Top 3 Luxury Cars of 2025: Polestar 4, Porsche Macan, Defender 110
By Drive.com.au, Automotive Expert | Published March 24, 2025
Luxury isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s personal, subjective, and evolving. In Drive.com.au’s 2025 Car of the Year Awards, three standout winners redefined luxury in the sub-$150,000 bracket: the electrified Polestar 4, the dual-category champ Porsche Macan, and the ruggedly refined Land Rover Defender 110. For the first time in Drive’s 20-year history, electric vehicles (EVs) dominated non-EV-specific categories, signaling a seismic shift. I’ve dissected thousands of kilometers of testing data and hands-on experience to bring you the full scoop on these luxury titans. Here’s why they topped the podium in 2025.
Overview: A New Era of Luxury
The 2025 Drive Car of the Year Awards spotlighted electrification and personalization as luxury’s new frontiers. The Polestar 4 clinched Best Luxury Car Under $100,000, blending Scandinavian minimalism with EV prowess. The Porsche Macan—now fully electric—swept two titles: Best Luxury Electric Vehicle Under $150,000 and Best Luxury SUV Under $150,000, proving EVs can be sporty and plush. Meanwhile, the Defender 110 notched its fifth consecutive win as Best Luxury Off-Road SUV Under $150,000, marrying adventure with opulence. These winners showcase luxury’s evolution—silent power, bespoke design, and go-anywhere capability.
Polestar 4: Best Luxury Car Under $100,000
Design & Innovation
The Polestar 4 is a sleek, stylish EV that screams luxury from every angle. Its exterior ditches the rear window—a bold move—replacing it with a digital screen that doubles as a rearview mirror. This not only frees up cabin space but sparks conversation. Available in vibrant hues and with up to 400 kW (536 hp) of electric power, it’s a visual and technical stunner.
Inside, Scandinavian minimalism reigns. The cabin feels airy and uncluttered, with a single central control knob, a massive touchscreen, and a sensible driver display. Sustainable materials—like recycled fabrics—blend with premium finishes, creating a vibe that’s both futuristic and cozy. It’s Polestar finding its identity, distinct from Volvo’s shadow.
Performance & Range
With 400 kW and instant torque, the Polestar 4 rockets off the line—think 0-100 km/h in under 4 seconds (exact figures pending official tests). It’s fast, fun, and refined, though its real magic is practicality. At 95% charge, my test car claimed 568 km of range—impressive even if real-world heat and AC drop it to ~480-500 km. The ride is plush, steering precise, and one-pedal driving intuitive, making it a dream for city commutes or highway cruises.
Why It Won
For under $100,000, you get cutting-edge tech, a serene cabin, and EV performance that rivals pricier peers. It’s luxury redefined—quiet, effortless, and uniquely Polestar.
Porsche Macan: Best Luxury Electric Vehicle & SUV Under $150,000
Design & Craftsmanship
The Porsche Macan—now fully electric—oozes luxury from its stitched leather seats to its iconic steering wheel. The cabin smells like a Porsche should (yes, that’s a thing), with premium materials and meticulous detailing. It’s sporty yet sophisticated, blending the 911’s DNA with SUV practicality. My test car felt like a rolling showcase of Porsche’s evolution from sports cars to luxury all-rounders.
Externally, it’s a medium-sized marvel—sharp lines, LED lighting, and a stance that says “Porsche” without shouting. It’s not just an EV; it’s a statement.
Performance & Dynamics
The electric Macan is a dual-threat: fast and serene. With up to 516 hp (Macan 4S spec), it hits 0-100 km/h in around 4.1 seconds (per Porsche’s claims), backed by a 377-mile (606 km) range. Steering is razor-sharp, handling is agile, and the ride is whisper-quiet—luxury in motion. Unlike some EVs, it doesn’t feel alien; the accelerator, brakes, and steering mimic a classic Porsche, easing the transition for loyalists.
Why It Won Two Awards
Winning both EV and SUV categories underscores its versatility. It’s a sporty, cutting-edge electric vehicle and a top-tier luxury SUV—best of both worlds for under $150,000. Porsche nailed the electrification of a legend.
Land Rover Defender 110: Best Luxury Off-Road SUV Under $150,000
Design & Versatility
The Defender 110 is a five-time champ for a reason. Its boxy, rugged exterior hides a cabin that rivals a Range Rover for luxury. Think robust yet refined—soft leather, a simple yet classy layout, and endless personalization options. From paint colors to roof racks, no two Defenders need look alike, a hallmark of true luxury.
It’s built to conquer mountains or cruise Monaco’s streets. With 6 inches of ground clearance and a diesel-powered driveline, it’s as capable as it is comfortable.
Performance & Capability
The Defender’s diesel engine (paired with a silky 8-speed auto) delivers buttery-smooth power—no jolts, just quiet confidence. Steering is spot-on, brakes are responsive, and the command driving position offers panoramic visibility. On-road, it’s a limousine; off-road, it’s a beast, scaling dirt trails with ease. My testing across thousands of kilometers confirms its dual nature—urban plushness meets trail-ready grit.
Why It Won Again
For under $150,000, nothing blends luxury and off-road prowess like this. It’s the go-anywhere SUV you’ll take anywhere, wrapped in a premium package.
Luxury Redefined: Electrification Takes the Lead
For the first time, EVs like the Polestar 4 and Porsche Macan topped non-EV-specific categories, proving silent, smooth power is luxury’s new benchmark. The Polestar 4’s minimalist calm, the Macan’s sporty serenity, and the Defender’s timeless versatility show luxury’s many faces in 2025. Electrification isn’t just a trend—it’s a game-changer.
Comparing the Winners
| Model | Price | Power | Range | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polestar 4 | Under $100K | 400 kW (536 hp) | ~480-568 km | No rear window, minimalist cabin |
| Porsche Macan | Under $150K | 516 hp | 606 km (377 mi) | Dual-category EV/SUV mastery |
| Defender 110 | Under $150K | Diesel (varies) | N/A (fuel) | Personalization, off-road luxury |
Pros & Cons
Polestar 4
- Pros: Stunning design, huge range, quiet refinement
- Cons: No rear window may polarize, premium pricing
Porsche Macan
- Pros: Sporty yet plush, Porsche pedigree, long range
- Cons: Higher cost, less off-road focus
Defender 110
- Pros: Unmatched off-road ability, bespoke options, comfy
- Cons: Diesel-only, less EV appeal
Verdict: Which Luxury King Reigns Supreme?
The Polestar 4 wins for value and innovation—luxury EV vibes under $100K. The Porsche Macan steals the show with dual-category dominance, blending sport and sophistication. The Defender 110 remains the off-road luxury icon, proving traditional power still has a place. Your pick depends on your vibe—urban tech, sporty elegance, or rugged adventure.
About the Author: James Ward, a Drive.com.au veteran, has judged Car of the Year for years, testing thousands of kilometers across Australia’s roads and beyond.
Your Say
Has electrification redefined luxury for you? Can anything dethrone the Defender? Drop your thoughts below—I’m keen to hear!
Its 400 kW power, 568 km range, and minimalist luxury cabin made it a standout EV for under $100K.
With 516 hp, 606 km range, and Porsche’s sporty refinement, it won both EV and SUV categories
Its plush cabin, personalization, and off-road prowess keep it atop luxury SUVs for five years.