For some people, a car is simply a mode of transportation. For a CEO, a car can mean so much more. While driving a nice car isn’t what makes a good CEO, their car is still an extension of themselves and can convey who they are, how they work, and what they care about. Depending on your personality and interests, you may want your car to show off a bit of style and flair too.
We’ve compiled a list of 10 luxury cars for CEOs and what each says about its driver.
This car has “boss” written all over it. Many consider this luxury sedan the flagship example of executive limos. With a price tag that starts at $111,100, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class demands respect on the road. It’s not all looks and comfort either: The base S 500 4Matic model comes equipped with a supercharged and turbocharged 429-horsepower 3-liter inline-six-cylinder engine that incorporates a mild-hybrid feature. It’s also capable of launching the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. The S 580 4Matic, which starts at $117,700, uses its twin-turbo 4-liter V-8 engine producing 496 hp to reach 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.
A car like this should have terrible fuel economy, right? Think again. Advanced technology helps the S 500 achieve 21/30 (city/highway) mpg, which is just one of the many examples of how far engineering has come.
What this car says about you: You’re classy, you want to look good and feel good, and you expect nothing short of excellence.
Clearly, appearance matters in business – but you shouldn’t stop with the car. It’s true that dressing well and looking the part is important at work, with studies to back this up.
They don’t call it “the ultimate driving machine” for nothing. BMW is known for offering quality cars with top-notch driving dynamics. This holds true for its midsize luxury sedan, the 5-Series. This car is for the CEO who wants a luxurious ride that emphasizes comfort, convenience and the driving experience.
The 5-Series offers a wide variety of trims, which means you can find the perfect one for you. Whether you want a longer wheelbase or BMW’s xDrive (all-wheel drive), all you have to do is fork over a little bit more cash. We’re focusing on the base 530i here, but there’s also the electric 530e, the luxurious and sporty M550i xDrive, and the fire-breathing M5.
The standard BMW 530i comes equipped with a 2-liter inline-four-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology producing 248 hp that is capable of accelerating the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The starting price is $54,200, although you may want to consider adding some of the optional features and packages to make sure you have the latest technology; after all, you are the boss. A hybrid model is also available.
What this car says about you: You’re classy, but at the same time, you seek adventure and engagement.
This is a silky-smooth and ultra-reliable luxury sedan from Japan. Lexus is usually associated with reliability, comfort and luxury. That’s just about as exciting as watching paint dry, but who’s really complaining here? What’s not to like about these three things if you’re a CEO?
The LS 500 is like a dependable friend who isn’t overly outgoing or flamboyant but will always be there when you need them. The LS 500 has loads of standard equipment and doesn’t require you to add tons of packages or options for it to meet your high expectations. It features a buttery-smooth twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 engine producing 416 hp, which means the car can get to 60 mph from a standstill in only 4.6 seconds. While pricing for the base car starts at $77,075, there is also the LS 500 F Sport, which features sleek exterior styling and performance-inspired instrumentation.
Not all CEOs took the same path to get where they are. Learn what top CEOs believe are the secrets to their success.
The slick, bold style of Italian craftsmanship is evident in every Alfa Romeo, which offers luxury cars that also have a satisfying driving experience. The 2022 Giulia is the latest in its line of high-class sedans. And with the base model Sprint RWD starting at $44,945, it’s an incredible value for such a sophisticated ride. You’ll never want to video conference again with a car like this to show off.
The Giulia is one of the most fun-to-drive cars on this list. The base model’s turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine makes 280 hp and can propel the car from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. For fuel economy, it rivals some of the most fuel-efficient sedans out there at 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. There are also the Ti, Veloce and Quadrifoglio models for upgrades in speed and style.
Inside, the Giulia has an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. Alfa Romeo covers the sports seats in the Guilia with fine, supple leather.
What this car says about you: You make big statements without saying a word.
You don’t need to overspend on a company car to make a statement. If your ideal car is on the more affordable side, invest in clothes and accessories that project your sensibilities.
This is the Porsche with four doors. Wait, what? You usually don’t think about a four-door car with a comfortable and spacious interior when you think of Porsche. The Panamera Platinum Edition is a game changer in the world of Porsche; there’s no doubt about it. Pricing starts at $101,900, about what you’d expect for something from a premium performance carmaker. The Platinum Edition offers more than 10 trim options, ideal for those executives who are meticulous and have specific tastes.
The base Panamera comes equipped with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine producing 325 hp; it takes just 5.3 seconds for this Porsche to reach 60 mph from a stop. This number is very Porsche-like, but the standard Panamera is just the beginning: The top-of-the-line Panamera Turbo S Executive costs nearly $200,000 and will astound you with its performance.
