Taste is subjective, and that goes for car design, too. And isn’t that a good thing? Otherwise, we’d all be driving generic-looking, virtually indistinguishable SUVs and utes.
Okay, so a lot of Australians are. Nevertheless, in our diverse market, if you look beyond the ubiquitous and often conservative mid-size SUVs and utes, you’ll find everything from fashionable French cars and futuristic Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) to flashy American pickups and SUVs, and seemingly everything in between.
Those of us in the CarExpert editorial team have decided to share the vehicles we find the most attractive. Yes, we’re just judging a book by its cover – this isn’t about what car is the most efficient or which handles the best or is the best value.
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We’re just talking looks here – just once, can we be superficial and shallow? We’ll go back to objectively assessing a vehicle’s merits in the next article. Promise.
To stop us from all just picking Aston Martins and Ferraris, each member of the team was asked to select two vehicles: one priced under $100,000, and another one over that amount.
Max Davies
Under $100k: Toyota GR86
When the second-generation Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ twins dropped, I remember going on and on to friends about how much I loved the design.
The design is elegant in its simplicity. It’s an excellent upgrade over the previous generation and perfectly matches the car’s two-door proportions. The shape and sculpting of the front bumper and bonnet are easy on the eyes, and that tail-light signature manages to look distinctive while still fitting in with the rest of Toyota’s performance car lineup.
Out of the coupe twins, I think the GR86 just looks a touch cleaner than the BRZ. The simplified grille is all the car needs, complementing the sleek headlights and simple black trim elements. That isn’t to say the BRZ is ugly; its characteristic smiling face is just a little busy for my liking.
Funnily enough, that’s the exact opposite of what I thought about the previous generation, where the BRZ’s design was far sexier than the big-mouthed GT86 facelift.
Over $100k: Audi RS e-tron GT
Goodness me, what a stunner.
The e-tron GT catches my eye every time one passes by on the road. Its low roofline makes it look unbelievably sleek from every angle, and I think that beautiful front-end is the best application of Audi’s modern design language across its entire model range.
I have to go with the hotter RS version as well, purely because the front bumper’s shapes and lines look more aggressive than those of the softer yet still handsome S. Other elements like the closed, body-coloured grille and colossal 21-inch wheels look right at home here, even though they’re usually quite garish on other cars.
While still sleek, I’ll admit that the car’s rear-end is my least favourite part, probably because the ends of the light bar are a bit too thick. Still, the e-tron’s design is cohesive as a whole, and I don’t think I’d ever get tired of looking at it.
MORE: Explore the Toyota GR86 showroom
MORE: Explore the Audi e-tron GT showroom
Sean Lander
Under $100k: Alfa Romeo Giulia
The current Alfa Romeo Giulia has been around for a decade now, and I don’t think it has aged a day. I don’t drink wine, but I understand it improves with age. If that’s the case, then the Giulia is a fine Italian wine.
It can still be had for well under $100,000 which in today’s market is a good deal. In fact, the Tributo Italiano, a 206kW rear-wheel drive sedan costs close to $90k and might be one of the last sports sedans left in Australia.
But it’s not about the performance, this is about the looks. Every time I see a Giulia I fall in love all over again. I can’t really put my finger on specifically what it is, but I know it when I see it. It’s just bellissima.
Over $100k: Chevrolet Silverado HD
To quote Tim ‘The Tool Man’ Taylor: “oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh”.
Looks are subjective, and the Chevy isn’t by any means a pretty vehicle. In fact, its chunky bodywork and giant grillie would probably classify it in the ‘ugly’ category. But man does it look cool as hell! And this op-ed is about ‘best-looking’, not prettiest.
I love the heavy-duty pickups, and I want an HD pickup. I wish they still sold the duallies in Australia but demand is likely too low, and given they don’t sell the Ford F-450 Duallie here, the Chevy Silverado 2500 HD is the next best thing. And given we aren’t a truck review site, the Kenworth T909 wasn’t an option for me.
If you’ve never driven one, then you simply won’t understand. But if you ever get the chance, there’s a solid likelihood you too will be converted.
MORE: Explore the Alfa Romeo Giulia showroom
MORE: Explore the Chevrolet Silverado HD showroom
Josh Nevett
Under $100k: Nissan Z facelift
I absolutely love what Nissan did with the design of the Z. The dimensions are just right for a sporty coupe, and there are enough creases and curves for the Z to appear unique without it being overstyled.
