Some luxury sedans never got the applause they earned, even though they delivered comfort, power, and personality in ways the big-name badges didn’t. These overlooked gems aged better than anyone expected. Ready to revisit the cars that deserved louder fanfare? Buckle up and take the underrated route.
Acura RLX Hybrid
Most hybrids force you to choose between power and efficiency, but the Acura RLX Hybrid refused to compromise. It is married to a 3.5-liter V6 with three electric motors. On the road, the car could cruise on pure electric power and whisper through neighborhoods without burning a drop of gas.
BMW 840i Gran Coupe
BMW’s 840i Gran Coupe pairs a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with four full-size doors. Frameless windows give it a sleek, sporty look that sets it apart from regular sedans. Adding the optional illuminated kidney grille turns it into a car that’s sure to grab attention wherever it goes.
Cadillac CT6-V
The CT6-V stood out with its unique 4.2-liter Blackwing V8 engine, hand-built specifically for this car. Twin turbochargers gave it serious power, while Magnetic Ride Control kept the ride smooth and the handling precise. Only a limited number rolled off the line, intentionally.
2002–2004 Infiniti M45
Infiniti’s first M45 broke away from early-2000s luxury sedan norms with a 4.5-liter V8 borrowed from Nissan’s performance lineup. Styled after Japan’s Gloria sedan, it arrived in the U.S. with rear-wheel drive only, which kept the driving experience pure and focused, instead of diluting it with all-wheel-drive options.
Hyundai Genesis
Hyundai’s Genesis brought rear-wheel drive and luxury features to a segment dominated by front-wheel-drive economy cars. Buyers could choose between a V6 and a V8, rather than being stuck with a single engine. Plus, after winning the ‘2009 North American Car of the Year’ award, critics knew it was far better than anticipated.
2003–2009 Jaguar XJ
Jaguar’s XJ featured an aluminum body that reduced weight by up to 40 percent. A lighter mass improved handling and fuel efficiency while maintaining luxury-level comfort. On top of that, the self-leveling air suspension automatically adjusted to road conditions, ensuring a smooth, refined ride at all times.
Lincoln Continental Coachdoor Edition
Lincoln brought back classic prestige with the limited-run Continental Coachdoor Edition. Rear-hinged doors paid homage to the brand’s mid-century icons, whereas an extended wheelbase provided true limousine-like legroom. To emphasize its rarity, only 80 units were made in 2019, each featuring a numbered interior plaque that highlighted its exclusivity and collector appeal.
Maserati Quattroporte VI
Positioned as an Italian alternative to German luxury sedans, the Quattroporte VI paired its elegant cabin with Ferrari-built V6 or V8 engines. An eight-speed automatic kept power delivery smooth and responsive. Even its name—Italian for “four doors”—highlights its blend of performance spirit and traditional grand-touring sedan design.
Volvo S90
Volvo shaped the S90 around Scandinavian simplicity, using real materials such as open-pore wood and crystal accents to create a calming interior. Pilot Assist brought advanced semi-autonomous capability, and the car’s signature “Thor’s Hammer” headlights gave it a distinctive presence. As Volvo’s flagship sedan, it emphasized safety and craftsmanship.
Lexus GS 460
Under its refined exterior, the Lexus GS 460 housed a 4.6-liter V8 and an eight-speed automatic designed for smooth, uninterrupted acceleration. Highway cruising showcased its comfort, and its available safety tech—like adaptive cruise control and pre-collision systems—added confidence. It delivered luxury through understated engineering rather than flashy styling.
