Out of the 10 CarBuzz Awards categories, Best Interior seems like it would be the easiest to judge. Which car was the most expensive? The end. But that's not the only factor that we consider. For example, last year's winner, the Genesis G80, beat out its more expensive category finalists and earned the 2021 Best Interior title by offering a stunning interior at a sub-$50,000 starting price.
This year's finalists fall on the higher end of the pricing spectrum, but are all deserving of Best Interior. Some vehicles that just missed the cut include the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, and Mercedes-AMG SL. Here are the cars that did make it...
2023 Land Rover New Range Rover
The Range Rover has always been the pinnacle of the Land Rover lineup, but the latest fifth-generation model brings the opulence to its highest point ever. This year's New Range Rover is both more luxurious and more practical than the model it replaces. It's available for the first time ever with a seven-seat configuration, or an ultra-plush four-seater layout with power-operated airplane tray tables.
Inside, occupants are treated to available furniture quality semi-Aniline leather, which is some of the softest we've ever sat in. The top SV trim goes a step further with Perlino near-Aniline leather, a substance that can only be described as buttery. For animal lovers, Land Rover even offers an Ultrafabrics leather alternative option. Other dazzling rear seat comforts include a reclining ottoman seat, power-operated rear armrest, center console refrigerator, and entertainment screens. This is Rolls-Royce quality at a fraction of the price.
2023 BMW 7 Series/i7
Whether it's the gas-powered 2023 7 Series or the all-electric i7, this flagship sedan has the best interior we've ever seen from BMW. The front seat is an impressive display of technology with curved displays, a configurable interaction light bar, and glass iDrive controls. Buyers can opt for one of BMW's many leather options, but we fell in love with the $6,450 Smoke White Full Merino Leather with Light Grey Cashmere Inlays.
True VIPs belong in the back seat, where the 7 Series boasts a recliner spacious enough for someone six feet tall to stretch their legs. The 31-inch 8K resolution theater screen is the coolest feature, as it drops down from the Sky Lounge Panoramic Roof to deliver Amazon Fire TV with all of your favorite streaming services. Not only is the 7 Series one of the most tech-filled cabins on sale, but it's also one of the nicest to be in.
2023 Bentley Bentayga EWB
Bentley could win the Best Interior Award every year, but this year, the company decided to bring a bazooka to a knife fight. The 2023 Bentley Bentayga arrives with a new long-wheelbase variant called the EWB, improving rear seat comfort with new airline-style accommodations. The back seat features 12 electric motors, three Pneumatic Valve ECU units, and 22 ways of adjustment. Not only can rear passengers get a conventional massage, but they can also try out the Postural Adjustment system, which uses a three-dimensional twist to relieve pressure points.
Of course, the Bentayga still carries traditional Bentley interior elements like diamond-quilted leather, real wood veneers, and generally top-notch materials throughout the cabin. One of the most luxurious cabins on the road just got even better.