Luxury cars are more than just a mode of transportation—they are a statement of wealth, power, prestige and performance. The world’s most expensive cars in 2025 represent the epitome of automotive engineering, blending groundbreaking technology, masterful craftsmanship and an exclusivity that only the wealthiest can attain.
But what makes these cars so expensive? The answer lies in their unique combination of bespoke designs, limited production and state-of-the-art materials. From hypercars with electric powertrains to hand-built masterpieces, these vehicles are crafted for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and elite collectors who view them as both status symbols and investment pieces.
One place where the love for luxury cars is particularly pronounced is the UAE. Known for its extravagant automotive culture and concentration of high-net-worth individuals, the nation boasts some of the rarest and most expensive cars on the planet, often seen cruising through the streets of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
In this article, we will explore the most expensive cars in the world in 2025, highlighting what makes them exceptional and why they continue to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The 10 most expensive cars in the world in 2025
The most expensive cars in the world include:
1. Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail – $30 million
The most expensive car in the world is the Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail. The carmaker will build only four of the model, each the result of collaborations between Coachbuild artisans and ambitious clients. The first commission, La Rose Noire Droptail, “embodies the allure of the Black Baccara,” says Rolls-Royce. At 5.3 meters long and 2 meters wide, the exterior dimensions of La Rose Noire Droptail recall the compact proportions of early Rolls-Royce roadsters.
La Rose Noire Droptail marked the return of the roadster body type. With a cocooning two-seat interior, it diverges from Rolls-Royce’s traditional four-seat convention — a first in the marque’s modern history. Clients may drive in two distinct styles. The first, with the roof removed, creates a thrilling open-air experience characteristic of the roadster. The second, with the hard roof installed, transforms the car into a coupé.
Its assembly required such intense concentration that the single craftsperson tasked with creating it would only work in one-hour sessions for no more than five hours per day, ensuring they possessed the concentration required for perfect execution. Weeks were spent working in absolute silence in a sound-insulated space, mitigating any distractions.
In total, the parquetry on the curved shawl panel required nearly two years of development and over nine months of flawless craftsmanship, making the La Rose Noire Droptail the most expensive car in the world.
2. Rolls-Royce Boat Tail – $28 million
The Rolls-Royce Boat Tail, the second most expensive car in the world, was named the “most ambitious project yet” by Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
Priced at a staggering $28 million dollars, Rolls-Royce only produced three Boat Tails. The car’s elegant design draws inspiration from graceful J-class yachts and the 1932 Rolls-Royce Boat Tail.
At the press of a button, the car’s deck opens in a sweeping butterfly gesture, revealing an intricate hosting suite equipped with a parasol. The car also includes two-sided timepieces, one for the lady and one for the gentleman, which can be worn or placed within the fascia as car clocks. The timepieces required Rolls-Royce and Bovet 1822 to work in partnership for over three years.
The Boat Tail also houses a double refrigerator for the clients’ favorite champagne. Bottles can be rapidly cooled to precisely six degrees – the optimum serving temperature of the preferred vintage.
3. Bugatti La Voiture Noire – $18.7 million
The third most expensive car in the world is the Bugatti La Voiture Noire. The car is a one-of-a-kind homage to the long-lost TYPE 57 SC ATLANTIC, representing an iconic blend of speed, luxury and automotive haute couture. This one-off was created exclusively for a Bugatti enthusiast within the space of two years.
The idea for this car came to Design Director Achim Anscheidt more than 20 years ago, but years passed until it became possible to realize this unusual project. The La Voiture Noire is a minimalist coupe much like the Atlantic back then thanks to a reduction in the essentials and lines, and the absence of a large and dominant rear wing.
At the heart of the new creation is the iconic 16-cylinder engine – unique in the automotive world and the peak of the engineer’s art. The 16-cylinder engine with a displacement of 8 liters develops 1,103 kW/1,500 PS and 1,600 Newton-meters of torque. Six tailpipes at the rear bear witness to its incredible power and are also a tribute to the 16 cylinders.
4. Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta – $17 million
Fourth on the list of the most expensive cars in the world is the Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta. The luxury carmaker produced only three of the Zonda HP Barchetta with one reserved for the company’s founder Horacio Pagani.
Inspired by the great “barchetta” style racecars of the 50’s, like those in which the five-time Formula 1 champion Juan Manuel Fangio competed, this car has no roof and offers a very different and immersive driving experience. It has also adopted iconic elements from other models, such as the Zonda Cinque’s central air intake and high-strength chassis.
