and connectivity trends. They weren’t just vehicles but rolling legacies, turning commutes into ceremonies and road trips into regal processions. Whether cruising Knightsbridge or conquering Dartmoor, these icons invited owners to transcend the mundane, offering a glimpse into a world where every mile is a masterpiece. As the UK looks to the future, the legacy of 2021’s most luxurious cars endures, a testament to the timeless pursuit of excellence on Britain’s roads.
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