Mid-luxury/executive cars

The mid-luxury segment are commonly referred to as executive cars in Britain, Obere Mittelklasse in German, and Grandes Routières in French. Examples include the Volvo S80, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Jaguar XF ^[31]

Although having similar dimensions to mid-size cars and large family cars, executive cars are engineered and positioned as premium vehicles with better performance and technology amenities. There is also higher development and production costs, as many well-known mid-luxury cars use the longitudinal (usually front engine rear wheel drive layout) engine mounting which affords space for powerful engines such as a V8, instead of the more economical transverse engine layout of mass market cars which are restricted to inline-4 or V6. Executive cars usually have lower sales and production volumes compared to mid-size cars and large family cars, as base trims with less equipment and smaller engines are not sold in U.S. and Canadian markets.^[32] Also due to the problem of steep depreciation, especially concerning cars from less prestigious brands, most executive cars are produced by marques that specialize in larger/more expensive vehicles.

Vehicles in this segment include the mid-range models of several luxury car manufacturers.^[33] There are also some flagship sedans in this segment, such as the Acura RL and Infiniti M37/56. Executive cars such as the BMW 5 Series are crucial to a luxury automaker's bottom line, and although not the highest-selling model, they generate a significant amount of profits due to the lucrative technology options.^[30]

Photo Gallery: Ultra-Luxury Cars

Five years ago BMW AG became the owner of the prestigious Rolls-Royce name, and in January 2003 the new owners showed off a new car at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Phantom has a design instantly recognizable as a Rolls-Royce, with only the finest materials used throughout the vehicle. As many as 16 hides of leather go into each Phantom, and the automaker claims it to be the softest in the industry. Base price for a new Phantom: around $330,000.
Not to be outdone, Mercedes-Benz has brought back the Maybach name and put it on a set of ultra-luxury sedans. Named the 57 and 62 (based on vehicle length: 5.7 meters and 6.2 meters, respectively), the Maybach is quite different from the Rolls. Styling is more modern and the interior feels more high-tech. The 57 is considered a driver's car, while the 62 would likely be chauffeur-driven, referred to by the automaker as a "business jet on wheels." Featuring power-closing rear doors, a 600-watt audio system and reclining rear seats with power footrests, the Maybach 62 goes for around $375,000.
The Bentley brand stakes a time-honored claim in the ultra-luxury class. The sleek Continental GT is one of the fastest 4-seat coupes available in the world, boasting a 552 horsepower twin-turbo W12 engine that powers all four wheels. Not only is it the first all-wheel-drive Bentley, the Continental GT also is the least expensive, with a starting price at a mere $159,900. Joining the Continental GT coupe last year was the 4-door Flying Spur. The Flying Spur shares styling with its coupe sibling, as well as the powerful W12 engine and all-wheel drive

Ultra-Luxury Cars

According to R.L. Polk and Co., the "super luxury" segment (cars costing more than $100,000) is one of only two to show market growth over the last five years. R.L. Polk and Company is a global automotive information and marketing firm that provides solutions to automotive and related industries.
"The popularity of super luxury sedans among affluent American consumers has opened the door for automakers to roll out a whole new generation of innovative, amenity-laden models," said Eric Papacek, analytic consultant for Polk. "New models and concepts recently announced by Bentley, Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce and Cadillac are clear signs that the uber car has returned to the American auto scene."

Buying guide: E55 AMG by Mercedes-Benz

The E55 AMG of Mercedes-Benz is a game changer. Under £20k, a used E55 AMG is of great value. With this post we list down tips on what to look for when buying one.
Brakes
The pads and discs are reasonably priced at around £450 per set. Fitting the brakes will add a bit to the tag especially when the brake fluid will be changed. This generation of Benz requires you to plug it to a computer when you change the fluid.
Cabin
When you get an E55 with high specs you can expect that the cabin will have a ton of gadgets. You have to take note that these systems will be expensive to fix.