The 10 Contenders for Robb Report’s 2023 Car of the Year, From Audi to Rolls-Royce

Robb Report’s editors never could have imagined that what began as a casual gathering of a few pals and fun cars would grow into an internationally recognized automotive competition, held on two coasts and attended annually by hundreds of car enthusiasts over the course of several weeks—but here we are. Robb Report Car of the Year started 20 years ago with modest ambitions and nary a thought that it would develop into not just an eagerly anticipated date on our editorial calendar but also a storied tradition. Yet word got out, and just one year after the event’s inception, things got serious. The pool of competitors expanded, our circle of judges widened, and car manufacturers took notice. Plus, we soon learned that evaluating 10 or more very different vehicles in one fell swoop was a challenging task, as many drivers not only compared them to one another but also considered their own personal experience in superlative and collection-worthy models spanning eras. Looking back at the well-over 200 sports and luxury cars that have been part of our Car of the Year program shows us that we were fortunate enough, on more than a few occasions, to have driven history in the making.

We’ve experienced such game-changing approaches to the automobile as the Bugatti Veyron and the Porsche 918 Spyder, as well as cars that have become undisputed classics, including the Ferrari 575M Maranello and the Mercedes-SLS AMG Gullwing. More recently, we’ve watched the ebbs and flows of the industry’s EV sea change in real time, as electric technology ushers in a radical new generation of vehicles undreamt of around the turn of the millennium. This past fall, on the road in Napa Valley, Calif., and on the track in Boca Raton, Fla., four of our contenders were EVs, and we won’t be surprised if next year more than half the entrants are powered in part (or entirely) by spinning motors.

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This year still enjoyed a ferocious soundtrack from a slew of fire-breathing internal-combustion-powered models, including the naturally aspirated, V-10-engined Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica. Unfortunately for the Tecnica, fate intervened, and through no fault of its own, the perennial contender—Lamborghini has claimed top honors four times in the past five years, three of them going to Huracán variants—suffered a debilitating incident early on that, like Neymar in the World Cup, ended its contest prematurely.

But however the chips may fall, the philosophy underpinning Car of the Year has remained true to the original mission outlined two decades ago: Identify the vehicle that exceeds its design brief, giving a glimpse of the future while shocking and awing along the way. Of course, the competition wouldn’t hold quite the allure it does without the exceptional hospitality, wine, cuisine and other luxury amenities that accompany the world’s best automobiles. Perhaps that’s the great secret behind the longevity of our Car of the Year program: As with the machines themselves, there’s always a new discovery to be made.

Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Jailbreak

The full Challenger SRT name doesn’t exactly say it all, but it says a lot, showing just how hard Dodge is riding out the last glory days of gas-powered, retro-inspired American muscle. After announcing plans to reimagine the Challenger and Charger models for the brand’s upcoming transition to electrified power, Dodge seems hellbent on making sure everyone within hearing distance of this car’s rip-snorting, supercharged Hemi V-8 with 807 hp will never forget what we gave up in the battery-power bargain.

Many judges admitted that the Dodge was their guilty pleasure out of our field. Jon Robinson called the car “the bad boy of the group, but so fun to drive,” and Mike Sisk observed that “you can’t help but smile behind the wheel.” For Ken Parr, it was “ridiculously fun, but juvenile—this is a bachelor party with a steering wheel.” Others found the Dodge too overpowering for their taste. “This car is extreme, like a double Long Island iced tea,” said Josh Green. “No thanks.” Jonathan Weizman, meanwhile, “couldn’t wait to get out.” Some were more forgiving, with Kenneth Woolcott saying that it was “the last of the breed, for better or worse,” and Karen Karlsrud referring to it as “the right car for a special few.”

ENGINE: 6.2-liter supercharged V-8
POWER: 807 hp @ 6,400 rpm
0-60 MPH: 3.4 sec
TOP SPEED: 203 mph
BASE PRICE: $63,530
PRICE AS TESTED: $97,072

BMW i7 xDrive60

With its electrified 7 Series, BMW throws down the gauntlet in a claim for EV world domination. Yet some BMW diehards might feel that dual electric motors and a one-speed automatic transmission turn the Ultimate Driving Machine into the Ultimate Sewing Machine. No car this year elicited so many polarized opinions from our judges as this nearly 6,000-pound cruiser.

Certainly, the vehicle’s advanced technology offers impressive convenience and luxury, transforming the cabin into a rolling executive lounge. Some judges connected to the maximalist vibe, including Keith Berglund, who “very much enjoyed the interior styling, the room, handling and classic look,” while also noting “it’s a little slow compared to the Audi.” Rick Westbrook mostly seconded that assessment. “It’s a great car for a long drive if you can find a charging station on your route,” he said, adding, “It’s a little busy on the interior, but still beautiful.” That busyness, however, raised more than a few of our judges’ hackles. Remarking on the fake crystal gewgaws festooning the center console and door panels, Honor Guthrie quipped that “Bavarian Motor Works becomes Baccarat Motor Works.” Lindsay Smith agreed, saying, “It definitely tells a story, but the wrong one. The crystal details just seem tacky—out of place in a BMW.”

While some were impressed—Scott Joachim called the i7 “perhaps the most luxurious EV on the market”—one judge, a BMW connoisseur whose collection reflects his commitment to the marque, was not convinced. “I’ve been a BMW fan since childhood,” said Charles Thomas. “If this is the future of the brand, they should simply close up shop now and allow brands that have stayed true to themselves to fill their place in the market.” Jonathan Weizman may have described the divisive model’s appeal most succinctly when he called it “a plush and luxurious electric tank.”

