Cars and Drivers: A Glimpse into the World of Luxury Automobiles

Published: November 10, 2024

As F. Scott Fitzgerald famously penned in The Great Gatsby, the rich are indeed different from you and me. This distinction is particularly evident in the realm of automobiles, where the ultra-wealthy indulge in high-end luxury vehicles that are as much a status symbol as they are a means of transportation. Unlike the flashy modifications seen on shows like MTV’s “Pimp My Ride,” these affluent buyers opt for pristine, high-performance stock vehicles that can cost millions.

Global luxury lifestyle magazine Robb Report recently unveiled a list of the world’s most expensive cars, showcasing the pinnacle of automotive engineering and design. Here, we present a ranked overview of the top 20 luxury vehicles, from the relatively "affordable" to the jaw-droppingly expensive.

20. Rimac Nevera R ($2.5 million)

The Rimac Nevera R, crafted by Croatian automaker Rimac Automobili, is a marvel of electric engineering. With an astonishing 2,107 horsepower, this sports car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.74 seconds and boasts a top speed of 256 mph. Its powertrain is so advanced that it is described as the first production car capable of accelerating faster than it can brake.

19. Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 ($2.6 million)

British manufacturer Gordon Murray Automotive has made waves with the T.50, which was crowned the Hypercar of the Year in 2021. Featuring the lightest and most power-dense naturally aspirated V-12 engine ever fitted to a road car, the T.50 produces 654 hp and can reach 0 to 62 mph in 2.8 seconds, with a top speed of 226 mph.

18. Mercedes-AMG One ($2.7 million)

Inspired by Formula 1 technology, the Mercedes-AMG One is a street-legal racing car that combines hybrid power with blistering performance. It can reach a top speed of 217 mph and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds, making it a formidable contender on both the road and the track.

17. Zenvo Aurora ($2.8 million)

Danish automaker Zenvo’s Aurora is a hybrid hypercar that features a quad-turbocharged V-12 engine producing 1,250 hp, complemented by an additional 600 hp from its electric motors. This powerhouse can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.3 seconds.

16. Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution ($3 million)

The Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution is the only American-made car in this elite list. With a record-breaking run at the Circuit of the Americas, this hypercar features a twin-turbocharged Fury V-8 engine that delivers a staggering 1,874 hp, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 328 mph.

15. Koenigsegg Jesko ($3 million)

The Koenigsegg Jesko made headlines when it sold out on the first day of its introduction at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. With a mid-mounted twin-turbo V-8 engine, it produces up to 1,600 hp on E85 biofuels and can reach 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds, with a top speed of 256 mph.

14. Pagani Huayra R Evo ($3 million plus)

The Pagani Huayra R Evo is an open-top hypercar that is not street-legal in the U.S. due to safety regulations. However, it remains a coveted model among American buyers. Powered by a Mercedes-AMG V-12 engine, it delivers 900 hp and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds.

13. Aston Martin Valkyrie ($3.2 million)

The Aston Martin Valkyrie is a carbon-fiber-bodied masterpiece designed with Formula 1 in mind. Its Cosworth V-12 engine, paired with an electric motor, produces 1,160 hp and can reach 0 to 60 mph in 2.3 seconds, with a top speed of 220 mph.

12. Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut ($3.4 million)

Another entry from Koenigsegg, the Jesko Absolut features a carbon-fiber chassis and a twin-turbocharged V-8 engine that can produce up to 1,600 hp. It shares the same impressive acceleration of 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds, but with a staggering potential top speed of 330 mph.

11. Pagani Huayra Roadster BC ($3.5 million)

The Pagani Huayra Roadster BC is a limited-run hypercar that features a twin-turbocharged V-12 engine capable of reaching a top speed of 220 mph. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, all while showcasing a stunning carbon-titanium monocoque design.

10. Koenigsegg CC850 ($3.7 million)

The Koenigsegg CC850 offers a unique driving experience with both manual and automatic transmission options. Its twin-turbo V-8 engine produces 1,385 hp, allowing it to reach 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 318 mph.

9. Ferrari F80 ($3.9 million)

Ferrari’s F80 is the automaker’s most powerful road vehicle, featuring a hybrid powertrain that combines a V-6 engine with three electric motors to produce 1,200 hp. It can accelerate from 0 to 124 mph in just 5.75 seconds.

8. Gordon Murray Automotive T.50s Niki Lauda ($3.9 million)

Named after the legendary Formula 1 champion, the T.50s Niki Lauda is an upgraded version of the T.50. It features a Cosworth V-12 engine that produces 725 hp and can reach 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, with a top speed of 226 mph.

7. McLaren Solus GT ($4 million)

The McLaren Solus GT is a limited-production, track-only hypercar with a powerful V-10 engine producing 829 hp. With only 25 units being produced, it promises an unparalleled driving experience reminiscent of Formula 1.

6. Bugatti Tourbillon ($4.1 million)

The Bugatti Tourbillon features a striking design with self-opening dihedral doors and a V-16 engine paired with three electric motors, producing 1,800 hp. It can reach 60 mph in just 2 seconds and aims for a top speed of 276 mph.

5. Aspark Owl ($4.2 million)

Japan’s Aspark Owl is an all-electric hypercar with a limited run of just 50 vehicles. It recently set an EV speed record of 272.6 mph, thanks to its quad-motor electric powertrain that produces 1,985 hp.

4. Bugatti Bolide ($4.3 million)

The Bugatti Bolide features the automaker’s unique W16 engine, producing 1,578 hp. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.17 seconds and boasts a top speed of 311 mph, showcasing Bugatti’s commitment to performance.

3. Bugatti Mistral ($5 million)

The Bugatti Mistral is the first open-top Bugatti in over a decade, featuring the iconic W16 engine. It can reach 0 to 60 mph in 2.4 seconds and has a top speed of 261 mph, blending luxury with high performance.

2. Pagani Huayra Codalunga ($7 million)

The Pagani Huayra Codalunga pays homage to 1960s race car styling with its gullwing doors and carbon-titanium monocoque. Its V-12 engine produces 840 hp and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.4 seconds.

1. Rolls-Royce Droptail ($30 million plus)

Topping the list is the Rolls-Royce Droptail, a vehicle so exclusive that its price is not publicly advertised. With three unique versions featuring an open-top design and intricate parquetry made from over 1,600 pieces, this luxury automobile is a testament to craftsmanship. It houses a twin-turbocharged V-12 engine with 569 hp, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph.

In the world of luxury automobiles, these vehicles represent the apex of engineering, design, and exclusivity. For those fortunate enough to afford them, owning one of these masterpieces is not just about transportation; it’s about making a statement and embracing a lifestyle of unparalleled luxury.