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Once you enter a world where cars start costing over a quarter of a million bucks, you’re either getting first-class luxury or towering performance. The best cars between $200k to $300k are some of those that many of us dream of owning, with such iconic nameplates like Porsche, Bentley, and Aston Martin featuring prominently. Value for money isn’t a concern here, but superlative performance and a prestigious badge are. Let’s look at some of the top-rated cars in this exclusive category.

1 Porsche 911 Turbo

This is the 911 to get if you want to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible, regardless of the conditions. Its twin-turbo flat-six engine produces as much as 640 horsepower in Turbo S guise, catapulting this all-wheel-drive coupe to 60 mph in a scant 2.3 seconds. The Turbo S is the only variant of the 911 Turbo to make it into the $200k to $300k price category at $230,400. The normal 911 Turbo barely misses this mark, as it starts at just below $200k. Both 911 Turbos are two of the quickest gas-powered sports cars in the world, and they back this up with a fast dual-clutch automatic, precise steering, and a high-tech interior. This car’s spread of abilities is sensational, but you have to pay for the privilege.

2 Mercedes-Maybach S

The Mercedes-Maybach S is a magnificent luxury sedan. It starts at $198,300, but just one option takes the base S580 into our price category. This model has a V8 making 496 hp. For $234,300, the S680 provides marginally improved acceleration (0-60 in 4.5 seconds) but has a beautifully refined 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12. It consumes 12 mpg in the city, so it’s just as well that gas bills aren’t important for the average Maybach owner. The Airmatic suspension contributes to the Maybach’s supreme ride quality, and the power executive rear seats with a reclining function are the lap of luxury. As a legitimate Rolls-Royce rival, the Maybach S is a bargain, comparatively speaking, and is one of the best cars under $300k.

3 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet

The cabriolet version of the 911 Turbo is one of the most expensive Porsche 911s on sale, stretching to $244,200 in Turbo S guise. Despite the ability to drop the roof, this 911 surges to 60 mph with the same intensity as the coupe, but the sensation of speed is raised with the wind in your hair. Like other Porsche drop-tops, there is barely any sacrifice in handling or precision when moving from the coupe to the convertible. The cabriolet can be customized down to the very last detail, creating a thoroughly unique drop-top that will very likely be unique compared to any other example on the roads.

4 Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid

While a big V8 or V12 has long been associated with Bentley’s stately sedans, the Flying Spur Hybrid features a more efficient 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6. Combined with an electric motor, this Flying Spur Hybrid produces 536 hp combined, and it’s not much slower than the V8. For around $220k, you also get a sedan that can be driven on electric power alone for up to 21 miles, further contributing to its refined nature. But despite being so convincing as a luxury sedan, the Flying Spur Hybrid is surprisingly enjoyable for the driver, too, with quick responses and an agile demeanor.

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5 Bentley Flying Spur

Most models in the non-hybrid Bentley Flying Spur lineup are priced between $200k and $300k. The V8 model starts at just under $220k and produces a solid 542 hp. Combined with the Bentley’s spry handling, it’s more fun to drive than a Rolls-Royce. The Bentley doesn’t have the same level of luxury as a Rolls in the back seat, but it’s still better than almost any other sedan. Build quality and attention to detail are spectacular, and you can spend days customizing every square inch of the stunning interior. If you’re graduating from an S-Class, the Flying Spur is the next logical step up in prestige.

6 Land Rover Range Rover

While most Range Rovers cost under $200,000, the ultra-luxurious SV exceeds this price point with its MSRP of $209,000. Equipped with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, the SV produces over 600 hp, which is directed to all four corners. In SV guise, equipment levels are truly lavish. This SUV’s specification includes four-zone climate control, a front console refrigerator, soft-close doors, bespoke extended leather upholstery, and front seats with a hot stone massage function. The latest Range Rover looks the part, too, especially with the SV extras, and it can even go off-road where most people wouldn’t dare to go in such an expensive vehicle.

7 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid

The Bentley Bentayga Hybrid just about sneaks into this price category of cars that cost around $200k, with a starting price of $203,200. Its turbocharged 3.0L V6 and electric motor produce 456 hp, so it’s not slow by any means, and it can travel for over 20 miles on electric power alone. Much like the Flying Spur, the Bentayga combines luxury and sharp handling to great effect. It has a polished interior and impeccable refinement, but although it looks expensive, it’s perhaps not as elegant as the Flying Spur sedan.

8 Nissan GT-R Nismo

2024 Nissan GT-R NISMO

Base MSRP

$221,090

Fuel Economy

16/22 MPG

Horsepower

600 hp

Engine

3.8L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas

Drivetrain

All-Wheel Drive

The Nissan GT-R has somehow survived into the 2024 model year, but such is its abilities that it remains a compelling sports car even in the face of much newer competitors. However, there’s a jaw-dropping premium to pay for the Nismo. Starting at $221,090, it’s almost double the price of the normal GT-R. In Nismo guise, the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 is rated at 600 hp and 481 lb-ft. With phenomenal AWD grip, quick steering, and epic acceleration, the GT-R Nismo flatters drivers of all skill levels. Although its driving experience is memorable, it’s impossible to justify the cost of the Nismo alongside more modern cars like the Porsche 911 Turbo S and Chevrolet Corvette Z06.

