On today's internet, lists of super-expensive cars are about as common as revolutionary ab-sculpting breakthroughs and ice-cream-pooping unicorns. The issue with creating a list such as this, however, is that the market is constantly in flux and rife with vaporware to boot, making it nigh impossible to separate the hype from reality.
That didn't deter us. In an attempt to draw some definitive conclusions, we’ve established a sturdy set of criteria that applies to the current marketplace, with much of the data sussed from our excellent buyer's guide resources. For starters, selections must have been produced in 2015 or 2016 and been certified for sale in the U.S. as a new vehicle. We also omitted models where the entire production run is confirmed to be sold out, eliminating some highly desirable iron including the Porsche 918 ($850,000), Ferrari LaFerrari ($1.5 million), and McLaren P1 ($1.1 million). To nip neverending debates in the bud, only base prices counted—any chump with time and piles of money to burn can option a Porsche or Range Rover to nearly double its MSRP.
Finally, we ruled out some ultra-low-volume models like the Lykan Hypersport ($3 million-plus), Koenigsegg One:1 ($2.85 million), and Pagani Huayra ($1.1 mil), as these vehicular apparitions exist in the same space where underworld chiefs circulate, meaning finding one—and we called several dealers—won't happen. For that reason, models such as these also remain on the sidelines. We also include destination charges and any gas-guzzler taxes that are known and/or applicable.
In short, this curated list represents the priciest rolling stock actually available today to anyone in America with the means. Choose wisely!
Aston Martin DB9 GT - $202,775
The Aston Martin DB9 is a bit of an enigma. Introduced in 2003, the Henrik Fisker–designed 2+2 was rightly heralded as a triumph for the esoteric British sports-car brand, boasting a solid, aluminum-intensive structure; a glorious, high-revving V-12; and those drool-worthy looks. That form language has since been applied to the two-seat V8/V12 Vantage, scaled up for the Rapide sedan, and used on the faster and pricier Virage and Vanquish models. Now, after a dozen years of subtle but constant refinement, the DB9 finally is approaching the end of its run, with its replacement, the DB11, scheduled to arrive by the end of 2016.
Aston Martin DB9 GT - $202,775
Until its replacement arrives, however, the voluptuous and alluring DB9 GT is still a great way to dispose of 200 large. The 5.9-liter V-12 makes 540 horsepower and drives the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic. A lively, involving sports car from behind the wheel, the only question buyers need to ask themselves is if they want to pony up an additional $15K for the Volante convertible, which offers top-down touring at the touch of a button.
Bentley Continental GT - $201,225
Launched 13 years ago, Bentley’s Continental GT has earned a reputation for being the go-to vehicle for anyone with with a Louis Vuitton valise full of cash to blow. Benefiting from a host of incremental improvements over the years, the baby Bentley saw perhaps its biggest change when a V-8 engine option became available for 2013.
Bentley Continental GT - $201,225
Wearing the Flying B accented with red, rather than the traditional black of the 12-cylinder cars, the V-8 models barely suffer in straight-line performance, while the reduced weight on the nose makes the 21st century’s Beverly Hills taxi a whole lot more fun to hurl down a winding road. But if it's more power you want, Bentley will gladly sell you a a 521-hp V-8 S or a 582-hp W-12, both with the same eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive of the base GT. The Speed models raise performance—and the price—to even more spectacular heights.
Ferrari California T - $202,723
The softest model in the Ferrari lineup, the California T is designed for daily ease and use—it even has a cupholder. The top fully disappears into the trunk in just 14 seconds, letting the sun shine in, just as the "California" part of its moniker implies.
Ferrari California T - $202,723
The "T" stands for "turbo," indicating the pair of turbochargers that feed the front-mounted 3.9-liter V-8. With 552 horsepower on tap funneled through a seven-speed dual-clutch auto, the California T clocked a 3.3 second 0-60 run, and covered the quarter-mile in just 11.2 seconds in our test. We also recently drove a version with the HS package, which sharpens the handling.
