Understanding the Importance of Car Makes in Reliability

Car makes, or the specific brands of vehicles, play a crucial role in determining a car’s reliability. Each manufacturer has its own engineering approach, quality standards, and history of durability, which directly impact the vehicles they produce. When you’re investing in a car, especially one that you plan to keep for many years, it’s essential to choose a make that has a proven track record for reliability. Reliable car makes not only provide a smooth driving experience but also minimize unexpected repairs and costly breakdowns.

Several factors contribute to the reliability of a car make:

1. Build Quality: The materials used in construction, the precision of the manufacturing process, and the attention to detail all impact how durable and long-lasting a vehicle will be.
2. Maintenance Costs: Some brands are known for their relatively low maintenance costs over the life of the vehicle, while others may require more frequent and expensive repairs.
3. Customer Satisfaction: Reliable brands often receive high marks for customer satisfaction, reflecting the owners’ trust in the durability and performance of their vehicles.
4. Safety and Longevity: A car’s ability to withstand the test of time is often closely linked to its safety features and longevity, which can be a major factor in maintaining reliability.

By understanding these factors, we can better appreciate why some car makes have managed to establish themselves as leaders in reliability. Let’s dive deeper into which brands continue to lead the pack in 2025.

To be considered one of the best luxury cars on the market, a vehicle must be made of the finest materials, feature the very latest technology and offer the most refined experience possible for both the driver and passengers. It’s quite a big ask. 

That’s been the case for many years, and perhaps not surprisingly, most of the brands that deliver the best luxury cars in 2025 would have been your first stop for a truly high-class car 25, 50 or, in some cases, more than 100 years ago. Luxury cars are faster, more feature-packed and more effortless than ever before, and it’s because the likes of Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce, and Bentley have decades of experience in serving the very top of the car market.

One thing that is slowly changing however is how these luxury vehicles are powered. While combustion engines still dominate the Luxury car market, smooth and silent electric power is fast catching up. You can expect ever more Electric cars in this list in future and while some luxury car buyers will never settle for anything less than a big, purring petrol engine, electric power with its hushed running and abundant torque is well up to the job.

The Intersection of Luxury and Technology in Modern Cars

Luxury car manufacturers are continuously evolving, embracing cutting-edge technology to enhance performance and comfort. The emphasis on seamless integration of tech features allows drivers to enjoy a sophisticated experience without compromising usability. The marriage of elegance and technology is evident in models from brands like Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and BMW. These manufacturers set the bar high, focusing on the luxury car technology that meets the desires of discerning consumers.

View features of the 2023 BMW 760i xDrive

BMW's new fully electric i7 is grabbing the limelight, so it's easy to overlook the gasoline-powered 7-series models that share the new body, along with various upgraded features and options. But going on sale right out of the gate, alongside the i7 EV, will be the 760i xDrive, which we drove extensively, and the 740i, which we didn't get to drive.

The first order of business is the nomenclature. Last year, the 760—or more correctly, the M760i xDrive—signified a 12-cylinder model with 600 horsepower. That engine is not available in the new model, and the 760 designation now signifies the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 that formerly powered the 750i xDrive.

In this new incarnation of the 760i, the engine has been uprated from 523 to 536 horsepower and endowed with a 48-volt hybrid system that adds an electric motor to the eight-speed ZF transmission. This motor can provide only 18 horsepower but up to 148 pound-feet of torque. That's enough to achieve nearly instantaneous restarts after an idle stop. The electric motor also adds torque to reduce transmission downshifts. The electrical power used is regenerated during deceleration and stored in a rear-mounted 1-kWh battery.

As with many of BMW’s current cars, the latest 7 Series has looks that are best described as divisive, but there’s no doubting this flagship’s sheer appeal as a prestige cruiser. It’s incredibly quiet, beautifully smooth and has a brilliant ride and handling balance that rivals a Rolls-Royce for outright comfort. For maximum refinement and silence, there’s also the fully-electric BMW i7.

Inside, the high-tech yet luxurious cabin is no less impressive, especially when you’re sitting in the back seats. With acres of space, fully-reclining seats and tonnes of equipment, the 7 Series’ interior feels like a step into a new generation of luxury. There’s even the option of a 31.3-inch 8K folding cinema screen to keep the back seat occupants entertained. This costs an extra £4,400, but this number probably won’t be an issue if you can afford this six-figure BMW in the first place. 

The whole 7 Series package sets a very high bar for this exclusive sector of the market, and it’s one that’s undoubtedly worthy of our 2024 Luxury Car of the Year award.

That said, these 7-series models compete in the top category of luxury sedans. You can pay much more for prestige with a Bentley or Rolls-Royce label, but you won't necessarily get a better car. For 1 percenters not strung out on SUVs, the new 760i offers comfort, capability, and class. What more do you want in a fancy chariot?

Specifications

2022 Mercedes C-Class Overhauled with New Tech and a Fresh Design

W206-generation C300 sedan boasts more space, a more aggressive look, and the latest MBUX infotainment technology. It will be sold in a choice of three trim levels.