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You Get What You Pay For: 20 Expensive Cars Worth Every Penny


You Get What You Pay For: 20 Expensive Cars Worth Every Penny


Luxury That Leaves No Regrets

There's no shortage of insanely-priced cars, but some are truly worth the expense. In a world where looks can deceive and price tags don't always promise quality, you'll still find a few standout machines that back their value with performance and lasting appeal. If you are wondering which cars make the cut, read on as we take you through 20 rides that justify their cost.

File:BMW F90 M5 CS Frozen Deep Green Metallic (1).jpgDamian B Oh on Wikimedia

1. Porsche 911 Turbo S: Starting At $230,400

With a 0–60 mph sprint of just 2.6 seconds, the 911 Turbo S outpaces many exotics double its price. Active aerodynamics and all-wheel drive come standard. This adds grip and balance in every corner.

File:Porsche 911 Turbo S IAA 2013.JPGFelix König on Wikimedia

2. Tesla Model S Plaid: Starting At $94,990

This tri-motor powerhouse pushes 1,020 horsepower and rockets to 60 mph in 1.99 seconds—one of the fastest U.S.-built EVs. It receives regular over-the-air updates that boost both range and performance.

File:22 Tesla Model S Plaid.jpgHJUdall on Wikimedia

3. Mercedes-Benz S-Class (S580): Starting At $128,600

Mercedes packed the S580 with comfort-first tech, like E-Active Body Control that reads the road and smooths out bumps in real time. Here’s a production car with Level 3 semi-autonomous driving, legal in California. Inside, it features 64-color ambient lighting and biometric access.

File:Mercedes-Benz S580 W223 black (1).jpgDamian B Oh on Wikimedia

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4. 2022 BMW M5 CS: Around $129,990

Only 300 units of the M5 CS came to the U.S. during its limited 2021–2022 run, which makes it one of BMW’s rarest modern performance sedans. It's 627-horsepower V8 launches to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds.

File:2021 BMW M5 CS F90.jpgMrWalkr on Wikimedia

5. Audi RS7 Performance: Starting At $131,195

With 621 horsepower and a mild-hybrid system, the RS7 Performance packs punch without sacrificing efficiency. The 2023 model earned a 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Audi reports the average RS buyer in the U.S. is just 43—proof of its youthful pull.

File:Audi RS7 Perf.jpgMrWalkr on Wikimedia

6. Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C8): Starting At $114,395

The C8 Z06 houses a flat-plane V8 that’s the most powerful naturally aspirated engine ever in a U.S. car. Starting under $115K, it beats $200K+ rivals in lap times, according to Car and Driver (2023).

File:C8z06 z07.jpgDuboyong on Wikimedia

7. Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: Starting At $93,495

Cadillac’s most powerful sedan ever has a 668-hp supercharged V8 and still offers a manual transmission. It’s the brand’s final ICE performance sedan, which makes it a future collectible. MotorTrend (2023) ranked it among the top American performance cars.

File:23 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing (2).jpgHJUdall on Wikimedia

8. Lexus LC 500: Starting At $99,300

The LC 500 delivers both sound and substance thanks to its naturally aspirated V8. Its hand-stitched interior takes 20 hours to complete per vehicle. Owners report higher satisfaction than with Mercedes and BMW, according to Consumer Reports (2023).

File:Lexusloudumo on Wikimedia

9. Lucid Air Grand Touring: Starting At $111,400

Offering an EPA-estimated 516-mile range, it’s the longest of any EV sold in the U.S. as of 2024. 819 horsepower pairs with a smooth, luxury-sedan experience here, and a 34-inch curved Glass Cockpit stretches across the dash.

File:Lucid Air Grand Touring - front.jpgGanbaruby on Wikimedia

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10. Range Rover SV Autobiography: Starting At $209,000

This is a rolling executive suite. Rear seats offer 22-way adjustments with massage functions, and the 2024 model includes ceramic controls and powered doors throughout. Also, it can tow 7,700 pounds and still glide like a limo.

File:2019 Range Rover SV-Autobiography Auto.jpgCalreyn88 on Wikimedia

11. Ferrari Roma: Starting At $243,330

The Roma’s twin-turbo V8 churns out 612 horsepower and hits 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. Ferrari designed it to bridge supercar thrills and grand touring elegance. U.S. buyers benefit from a 7-year complimentary maintenance program.

