In Nigeria, cars aren’t just a means of getting from point A to point B, they’re an unspoken language. They tell a story about your taste, your hustle, and sometimes, how far you’ve climbed the corporate and wealth ladder.
While billionaires cruise around in Bugatti’s and Ferraris, Nigeria’s upper middle class, the top 5%, are also making strong statements with their wheels. These are the cars that command respect at the office parking lot, turn heads in Lekki traffic, and make weekend trips to Ibadan or Abuja an absolute joy.
Here’s our list of the top 10 cars Nigeria’s upper middle class and ultra wealthy are driving right now:
1. BMW X5
The BMW X5 strikes that perfect balance between athletic performance and executive comfort. It’s the kind of SUV that looks just as at home at a corporate event as it does at a weekend getaway. With a turbocharged engine, a refined interior, and ample cargo space, it’s a favourite among professionals who value both style and substance.
Price range: ₦15m – ₦25m
2. Mercedes-Benz GLE
The GLE is a popular choice for executives and entrepreneurs who want a vehicle that can handle Nigerian roads with authority. Spacious, safe, and unmistakably premium, it’s a rolling boardroom on wheels.
Price range: From ₦15m (foreign used)
3. Lexus RX350
Quiet, reliable, and stylish without being overbearing, the RX350 is the go-to SUV for those who want a touch of luxury that doesn’t require frequent trips to the mechanic. The plush seats and advanced tech make it perfect for daily Lagos traffic.
Price range: Around ₦15m
4. Toyota Venza
The Toyota Venza blends comfort, hybrid efficiency, and technology into one sleek package. It’s the intelligent choice for those who want to save on fuel without compromising on style or performance.
Price range: Around ₦20m
5. Lexus GX460
Rugged yet refined, the GX460 can handle off-road adventures just as effortlessly as it glides through city streets. With its V8 engine and plush leather interior, it offers the best of both worlds.
Price range: ₦30m – ₦70m
6. Toyota Highlander
Spacious, dependable, and family-friendly, the Highlander is the definition of a practical yet premium SUV. It’s the quiet achiever in many upper-middle-class households.
Price range: ₦18m – ₦35m
7. Rolls Royce
For the ultra-wealthy, few cars speak luxury like a Rolls Royce. Known for its handcrafted interiors and whisper-quiet ride, it’s a moving piece of art. Nigerian business magnates like Jimoh Ibrahim and Femi Otedola have been spotted in these masterpieces.
Price range: ₦629 million – ₦1.6 Billion
8. Bugatti Veyron
With a top speed north of 200mph and a price tag that could buy several houses, the Bugatti Veyron is pure automotive excess. Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, is said to own one. It’s the ultimate flex on four wheels.
Price range: ₦1.1 Billion
9. Lamborghini Urus
Part supercar, part SUV, the Lamborghini Urus is a favourite among celebrities like Wizkid. It combines jaw-dropping acceleration with the practicality of a luxury family vehicle.
Price range: ₦400 – ₦600 Million
10. Ferrari 458 Italia
Sleek, loud, and unapologetically fast, the Ferrari 458 Italia is built for those who see driving as an experience, not just a necessity. Music star Davido counts one among his enviable collection.
Price range: ₦280,000,000 – ₦570,000,000
For Nigeria’s upper middle class, cars are often a blend of aspiration and practicality—luxurious enough to reflect success, yet reliable enough for daily use. For the ultra-rich, however, cars are statements of dominance, rarity, and personal taste.