9 Bentley Bentayga

2024 Bentley Bentayga

Base MSRP

$203,200

Fuel Economy

14/21 MPG

Horsepower

542 hp

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Gas

Starting at around the same price as the Bentayga Hybrid, the regular Bentayga is equipped with a turbocharged V8 engine producing 542 hp. The refined and potent powertrain includes a smooth eight-speed automatic and AWD. The V8’s major advantage over the hybrid is its more sonorous engine note, but that means you have to accept combined gas mileage of only 16 mpg. Like other Bentleys, this has an exquisitely detailed interior with comfortable seats and the pleasing sense that technology hasn’t eroded its charm. There’s still a modern infotainment interface and an array of driver-assistance features; disappointingly, you must pay extra for some of these features.

10 Aston Martin DBX707

2024 Aston Martin DBX707

Base MSRP

$242,000

Fuel Economy

15/20 MPG

Horsepower

697 hp

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Gas

Drivetrain

AWD

0-60 MPH

3.1 Seconds

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At over $240k, the Aston Martin DBX707 demands a fair chunk of change, but what an SUV this is. Its AMG-sourced V8 engine puts out a heady 697 hp, and that makes this one of the quickest-accelerating SUVs in the world. It’s also one of the fastest, capable of 193 mph when its legs are fully stretched. This is a vehicle that exudes charisma from every pore, be it the outlandish styling or the playful chassis and thunderous soundtrack. This gives it quite a different personality to the more refined and luxurious Bentley Bentayga. For Aston Martin sports car fans who need more space for the family, it’s a top choice.

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Expert Opinion

“Launch control is hilariously brutal, as the engine barks and roars and the turbos flutter under full throttle. But once you get over the party trick, which is all it will be for most buyers, reality sets in, and the DBX707 is completely docile. No one ever said the standard DBX was in need of more power, and in real-world applications, you’ll seldom ever call on 697 horses to do your bidding.”

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Best Of The Rest

2024 Porsche 911 Dakar

Base MSRP

$222,000

Fuel Economy

16/24/19 mpg

Horsepower

473 hp

Engine

3.0L Twin-Turbo Flat 6 Gas

Drivetrain

AWD

2024 Bentley Continental GT

Base MSRP

$242,700

Fuel Economy

14/22 MPG

Horsepower

542 hp

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Gas

Drivetrain

All-Wheel Drive

2024 McLaren Artura

Base MSRP

$233,000

Fuel Economy

TBC

Horsepower

671 hp

Engine

3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 Plug-in Hybrid

2024 Lucid Air Sapphire

Base MSRP

$249,000

Engine

Electric

Horsepower

1,234 hp

0-60 MPH

1.89 seconds

Fuel Economy

108/101/105 MPGe

2024 Porsche 911 S/T

Base MSRP

$290,000

Fuel Economy

13/19/15 mpg

Horsepower

518 hp

Engine

4.0L Flat 6 Gas

Transmission

6-Speed Manual

2024 Ferrari Roma

Base MSRP

$247,308

Fuel Economy

17/22/19 mpg

Horsepower

612 hp

Engine

3.9L Twin-Turbo V8 Gas

0-60 MPH

3.4 seconds

2024 Maserati MC20 Cielo

Base MSRP

$281,000

Fuel Economy

15/25/18 mpg

Horsepower

621 hp

Engine

3.0L Twin-Turbo V6

Drivetrain

Rear-Wheel Drive

2024 Maserati MC20

Horsepower

621 hp

Engine

3.0L Twin-Turbo V6

Torque

538 lb-ft

Drivetrain

Rear-Wheel Drive

2024 McLaren GTS

Base MSRP

$0

Fuel Economy

TBC

Horsepower

626 hp

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Gas

Ferrari Roma Spider

Base MSRP

$277,970

Fuel Economy

17/22 MPG

Horsepower

612 hp

Engine

3.9L Twin-Turbo V8 Gas

What To Consider When Buying A Car Between $200k And $300k

Most people won’t get the chance to consider a vehicle in this price range. If you’re one of the lucky ones that are considering $200k to $300k cars, these are the attributes to consider.

Pros:

• Top-class luxury and safety standards
• Potent performance from powerful engines
• Many prestigious brands to choose from
• Excellent comfort for those who prefer to be chauffeured
• Attractive, striking designs

Cons:

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Best Cars Of 2024 From $100k To $200k

In six-figure territory, these cars are high performers, brimming with luxury, or a mix of both.

What is the best car under $300,000?

Every car in this category provides industry-leading performance, luxury, and technology. However, if we were buying a sports car, the Porsche 911 Turbo is hard to beat. For sheer luxury, the Mercedes-Maybach S (sedan) and Land Rover Range Rover (SUV) are good choices.