While the beauty of Nissan’s current performance hero is in its simplicity, finer details of the design also serve as highlights. Take the 300ZX-inspired tail-lights and katana-shaped roof accents, for example.
Is the Z perfect? Unfortunately not. It presents with a gawping grille that serves as a blight on what is otherwise a beautiful car.
However, Nissan has seemingly solved that with a neat facelift, which was unveiled at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon.
The refreshed Z bins the current car’s confronting slab-like grille in favour of a wider design broken up by a body-coloured bar. Ah, much better! You can also option green paintwork and two-tone alloy wheels for a properly retro specification.
For now, the sexiest attainable car you can buy in Australia is the Z Nismo. But assuming the facelift arrives sometime soon, it’s sure to inherit the crown.
Over $100k: Mercedes-AMG GT
Never change, Mercedes-AMG.
The German marque created a modern 300SL Gullwing in the SLS and has since followed it up with two gorgeous generations of the AMG GT – a low, swooping sports coupe with a long bonnet and muscular haunches.
Sure, the GT isn’t quite as focused as the model that preceded it, but it’s still among the prettiest cars on sale.
Other models that deserve an honourable mention include the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, Aston Martin Vantage, Lexus LC500, and Audi e-tron GT.
MORE: Explore the Nissan Z showroom
MORE: Explore the Mercedes-AMG GT showroom
Marton Pettendy
Under $100k: BMW i4
I’ve always loved the classic proportions of a traditional German executive sedan, and BMW continues to do it better than any other automaker.
Apart from the controversial (but successful) Bangle-era E60 5 Series of 2003-2010, BMW has a long history of producing handsome 3, 5 and 7 Series sedans – and more recently 2, 4 and 8 Series Gran Coupes – and in my opinion the 4 Series-based i4 is currently the best of them.
Initially I hated the full-height ‘big-mouth’ grille of the 4 Series, but on this advanced electric fastback it looks classy, aggressive and unique in equal measure, and combines well with the muscular haunches and interesting surfacing of the low-slung three-box sports sedan.
While the Tesla Model 3 remains Australia’s most popular mid-size luxury car ahead of the BMW 3 Series, the high-tech i4 continues to sell in similar numbers to the petrol-only Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus ES and Audi A5, in part because design is the number one purchase consideration for new-vehicle buyers.
Amid Australia’s obsession with SUVs, a constant procession of same-same Chinese arrivals, the droopy look of the latest Mercedes-Benzes, and the shorter dash-to-axle ratio of all Audis, BMW’s conventional long-bonnet, rear-drive proportions stand out from the crowd more than ever.
The i4 may not be as sexy as a supercar, but for under $90k I reckon it’s the best-looking car available today.
Over $100k: Chevrolet Corvette
The first mid-engined Corvette looks special from every angle and, in my eyes, conveys a sense of occasion that’s as alluring as any Italian supercar.
It may not wear a Ferrari or Lamborghini badge, but the C8 has a unique and jaw-droppingly beautiful design that recalls its seven predecessors as well as it signals its exemplary performance.
And it backs that up with a range of technologies and powertrain choices that no other supercar this side of the Porsche 911 can match.
MORE: Explore the BMW i4 showroom
MORE: Explore the Chevrolet Corvette showroom
Damion Smy
Under $100k: Mazda MX-5
I’ll have mine in any colour, as they all work, and whether it’s a roadster or an RF you have in stock, Mr Mazda, I’ll take it.
Perhaps the diminutive roadster is proof cars are getting uglier – or I am slowly going blind? – given it’s now a decade old and I’m still enamoured with its combination of form and function, which seem to feed off each other for true greatness.
How many of today’s bland or clumsy designs will be long forgotten when they’re 10 years old?
Over $100k: Aston Martin DB12
In Supernova Red, please. If we’re calling a car beautiful, I have to pass on the 911 – which is a great-looking thing – and skip the Ferrari 296.
I’m fond of the 296 but it’s not as recognisable as the striking yet elegant design language of the DB12. I would pick the Vantage for its cleaner body, but I love the vent stemming tangentially from the DB12’s front wheels, even if it arguably interrupts a rolling sculpture. You can hear it just looking at it, can’t you?
