The Pinnacle of Automotive Excellence: A Decade of Five-Star Cars
For nearly a century, Autocar has stood as a beacon of automotive journalism, meticulously dissecting and evaluating vehicles with an unparalleled depth of expertise. Since our inaugural road test of the Austin Seven in 1928, a car that defined automotive accessibility for its era, we have subjected thousands of models to our rigorous scrutiny. Each vehicle is awarded an overall score out of five stars, a system designed to distill complex engineering and driving dynamics into a clear, quantifiable measure of excellence. Earning a perfect five-star rating is an exceptionally rare achievement, a testament to a machine that transcends the ordinary, with only one or two vehicles typically reaching this coveted echelon each year.
In this comprehensive deep dive, we proudly present the definitive list of cars that have achieved this ultimate accolade in the past decade – a curated selection of just 21 models that represent the absolute zenith of automotive engineering, design, and driving pleasure. Join us as we revisit the best cars of the past decade, exploring what set these exceptional machines apart. Each entry is accompanied by its original publication date, offering a temporal context to their groundbreaking impact. We delve into the nuances of what makes a car truly deserving of a perfect score, beyond mere statistics, examining the intangible qualities that resonate with seasoned automotive professionals and discerning drivers alike. This isn’t just a list; it’s an exploration of automotive perfection, a guide to the vehicles that have defined excellence and continue to inspire innovation.
For those seeking the ultimate driving machine or looking to invest in a piece of automotive history, understanding which vehicles have consistently outperformed the competition is paramount. This compilation serves as an indispensable resource for collectors, enthusiasts, and prospective buyers navigating the high-end automotive market. We’ll explore not just the technical prowess but also the emotional connection these vehicles forge with their owners, a crucial aspect often overlooked in purely objective reviews. This decade’s worth of five-star vehicles offers a compelling narrative of automotive evolution, showcasing how manufacturers have pushed boundaries and redefined what’s possible.
The Elusive Five-Star Formula: What It Takes to Earn Perfection
Earning a five-star rating from Autocar is not a matter of luck or favor. It is the culmination of exceptional performance across a multitude of disciplines. Our testing methodology is exhaustive, encompassing everything from raw power and handling dynamics to ride comfort, interior refinement, safety innovations, and long-term usability. We are looking for vehicles that deliver a holistic, uncompromised experience. This means a car that can effortlessly transition from a spirited track day performance to a serene daily commute, all while providing a sense of occasion and unwavering reliability.
When we bestow five stars, it signifies a vehicle that has not only met but significantly exceeded all our expectations. It is a car that demonstrates mastery in its class, often setting new benchmarks for its competitors. This could be through groundbreaking technological integration, revolutionary design principles, or an unparalleled synergy between man and machine. We consider the overall package: does the engine deliver exhilarating power with impeccable responsiveness? Does the chassis provide a sublime balance of agility and stability? Is the braking system confidence-inspiring under all conditions? How does the interior engage the senses with its materials, ergonomics, and connectivity? These are the questions that drive our evaluation, and only those vehicles that answer them with resounding success make the cut. The five-star cars we’ve identified represent the pinnacle of automotive achievement, offering a driving experience that is both thrilling and deeply satisfying.
The pursuit of best performance cars is a constant in the automotive world, but few manage to strike the perfect chord. Our analysis goes beyond the spec sheet. We consider the intangible “feel” of a car – the feedback through the steering wheel, the aural symphony of the engine, the way the gearbox shifts, and the overall sense of connection with the road. This emotional resonance is a critical component of a truly great vehicle. For instance, a supercar performance is expected to be exhilarating, but it’s the nuanced delivery of that performance, the precision in its control, and the confidence it inspires that truly separates the exceptional from the merely fast. Similarly, for a luxury electric vehicle, excellence lies not just in its silent, instant torque but in the refinement of its ride, the sophistication of its technology, and the opulence of its cabin.
Navigating the Elite: A Decade of Automotive All-Stars
The past ten years have witnessed a remarkable surge in automotive innovation, with manufacturers continuously pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. From the electrification revolution to the refinement of internal combustion engines and the relentless pursuit of driver engagement, this era has been a golden age for car enthusiasts. The top-rated cars of this period reflect this dynamism, showcasing a diverse range of engineering philosophies and design approaches.