The Zonda HP Barchetta is powered by the naturally aspirated M120 – V12 engine developed by Mercedes AMG exclusively for Pagani. The car also features a 6-speed manual transmission. The open-top supercar is a lightweight version of the Zonda at only 1,250kg.
5. Rolls-Royce Sweptail – $13 million
The Rolls-Royce Sweptail, the sixth most expensive car in the world, marked the beginning of the Rolls-Royce Coachbuild program. The automotive equivalent of haute couture, Sweptail is the result of inspiration from a special patron’s admiration of his favorite cars of the early 20th century, as well as many classic and modern yachts.
Svelte tapering, an elegantly falling waist-rail, the flowing roofline and a distinctive swept tail are all desires that Rolls-Royce honed and crafted into a motor car that, without question, fits into the marque’s DNA. An uninterrupted glass roof floods the interior with natural light. The switchgear is minimal, making way for the richest of materials to rise to the forefront of attention.
The car is equipped with a 6.8-liter V12 engine that produces 453 bhp and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 5.6 seconds.
6. Bugatti Centodieci – $9 million
The Bugatti Centodieci is a super-limited hypercar that pays homage to the iconic Bugatti EB 110 and celebrates the brand’s 110th birthday. The Centodieci is 20 kg lighter and more powerful than the Chiron. Limited to only ten units, it stands proud as one of the most expensive cars in the world.
With an impressive 1,578.1 bhp, the Centodieci accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.4 seconds. The W16 engine is placed beneath an EB110-style glass sheet drawing similarities to the original car.
7. Mercedes-Maybach Exelero – $8 million
The seventh most expensive car in the world is the Mercedes-Maybach Exelero. It is one of the few concept cars that is still searched for and talked about even to this day. Even though it made its debut in 2005, the car has consistently made it on the top 10 list of most expensive cars in the world for the last 19 years straight.
The car’s design is a modern interpretation of the Maybach SW 38 combined with the Maybach 57 platform. Fulda needed a car that could hit 350 km/h to test the durability of their tires. To achieve this, the Exelero was fitted with a twin-turbo V12 boasting 690 HP and 752 ft-lbs. of torque.
It was featured on the famous German show Cobra 11 and in Billionaire rapper Jay Z’s music video for “Lost One”.
8. Pagani Huayra Codalunga – $7 million
In 2018, two Pagani collectors asked Horacio to produce a long-tail version of the Pagani Huayra Coupé, with the idea of creating an elegant hypercar with a clean and streamlined design, a model that would feel at home on the roads as well as on display at international Concours events. Only five tailor-made units were produced and sold before launching to the public, making the Pagani Huayra Codalunga among the most expensive cars in the world.
The rear engine cover, which has a footprint of more than 3.7 m2, and is 360 mm longer than the one of the Huayra Coupé, conceals a mechanical prodigy: the Pagani V12, which, on this series, is capable of developing 840 HP with 1,100 Nm of torque.
The lack of rear grilles makes space for an unobstructed view of the Codalunga’s exhaust system, which is made from titanium and weighs only 4.4 kg (9.7 lb). The special ceramic coating completes the homage to the racing cars of Le Mans and the symphony that emanates from the signature four tailpipes is a tribute to automotive passion.
Weighing just 1,280 kg, the car was not only light but also achieved remarkable aerodynamic efficiency through its extended length and active aerodynamics. The exposed titanium exhaust system, with its white ceramic coating added to its vintage racing style.
9. Huayra Imola Roadster – $6 million
In 2023, Pagani Automobili launched the Imola Roadster, a limited edition from the Grandi Complicazioni division. Priced at $6 million, the car is one of the most expensive in the world.
Every line and surface of the Imola Roadster was designed with the goal of reaching 600 kg of downforce (1,322.77 lbf) at 280 km/h (173.98 mph) to guarantee safe and reliable behavior in every situation.
Weight is crucial for establishing efficiency and driving pleasure. Thanks to structural principles and innovative composite materials, the vehicle weighs in at just 1,260 kg.
The Imola Roadster owes part of its magic to the evolution of the 5,980 cc Pagani V12, specifically designed by Mercedes-Benz AMG for Pagani, which delivers 850 HP with 1,100 nm of torque. This power is transferred to the road through the Pagani gearbox by Xtrac, a seven-speed transversal sequential gearbox known for its extraordinary responsiveness.
10. Bugatti Divo – $5.8 million
Finally on the list of the most expensive cars in the world is the Divo, Bugatti’s first coach-built hypersports car of the 21st century. The car pays homage to French racing driver Albert Divo, famous for his Targa Florio victories in a Bugatti during the 1920s.
