The 10 Best-Looking Modern Cars

What truly defines a beautiful car? It’s a question that sparks debate and fuels passion—one we tackled in our story on the most beautiful cars of all time. The truth is, beauty is subjective; no list will ever please everyone. Still, we’ve gathered the modern machines that, in our eyes, represent design at its finest—where proportion, purity, and presence converge. Yes, function matters—aerodynamics, ergonomics, and everyday usability all play their part—but none of these vehicles made the cut without first taking our breath away. This list isn’t just about performance or innovation—it’s about visual poetry on four wheels.

Sure, we could shuffle the order around—and we’re certain opinions will vary—but one thing’s clear: every car on this list is a standout in its own right. Each one captures a unique aspect of modern automotive design, from elegant minimalism to aggressive flair. As for our winner? We think it earns the crown. But what about you? Do your favorites make the cut? With only ten spots to fill, some worthy contenders had to be left off—but consider this a celebration, not a snub. Those honorable mentions? They were just a hair’s breadth away.

1.Bugatti Chiron

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The Bugatti Veyron was never just a car—it was a challenge set by VW chief Ferdinand Piëch to defy engineering logic and rewrite automotive history. There was no blueprint, just an audacious goal: build the fastest, most powerful, most luxurious production car the world had ever seen. After years of development, ballooning budgets, and countless technical hurdles, the Veyron emerged as a record-breaking marvel. But it came at a price—and it needed a successor to help justify the investment.

Enter the Chiron. While it shares much of the Veyron’s foundation, this wasn’t just a sequel—it was an evolution. With a monstrous 1,578-hp quad-turbo W16 (not W18), the Chiron pushed the boundaries of internal combustion even further. But sheer speed wasn’t its only trick. The Chiron finally brought everything together: sculpted elegance, aerodynamic intelligence, and design that stirred the soul. From its distinctive eight-pod headlights and low-slung, wide stance to its flawless detailing and futuristic materials, the Chiron wasn’t just a beast—it was breathtaking. A true fusion of form and function.

2. Bentley Continental GT

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The idea of a more accessible Bentley first took shape with the 1994 Concept Java—a promising but ultimately conservative design that never reached production. Instead, Bentley struck gold nearly a decade later with the 2003 Continental GT. It was a revelation: unmistakably modern, yet fully in step with the brand’s legacy of luxury and performance. With its sleek silhouette and signature quad round headlights—still favored by many over the newer, larger inner lamps—the original Continental GT remains a masterclass in timeless design. It’s aged with grace, elegance, and confidence. More than just a pretty face, the Conti GT also marked a turning point for Bentley under Volkswagen’s ownership. It was a runaway success that didn’t just boost sales—it rescued the brand and redefined its future. Not many cars can claim to have saved a company. This one can.

3. Ford GT

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While the first-generation 2004–2006 Ford GT—crafted under J Mays—paid loving tribute to the legendary GT40 of the 1960s, the second-generation model took a bold leap into the future. Designed by Chris Svensson and unveiled exactly 50 years after the GT40’s iconic 1966 Le Mans win, the 2016 GT was less a retro homage and more a full-fledged modern race car for the road. Aerodynamics shaped every inch of its design: the teardrop cabin, dramatic flying buttress air channels, and purposeful openings throughout the body weren’t just eye-catching—they were engineered for speed. And yet, amid the innovation, Svensson embedded just enough GT40 DNA to keep the legacy alive. With its impossibly low profile and nearly 79-inch width, the GT cuts a menacing figure—aggressive, unapologetic, and unmistakably fast even at a standstill. It’s not just a design triumph; it’s arguably the most unforgettable Ford of the modern era.

4. Maserati GranTurismo

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One reason the first-generation Maserati GranTurismo (M145) remained in production for an impressive 12 model years? Its design was simply timeless. Created as a true four-seat grand tourer—available in both coupe and convertible forms—the GranTurismo embraced a front-mid-engine layout that allowed for a long, flowing hood and gracefully stretched proportions. Unlike many modern performance cars with compact, stocky bodies, the Maserati’s silhouette was free to breathe, resulting in a shape that feels effortlessly elegant. Classic Maserati hallmarks are all here: the large oval grille, the iconic trio of fender vents, and a sense of restrained Italian drama. And from nearly every angle, it’s a stunner—though purists would agree the coupe’s uninterrupted lines hold an edge over the convertible’s. Big, luxurious, and undeniably beautiful, the GranTurismo is a masterclass in lasting automotive design.

5. Aston Martin DBS Superleggera

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With so many stunning Aston Martins to choose from—just glance at our honorable mentions—it wasn’t easy picking just one. But the DBS Superleggera earns its place. While all Astons balance elegance and aggression with finesse, the DBS cranks up the intensity without losing its composure. Up front, its bold design commands attention: C-shaped LED DRLs frame a trio of oversized air intakes, with the signature Aston grille taking center stage. The hood vents—another iconic detail—add a sense of raw purpose. Along the sides, dramatic sculpted sills, open front fender vents, and muscular rear haunches give it a striking, athletic profile. Every line feels deliberate, every curve purposeful. And while it looks gorgeous in any shade, there’s something about the DBS Superleggera in red with a black roof—it’s the kind of presence that turns heads before the engine even starts.

