What Your Wheels Say: The Top 10 Cars for CEOs

Top 10 cars for CEOs

Looking to make a statement both inside and outside the workplace? Show up to every meeting in style with this list of cars fit for CEOs. 

2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

This car has “boss” written all over it. Many consider this luxury sedan the flagship example of an executive limo. With a price tag that starts at $117,300, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class demands respect on the road. It’s not all looks and comfort, either; the base S 500 4Matic model comes equipped with a supercharged and turbocharged 442-horsepower, 3-liter, inline-six-cylinder engine that incorporates a mild-hybrid feature. It’s also capable of launching the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. The S 580 4Matic, which starts at $128,150, uses its twin-turbo 4-liter V-8 engine that produces 496 horsepower to reach 60 mph in 4.3 seconds.

A car like this should have terrible fuel economy, right? Think again. Advanced technology helps the S 500 achieve 21/30 (city/highway) miles per gallon (mpg), which is just one of the many examples of how far engineering has come. 

What this car says about you: You’re classy, you want to look good and feel good, and you expect nothing short of excellence.

2024 BMW 5 Series

They don’t call it the “ultimate driving machine” for nothing. BMW is known for offering quality cars with top-notch driving dynamics. This holds true for its midsize luxury sedan, the 5 Series. This car is for the CEO who wants a luxurious ride that emphasizes comfort, convenience and the driving experience.

The 5 Series offers a wide variety of trims, which means you can find the perfect one for you. Whether you want a longer wheelbase or BMW’s xDrive (all-wheel drive), all you have to do is fork over a bit more cash. We’re focusing on the base 530i here, but there’s also the electric i5, the luxurious and sporty M550i xDrive, and the fire-breathing M5.

The standard BMW 530i comes equipped with a 2-liter, inline-four-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology producing 255 horsepower, making it capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The starting price is $57,900, although you may want to consider adding some of the optional features and packages to make sure you have the latest technology; after all, you are the boss. A hybrid model is also available.

What this car says about you: You’re sophisticated, but you also seek adventure and engagement.

2024 Lexus LS

This is a silky-smooth and ultra-reliable luxury sedan from Japan. Lexus is usually associated with reliability, comfort and luxury. That may not sound super exciting, but who’s really complaining here? What’s not to like about these three things if you’re a CEO?

The LS 500 is like a dependable friend who isn’t overly outgoing or flamboyant but will always be there when you need them. The LS 500 has loads of standard equipment and doesn’t require you to add tons of packages or options to meet your high expectations. It features a buttery-smooth twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 engine producing 416 horsepower, which means the car can get to 60 mph from a standstill in only 4.6 seconds. While pricing for the base model starts at $80,685, there is also the LS 500 F Sport, which features sleek exterior styling and performance-inspired instrumentation.

What this car says about you: You value understated elegance, reliability and high performance, but you don’t need to show off. 

2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia

The slick, bold style of Italian craftsmanship is evident in every Alfa Romeo, which offers luxury cars with a satisfying driving experience. The 2024 Giulia is the latest in its line of high-class sedans. And with the base model Sprint RWD starting at $43,340, it’s an incredible value for such a sophisticated ride. You’ll never want to video conference again with a car like this to show off.

The Giulia is one of the most fun-to-drive cars on this list. The base model’s turbocharged 2-liter, four-cylinder engine makes 280 horsepower and can propel the car from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. For fuel economy, it rivals some of the most fuel-efficient sedans out there, at 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. There are also the Ti, Competizione, Veloce and Quadrifoglio models for upgrades in speed and style.

Inside, the Giulia has an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. Alfa Romeo covers the sports seats in the Giulia with fine, supple leather. 

What this car says about you: You make big statements without saying a word.

2024 Porsche Panamera

This is the Porsche with four doors. Wait, what? When Porsche comes to mind, you don’t usually think of a four-door car with a comfortable and spacious interior. The Panamera Platinum Edition is a game changer in that regard. Pricing starts at $105,100, which is about what you’d expect for something from a premium performance carmaker. The Platinum Edition offers more than 10 trim options — ideal for executives with specific taste.

The base Panamera comes equipped with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine producing 348 horsepower; it takes just five seconds for this Porsche to reach 60 mph from a stop. This number is very Porsche-like, but the standard Panamera is just the beginning — the top-of-the-line Panamera Turbo S Executive costs about $200,000 and will astound you with its performance.

What this car says about you: You’re very performance-oriented, and you aren’t afraid of being different and thinking outside the box.

2024 Land Rover Range Rover

This is a full-size luxury SUV with a nameplate that is synonymous with success. The Range Rover demands attention and respect. The sheer size and elegance of the exterior are hard to ignore. While this SUV can traverse even the roughest terrains, most of these vehicles will never venture beyond the mall parking lot. The Range Rover has instead become the luxury SUV of choice. Pricing starts at $107,400, with additional options and packages available. 

The fuel economy is not as bad as you would think. The Range Rover is rated at 18/24 (city/highway) mpg, thanks to its 3-liter, inline-six-cylinder engine, which produces up to 395 horsepower and sends its power to all four wheels. The Range Rover can reach 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. [Read related article: How Much Does Commercial Auto Insurance Cost?]

What this car says about you: You worked hard to get where you are, and you want everyone to know it. That’s why you drive an unnecessarily oversized SUV just because you can.

2024 Maserati Quattroporte

When BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi aren’t good enough for you, you have only a few options remaining. Maserati is more exclusive and exotic than the German luxury carmakers, and that’s one of the appeals of the trident badge. The Quattroporte GT is its flagship luxury sedan for the extroverted executive who refuses to drive an inconspicuous vehicle. This sedan is showy and loud, screaming “Look at me.” That’s all the more reason for extroverts to like it — or one way to help you become an extrovert if you would like to be.