Limited to a production of just 40 units, the Divo stands out with a distinct aerodynamic profile, fine-tuned for the track with an upgraded suspension, and a significant weight reduction. The Divo is a Bugatti designed for extreme track performance.
Its symmetrical cabin layout boasts an asymmetrical color scheme, separating the driver from the passenger. Sold at approximately $5.8 million, the Divo has become one of the world’s most sought-after and expensive cars, fetching nearly double its original value on the market.
The Divo is equipped with an 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine, featuring Bugatti’s signature 2-stage turbocharging and intercooling technology. This powertrain delivers a power output of 1,500 horsepower at 6,700 rpm, unleashing breathtaking acceleration and exhilarating performance.
Who owns the most expensive cars in the world?
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most famous football players in the world, owns the Bugatti Centodieci, a car that costs around $9 million. This car is special because only ten were made, making it extremely rare.
Meanwhile, billionaire rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z is the proud owner of the Mercedes-Benz Maybach Exelero, a luxury car that costs around $8 million. Another standout piece in Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s collection is the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail, the second most expensive car in the world.
Only three people own the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail, including Mauro Icardi, an Argentine footballer, and an undisclosed billionaire couple, who reportedly earned their fortune in the pearl industry.
What makes a car the most expensive in the world?
Several factors contribute to a luxury car’s price, including:
Limited production and exclusivity
One of the key factors driving the sky-high prices of luxury cars is their exclusivity. Ultra-limited production runs make these vehicles rare, instantly increasing their desirability among collectors and enthusiasts. Some models are produced in as few as ten units—or even as one-of-a-kind commissions—ensuring that only the wealthiest individuals can claim ownership.
In addition, these cars often offer extensive customization options, with bespoke interiors, hand-crafted finishes and personalized features tailored to the buyer’s exact specifications. For elite collectors, owning a custom-built hypercar isn’t just about performance—it’s about possessing a unique masterpiece that reflects their status and individuality.
High-end materials and customization
The world’s most expensive cars are not just defined by their speed and exclusivity—they are crafted with the finest materials available. From hand-stitched interiors made of the rarest leathers to inlays of gold, diamonds and platinum, these vehicles are designed with the utmost luxury in mind.
Beyond aesthetics, cutting-edge materials like carbon fiber and titanium enhance performance while maintaining a sleek, futuristic look. Every aspect of these hypercars can usually be customized to the buyer’s exact preferences. In the world of ultra-luxury automobiles, customization is not just an option, it’s an expectation.
Cutting-edge engineering and performance
Beyond their striking exteriors and exclusivity, the world’s most expensive cars are engineering masterpieces. These vehicles are powered by V12 or V16 engines, delivering remarkable horsepower that pushes the limits of automotive performance.
With top speeds exceeding 250 mph and acceleration that rivals Formula 1 cars, these hypercars offer the ultimate driving experience.
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FAQs on the world’s most expensive cars
What is the current most expensive car in the world?
The most expensive car in the world is the Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail. The carmaker will build only four of the model, each the result of collaborations between Coachbuild artisans and ambitious clients.
How much did the most expensive car ever sell for?
The most expensive car ever sold at auction is this 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé, which sold for $142 million. It takes its name from Mercedes’ chief engineer and the car’s designer Rudolf Uhlenhaut.
Only two Uhlenhaut Coupé models were made with one being kept and preserved at Mercedes’ corporate museum.
Why are Rolls-Royce and Bugatti so expensive?
Rolls-Royce and Bugatti are incredibly expensive due to their unmatched craftsmanship, bespoke customization and use of the finest materials. Each car is engineered with cutting-edge technology, from Rolls-Royce’s near-silent V12 engines to Bugatti’s record-breaking quad-turbo W16 powertrains. Their exclusivity, with limited production models and custom commissions, ensures they remain prestigious symbols of luxury and performance.
Can you buy these cars in the UAE?
Yes, you can buy the world’s most expensive cars in the UAE, as the country is a global hub for luxury automobiles. High-end dealerships across the country offer brands like Bugatti, Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini and Pagani. Additionally, many ultra-wealthy collectors in the UAE commission bespoke, limited-edition hypercars directly from manufacturers.
Do luxury cars increase in value over time?
Unlike regular cars that depreciate the moment they leave the dealership, luxury cars have the potential to retain or even increase their worth, making them a lucrative investment. Limited-edition hypercars and rare classic models can appreciate in value over time. Factors such as exclusivity, historical significance, brand prestige and limited production numbers contribute to their increasing worth.
However, not all luxury cars are guaranteed to be profitable investments—only the rarest and most sought-after models tend to see significant value appreciation.
