Bentley Continental
Starting Price – $238,325
We can think of few better cars in which to tackle a cross-country drive than the 2023 Bentley Continental GT. This grand touring two-door is offered in both coupe and convertible body styles, both of which offer upper-class styling and sumptuous luxury worthy of their six-figure price. With either the powerful V-8 or W-12 engine under the hood—both are twin-turbocharged—the Conti hustles, and its handling deftly walks the line between comfort and cornering composure. All of Bentley’s best materials including fragrant leather, rich wood, and textured metal trim line the cabin, which is packed with luxury features designed to make the journey relaxing as well as quick. And should you want a bespoke GT outfitted like no other, Bentley can handle that for you, too, through its Mulliner coachbuilding division.
Aston Martin DBS
Starting Price – $333,686
American muscle cars pair a big engine with rear-wheel drive and punchy straight-line acceleration. The 2023 Aston Martin DBS follows the same formula, but in true British fashion, it’s far more dignified, with a stately appearance and high-class cabin. It also costs a king’s ransom. Wealthy aristocrats lucky enough to afford one of these beauties will find the 715-hp V-12 engine both refined and mega-powerful, but the DBS isn’t a focused sports car. Similarly pricey machines, such as the McLaren GT and since-departed Ferrari 812 Superfast, are both more rewarding to drive, but the Aston is better than either of them at covering long distances with grace and repose.
Porsche 911
Starting Price – $333,686
If you close your eyes and picture a Porsche, it’s likely that the 911 renders first in your imagination. This rear-engined fastback is a legend—and for good reason. Make that many reasons. For decades it has been a benchmark for performance and handling and feel, inspiring rivals such as the Aston Martin Vantage, the Audi R8, and the Maserati MC20, to name a few. The “standard” 911 sticks to its roots with a set of twin-turbo flat-six engines that have been tuned for up to 473 horsepower. Higher-performance Turbo and GT3 models are available—this is Porsche, of course—but we review those cars separately. Most 911 models have rear-wheel drive but all-wheel drive is available. Coupe, cabriolet convertible, and Targa body styles are offered, and they have a cabin that is comfortable for two adults whether it’s been decked out in luxuries or left bone stock. The 911’s superiority stems not only from its lofty performance capabilities but also from the fact that it’s comfortable enough to live with on a daily basis.
Audi R8
Starting Price – $333,686
Few supercars actually get driven daily, but the 2023 Audi R8 seems designed for such a task. It offers a reasonably easy-going ride along with its breakneck acceleration. The R8 shares its underpinnings and its powertrain—a mighty V-10 and seven-speed automatic—with the wild Lamborghini Huracán. The Audi is less hardcore than the Lambo, though, less intense on a twisty road or racetrack. What the R8 offers instead is a level of refinement that’s more in line with the rest of the Audi lineup. Its snug, two-seat cabin is lined with high-end materials and features a minimalist design that forgoes the usual center-mounted infotainment display in favor of a digital gauge display that serves both purposes. The interior is comfortable for both driver and passenger, and the R8 would make a fine touring car if it weren’t for a puny cargo area that fits only one carry-on suitcase. If this particular cross-section of performance and luxury appeals to you, now’s the time to act, as this is the final year for Audi’s V-10–powered showpiece.
McLaren Artura
Starting Price – $333,686
McLaren embraces a hybridized future of high performance with the sculptural 2023 Artura supercar. The newly introduced mid-engine two-seater rides on a new lightweight platform. It also pairs a twin-turbo V-6–the company’s first—with a battery-electric powertrain to create a plug-in-hybrid model—another first. The duo generates a combined 671 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque. Performance estimates are highlighted by a zero-to-60-mph time of 2.6 seconds and a top speed of 205 mph. Its bodywork is pure McLaren, complete with prominent air vents and scissor-style doors. Along with a more premium and spacious interior than the 720S, the 2023 Artura offers several convenience and driver-assistance features.
