8 Luxury Cars That Waste Gas And Cash – And 8 Rides That Do Both Right
Picture this: You’re cruising down the highway in a sleek luxury car, feeling the power of the engine beneath you, and then, the reality sets in. The gas gauge is dropping faster than your bank balance.
That was me a few years ago in a high-end SUV I’d been dreaming of owning. It looked amazing, but every trip to the pump was a small heartbreak.
There’s a certain thrill that comes with driving something luxurious, but sometimes that thrill ends at the gas station.
However, not all luxury rides are created equal. Some actually manage to strike a perfect balance between power and efficiency, without sacrificing comfort and style.
1. Bentley Bentayga W12
Opulence personified, the Bentley Bentayga W12 is where luxury meets excess. With a 12-cylinder engine, it devours fuel like royalty at a banquet.
Though its posh interior is a sanctuary, its fuel efficiency—well, let’s say, it’s not on a diet. It’s more about the journey than the destination. You won’t pass a gas station without a wink.
It can hit 0-60 mph in just 4 seconds. But at what cost? Ah, the price of living the high life!
2. Rolls-Royce Cullinan
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan isn’t just a car; it’s a rolling palace. With craftsmanship so exquisite, you might forget its appetite for fuel.
A V12 engine purrs like a kitten, but it drinks like a fish. Still, every journey feels like a royal procession.
Fun fact: The spirit of ecstasy adorns its hood, a reminder that luxury demands sacrifice. Driving it is like being cradled by clouds, but beware of the thunderous fuel bills!
3. Cadillac Escalade V
The Cadillac Escalade V brings unparalleled luxury and performance, but its powerful 6.2L supercharged V8 engine comes at a hefty price.
With an estimated 13 mpg city and 18 mpg highway, fuel efficiency is far from its strong suit.
Combined with its high starting price and expensive maintenance, the Escalade V becomes an expensive ride for those who crave sheer power and luxury, but don’t mind burning through gas—and cash—faster than most.
4. Maserati Levante Trofeo
The Maserati Levante Trofeo is a stunning luxury SUV with a 3.8L twin-turbo V8 that produces an exhilarating 590 horsepower.
While it offers an exciting driving experience, it guzzles fuel with just 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.
Add its luxury price tag, high repair costs, and depreciation, and this SUV starts to look less like an investment and more like a money pit for those willing to waste both fuel and cash on something flashy.
5. Mercedes-AMG G63
Prepare your wallet, the Mercedes-AMG G63 is a statement on wheels. With its boxy charm, it’s a favorite among the elite. However, its V8 heart gulps gas with gusto.
Inside, the G63 is plush and refined, a paradox of luxury and ruggedness. But those fuel bills are its constant companions.
Little surprise: This beast can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The fuel? Consider it the price of prestige!
6. BMW X7 M60i
The BMW X7 M60i is a luxurious and high-performance SUV equipped with a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine.
While it delivers thrilling speed and top-tier comfort, it comes at a cost—both financially and in terms of fuel efficiency.
With an estimated 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway, it’s not exactly the most eco-friendly luxury SUV.
Combined with its high starting price and costly maintenance, the X7 M60i is a powerful but inefficient luxury option for those who don’t mind wasting gas and money.
7. Lexus LX 600
Luxury in the rough, the Lexus LX 600 combines off-road capability with elegant comfort. Its V8 engine is powerful, but it loves the taste of gasoline.
Inside, a cocoon of sophistication awaits, a perfect blend of leather and tech. Still, keep an eye on the gas gauge—it moves faster than you’d like.
Fun fact: This SUV can tow up to 8,000 pounds, perfect for adventure seekers with heavier toys. Just plan those fuel stops!
8. Infiniti QX80
The Infiniti QX80 is a full-size luxury SUV with a hefty price tag and a thirst for fuel.
With a 5.6L V8 engine, it delivers a smooth ride and ample interior space, but it only offers an estimated 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.
While its luxury features and high towing capacity are appealing, the QX80’s poor fuel efficiency and high purchase price make it a costly option for those who are willing to burn through gas—and cash—without a second thought.
9. Tesla Model S
Meet the future—the Tesla Model S. While not a gas guzzler, it’s the electric revolution on wheels. Powered by electricity, it’s both eco-friendly and exhilarating.
Inside, high-tech meets high comfort, with an interface that feels straight out of a sci-fi movie. Charging stops replace gas stations, offering a new kind of convenience.
Did you know? The Model S can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.4 seconds. Welcome to the electric age!
10. Mercedes-Benz EQS
Elegance goes electric with the Mercedes-Benz EQS, where luxury and sustainability dance in harmony. As an EV, it bypasses gas stations entirely.
Its interior is like stepping into a serene tech haven, with every drive a symphony of quiet power. Imagine the thrill of luxury without the guilt.
Quirky tidbit: The EQS features a ‘hyperscreen’ dashboard—a touch of tomorrow today. Say goodbye to gas, and hello to innovation!
11. BMW i7
The BMW i7 is a perfect example of luxury paired with efficiency.
As a fully electric luxury sedan, it offers an opulent ride with a plush interior and cutting-edge technology, all while delivering zero emissions and impressive range.
With up to 300 miles on a single charge, the i7 provides both an eco-conscious and performance-focused driving experience.
It’s an elegant ride that saves you gas and cash in the long run, making it an ideal choice for the environmentally minded luxury enthusiast.
12. Genesis G80 Electrified
Genesis G80 Electrified—where sophistication meets sustainability, offering luxury without compromise. As an EV, it’s easy on the earth, and your conscience.
Step inside and experience a sanctuary of style and serenity. Charging stations replace gas stops, adding convenience to your travels.
The G80 features solar panels integrated into its roof, a smart touch for an efficient ride. Luxury, meet innovation; innovation, meet eco-conscious driving.
13. Lexus ES 300h
The Lexus ES 300h is the embodiment of efficiency and luxury combined. With its hybrid powertrain, the ES 300h delivers an impressive 44 mpg combined, ensuring that fuel efficiency is never sacrificed for comfort.
Inside, it’s packed with upscale materials and features, making it feel like a luxury car without the gas-guzzling drawbacks.
The combination of affordability, low maintenance costs, and high efficiency makes the ES 300h a solid choice for those who want to save both gas and cash without compromising on luxury.
14. Audi Q5 PHEV
Adventure meets efficiency in the Audi Q5 PHEV, where power and practicality coexist. This plug-in hybrid balances performance with eco-awareness.
Inside, it’s luxurious and intuitive, with a drive that’s both thrilling and thoughtful. Fuel stops? Not as frequent, thanks to its electric assist.
Did you know? It offers a range of about 20 miles on electric power alone. Experience the evolution of hybrid driving!
15. Volvo S90 Recharge
The Volvo S90 Recharge is a luxurious plug-in hybrid sedan that offers both performance and environmental responsibility.
With a range of up to 30 miles on electric power alone, it’s perfect for city driving without using a drop of gasoline.
When the hybrid powertrain kicks in, you still get respectable fuel efficiency.
The interior is refined, spacious, and packed with tech, making the S90 Recharge an excellent choice for those looking for a high-end car that’s both eco-friendly and cost-effective.
16. Porsche Taycan 4S
The Porsche Taycan 4S blends luxury, performance, and efficiency into one extraordinary electric sports sedan.
With up to 227 miles of range on a full charge, the Taycan offers an electrifying driving experience without the need for gas.
Its performance capabilities rival the best in the industry, while its refined interior keeps things luxurious and comfortable.
The Taycan 4S is the perfect choice for those looking to experience a high-end ride while saving both fuel and maintenance costs in the long run.