Here, in alphabetical order, are the 21 vehicles that have earned Autocar’s highest possible commendation in the last decade, a testament to their enduring appeal and exceptional capabilities:
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera (Published: 23rd January 2019)
The DBS Superleggera arrived as a glorious celebration of the grand tourer, a car that masterfully blends brutal performance with sophisticated elegance. Its potent twin-turbo V12 engine, delivering a thundering 715bhp, propels the car with astonishing ferocity, yet the chassis remains remarkably composed, offering a ride that is both pliant enough for long journeys and taut enough for spirited B-road blasts. The Superleggera’s striking design, a captivating fusion of aggression and beauty, is matched by an interior that exudes bespoke craftsmanship. It’s a car that commands attention and delivers an unadulterated GT experience, a true descendant of automotive royalty. For those seeking the ultimate blend of luxury GT cars and blistering speed, the DBS Superleggera remains a benchmark. Its ability to effortlessly devour continents while providing an experience that is both visceral and refined solidifies its place among the elite. The sound alone is a symphony, a testament to the engineering prowess of Aston Martin’s engineers.
Aston Martin Valhalla (Published: 16th June 2021)
Stepping into the hypercar arena, the Valhalla represents Aston Martin’s bold vision for a road-focused hybrid supercar. Combining a powerful V8 engine with electric assistance, it promises blistering performance with the added benefit of improved efficiency and emissions. Its advanced aerodynamics and lightweight construction are designed to deliver extreme levels of grip and agility, setting a new standard for Aston Martin’s mid-engined prowess. The anticipation for this model, alongside other new hypercar releases, has been immense, and initial assessments suggest it will live up to its stratospheric billing. The integration of hybrid technology here is not just about compliance; it’s about enhancing the raw excitement and extending the performance envelope in ways previously unimaginable.
Audi RS6 Avant (C8) (Published: 23rd October 2019)
The Audi RS6 Avant has long been a darling of the performance estate car segment, and the C8 generation only cemented its legendary status. This is the ultimate everyday supercar, effortlessly blending the practicality of an estate with the ferocity of a true performance machine. Its potent 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine produces a formidable 592bhp, capable of catapulting this spacious family car from 0 to 60mph in under four seconds. Yet, it’s the way the RS6 handles its immense power – with composure, grip, and an addictive sense of urgency – that truly earns its praise. The Quattro all-wheel-drive system, coupled with adaptive suspension and dynamic steering, ensures it remains planted and predictable, even when driven to its limits. For anyone needing space and speed without compromise, the performance estate cars like the RS6 are unmatched. The intelligent integration of technology, from its sophisticated infotainment to its driver assistance systems, further enhances its appeal as a do-it-all machine.
Bentley Continental GT Speed (Published: 11th May 2021)
The Bentley Continental GT Speed represents the pinnacle of luxurious performance, a grand tourer that offers an intoxicating blend of immense power, supreme comfort, and unparalleled craftsmanship. Its W12 engine, a marvel of engineering, delivers effortless acceleration and a soundtrack that is both menacing and majestic. The Speed variant sharpens the GT’s already impressive dynamics, offering a more focused driving experience without sacrificing the opulent ride quality that Bentley is renowned for. This is a car that devours miles with regal grace, providing an experience that is both exhilarating and deeply relaxing. It’s a testament to Bentley’s enduring commitment to creating automobiles of distinction, where power meets plushness in perfect harmony. The attention to detail within the cabin is simply extraordinary, from the hand-stitched leather to the perfectly milled metal controls.
BMW M3 Competition Touring (Published: 19th October 2022)
The arrival of the M3 Competition Touring marked a significant moment for enthusiasts who craved the ultimate blend of practicality and performance in a compact package. This is not just an M3 with more doors; it’s a meticulously engineered machine that harnesses the legendary M-power with the versatility of an estate. The potent inline-six engine delivers exhilarating acceleration, while the chassis has been honed to offer sublime handling and driver engagement. It’s a car that can tackle a track day with aplomb and then seamlessly transition to school runs and shopping trips without a second thought. This makes it a truly compelling proposition for those who demand BMW M performance without compromising on everyday usability. It truly embodies the spirit of a car that can do it all, and do it exceptionally well. The integration of advanced driver aids and cutting-edge infotainment systems further enhances its appeal to the modern driver.
