What is a flagship car?
A flagship car is the brand’s top-tier model, designed to symbolize the manufacturer’s luxury, technology, and design leadership.
Definitions and criteria
Here are the traits commonly used to define flagship cars across automakers:
- Top-of-range positioning in the lineup, typically the highest price and the most luxurious materials and comforts
- Bundling of the latest engineering, propulsion, safety, and infotainment technology
- Distinctive design language and branding cues that mark the model as the brand’s face to the world
- Exclusive or limited production, high levels of craftsmanship, and often extensive customization options
- A marketing role as a “halo” product to elevate the entire brand and inform design language for other models
- Potential transfer of features and platforms to more affordable models over time
Flagship cars, in short, are the pinnacle expression of a brand’s capabilities and identity, intended to set expectations for quality and innovation across the lineup.
Notable flagship models by brand
Examples of vehicles widely considered flagships in their respective brands reflect how varied this role can be, from sedans to ultra-luxury offerings. Note that availability and naming can differ by region and over time.
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class – the brand’s standard-bearer sedan and long-standing benchmark for luxury and technology
- BMW 7 Series – the top-tier luxury sedan showcasing BMW’s latest innovations
- Audi A8 – Audi’s flagship sedan with advanced technology and craftsmanship
- Lexus LS – Lexus’s flagship sedan combining Japanese craftsmanship with cutting-edge features
- Genesis G90 – Genesis’s flagship sedan, representing the brand’s premium design language and engineering
- Toyota Century – a long-standing flagship luxury sedan for the Japanese market
- Rolls-Royce Phantom – the pinnacle model for Rolls-Royce, epitomizing ultra-luxury bespoke craft
- Cadillac Celestiq – Cadillac’s high-end, limited-production flagship electric sedan
These models illustrate how flagships function as brand ambassadors, signaling capability, luxury, and innovation while guiding the trajectory of future mainstream models.
Summary
Flagship cars sit at the apex of a brand’s lineup, combining maximum luxury, the newest technology, and distinctive design to define and project the maker’s identity. While the exact model name varies by brand and market, the flagship’s purpose is consistent: to showcase what a company can achieve and to elevate the perception of the entire lineup.
What does flagship mean for cars?
A flagship car is the most important, top-tier model in a manufacturer's lineup, showcasing its ultimate capabilities in terms of luxury, technology, performance, or design. These vehicles act as a brand's moving advertisement, embodying the company's core values and often featuring its most advanced innovations and premium features. Examples include the Mercedes-Benz S-Class or the BMW 7 Series.
Key characteristics
- Pinnacle of the brand: A flagship car is designed to be the ultimate expression of what a manufacturer can do, often serving as the largest, most powerful, or most luxurious vehicle they produce.
- Technological showcase: Automakers use their flagship models to introduce cutting-edge features, from advanced driver-assistance systems to sophisticated infotainment and powertrain technologies.
- Design and brand identity: The car's design is often a bold statement that encapsulates the brand's aesthetic and sets the tone for its other models.
- Target audience: Flagship cars are aimed at influential customers, such as business leaders, celebrities, or government officials, who often use them for chauffeured transport.
- Symbol of prestige: These vehicles represent the pinnacle of a brand's prestige and are sometimes used to attract high-end customers to the brand's entire range of vehicles.
What is Ford's flagship vehicle?
The Ford flagship is typically the Ford GT supercar for performance, while the Ford Explorer is the flagship SUV and the Ford Taurus is the flagship sedan. The specific flagship depends on the category, with the GT representing the pinnacle of speed and handling, the Explorer representing the top in its SUV lineup, and the Taurus aiming for the top spot in the midsize sedan segment.
Performance flagship
- Ford GT: A mid-engine supercar inspired by the classic GT40, the GT is the ultimate expression of Ford's performance engineering. It features a twin-turbocharged V6 engine, carbon fiber construction, and race-inspired handling.
SUV flagship
- Ford Explorer: The Explorer is considered Ford's flagship SUV, with the newest models featuring updated styling, performance, and interior space.
- Ford Everest: In some regions, the Everest is presented as a flagship full-size SUV, seating up to seven passengers.
Sedan flagship
- Ford Taurus: A midsize sedan that has been a mainstay for Ford, the 2026 model is positioned as the new flagship, with a focus on hybrid technology for efficiency and a modern, sophisticated design.
Other flagship models
- Ford Mustang: While the Mustang is iconic, it is often considered the flagship for the muscle car segment and has served as Ford's racing flagship in motorsport initiatives, inspired by cars like the Porsche 911.
- Lincoln: As Ford's luxury brand, Lincoln has its own flagship models, such as the Corsair, and has previewed future luxury visions with concept cars like the Model L100.
What is Toyota's flagship car?
Toyota's flagship car is the Century, a luxury sedan primarily for the Japanese market that recently became its own luxury brand. Globally, the Lexus LS series is considered Toyota's flagship luxury model, while in China, the new bZ7 electric sedan is also positioned as the brand's flagship EV, featuring advanced technology from Chinese tech partners.
- Toyota Century: This is Toyota's traditional flagship in Japan, known for its understated luxury and craftsmanship. It has recently been spun off into its own brand to be positioned above Lexus in the ultra-luxury market.
- Lexus LS: The Lexus LS is Toyota's global luxury flagship, with its name being used to represent the company's most luxurious and prestigious vehicles worldwide.
- Toyota bZ7: In the Chinese market, the new bZ7 electric sedan is considered Toyota's flagship EV, incorporating the most advanced technology and features developed with Chinese tech partners.
What is BMW's flagship car?
BMW's flagship car is the 7 Series sedan, a full-size luxury vehicle that represents the brand's best in technology, performance, and luxury. It is also offered as an all-electric variant, the i7.
You can watch this video to see the design and features of the BMW M7 sedan: 59sAuto Om TVYouTube · Oct 20, 2025
- What makes it the flagship: The 7 Series is a showcase for BMW's latest innovations, often introducing new technologies and design elements before they appear in other models.
- Luxury features: It offers a lavish interior with advanced technology, like a curved display, available rear-seat screens, and a focus on comfort and a premium driving experience.
- Performance options: Buyers can choose from a range of powertrains, including gasoline, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric options.
This video explains the history of the BMW 7 Series and its features: 58sDriven+YouTube · Oct 24, 2025