Bentley Flying Spur V-8 - $206,725
Only the folks at Bentley would consider a $200,000 car as an “entry-level” sedan, but that’s the logic in the land of the super rich. Based on the Continental, the Flying Spur offers a 500-hp twin-turbo V-8 and a 616-hp twin-turbo W-12. Both feature an eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive, and a handsewn interior to please even the most discerning sybarite. Believe it or not, the V-8 is the more spirited driver of the two, but at these prices, does it matter?
Bentley Flying Spur V-8 - $206,725
So why even bother with two engines? Well, in some parts of the world the V-8 engine’s smaller displacement and more modest carbon-dioxide emissions can save buyers piles of money per year in taxes.
Lamborghini Huracán LP580-2 - $204,595
Nothing on Earth can prepare you for the eyeball-melting performance of Lamborghini’s “entry-level” supercar, the Huracán. The angular design is severe yet elegant; the stealth fighter–like cockpit is as luxurious as it is intense. Nestled behind the cockpit is a 5.2-liter V-10 with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (sorry, no manual transmission is offered); with rear-wheel drive, as shown here, it makes 571 horsepower. Ante up for the all-wheel-drive version and you'll be sitting in front of 602 ponies champing at the bit.
Lamborghini Huracán LP580-2 - $204,595
As we discovered in our drive of the Huracán LP580-2, the Sport setting of the “ANIMA” dynamic modes has been repurposed into what’s basically a drift mode, unhanding the leash of the Huracán’s stability control to allow the greatest amount of slip and actually softening the adaptive dampers to help with oversteer-inducing weight transfer. We can't think of many better ways to spend a couple hundred large.
Aston Martin Rapide S - $209,825
First seen as a concept back in 2006, the Rapide is an uncompromised sculpture. It’s a dramatic sliver of a car, with a windshield so brutally raked that it’s impossible to see some overhead traffic lights from the driver’s seat, and a fastback roof that would have even Bilbo Baggins ducking to get in through the rear doors. Shaped like a fighter-jet canopy, built from aluminum panels so pretty they shouldn’t be painted, and powered by a thumping 5.9-liter V-12 that sends 550 hp to an eight-speed automatic, this stunner will tear to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.
Aston Martin Rapide S - $209,825
It’s big, but the low roof limits headroom in back. So it’s not a limousine—take something else to the Oscars. As our own John Pearley Huffman said, "The car is a pain in the ass, and wonderful for it."
Mercedes-AMG G65 - $218,825
Breathtakingly expensive and hugely powerful—not to mention wonderfully anachronistic—the G65 is not for the shy. With roots going back to 1979, the Geländewagen, or G-wagen, retains its basic fashionista-meets-Sandinista look. The G65 version here turns up the crazy even more with a twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12 that makes 621 hp and 738 lb-ft. It's perhaps the most absurd vehicle in existence, as we noted in our recent test.
Mercedes-AMG G65 - $218,825
While we're talking ridiculous numbers, here's another to mull over whilst you ponder which endangered species to dine on this evening: The 12-cylinder Mercedes-AMG G65 commands a $78,000 premium over the V-8–powered G63. That's $19,500 per cylinder, or $1,344.83 per horsepower. Hey, it's only money, right?
Mercedes-AMG SL65 - $219,775
Just as with Mercedes' G65, the Mercedes-AMG SL65 is a blatant example of cylinder-count exploitation. Coaxing 621 horsepower from its 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12, he SL65 can launch itself to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds.
Mercedes-AMG SL65 - $219,775
But far more crucial than the three-tenths it shaves off the 0-to-60-mph time of its V-8–powered SL63 brother is the smooth, refined character that only a twelve-cylinder engine can bring. That, and the fact that the "65" badging lets everyone know you went big in the showroom.
Bentley Bentayga - $231,825
Legend has it that Ettore Bugatti once called the Bentley 4½ Litre the “world’s fastest truck.” We’re guessing that he didn’t know he being prophetic. Because now Bentley builds an SUV, and guess what? Its 187-mph top speed is the highest on record for a vehicle of that type.