MOTORS: Dual electric
POWER: 536 hp
0-60 MPH: 4.5 sec
TOP SPEED: 149 mph (limited)
RANGE: 318 mi
BASE PRICE: $119,300
PRICE AS TESTED: $156,595

Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II

In this British marque’s magnum opus, wretched excess never seemed so right, or so rich, coddling its occupants in unbridled luxury complemented by 664 ft lbs of torque from a twin-turbo V-12 engine that simply does not stop building power. If that kind of rush is your catnip, buy a Phantom now, because the specter of an electric Rolls-Royce (which, coincidentally, will be called the Spectre) looms as large as the car itself.

Our judges universally appreciated the opulence, if some were a bit conflicted as to which row of seating was more appropriate for an owner. John Zappettini said, “I absolutely love this automobile, both to drive and be driven in.” Kendall Flesher was equally enamored, saying, “I had the biggest smile on my face the entire ride, as driver and passenger. There is no hiccup in its performance, every move is so smooth as to go virtually unnoticed. I could easily spend hours in it.” Burton Young agreed, noting, “This car has everything you’d want. The interior compares to a five-star, world-class hotel. The ride is so smooth you can barely tell how fast you’re driving.” Arvind Sodhani experienced “surprising acceleration for a monster,” while calling the Phantom “opulent, overdone and not understated.” Lindsay Smith painted a definitive picture of luxury. “I felt like I was sitting in a very plush jewelry box,” she said. “It was all things regal, gangster and fabulousness!”

ENGINE: 6.75-liter twin-turbo-charged V-12
POWER: 563 hp @ 5,000 rpm
0-60 MPH: 5.3 sec
TOP SPEED: 155 mph (limited)
BASE PRICE: $470,000
PRICE AS TESTED: $651,450

Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4MATIC SUV

Take a good, close look at Mercedes-Benz’s electric future. We got a taste last year with the EQS sedan, and now it’s back in a family size and with even greater utility. A luxury transportation pod as only the Silver Star can imagine one, this is a bleeding-edge EV with a touchscreen bigger than the broad side of a 100-gallon aquarium, flaunting more features and technology than any vehicle this side of the Mars lander. Mercedes calls it the “SUV reinvented and the electric vehicle reimagined.” Futuristic but refreshingly familiar, it combines ultramodern tech with a luxurious, family-friendly package and space for seven.

And therein lies the magic. Robb Report’s deputy editor, Josh Condon, noted the large SUV’s speed, likening it to “an elephant on cheetah legs,” but he was most impressed by the way the vehicle melded a futuristic power train and splashy high-tech features with intuitive usability. Explaining why it ranked as his second-place choice for Car of the Year, Condon said: “Tesla is still making EVs for tech early adopters, but this is an overbuilt EV for people who want an electric car that mostly just feels like a car—and the vast majority of car buyers are the latter.” Michael Steinger called it “the best all-around car of the bunch. A daily driver with exceptional range, with Mercedes reliability and comfort.” And Michael Famiglietti gave it highest marks, asserting, “Mercedes conquers the electric segment of SUVs.”

But some others thought it came up short on the wow factor. Paul Kwiecinski said it was “well designed but low on excitement and passion. One of the cars that you use and don’t mind selling.” Jonathan Weizman was even stingier with his praise: “Neato, but no.” Michael Grad took a rather contrarian view, calling it “so perfect in every way that it’s actually boring. It almost makes driving feel like a video game.” In that case, millennials and Gen Z-ers might feel right at home behind the wheel.

MOTORS: Dual electric
POWER: 536 hp
0-60 MPH: 4.5 sec
TOP SPEED: 130 mph (limited)
RANGE: 285 mi
BASE PRICE: $125,950
PRICE AS TESTED: $144,990

Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Roadster

The popular SL roadster has been a Mercedes-Benz staple since the first 300 SL hit the streets in 1957. And while that car—a genuine blue-chip collectible—is a tough act to follow, the seventh and latest generation keeps the original’s faith and spirit alive. Few other cars meld butter-smooth luxury with top-down performance and make it seem so easy. Sometimes we take for granted that a car can be engaging and charismatic without all the flash and fanfare, but when it’s time to finally grow up, it’s hard to beat Mercedes’s quintessential convertible.

Our snazzy 2+2 (in name only) had lots of admirers, including Merle Mullin, who regularly rallies in her own 300 SL. She said this descendant “handles very well, feeling the connection to the road at every turn. It’s the perfect combination of a sports car with comfort.” Apparently, admiration was in the air. “I loved everything about this car!” exclaimed Linda Young. “The look, speed, comfort, style and performance. I think this car was made for me.” Cindy McMackin felt the same way, saying, “It’s a nearly perfect driving experience. It’s hard to fit the golf clubs in, but otherwise it’s a dream car!” Others found the steering heavy and the interior accoutrements needlessly complicated for a sporting GT, with Craig Cavileer observing that “the iPad is unnecessary and distracting. Let the car be a car and not an auditorium.” Still, complaints were far outweighed by enthusiasm. “I can’t imagine how to make the car better,” Everett Robert said. “It’s power, control, beauty and comfort, all in one package.”

ENGINE: 4.0-liter twin-turbo-charged V-8
POWER: 577 hp @ 5,500 rpm
0-60 MPH: 3.5 sec
TOP SPEED: 196 mph
BASE PRICE: $178,100
PRICE AS TESTED: $205,550

Audi RS e-tron GT