MORE: Explore the Mazda MX-5 showroom
MORE: Explore the Aston Martin DB12 showroom
William Stopford
Under $100k: Genesis G70 Shooting Brake
My first thought is to look to passenger cars, though there are some handsome SUVs for under $100,000 – the Hyundai Palisade comes to mind, for example, and the outgoing Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
But cars are generally better looking than SUVs, helped by the greater flexibility designers have, and the mid-size segment is where the most attractive cars tend to be under the $100k mark.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia is ageing like a fine Chianti, while the Genesis G70 sedan has a bold design with great proportions.
The Genesis G70 Shooting Brake is on another level from its sedan sibling, and there are shades of Lexus IS SportCross/Toyota Altezza Gita in the best possible way.
Its rakish roofline and sleek silhouette are like nothing else in this segment today, and if this wagon isn’t as practical as, say, an Audi A5 Avant, we can forgive it because it looks like this.
But why, Genesis, won’t you put your twin-turbo V6 into it?!
Over $100k: Audi e-tron GT
As for vehicles above $100,000, it should come as no surprise I struggle to pick just one.
Naturally I’m fond of the Genesis G80, while the Lexus LS will always capture my attention – particularly in Sports Luxury trim with those lovely polished wheels.
Audi’s RS6 and RS7 look the business, and the Ferrari Amalfi hasn’t messed with the Roma’s good looks too much. Oh and the Aston Martin Vanquish? Oof…
My choice, though, is a vehicle that really looks like nothing else, with fabulous proportions that never fail to stop me in my tracks: the Audi e-tron GT.
I’ve got a 1:18 scale model of one on my desk, and not just because it was cheap at Costco…
The e-tron GT is sleek, sporty, muscular, and elegant all at once, and it’s a design I think will prove timeless.
Audi’s design studio needs to put a big picture of this up on the wall as a reminder, because some of the vehicles it has developed subsequent to this have me concerned the brand is losing its elegant identity.
MORE: Explore the Genesis G70 showroom
MORE: Explore the Audi e-tron GT showroom
James Wong
Under $100k: Cupra Formentor
This was a struggle to pick just one, and I don’t normally gravitate to SUVs and crossovers, but the Cupra Formentor is one of those designs that really turns heads for the right reasons.
It’s sleek, it’s sexy, it’s muscular, it’s well proportioned, and it certainly looks more expensive than it is.
Flourishes of copper mixed with the Spanish brand’s distinctive LED lighting signatures really give it a ‘Baby Urus’ look, which no doubt is why it’s Cupra’s most popular model globally.
Over $100k: Aston Martin Vanquish
Just like its forefathers, the third-generation Vanquish is easily one of, if not the most beautiful car on sale today. Having been lucky enough to see one in person, and actually drive one, I can say pictures don’t do it justice – and it’s already stunning in photos.
For the newest model, Aston Martin has really given the Vanquish proper super-GT proportions. That long bonnet, gaping grille and swept-back cabin layout are classic V12 GT, but the sheer length and width of the thing, plus the intricate detailing and level of customisation on offer, give it a very imposing stance and the ability to craft a properly exclusive look.
From some angles it even looks like the iconic Aston Martin One-77, which itself was achingly beautiful. Better yet, and this isn’t design-related, but that thumping V12 soundtrack is nothing short of sublime.
MORE: Explore the Cupra Formentor showroom
MORE: Explore the Aston Martin Vanquish showroom
Ben Zachariah
Under $100k: Hyundai Ioniq 6
Finding a truly beautiful car is becoming more difficult nowadays. A lot more difficult.
While I’m a big fan of the forthcoming Mazda 6e – and have a soft spot for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, from a more traditionalist perspective – I think the facelifted Hyundai Ioniq 6 is pretty striking.
While it’s not as friggen rad as the forthcoming high-performance N version, the post-facelift Ioniq 6 is still very much a looker, and has improved 10-fold compared to the pre-facelift car – like the opposite of a Hollywood actor getting plastic surgery.
I love that Hyundai had the chutzpah to go with such a daring design, and I think history will look back favourably on the Ioniq 6 – particularly the N – as one of the more underrated cars of this era.
The less said about the pre-facelift version, the better…
Over $100k: Lexus LC
Without knowing what any of my colleagues have written yet, I’m going to go out on a limb and say my pick is probably one of the oldest on the list – having been in production for a decade now.
But the Lexus LC is surely one of the most classically beautiful car designs of all time. In the real world, whether driving or parked, the LC has some serious supercar presence about it, but without the shouty look-at-me designs that the Italians have become known for.
Few cars stop me in my tracks, but the Lexus LC is absolutely one of them.