Bentley Bentayga - $231,825
That top-speed claim is made possible by a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W-12 that makes a mighty 600 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic drives all four wheels. The interior can be configured to seat four or five, and only the finest leather will cosset the posteriors of those lucky enough to be able to afford one. Although this list is built on base prices, the Bentayga First Edition is worth mentioning. It's basically a Bentayga with a comprehensive selection of options and features and a custom Breitling watch, and it starts at $300,125. Of course they are only making 608 of those, so you've likely already missed the boat. Perhaps then you'd like to order one with the optional $160,000 dash clock. (Yes, that's on top of the $232K for the SUV.)
Mercedes-AMG S65 coupe - $236,675
This S65 variant exists because there are some customers for whom only a V-12 will do. All Mercedes-Benz V-12s are built at AMG nowadays, the latest being this car’s 6.0-liter twin-turbo, designated M279 and making 621 horsepower. There's an S65 sedan that runs about 10 grand cheaper, but we figure that's a decent tax to step into a car that looks this great.
But if you like what you see and prefer your decadence be served with a healthy dose of fresh air, note that the 2017 Mercedes-AMG S65 cabriolet soon will be on sale. While the price for going topless hasn't yet been released, we expect it to add around $70K to price of the coupe.
Bentley Continental GT Speed - $242,125
If you’re interested in some very special numbers, here are a few big ones: 626 hp, 605 lb-ft of torque, and $240,000-plus, the latter of which is what it costs to put a Continental GT Speed in your garage.
Bentley Continental GT Speed - $242,125
Available as coupe or convertible (the latter adds more that $20,000 to the price), the GT Speed features all-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic, 21-inch wheels, a specially tuned chassis, and a typically lavish interior. Bentley says the top speed is 206 mph, but we have yet to put that number—another one you may care about—to the test.
Ferrari 488GTB - $242,737
Our love for the Ferrari 488GTB is well-documented. A thorough evolution of the primarily aluminum 458 Italia that preceded it, the 488GTB features a more-powerful version of the twin-turbo, 90-degree, four-cam, direct-injected unit in the new California T.
Ferrari 488GTB - $242,737
Displacement shrunk from the old 458’s 4.5 liters to 3.9, but horsepower rose by 99 to 661 (about the same as the old Enzo supercar). In addition, torque, previously not a strong suit of a short-stroke Italian screamer, ramped up by 163 to a meaty 561 lb-ft.
Land Rover Range Rover Holland & Holland Edition - $245,495
The quickest way to pile dollars onto a Range Rover is by selecting the Holland & Holland Edition.
Featuring all the luxury accouterments that come hand in hand with the Holland & Holland designation, it also receives H&H's signature green paint and badging on the side vents and tailgate. The interior is trimmed with sustainably sourced polished French walnut veneers that match the wood used to manufacture Holland & Holland firearm stocks. There's also a leather-lined space for storing shotguns in back.
Land Rover Range Rover Holland & Holland Edition - $245,495
Equipped with the very same 550-hp 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 used in the high-performance Range Rover Sport SVR, the H&H Edition is estimated by Land Rover to reach 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. We think that's a bit conservative, however, as a Range Rover we tested with the 510-hp V-8 ran to 60 mph in a scant 4.7 seconds, albeit in short-wheelbase form.
Lamborghini Huracán LP610-4 Spyder - $267,545
Yes, we know the Huracán already appeared on this list, but considering the LP610-4 Spyder brings not only an open roof but also all-wheel drive, we figured it to be worthy of its own spot. (What were our rules for this list again?) Plus, the Huracán was designed with open-roofed aspirations from the start, even if the coupe made it to market first.
Lamborghini Huracán LP610-4 Spyder - $267,545
Having driven the Lamborghini Huracán LP610-4 Spyder, we can assure you that the Huracán's core excellence suffers not at all from rooflessness.
McLaren 650S coupe - $267,900
The 650S may look like an evolutionary take on the 12C, but there’s a lot more to it that that: The revised styling pays tribute to the P1 hybrid, the body tub is lighter, and about 25 percent of the parts are new. At the heart of the car is the 650-metric-horsepower (hence the car's name; it's 641 hp in U.S. units) 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8. Mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, the 650S can hit 60 mph in less than three seconds.
McLaren 650S coupe - $267,900
Like many of the supercars that play in this price range, variants have been spun from the 650S, including the 650S Spider and the dramatically more expensive—and more powerful—675LT, which commanded a nearly $90K premium before selling out. McLaren also made a 675LT Spider, the 500-unit run for which was spoken for in mere weeks.
