According to Cars.com, the average list price for a new 2024 model year vehicle will be just under $49,100 in January 2024, lower than the peak of $50,253 in August 2023. But even with lower car prices, there will still be some super-expensive 2024 models that only the wealthy can afford.
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Some of them start in the low six figures and work their way up, with some even costing a fortune just to sell off. What makes these cars so expensive and luxurious? GOBankingRates reached out to automotive experts to get their take on the cars only the wealthy can afford in 2024, along with their key features and Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Here is the top 10 list.
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Mercedes Vision AMG
“[M]”Most luxury cars like Mercedes-Benz are in a realm where they're not only extremely expensive to buy, but also expensive to maintain,” says Ben Michael, automotive director at Michael & Associates.
The 2024 Mercedes Vision AMG is estimated to have a MSRP of $136,050, but Michael said that's down to the “variety of trim and design options,” meaning the more options you add to this luxury vehicle, the more the price will only increase.
“You'll need to find a shop or dealer to repair it, and you'll need specialized parts, tools and even fluids,” Michael says.
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Ferrari Prosangue
“If you're interested in SUVs or Ferraris, this is the car you've always dreamed of,” said Jeff Cudd, a consumer advocacy group and owner of Findthebestcarprice.com.
“The four-door Ferrari SUV is a major boost to the Prancing Horse inventory in itself,” Cudd said. “The car is equipped with a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine that produces 715 horsepower and 528 pound-feet of torque, which will enable the big Ferrari to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 193 mph.”
Cudd said this Ferrari model has an estimated retail price of about $398,350, making it a smart buy for anyone looking for a luxury performance car in 2024.
Rolls Royce Phantom
“The 2024 Rolls-Royce Phantom is the height of luxury, crafted with unparalleled attention to detail,” said Jason Mueller, marketing manager at A-1 Auto Transport.
“With its custom tailored interior, ample legroom, starry headliner and uncompromising attention to detail, this vehicle is the epitome of luxury,” said Chris Estrada, CEO and founder of Nationwide United Auto Transport.
“The powerful V12 engine creates a luxurious interior and smooth performance,” Muller said, noting that this year's Rolls-Royce model costs about $450,000.[T]”Phantom is more than just a car. It's a status symbol and offers a driving experience that's like moving through a work of art.”
Lamborghini Aventador SVJ
“With its powerful V12 engine and bold design, the Aventador SVJ embodies the bold spirit of Lamborghini,” said Muller.
“The car is incredibly fast, looks impressive and is popular with thrill-seekers and luxury seekers. Prices start at more than $500,000. It's a powerful car that looks and feels great on the road,” Mueller said.
Ferrari SF90 Stradale
“The SF90 Stradale is Ferrari's leap into a hybrid future, combining immense power with electric efficiency,” said Muller.
Cudd said:[T]This hybrid supercar combines incredible performance, groundbreaking hybrid technology and legendary Ferrari luxury and speed.”
“The Ferrari SF90 is one of the most beautiful Ferraris ever made, and the 2024 model doesn't disappoint,” said Ralph Robert, a content writer and car enthusiast at car-savings app The Way. “If you have a bit more cash to spare, you can opt for the top-of-the-line SF90 XX model, which has 1,016 horsepower.”
“With nearly 1,000 horsepower, this car is a speed nut that doesn't compromise on luxury or innovation, and costs around $500,000,” Muller said, “and represents Ferrari's determination to push the boundaries and redefine what's possible in a supercar.”
Lamborghini Revuelto
For $608,000 you can buy the Revuelto, which won the trophy as the first plug-in hybrid from an Italian manufacturer with global brand recognition.
“If you love Lamborghini, the new Revuelto is the perfect match for perhaps the company's most advanced car. It has a 6.5-liter V12 engine with 814 horsepower,” Robert said. [plug-in hybrid electric vehicle] “In addition to the (PHEV) version, the car also has three electric motors: two drive the front wheels and the third is integrated into an eight-speed automatic transmission. Combined, they produce a whopping 1,001 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful cars in its price range.”
McLaren Senna
Robert said the McLaren Senna needs no introduction, calling it “one of the most iconic racers of all time.”
“This car is on the border of six figures, priced from $900,000 [over] “One million dollars, this car will not let you regret it. It has a 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 789 horsepower and 590 pounds of torque,” Robert said.
“The McLaren Senna also comes with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission,” says Robert, “It's a super-fast car that accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds, and its adjustable suspension improves aerodynamic efficiency.”
Lamborghini Sián
Estrada's list also included a Lamborghini, but this time it was the 2024 Sián, a car only billionaires could afford.
“Priced at around $2.6 million, it will boast a combination of a V12 engine and an electric motor, making it Lamborghini's first hybrid vehicle,” Estrada said.
The car was produced in such low numbers that it's a rare model of any given model year. “The fact that it was only produced in 63 units makes it rare,” Estrada says.
Aston Martin Valkyrie
“Valkyrie is Aston Martin's vision of a hypercar, blending race track performance with road-going practicality and estimated price tag of $3.2 million,” Muller said.
Aston Martin's 2024 Valkyrie “features a powerful V12 engine. Its luxurious interior, unique design inspired by Formula 1 race cars and cutting-edge aerodynamics speak for itself,” Estrada said.
“This is an incredibly rare and powerful car, designed with input from Formula 1 experts to deliver an unparalleled driving experience,” Muller said. “For whoever acquires it, this is more than just a car, it's a collector's dream.”
Bugatti Chiron
“At roughly $3.5 million, the Bugatti Chiron is the very definition of a hypercar with insane amounts of horsepower,” Mueller said.
The Super Sport edition “is powered by a quad-turbocharged W16 engine, giving it unbeatable speed,” Estrada said. [reputation] High performance, exclusivity and design are what make this product stand out from the rest.”
“The Bugatti Chiron commands attention as the pinnacle of automotive luxury,” said Cudd. “This car is the epitome of performance and luxury,” he said, calling it the highest level of craftsmanship in the automotive sector.
“Owning a Chiron means belonging to an exclusive club of car enthusiasts,” said Müller.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 10 Cars Only the Rich Can Buy in 2024