Ferrari 296 GTB (Published: 2nd March 2022)
The Ferrari 296 GTB is a revolution in the Maranello marque’s history, a plug-in hybrid supercar that redefines the concept of performance and driver engagement. Its compact, sonorous V6 engine, boosted by a pair of turbochargers and augmented by a potent electric motor, delivers staggering acceleration and a thrilling V12-esque soundtrack. The chassis is a masterpiece of agility and responsiveness, allowing the driver to exploit the immense power with confidence and precision. It’s a car that feels alive, eager to please, and capable of delivering an emotional driving experience that is quintessentially Ferrari. The 296 GTB represents a bold step into the future for Ferrari supercars, showcasing how electrification can enhance, rather than diminish, the pure joy of driving. The intricate aerodynamic solutions contribute not only to downforce but also to the car’s striking aesthetic.
Ferrari SF90 Stradale (Published: 15th January 2020)
The SF90 Stradale is Ferrari’s first plug-in hybrid supercar, and it represents a seismic shift in the company’s engineering philosophy. This is a technological tour de force, combining a potent V8 engine with no fewer than three electric motors to produce a colossal 986bhp. The result is blistering acceleration, a top speed that borders on the astronomical, and an all-wheel-drive system that provides unprecedented levels of grip and traction. Yet, despite its immense power, the SF90 Stradale remains remarkably intuitive and engaging to drive, thanks to Ferrari’s mastery of chassis dynamics and driver interface. It’s a glimpse into the future of high-performance hybrid cars, a vehicle that seamlessly blends electrifying power with the soul of a Ferrari. The active aerodynamics play a crucial role in maintaining stability at extreme speeds, a true feat of engineering.
Ford GT (Published: 18th September 2019)
The Ford GT is more than just a car; it’s a return to the legendary racing heritage that defined Ford’s dominance at Le Mans. This is a purebred supercar, designed with a singular focus on aerodynamic efficiency and track-honed performance. Its twin-turbocharged V6 engine, while seemingly unconventional for a supercar of this caliber, delivers explosive power and a surprisingly engaging soundtrack. The GT’s carbonfibre construction, active aerodynamics, and sophisticated suspension work in concert to create a machine that is incredibly agile, responsive, and capable of astonishing feats of speed and handling. It’s a car that demands respect and rewards its driver with an unadulterated, visceral experience, a true icon among American sports cars. The obsessive attention to detail in its construction and design is evident in every curve and component.
Honda Civic Type R (FL5) (Published: 16th November 2022)
The Honda Civic Type R has long been the benchmark for hot hatch performance, and the latest FL5 generation continues this illustrious legacy. Building on the success of its predecessors, this new Type R offers an even more refined and potent driving experience. Its powerful turbocharged engine, coupled with a slick-manual gearbox and a highly capable chassis, delivers exceptional grip, razor-sharp handling, and an infectious sense of fun. It’s a car that proves you don’t need exotic materials or stratospheric prices to achieve automotive brilliance. The Civic Type R is a masterclass in maximizing performance from a front-wheel-drive platform, making it a standout in the hot hatch segment. Its ability to be a thrilling track weapon one moment and a practical daily driver the next is truly remarkable. The updated styling is more mature yet still aggressive, reflecting its performance capabilities.
Jaguar F-Pace SVR (Published: 29th May 2019)
The Jaguar F-Pace SVR is a potent demonstration of how to inject true supercar DNA into an SUV. Powered by Jaguar’s supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine, it delivers breathtaking acceleration and a throaty V8 soundtrack that belies its SUV underpinnings. But it’s the chassis tuning by Jaguar’s Special Vehicle Operations team that truly elevates the F-Pace SVR, imbuing it with remarkable agility and handling prowess for its size. It can tackle corners with surprising composure and offers a driving experience that is far more engaging than most performance SUVs. This is a car that proves you can have your cake and eat it too – practicality combined with exhilarating performance, a strong contender in the performance SUV market. The interior is a blend of sporty and luxurious, fitting for a vehicle of this caliber.
Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica (Published: 20th July 2022)
The Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica emerges as a sublime evolution of the Huracán lineage, a rear-wheel-drive supercar that prioritizes driver engagement and pure V10 exhilaration. Stripped back to its essence, it focuses on delivering a raw, unadulterated driving experience that harks back to Lamborghini’s iconic past. The naturally aspirated V10 engine provides a glorious, operatic soundtrack and searing performance, while the advanced chassis and aerodynamic refinements offer incredible agility and feedback. It’s a car designed for the driver who craves connection with the machine and the road, a true testament to the enduring appeal of naturally aspirated V10 engines. The Tecnica represents a perfect sweet spot in the Huracán range, offering extreme performance with an accessible purity.
Lamborghini Revuelto (Published: 14th June 2023)
The Revuelto marks a monumental new chapter for Lamborghini, ushering in the era of their first plug-in hybrid V12 supercar. This is an engineering masterpiece, combining a thunderous new V12 engine with three electric motors to produce an astonishing 1015bhp. The result is electrifying performance, jaw-dropping acceleration, and a technological leap that redefines the supercar landscape. The Revuelto is designed to be a halo car, a statement of intent that showcases Lamborghini’s commitment to embracing the future while retaining its signature dramatic flair and raw emotion. It is a significant development in the future of hypercars, setting a new benchmark for performance and innovation. The aggressive styling perfectly complements its groundbreaking powertrain.
Mercedes-AMG SL63 (Published: 25th May 2022)
The Mercedes-AMG SL63 is a triumphant return to form for the iconic roadster, a car that masterfully blends potent performance with luxurious comfort and cutting-edge technology. Underneath its elegant exterior lies a formidable 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering explosive acceleration and a sonorous V8 growl. The chassis has been thoroughly re-engineered to provide a driving experience that is both engaging and refined, making it an exceptional grand tourer. The interior is a sanctuary of opulence and advanced technology, befitting the SL badge. It represents the pinnacle of luxury convertibles, offering a sublime open-top driving experience without compromise. The sophisticated active aerodynamics and advanced driver assistance systems further enhance its appeal as a supremely capable and comfortable machine.
Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series (Published: 16th December 2020)
The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is the ultimate expression of AMG’s track-focused philosophy, a road-legal supercar designed with the sole purpose of delivering blistering performance. Its monstrous 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, producing an incredible 720bhp, is the most powerful production V8 ever fitted to a Mercedes-AMG. Coupled with a track-tuned suspension, aggressive aerodynamics, and a chassis honed for maximum grip and stability, the GT Black Series is an astonishingly capable machine on both road and track. It’s a car that demands focus and rewards precision, a true halo product for high-performance Mercedes models. The extensive use of carbon fibre and advanced aero elements showcases its racing pedigree.
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS (Published: 26th January 2022)
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is a revelation, a track-focused beast that transforms the already excellent Cayman into a sensory overload of performance and engagement. Its naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six engine, derived from the 911 GT3, screams to an 8000rpm redline, delivering a symphony of mechanical noise and blistering acceleration. The chassis is exquisitely tuned for maximum agility and feedback, providing a level of driver connection that is increasingly rare in modern performance cars. It’s a purist’s machine, designed for those who crave the ultimate driving experience. The GT4 RS stands as a peerless example of track day cars that are also road-legal, offering an unfiltered and exhilarating connection to the asphalt.
Porsche 911 GT3 (Published: 20th March 2019)
The Porsche 911 GT3 has long been the benchmark for driver-focused sports cars, and the current generation continues this exceptional legacy. With its naturally aspirated flat-six engine, renowned for its exquisite sound and razor-sharp throttle response, and a chassis that offers unparalleled feedback and agility, the GT3 delivers an intoxicating driving experience. Whether on the road or the track, it inspires confidence and rewards precise inputs with an immediate and visceral connection to the driving surface. It’s a car that embodies the pure essence of driving pleasure and remains a top contender in the sports car class. The meticulous engineering that goes into every GT3 ensures it remains a benchmark for performance and driver involvement.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS (Published: 7th August 2018)
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS represents the absolute extreme of the 911 range, a road-legal race car designed to deliver uncompromised track performance. Its potent engine, aerodynamic sophistication, and race-bred chassis work in perfect harmony to create a machine that is astonishingly fast and incredibly capable. The RS prioritizes downforce and grip, allowing for extreme cornering speeds and braking performance. It’s a car that demands commitment from its driver but rewards them with an unparalleled level of performance and engagement. For those seeking the ultimate track weapon, the GT3 RS is a benchmark in Porsche performance models. The active aerodynamic elements are particularly impressive, contributing significantly to its on-track prowess.