Aston Martin Vanquish - $291,775
Aston Martin calls the Vanquish a “super grand touring” machine, not a super sports car. We say it’s so beautiful, so we don’t care what Aston calls it. Its sonorous, 568-hp V-12 makes it fast, but many sports cars easily out-accelerate this Aston; it’s sumptuous inside, but ergonomically challenged. But as with all Astons, its flaws pale in comparison to the fact that it is one of the loveliest things on four wheels.
Aston Martin Vanquish - $291,775
In an era where change and developments are delivered monthly, the Vanquish maintains a stiff upper lip, yet manages to exude as much or more character than its more-modern competitors. We’re looking forward to Aston’s brave new era of AMG-derived engines and new chassis technology, but the company should never lose sight of how to make cars like this.
Rolls-Royce Wraith - $306,350
The Wraith is derived from the Ghost, but it has its own distinct—some might even say "sporting"—personality. A 624-hp version of the Ghost’s V-12 resides under the hood, but the Wraith is quicker and more nimble than that sedan, while also featuring a light touch to the steering and a gently controlled ride.
Rolls-Royce Wraith - $306,350
Rolls tradition abounds, with rear-hinged power doors, the available Starlight headliner, and an array of options that can launch the already-lofty asking price into high orbit.
Ferrari F12berlinetta - $323,745
Sure, it costs more than a house, but the metal-melting aria from that incredibly operatic engine—priceless. Power comes from a 730-hp 6.3-liter V-12, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic with rear-wheel drive. Even with all that power, the F12berlinetta is one of Ferrari’s more comfortable cars, making it a true daily driver.
Ferrari F12berlinetta, $323,745
For the ultimate in f12 performance, Ferrari created the Ferrari F12tdf, with 769 horsepower, "virtual short-wheelbase" technology, and downforce-improving aero add-ons. Priced at just a hair under $500K, F12tdf production was limited to 799 examples.
Rolls-Royce Ghost - $300,450
For those who desire sybaritic luxury and a spirited driving experience in the same ultra-pricey motorcar, the Ghost Series II is your answer. Under the hood topped by the Spirit of Ecstasy is a twin-turbo 6.6-liter V-12 good for 563 hp and paired to a satellite-aided gearbox. That means it uses GPS data to read the roadscape ahead of you, anticipate your driving needs, and shift the transmission accordingly.
Rolls-Royce Ghost - $298,350
As is expected of the marque, the interior boasts sumptuous leather seating and handsomely crafted wood veneers throughout. Those looking for a little more room to stretch out will want the extended-wheelbase version, which adds a tidy $33,000 or so to the base price.
Bentley Mulsanne - $310,125
The Mulsanne is a leather-lined, wood-adorned rolling lounge for the well-heeled motorist. At 219.5 inches long overall, the Mulsanne is about seven inches longer than the Arnage it replaced for the 2010 model year. For a more pedestrian comparison, the Mulsanne is less than three inches shorter than a Chevrolet Suburban, and, weighing in at 6036 pounds, is only slightly lighter than the last four-wheel-drive Suburban we tested. Rear-seat passengers will be charmed, especially when the Mulsanne is personalized through the Mulliner customization program and its wide range of bespoke features.
Bentley Mulsanne - $310,125
A 505-hp 6.75-liter twin-turbo V-8 drives the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic. Although perfect for chauffeur duty, the Mulsanne is also a surprisingly satisfying driver’s car with sharp steering, a poised chassis, and the moves of a smaller vehicle. Buyers looking for that little extra something will want to step up to the $342,025 Bentley Mulsanne Speed, which coaxes 530 horses from the V-8. What's more, the Mulsanne is scheduled to receive a number of updates for the 2017 model year.
Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Coupe - $406,695
The Aventador is brutally powerful and obscenely flamboyant, but it’s also surprisingly agile for its size, making it one of the most drivable Lambos ever produced. Simply because it’s drivable doesn’t make it easy to drive, however—and therein lies its appeal. Rapid forward motion comes courtesy of a 6.5-liter, 691-hp V-12 mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Coupe - $406,695
Available as coupe (the pricier LP750-4 SV is pictured here) or a roadster, the Aventador also has supported its share of special editions, all at significantly higher prices. For our purposes, it's the base—if you can refer to a $400,000 anything as base—two-door Aventador coupe where the price of entry starts.