What this car says about you: You’re very performance-oriented, and you aren’t afraid of being different and thinking outside of the box.
This is a full-size luxury SUV with a nameplate that is synonymous with success. The Range Rover demands attention and respect when it’s on the road. The sheer size and elegance of the exterior are hard to ignore. While this SUV can traverse even the roughest of terrains, most of these vehicles will never venture beyond the mall parking lot. The Range Rover has instead become the luxury SUV of choice. Pricing starts at $93,800, and options and packages will quickly push the price past the six-figure mark.
The fuel economy is not as bad as you would think. The Range Rover is rated at 18/23 (city/highway) mpg thanks to its 3-liter inline-six-cylinder engine, which produces 355 hp and sends its power to all four wheels, making it an excellent choice for a CEO. The Range Rover can reach 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. [Read related article: How Much Does Commercial Auto Insurance Cost?]
What this car says about you: You worked hard to get where you are, and you want everyone to know, so you drive an unnecessarily oversized SUV just because you can.
When BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi aren’t good enough for you, you have only a few options remaining. Maserati is more exclusive and exotic than the German luxury carmakers, and that’s one of the appeals of the trident badge. The Quattroporte GT is its flagship luxury sedan for the extroverted executive who refuses to drive an inconspicuous vehicle. This sedan is showy and loud, screaming “look at me,” which is all the more reason for extroverts to like it … or one way to help you become an extrovert if you would like to be!
Starting at $99,000, this sedan is more pricey than a few of the other cars on this list, but you can see why. The Quattroporte comes standard with a 3-liter V-6 engine and has all kinds of customizable options for a VIP. With its engine putting out 345 hp, the Quattroporte can get you from 0 to 60 in 4.6 seconds. There is also the Trofeo for those who need a little more speed in their luxury car.
What this car says about you: You’re not OK with just being great; you have to stand out among even the best. You have great taste and have no problem showing it.
The future is looking bright.
You knew the Tesla Model S was going to be on this list, and you probably already know why. This is the executive car of choice for the tech industry, for obvious reasons. With so many tech startups gaining traction, the Tesla Model S has become very popular among CEOs.
This electric luxury vehicle starts at $99,900, with tax credit incentives available in certain states. The standard Model S can drive up to 405 miles on a single charge and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. The Model S is a technological marvel, and Tesla is planning bigger and better things, so expect to see more and more of these luxury electric cars on the road being driven by CEOs. For those who need to get to their destinations faster, the Model S Plaid can launch you from 0 to 60 mph in just under two seconds and has a top speed of 200 mph.
What this car says about you: You’re probably a geek at heart who values the latest and greatest technology.
If you’re choosing an electric car as your primary ride to work, make sure there’s a charging station where you park.
When you see the Spirit of Ecstasy on top of the hood, you know what you’re dealing with.
Rolls-Royce is one of the most prestigious car brands. The Rolls-Royce Ghost is a model that doesn’t chase volume and evokes a presence on the road that is unmatched. With a starting price of $398,850, you have to be in an exclusive club to be able to own one.
Think about this: You could buy three 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Classes for the price of a Rolls-Royce Ghost and still have some change left over. Is the Ghost three times the car the S-Class is? That’s up for debate, but the insane attention to detail and the quality of materials are undeniable. This is the creme de la creme when it comes to luxury vehicles.
The Ghost may require a king’s ransom, but that’s because it’s fit for a king. It has a 591-hp twin-turbocharged V-12 engine that can propel the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. And with a top speed of 155 mph, it’s no wonder why it’s called “Ghost.”
What this car says about you: You’ve reached the pinnacle of success, and you want everyone to know it. You have no problem being overstated.
[Read related article: Buying a Car for Your Business? How to Avoid Mistakes]
If you’re looking to impress clients and peers, the Audi A6 is a smart choice. Featuring a sleek exterior, the latest high-tech features and a roomy cabin, the A6 brings new meaning to the phrase “traveling in style.” Starting at $55,900, the A6 is one of the more affordable cars on our list, meaning you don’t have to spend big bucks to make a big impression.
A turbocharged and intercooled V-6 engine accelerates this car from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, fast enough to outrun some of Audi’s key rivals. The A6 sends its 335 hp to all four wheels, giving you a smooth and secure ride. Its engines use hybrid technology to run the car’s stop-start system. Where the A6 outshines many other luxury sedans is in its fuel efficiency, which is an impressive 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
As for what you can see while driving, the A6 has a 12.3-inch digital infotainment display and its Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster. The A6 has many appealing, high-tech features for the CEO on the go, such as a wireless charging pad, Bang & Olufsen sound system, and 360-degree exterior camera.
What this car says about you: You don’t need to draw any attention. You let the work speak for you.
Andy Bach contributed to the writing and reporting in this article.