Porsche Taycan Turbo S (Published: 15th April 2020)
The Porsche Taycan Turbo S shattered expectations for what an electric performance car could be. It delivers blistering acceleration, supercar-rivalling dynamics, and the build quality and driver engagement that we expect from Porsche. The all-wheel-drive system provides immense grip, while the sophisticated suspension and chassis tuning ensure it handles with a level of agility and poise that is simply breathtaking for an EV. It’s a testament to Porsche’s engineering prowess, proving that electric power can deliver an exhilarating and emotional driving experience. The Taycan Turbo S is a true benchmark in the luxury electric car segment, offering a compelling blend of performance, technology, and sustainability. The development of fast-charging infrastructure is crucial for maximizing the utility of such impressive electric vehicles.
Rimac Nevera (Published: 19th January 2022)
The Rimac Nevera is not just a car; it’s a paradigm shift in the automotive world. This all-electric hypercar boasts performance figures that defy belief, accelerating from 0 to 60mph in under two seconds and reaching a top speed that eclipses many gasoline-powered supercars. Its four independent electric motors deliver instant, immense torque, controlled by sophisticated software that provides unparalleled traction and agility. The Nevera is a technological marvel, showcasing the incredible potential of electric propulsion in the hypercar space. It represents the cutting edge of electric hypercar technology and a bold vision for the future of extreme automotive performance. The sheer amount of data and computing power required to manage its performance is astounding.
Tesla Model S Plaid (Published: 19th May 2021)
The Tesla Model S Plaid redefined the performance sedan, offering acceleration that frankly astonished the automotive world. With its tri-motor all-wheel-drive setup, it can launch from 0 to 60mph in a blink of an eye, rivalling and often surpassing the quickest supercars. Beyond its straight-line speed, the Plaid offers a refined interior, cutting-edge technology, and the practical benefits of a sedan. It’s a car that has democratized extreme performance, making it accessible in a way that was previously unimaginable. The Model S Plaid stands as a remarkable achievement in the realm of high-performance EVs, proving that electric power can deliver ultimate thrills. The ongoing advancements in battery technology are key to further enhancing the performance and range of these vehicles.
Toyota GR Yaris (Published: 20th March 2020)
The Toyota GR Yaris is a rally-bred marvel, a car that has captured the hearts of driving enthusiasts worldwide with its pure, unadulterated performance. Built from the ground up with motorsport in mind, it features a unique three-door chassis, a potent turbocharged three-cylinder engine, and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system that delivers exceptional grip and agility. The GR Yaris offers a driving experience that is raw, engaging, and incredibly fun, proving that affordable cars can still deliver exhilarating performance. It’s a masterclass in creating a performance hatchback that punches well above its weight, a true icon of accessible automotive joy. The lightweight construction and tight packaging contribute significantly to its nimble handling characteristics.
The Verdict: A Decade of Driving Excellence
The 21 cars featured here represent the very best of what the automotive industry has produced in the last ten years. They are machines that have not only met but exceeded the most stringent expectations, delivering unparalleled performance, exquisite craftsmanship, and deeply satisfying driving experiences. Each has earned its place through a combination of raw engineering talent, innovative thinking, and an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of automotive perfection.
For those considering their next automotive acquisition, whether it’s a track-day weapon, a luxurious grand tourer, or an everyday performance car, this list provides an invaluable guide to vehicles that have proven themselves to be truly exceptional. These are the best cars of the decade, a testament to the enduring passion and innovation that drives the automotive world forward.
If you’re inspired by this pinnacle of automotive achievement and are ready to experience the thrill of driving some of the world’s most celebrated vehicles, we invite you to explore our curated selection of driving experiences or contact a specialist dealer today to learn more about these extraordinary machines.