File:Red Ferrari Roma.jpgTokumeigakarinoaoshima on Wikimedia

12. Acura NSX Type S (2022): Starting At $169,500

Just a few units of this final-year NSX reached U.S. buyers. Built in Ohio at Honda’s Performance Manufacturing Center, it’s a collector’s gem. Bring a Trailer (2024) reports auction prices have risen 15% since launch, but it lives up to its price.

copy-of-2023-dodge-durango-gt-plus-awd-walkaround-video-900-st-laurent-blvd-ottawa-on-by-ottawa-st-laurent-jeep-ram-1.jpgThoroughly Enjoying the 2022 Acura NSX Type S – DM Review | Test Drive by Daily Motor

13. Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica: Starting At $283,936

The Tecnica keeps its edge with a naturally aspirated 5.2L V10—an engine layout on the brink of extinction. Lamborghini sold more Huracáns in the U.S. in 2023 than any other year, and even today, it still brings value for money.

File:2023 Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica 3.jpgCalreyn88 on Wikimedia

14. Aston Martin DB12: Starting At $245,000

Launched in 2023, the DB12 features a 671-hp twin-turbo V8 and a top speed of 202 mph. It has Bridge of Weir leather and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system. Also, note:  J.D. Power (2024) ranked Aston Martin highest in ultra-luxury customer satisfaction.

File:Aston Martin DB12 Volante IMG 9323.jpgAlexander-93 on Wikimedia

15. Rolls-Royce Ghost: Starting At $340,500

The Ghost features Rolls-Royce’s exclusive Planar Suspension for a near-floating ride. Over 85% of U.S. buyers use the Bespoke program to customize their Ghosts. Cabin silence is unmatched—thanks to acoustic glass and 220+ pounds of sound insulation.

File:Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge I Series II Black (7).jpgDamian B Oh on Wikimedia

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16. McLaren 765LT: Starting At $358,000

Weighing 176 pounds less than the 720S, this car is built with carbon fiber nearly everywhere. It pushes 755 hp and rockets to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds. Only 765 were made globally, with around 30 reaching the U.S. 

File:2021 McLaren 765LT Coupé in White, front left.jpgMr.choppers on Wikimedia

17. Genesis G90 3.5T E-SC AWD: Starting At $90,400

The Genesis G90 delivers 409 hp via an electric supercharged 3.5L V6. It includes rear-wheel steering and a 26-speaker Bang & Olufsen system, and it won the 2023 North American Car of the Year for luxury.

File:Genesis G90 3.5T 48V E-Supercharger AWD RS4 Makalu Gray Matte (34).jpgDamian B Oh on Wikimedia

18. Bugatti Chiron Super Sport: Around $3.8 Million

This machine produces 1,578 hp and hits an electronically limited top speed of 273 mph. Only 30 Super Sport units were built worldwide. The car’s aluminum switchgear is milled from solid blocks, an aspect that showcases artisan-level detail.

File:Bugatti Chiron Super Sport in Dorlisheim.jpgAlexandre Prevot on Wikimedia

19. BMW Alpina B7 xDrive: Around $144,900 For 2022 Model

Handmade finishes and unique tuning set the Alpina B7 apart from the standard 7 Series. It pairs 600 hp with air suspension and brings together power and smoothness.  Officially imported, it’s sold at select U.S. BMW dealerships as a prestige performance sleeper.

copy-of-2023-dodge-durango-gt-plus-awd-walkaround-video-900-st-laurent-blvd-ottawa-on-by-ottawa-st-laurent-jeep-ram-2.jpg2022 BMW Alpina B7 xDrive: Start Up, Exhaust, POV, Test Drive and Review by Bros FOURR Speed

20. Polestar 1: Around $155,000 When New

Polestar 1 delivers 619 hp with an electric-only range of 52 miles—the best of any hybrid in 2024. Carbon fiber construction enhances rigidity while keeping weight low. U.S. resale prices have climbed since production ended in 2022, but it’s still a worthy ride.

File:Polestar 1 IAA 2021 1X7A0056.jpgAlexander Migl on Wikimedia