and Traders showing the top 10 luxury cars here revealed that there were 41 of the 7 Series sold during the year. Their top 10 of the most popular luxury cars totals 131 vehicles.

Mercedes claimed the next biggest share of luxury car sales, with its S Class, costing around £73,740, going to 33 new homes during the year, while the Mercedes SL - at around £76,400 - was bought by five people.

Bentley was the third most popular luxury marque, with 19 Bentley Continental sold, as well as four Bentley Flying Spur.

With another 10 sold in other Bentley ranges, it had its best year for over a decade.

According to Autocar, the Bentley Continental costs from £159,100 while the Flying Spur costs £132,800.

Ulster Bank chief economist Richard Ramsey said thepremium-brand market, which includes sports cars, now accounted for one in five of all new car sales.

Expand Close Jeff McCartney Charles Hurst sales operations director with the Bentley Continental GT / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Jeff McCartney Charles Hurst sales operations director with the Bentley Continental GT

Premium car sales here had grown by 27% over the last five years, despite a fall in 5% in ordinary cars over the period.

Mr Ramsey said there were also interesting findings when scrutinising the market for luxury sports cars.

"A record number of Ferraris were sold last year.

"Sales jumped from 19 in 2017 to 30. Aston Martin sales fell from 2017's 10-year-high of 27 to 25. Maserati had a record year in 2017 (81) but sales fell by 43% last year.

"Nevertheless, this still represents the second