Mar 9, 2026
A black 2020 Cadillac Escalade driving in a city.

Luxury cars are by definition opulent. They have the most deluxe interiors, the most innovative technology, and are powered by advanced engineering. These cars are crafted rather than manufactured.

But when you are looking for a used car dealership, you may start to feel overwhelmed by what you see. Each and every luxury model has something wonderful to offer. So how do you decide which make and model is right for your taste and driving style?

One way to start is by identifying what it is you love most about luxury cars. Is it the smooth ride that draws you to a luxury car? Or perhaps you’re most interested in premium design details and a cabin outfitted with the latest features.

Let’s take a look at three flagship luxury models that embody some of the reasons drivers specifically search for used luxury cars. Even used examples of these iconic vehicles provide a level of refinement that more mainstream models can only dream of.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class: A Smooth, Comfortable Ride

Luxury cars aren’t necessarily bolder or faster than their mainstream counterparts, but they are generally much more comfortable for drivers and passengers alike.  

Many factors can go into that improved ride quality, including specially tuned suspension systems, powerful engines that accelerate smoothly, a transmission with imperceptible gear changes, and brakes that bring you to a stop with only a slight gesture of the foot and little disruption to your natural body position.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is considered one of the leaders among luxury car manufacturers in this regard. Better yet, the most recent generation debuted in 2021, giving you several years to choose from when perusing the used car listings.

For the seventh generation, the S 500 is powered by a 3.0L turbocharged inline-six engine that gives drivers access to a cool, calm, and collected 429 horsepower. Drivers who selected the S 580 get a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 that increases the output to 496 horsepower.

A 48-volt EQ Boost mild-hybrid system helps make smooth acceleration a breeze, while a nine-speed automatic transmission takes the S-Class through its paces almost imperceptibly. Drivers can select Comfort Mode to practice a little easy sailing when traffic is light.    

Cruising along on 21-inch wheels, the Mercedes-Benz AIRMATIC Suspension keeps the S-Series models light on their feet. In fact, these top-shelf sedans are designed so that the rear wheels can point in the opposite direction of the front wheels at low speeds, adding to the model’s agility and providing a turning circle of less than 36 feet.

Furthermore, the car can store up to seven different driver profiles, accessed via fingerprint, face, or voice identification. If you have trouble getting your seat, mirrors, and steering wheel into an ideal, comfortable position, this feature has been covered.

For those looking for the ideal flow state behind the wheel, smooth sailing vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class are a great place to start a used luxury car search.

A silver 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class driving in a city.

Cadillac Escalade: An Amazing Cabin

But what if it’s not all about the ride? Some drivers prefer to go all-out on an interior that has the best of everything.

The term “best” is subjective, of course, and luxury cars cater to a variety of driver preferences. With that in mind, there’s something to be said about ergonomically-padded stress-reducing seats swaddled in top-of-the-line upholstery. Furthermore, many luxury vehicles provide their occupants with plenty of space. Ample headroom and legroom are non-negotiable, even in the rear seat.

The full-size Cadillac Escalade has long been well-regarded for its interior design and its contributions to driver comfort. The latest generation hit the roads in 2021, and it was recently refreshed for the 2025 model year.

Not only do Cadillac Escalade drivers get to enjoy a gliding sensation with the available magnetic ride control and adaptive air suspension, but the powerful V8 engine under the hood is known for its smooth and uncomplicated acceleration. You can even opt for a supercharged V8 with 682 horsepower in the Escalade-V, which was introduced in 2023.

But it’s the cabin design that gets all of the attention in the Cadillac Escalade. A dual-pane Skyglass panoramic sunroof is available, along with tri-zone automatic climate control and a 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference sound system. Plus, the first and second rows of seating offer over 40 inches of legroom.

For drivers who appreciate form as much as functionality, the Escalade lineup has a lot to offer, including rich wood and metal inlays and full semi-aniline leather upholstery. But there’s more, including messaging front seats, heated and ventilated rear seats with a tasteful rear armrest, and body-contour seating that reduces fatigue and pressure during longer commutes.

If you’re the type of driver who doesn’t want to be cramped behind the wheel, check out larger luxury SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade for a cabin designed for the pleasure of driving.

A black 2024 BMW i7 driving on a highway.

BMW 7 Series: Top-Shelf Technology

Another benefit of choosing a luxury car is the state-of-the-art technology many luxury car manufacturers include in their well-designed cabins.

From the infotainment interface and features, to the array of cameras and displays designed to keep drivers safe, to all the wireless connectivity you can dream of, you can have it all. Luxury cars are also known for having some of the best factory audio systems available, which can be a huge selling point for audiophiles who do a lot of driving.

Since its 2023 redesign, the BMW 7 Series has been considered one of the most technologically advanced sedans on the road. Regardless of whether you choose a rear-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive model, you’ll have access to some very powerful engines that provide the smooth, effortless drive BMW sedans are known for.

But there’s also plenty of cool stuff to keep you entertained. The 12.3-inch driver information screen and 14.9-inch infotainment screen are combined in the BMW Curved Display that wraps around the driver. The rear seats even have 5.5-inch touchscreens in the door armrests for your backseat passengers to access advanced features.

In fact, the rear seat might be the best in the house in the BMW 7 Series. The rear seats can be heated and ventilated, with multiple massage settings, allowing passengers to relax under a panoramic Sky Lounge LED roof. A 31.3-inch high-resolution theatre screen can drop from the ceiling to keep rear passengers entertained with streaming video, along with audio from the 40-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, which includes speakers integrated into the headrests.

The tech continues on the road, too, with Highway Assistant enabling hands-free driving on certain roads. There is even an augmented reality video feed, so you never misunderstand navigation directions. And how about a Parking Assistant that can not only parallel park your car, but can save up to 10 specific parking maneuvers, such as navigating to a specific location in a parking garage.

Find Your Ideal Used Luxury Car

If design and comfort are important to you, chances are good that you’ve already decided a luxury car is right for you. However, with so many makes and models to choose from, it can be hard to approach the task of shopping for a new-to-you luxury sedan.

To get started, consider what really attracts you to the luxury segment. Is it the mind-blowingly smooth ride and outstanding engineering? The exclusive design elements inside the cabin? Or perhaps the comfort and convenience features are calling your name?

Regardless of what you are looking for, there is a pre-owned luxury car waiting for you here at our dealership that is just right for your needs. Even if it isn’t one of the three flagship models we’ve covered today, we’re sure we can help you find the perfect vehicle.