6. Lamborghini Sián FKP 37

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The Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 may be best known for its groundbreaking plug-in hybrid powertrain—featuring innovative supercapacitor technology—but its design is just as revolutionary. Based on the Aventador platform, the Sián takes that familiar silhouette and pushes it into even more dramatic territory. Its debut in green-gold paint with bronze wheels made an unforgettable first impression, but the real magic lies in the sculpted bodywork: sharper lines, deeper cuts, and futuristic flourishes that hint at the next generation of Lamborghini design. It’s everything you expect from a raging bull—aggressive, extreme, unmistakably bold—but with a forward-looking edge that feels almost concept-car surreal. In many ways, the Sián didn’t just turn heads; it turned the page. Today, electrification is part of every Lamborghini’s DNA, making this wild machine not only a visual statement, but a prophetic one.

7. Koenigsegg Gemera

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It would be unfair to call any Koenigsegg derivative—these machines are built with such intense focus on performance and innovation that aesthetics have often taken a back seat to function. And yet, the upcoming Gemera turns that idea on its head. Shockingly, Koenigsegg’s first four-seater is also its most visually stunning car to date. It still bears all the brand’s hallmarks: a dramatic front fascia, massive intakes, and the signature wraparound glass canopy that gives it a blacked-out, visor-like silhouette. But the longer, more spacious form has allowed the design to breathe, stretching into something unexpectedly elegant—still extreme, still unmistakably Koenigsegg, but now also undeniably beautiful. The Gemera proves a Koenigsegg can be both ferociously functional and drop-dead gorgeous. And just in case you think it’s only about looks, consider this: it’s a plug-in hybrid, and the fastest Koenigsegg ever made—capable of launching from 0 to 60 mph in under two seconds. Beauty, meet beast.

8. Ferrari Monza SP1/SP2

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Ferrari kicked off its exclusive Icona series in 2018 with the breathtaking Monza SP1 and SP2—windshield-less speedsters that look like they’ve driven straight out of a dream. Limited to just 499 units and priced around $2 million each, these ultra-rare machines blend stripped-back minimalism with raw Italian drama. Despite their aggressive posture and sculpted forms, there’s a refined elegance to the design—visual mass is reduced to the bare essentials, with no roof, no windshield, and a low-slung stance just 45 inches tall. The highest points? The aerodynamic twin headrest fairings that taper beautifully into the tail. It’s a masterclass in purity and proportion.

Mechanically, they share their underpinnings with the 812 Superfast: a thunderous 799-hp 6.5L naturally aspirated V12 paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. But this isn’t just a rebodied Ferrari—it’s an event. Unfortunately, their lack of a windshield frame makes them illegal for road use in the U.S., meaning most will remain in private collections, admired more often in climate-controlled garages than on winding roads. Still, few modern cars capture Ferrari’s heritage and future-facing design language quite like the Monza twins.

9. Lexus LC

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More grand tourer than sharp-edged sports car, the Lexus LC is a study in sculpted sophistication. With its classic long-hood proportions, rising wedge profile, and gracefully flared haunches, the LC’s form is a masterclass in balance and poise. It stays remarkably true to the 2012 LF-LC concept penned by Edward Lee—complete with its oversized, silver-trimmed spindle grille and signature boomerang-shaped daytime running lights—yet tones down the more exaggerated flourishes for something more refined and timeless.

The detailing is exquisite, from the flush door handles to the sculpted light signatures, and the overall design feels less like it was styled and more like it was carved. The standout powertrain? The naturally aspirated V8, perfectly paired with the sleek coupe body, which carries the cleanest and most elegant lines of the range. Lexus also offers a more eco-conscious V6 hybrid and an open-top convertible variant, but the coupe remains the purist’s choice. It may not deliver razor-sharp track thrills, but when you look this good, does it really matter? The LC is a reminder that not every great car needs to shout—some simply stun in silence.

10. Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

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To call the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione a mere rebodied Maserati GranTurismo would be to miss the point entirely. Yes, it shares a platform—but this car is far more than the sum of its parts. Styled by Centro Stile Alfa Romeo, the 8C is an absolute knockout: a curvaceous, emotionally charged homage to the marque’s golden era. While it nods to past icons like the 1989–1991 SZ and RZ, its real inspiration stretches further back, channeling the elegance of Alfa’s 1950s and ’60s masterpieces, and proudly wearing the legendary “8C” badge first seen on the 1930s grand prix machines and the “Competizione” name from the revered 1948 6C 2500.

Under that flowing carbon fiber skin lies a Maserati-derived, Ferrari-built 4.7L F136 V8—a naturally aspirated engine that produces one of the most intoxicating soundtracks in modern motoring. It may not have received universal praise for its handling, but its presence is undeniable. With just 500 coupes and 329 Spiders ever made, the 8C is a rare, collectible sculpture on wheels. Cynics can keep their spreadsheets—the rest of us will be too busy admiring one of the most beautiful Alfa Romeos ever built.