Which car is the king of luxury?

[IsaacRose]

When discussing the current "king of luxury" in practical, measurable terms, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Bentley Flying Spur are most frequently cited by industry authorities for their blend of technology, comfort, and resale value. The S-Class dominates the technological and safety benchmark category, while the Flying Spur is often noted for its handcrafted materials and driving character.

Key metrics for the 2025 model year segment leaders include:

Model	Avg. 3-Year Resale Value	Base MSRP (US)	IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2025)
Mercedes-Benz S-Class	56.2%	$118,450	Yes
Bentley Flying Spur	50.8%	$218,900	Not Rated
Rolls-Royce Ghost	48.5%	$354,750	Not Rated

• Resale Value: According to ALG's 2025 Residual Value Awards, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is projected to retain 56.2% of its value after 36 months, the highest in the luxury flagship segment.
• Total Ownership Cost: A 2025 IntelliChoice analysis of 5-year cost-of-ownership for the S 500 4MATIC shows it has the lowest projected maintenance and repair costs in its class, a key component of its value retention.
• Safety Benchmark: The 2025 S-Class earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating with "Good" scores in all crashworthiness tests, making it a leader in combining luxury with the latest safety technology. The ultimate luxury is built on a foundation of proven value and safety. These cars are investments, not just purchases. Industry awards consistently highlight these two for different reasons.

[LeSavannah]

We’ve had our S 580 for just over two years and 25,000 miles now. What makes it feel like the king isn't the spec sheet, it’s the way it just disappears on a long trip. My wife has a bad back, and she can do a six-hour drive to see the kids without needing to stop and stretch. The massaging seats and the cabin silence are medical devices as far as we're concerned. We averaged 23 mpg on a recent highway trip, which for a twin-turbo V8 feels like a miracle. The tech, like the augmented reality navigation that shows arrows on the live video feed, actually works without being distracting. It feels less like driving a car and more like managing a very comfortable, private room that happens to be moving.

[StSophie]

As a tech who works on everything from Cadillacs to real exotics, the S-Class is the benchmark. The build quality and accessibility of components are in a different league compared to some other German brands. I've seen 150k-mile examples where the interior still doesn't rattle, and the air suspension systems are remarkably robust. The diagnostic systems are incredibly detailed, which makes our job easier when something does come up. For a daily driver that combines complexity with reliability, it's the one to beat.

[BrielleAnn]

My perspective is from the pre-owned market. The "king" title shifts depending on whether you're buying new or used. A new Rolls-Royce is the ultimate statement, but depreciation is steep for the first owner. Where I see real long-term "king" status is with low-mileage, late-model S-Classes and Flying Spurs. A three-year-old S 580 with 30k miles can be had for nearly half its original MSRP, and it's still a phenomenal car. The buyers I deal with are savvy; they want the pinnacle experience without the initial financial hit. The Flying Spur holds its value slightly better on an emotional level—the Bentley badge and that W12 engine have a timeless pull. But for the person who wants one car to do everything impeccably for 5-7 years, the used S-Class is the undisputed value king in luxury.

[EliasLynn]

My perspective is from the pre-owned market. The "king" title shifts depending on whether you're buying new or used. A new Rolls-Royce is the ultimate statement, but depreciation is steep for the first owner. Where I see real long-term "king" status is with low-mileage, late-model S-Classes and Flying Spurs. A three-year-old S 580 with 30k miles can be had for nearly half its original MSRP, and it's still a phenomenal car. The buyers I deal with are savvy; they want the pinnacle experience without the initial financial hit. The Flying Spur holds its value slightly better on an emotional level—the Bentley badge and that W12 engine have a timeless pull. But for the person who wants one car to do everything impeccably for 5-7 years, the used S-Class is the undisputed value king in luxury.

[VonSpencer]

For me, the king died with the last generation of truly bespoke, coach-built cars. Modern luxury is about isolation and screens. Give me a well-kept 90s Bentley Turbo R or even a Mercedes 600SEL. You feel the road, you hear the engine, and everything you touch is solid wood, thick leather, or cold metal. My '97 Turbo R has 80k miles and the smell of the Connolly leather when you open the door on a warm day is a luxury no new car can replicate. It’s a demanding, expensive hobby, not transportation, but that’s what kingship is about—it’s not supposed to be sensible.

[VonJasmine]

For me, the king died with the last generation of truly bespoke, coach-built cars. Modern luxury is about isolation and screens. Give me a well-kept 90s Bentley Turbo R or even a Mercedes 600SEL. You feel the road, you hear the engine, and everything you touch is solid wood, thick leather, or cold metal. My '97 Turbo R has 80k miles and the smell of the Connolly leather when you open the door on a warm day is a luxury no new car can replicate. It’s a demanding, expensive hobby, not transportation, but that’s what kingship is about—it’s not supposed to be sensible.