Starting at $139,000, this sedan is pricier than a few of the other cars on this list, but you can see why. The Quattroporte comes standard with a 3-liter V-6 Twin Turbo engine and has all kinds of customizable options for a VIP. With its engine putting out 345 horsepower, the Quattroporte can get you from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. There is also the Trofeo for those who need a little more speed in their luxury car. 

What this car says about you: You’re not OK with being just great; you have to stand out from the competition. You have great taste and no problem showing it.

Tesla Model S

You knew the Tesla Model S was going to be on this list, and you probably already know why. This is the executive car of choice for the tech industry, for obvious reasons. With so many technology companies gaining traction, the Tesla Model S has become very popular among CEOs.

This electric luxury vehicle starts at $74,990, with tax credit incentives available in certain states. The standard Model S can drive up to 402 miles on a single charge and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. The Model S is a technological marvel, and Tesla is planning bigger and better things — so expect to see more and more of these luxury electric cars on the road being driven by CEOs. The Model S Plaid can launch you from 0 to 60 mph in just under two seconds and has a top speed of 200 mph.

What this car says about you: You’re probably a geek at heart who values the latest and greatest technology.

2024 Rolls-Royce Ghost

When you see the Spirit of Ecstasy on top of the hood, you know what you’re dealing with.

Rolls-Royce is one of the most prestigious car brands. The Rolls-Royce Ghost is a model that doesn’t chase volume and evokes an unmatched presence on the road. With a starting price of around $350,000, you have to be in an exclusive club to own one.

You could buy three 2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Classes for the price of a Rolls-Royce Ghost and still have some change left over. Is the Ghost three times the car the S-Class is? That’s up for debate, but the unparalleled attention to detail and quality materials are undeniable. This is the crème de la crème of luxury vehicles.

The Ghost may require a king’s ransom, but that’s because it’s fit for a king. It has a 563-horsepower twin-turbocharged V-12 engine that can propel the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. And with a top speed of 155 mph, it’s no wonder why it’s called “Ghost.”

What this car says about you: You’ve reached the pinnacle of success, and you want everyone to know it. You have no problem being overstated.

[Read related article: Buying a Car for Your Business? How to Avoid Mistakes] 

2024 Audi A6

If you’re looking to impress clients and peers, the Audi A6 is a smart choice. Featuring a sleek exterior, the latest high-tech features and a roomy cabin, the A6 brings new meaning to the phrase “traveling in style.” Starting at $58,100, the A6 is one of the more affordable cars on our list, meaning you don’t have to spend big bucks to make a big impression. 

The base model features two engine options: an inline four-cylinder engine that accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, and a turbocharged and intercooled V-6 engine that accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The A6 sends its 261/335 horsepower to all four wheels, giving you a smooth and secure ride. Its engines use hybrid technology to run the car’s stop-start system. Where the A6 outshines many other luxury sedans is in its fuel efficiency, which is an impressive 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. 

As for what you can see while driving, the A6 has a 10.1-inch digital infotainment display and its Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster. The A6 has many appealing, high-tech features for the CEO on the go, such as a wireless charging pad, a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a 360-degree exterior camera. 

What this car says about you: You don’t need to draw any attention. You let the work speak for you.

What to look for in executive cars

Carmakers continue to innovate, adding new features that are great for business professionals on the go. Here are the key features every CEO should look for in their new ride.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

Many modern cars come with built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing you to stay connected on the road without relying on a strong cell phone signal or a mobile hotspot. This service-ready feature offers a superior connection, saving your phone’s battery and data usage. Wi-Fi service plans generally run around $10 to $20 a month with unlimited data included.

Although Bluetooth has been standard in luxury cars for some time, it’s another important feature to look for. It allows you to go hands-free while you travel so you can conduct business on the go while staying safe in your vehicle.

Do-it-all displays

An all-in-one touchscreen for accessing your music, navigation, cell phone and car controls has become a staple in modern vehicles. Heads-up displays take this up a notch by projecting crucial information directly onto the windshield within your line of sight so you don’t have to look away from the road. For CEOs, this level of connectivity ensures that you don’t miss out on important calls, thus keeping you seamlessly connected while on the move.

Gesture controls

Some automakers have integrated gesture controls into their infotainment systems, allowing for hands-free functionality that increases convenience and safety. Leading brands across the market have adopted gesture control for tasks such as changing the volume, browsing music and channels, adjusting rear view camera angles and answering incoming calls. These controls enable busy CEOs to maintain focus on the road while handling calls and entertainment, thus ensuring a productive-yet-safe driving experience.

Keyless entry

Nowadays, many new vehicles come with keyless entry systems that allow you to unlock doors and start the ignition without a physical key. Instead, this system uses a key fob — or offers control of these features via your smartphone — which typically comes programmed to prevent it from being accidentally locked in the car. This can be especially useful for busy CEOs, as it helps prevent you from being locked out and saves valuable time that might otherwise be lost searching for keys.

Massage seats

After a stressful day in the office, what better way is there to relax than to get a soothing massage on your commute home? With in-car massage seats, you don’t have to detour to the spa to relieve those tense shoulders or target back pain. Instead, in-car massagers offer various massage techniques — including kneading, rolling, tapping and shiatsu — to reduce fatigue, ease muscle pain and promote healthy well-being, all while you drive.

Voice assistant

CEOs can benefit greatly from in-car voice assistants, which offer hands-free control over functions such as adjusting the cabin temperature, dialing into meetings remotely and catching up on news headlines en route to the office. Carmakers like Mercedez-Benz have promised to take this technology a step further by incorporating artificial intelligence into their upcoming voice assistants to create a more tailored user experience.

Andy Bach contributed to this article.