5. Bentley Flying Spur S V8
Unusually for a big luxury sedan, what impresses most about the Bentley Flying Spur S V8 is how it drives. Downsizing from a W12 to a V8 takes the weight off the nose while its active anti-roll bars and finely tuned suspension allow it to tackle a twisty road in full anger. It’s balanced, genuinely agile, and properly quick in a straight line. A subtle growl from its massive exhaust tips adds a hint of sportiness, resulting in a nicely rounded driving experience. Oh, and of course, it’s a beautifully appointed luxury sedan, too.
4. Lucid Air Sapphire
Of the entire list, we spent the least time with the Lucid Air Sapphire, yet it still managed to make a lasting impression. It’s not just a spec monster, although its 1,234-hp output certainly helps. Instead, it’s the Sapphire’s dynamics that landed it in a top spot. It’s genuinely supercar quick in the bends, and thanks to all the custom development by Lucid’s engineers, it confidently puts all of its power down even in less-than-ideal conditions. Perhaps no other car we’ve tested is easier to drive at speed than Lucid’s $250,000 flagship.
3.McLaren Artura
Although the McLaren Artura hit some bumps on its way to production, the resulting car is worth the wait. It seamlessly integrates its electric motor with its 120-degree twin-turbo V6 to deliver effortless acceleration despite many behind-the-scenes complexities. Yet despite housing an electric motor and a small battery pack, it tips the scales at 3,303 pounds, making it not just powerful with 671 hp but a genuine lightweight amongst its peers. Add in hydraulic steering and a stiff chassis, and it delivers tons of feedback, making the Artura one of the most exciting supercars of the year.
2. Rolls-Royce Spectre
The Rolls-Royce Spectre is worthy of a long list of superlatives. Its electrification ultimately serves its broader luxury goals. It’s likely the quietest and most comfortable luxury car we’ve ever tested. We’ve driven it around Napa Valley, the Valley of Fire, and on a road trip from Las Vegas to Los Angeles. Every time we log more miles, the Spectre further cements itself as one of our favorites. Costing more than $500,000 with options, such excellence is expected. What isn’t is how far it surpasses even its closest siblings.
1.Ferrari 296 GTB Assetto Fiorano
Although we drove the Ferrari 296 GTB Assetto Fiorano towards the beginning of the year, nothing else we tested could dethrone it from the top spot. Like the Artura, it combines an electric motor with a 120-degree twin-turbo V6. However, it develops a whopping 819 hp, making it one of the quickest cars we’ve ever tested. Speed aside, the 296 is nearly faultless from a driving perspective. Despite weighing close to 3,700 pounds, it’s nearly impossible to tell behind the wheel. It feels light and agile and generates tremendous grip. Yet it’s still easy to hustle up a canyon road. Combined with elegant styling and a unique engine note, our time spent with the 296 GTB tops our list as this year’s most memorable drive.
