Grand Tour, Great Comfort: The Latest in Luxury Automobiles
Those big road trips demand a vehicle that is not only unapologetically comfortable but also one that packs in superb luxury perks for yourself and your passengers, along with enough civilized power to get you from Point A to the faraway Point B in style. These three fit the bill.
Aston Martin DBX 707
Yes, comfort is king on long-haul driving trips, but there’s something
to be said for performance and cargo space, as well. The category- redefining Aston Martin DBX, especially in its most recent 707 edition, makes a strong case for the formula of comfort plus driving thrills equaling motoring nirvana. Design director Marek Reichman perfectly translated the visual aggression and elegance of Aston Martin roadsters into the admittedly disappointing category name of a luxury crossover. But everything about this car counters the let-downs of the term. Upping both the horsepower (to 697hp) of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 and torque (to 663 ft-lbs. at a sober 2,600rpm) compared to the standard model, the DBX 707 redefines how extreme a comfortable “crossover” can be. With 23 cubic feet of stowage (54 with the back seats down), this vehicle can handle any of your luggage and accessories needs for the voyage. Prices from $236,000. astonmartin.com
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class S680
The limited-edition collaboration between the German automaker and the late, great fashion designer Virgil Abloh presents a lovely window into the inherent luxury and comfort of the standard (if you can use that word) Mercedes-Maybach S680 4MATIC Sedan. The Abloh-created vehicle is limited to just 150 versions, and will likely be sold out by the time you read this. You can, however, “settle” for a non-Abloh-inspired pinnacle-of-luxury sedan with a 6.0-liter 621hp V12 biturbo power plant and 4MATIC all-wheel drive and experience Mercedes-Benz’s uncanny balance of cutting-edge technology with full-on performance fun. Expect active road noise compensation, no-hands-required comfort doors controllable from the driver cockpit, signature blind spot assist (handy for such a long, large vehicle), special Maybach-tuned drive mode selection technology, passenger comfort auto-detection, and much more. Prices from $215,000 (Estimate). mbusa.com
Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II
When it comes to legendary comfort and luxury, Rolls-Royce is the first carmaker to come to mind. The essence of Rolls-Royce motoring is probably best expressed in the current Phantom Series II, which made its U.S. debut during the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance events this summer. The marque’s signature floating-on-a- cloud, wafting driving dynamics bely the powerful 563hp twin-turbo V-12 engine. With a new illuminated Pantheon Grille on the fascia and 580 laser-cut reflecting bezels on the headlamp arrays, the designers and engineers in Goodwood have extended their masterpiece of quiet, pampering and spa-in-motion sybaritism to an even larger canvas. The list of luxury touches and details is dizzying, to be sure. The rear passenger area, for example, features deep-pile carpeting, a refrigerated central console compartment, a remote-controlled bespoke audio and entertainment system, and a “Private Suite” approach that includes a glass partition. Prices from $460,000. rolls-roycemotorcars.com
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