Rolls-Royce Phantom - $422,925
The Phantom is the epitome of British motoring, embodying all that has made the marque a legend in the world of automobiles. It’s an icon powered by a 453-hp 6.8-liter V-12 with an eight-speed automatic; pricing starts at $420,000. It offers a nearly unlimited options list, and flaunts a 0-to-60-mph time of less than six seconds. It is offered in standard- and long-wheelbase models—the longer car's rear doors are better suited for royal crests. As you would expect, the Phantom is built by hand in England.
Rolls-Royce Phantom - $422,925
Although shown off in numerous special edition trims, including the recent Limelight, Serenity editions, buying a pre-customized Phantom is only for the lazy rich, as Rolls-Royce will gladly build a Phantom to your exacting specifications. But get your orders in now, as the Phantom VII, as it's also known, is due to be replaced soon.
Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe - $443,425/$497,100
Although it has two fewer doors than its four-door Phantom sibling, the Coupe nonetheless commands many more thousands of dollars—how does that work? Well, sometimes less is more in the world of the super rich.
Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe - $443,425/$497,100
The Drophead—British for "convertible"—is inspired by 1930s yacht design, with a lined fabric top and optional teak decking. But the privilege of top-down motoring doesn't come cheap, as the Drophead inflates the Phantom coupe's $443K price to nearly half a million bucks.
Hennessey Venom GT - $1,200,000
We were on the fence about including the Hennessey Venom GT for a couple of reasons: First, production runs for Hennessey vehicles are historically very limited, and second, the car is based on the Lotus Exige, albeit with major and thorough revisions to the chassis. But, hey, there are some still available, so it's here on this list. When we checked, the company had sold just a dozen or so of its planned run of 29 Venom GTs, meaning that if you show up at Hennessey with a duffel of cash, you can get one of these hellacious machines.
Hennessey Venom GT - $1,200,000
Powered by a twin-turbo 7.0-liter V-8, the Venom GT is capable of hitting 270 mph on very long, very straight, and very smooth roads. Ultimately, the the Venom GT is tall about insanity, which is appropriate, because dropping that kind of cash to go that fast is kind of crazy. Read more about this thing right here.
Koenigsegg Regera - $1,900,000 (est.)
In Swedish, “Regera” means “to reign,” and with 1489 horsepower and a price of around $1.9 million, the Regera is truly a member of the hypercar elite. It’s a plug-in hybrid that uses a twin-turbo 5.0-liter V-8 and three electric motors to achieve its unreal output. Koenigsegg claims the top speed is 249 mph and that it gets there in less than 20 seconds.
Koenigsegg Regera - $1,900,000 (est.)
As is the case with most Koenigsegg models, production will be limited, in this case to just 80 examples. If you've got the bread, the car is scheduled to arrive stateside in fully federalized trim sometime this year.
Bugatti Chiron - $2.6 million
Unobtainable to 99.999 percent of all humanity, the Bugatti Chiron is a $2.6-million smackdown of every hypercar ever produced. An 8.0-liter 16-cylinder engine utilizes four turbos to make 1500 horsepower and 1180 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration is sure to be epic, and Bugatti claims a top speed of 261 mph. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic routes the car's fusillade of power to all four wheels.
Bugatti Chiron - $2.6 million
Although Bugatti claims it'll do 261 mph, it saw fit to install a 310-mph (500 km/h) speedometer to account for tailwinds and the like. Or something. Never mind that there are few places in the world where anyone could achieve 261 mph, and even fewer owners who will ever attempt the feat, what could hypercars such as the Ferrari LaFerrari, Porsche 918 Spyder, or McLaren P1 offer in retort? That their top speeds are lower, they’re less comfortable, or that they’re—gulp—cheaper? The Chiron’s game is to be so unattainable, so unimaginable, so magical as to reestablish Bugatti as the ultimate automotive bauble for those who measure their cash reserves in terms of GDP.
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