Ranking All 12 Vehicles Featured in Daniel Craig's James Bond Films
Explore the array of cars showcased in Daniel Craig's James Bond era, ranked from the least impressive to the most iconic.
If there was one thing that united the many eras of the James Bond series, it would be sleek and stylish vehicles, as no cars seen in the franchise were more impressive than in the Daniel Craig era. Including purely stylistic choices to outright necessity, from Casino Royale to No Time to Die, Bond was consistently surrounded by awe-inspiring automobiles and insanely impressive luxury vehicles. While certain vehicles are certainly more iconic than others, they were all impressive in their own way and helped ensure the MI6 agent known as 007 always got to where he needed to go.
From rundown, highjacked cars that were briefly needed for intense chase sequences to more consciously chosen means of transportation, Bond was never too far away from some of the most impressive cars in the world. Through enjoyable callbacks to the vehicles of earlier Bond eras, to modern choices that helped the series feel cutting edge and contemporary, one thing that united the five Craig Bond movies were its cars. There were just so many impressive Daniel Craig-era Bond cars, and when stacking them up against one other it became apparent that this spy series did style like nothing else can.
Ford Bronco II XLT
Quantum of Solace (2008)
James Bond Quantum of Solace Ford Bronco - Quantum of Solace (2008) - Ford Bronco II XLT
The cars featured in Daniel Craig’s James Bond era were typically sleek and modern, but the 1989 Ford Bronco II XLT driven in Quantum of Solace was an exception. Bond's choice of vehicle was not based on style, but rather on necessity. After a boat chase, Bond came across an old, unlocked Bronco II and decided to steal it. He used the car to track down Dominic Greene, but once the mission was complete, Bond never drove the Bronco II again.
J90 Series Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
No Time to Die (2021)
Bond in his Prado faces off against a baddy’s Range Rover in No Time To Die - No Time to Die (2021) - J90 Series Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
The final outing of Daniel Craig’s stint as James Bond featured a mix of exciting vehicles, including the more humble J90 Series Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Despite being outnumbered and outmatched by more powerful vehicles, Bond managed to hold his own during a tense action chase sequence with Lyustifer Safin’s thugs. While the Toyota Prado may not be as glamorous as other Bond cars, the average James Bond enthusiast does stand a chance of owning one.
2008 Ford Edge SEL
Quantum of Solace (2008)
2008 Ford Edge SEL Quantum of Solace James Bond - Quantum of Solace (2008)
The Ford Edge SELs from the first generation were manufactured from 2007 to 2010. Dominic Greene, a character in Quantum of Silence, is seen driving several of these vehicles. Despite having SEL trims, the cars featured prominent "Greene Planet" and "Hydrogen" markings all over, even though they ran on regular petrol. In one scene, the Ford Edge makes its debut in Haiti, where Bond uses the car's door to disarm one of Greene's henchmen. Later on, Bond himself is seen behind the wheel of a Ford Edge.
2010 Mercedes-Benz S 300
Spectre (2015)
2010 Mercedes-Benz S 300 James Bond Spectre - Spectre (2015)
The Mercedes-Benz has been a recurring feature in the James Bond series since Sean Connery's era in Goldfinger in 1964. It continued to make appearances in the films of Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and most recently Daniel Craig. In the movie Spectre, a 2010 Mercedes Benz S 300 had a brief cameo as Bond posed as a driver at the Shanghai international airport. Bond then followed the villain Patrice in a black Mercedes-Benz. Although not as iconic as other cars in the Craig era, it was a nice nod to earlier Bond films.
2008 Volvo S40
Quantum of Solace (2008)
Daniel Craig as James Bond drives 2008 Volvo S40 Quantum of Solace - Quantum of Solace (2008)
In Bregenz, Austria, during the Daniel Craig-era James Bond film Quantum of Solace, Bond was seen driving the 2008 Volvo S40. The sleek Titanium grey metallic car was equipped with tracking software that Bond used to follow Dominic Greene, who was in a Daimler. This choice of vehicle was part of a sponsorship deal with the Ford Motor Company, which has provided cars for previous Bond films like Die Another Day and Casino Royale. The Volvo S40, a stylish modern car of Swedish descent, added to the portrayal of a contemporary and sophisticated version of Bond.
2008 Ford Mondeo Concept
Casino Royale (2006)
Bond drives a Ford Mondeo in Casino Royale - Casino Royale (2006) - 2008 Ford Mondeo Concept
In Casino Royale, the Aston Martin was prominently featured as the main car of Daniel Craig's James Bond. However, in the scenes shot in the Bahamas, Bond was seen driving a Ford Mondeo. This particular car had to be shipped to the Bahamas in 2006, over a year before it was released to the public, all under a shroud of secrecy. Hand-built at Ford's studio in Cologne, Germany, the Ford Mondeo was equipped with a Human Machine Interface display, adding to its appeal as a sleek and sophisticated Bond gadget.
2005 Range Rover Sport
Quantum of Solace (2008)
Daniel Craig as James Bond exiting a 2005 Range Rover Sport in Quantum of Solace - Quantum of Solace (2008)
The 2005 Range Rover Sport featured in Quantum of Solace was a significant upgrade from the old Ford Bronco used by Daniel Craig's James Bond earlier in the film. Bond navigated through Bolivia in this sleek and advanced vehicle on his way to the Greene party, showcasing its state-of-the-art features. Known for its strength, dependability, and sophistication, the Range Rover line has been a popular choice in Bond films for its perfect balance of style and toughness, essential qualities for an MI6 agent with a deadly mission.
2011 Jaguar XJ
Skyfall (2012)
James Bond Skyfall - 2011 Jaguar XJ - Skyfall (2012)
The Jaguar XJ L in Skyfall, driven by M played by Judi Dench, showcased her impeccable style as the Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service for MI6. This vehicle made its debut in the Daniel Craig-era James Bond films, standing out alongside the iconic cars driven by the famous spy. Bond himself was behind the wheel of the Jaguar as he escorted M through London after a failed assassination attempt by Raoul Silva. The presence of a Jaguar car in the franchise was first seen in the Pierce Brosnan-era film Die Another Day.
Range Rover Vogue SE
Skyfall (2012)
Range Rover Vogue SE as seen in James Bond's Skyfall - Skyfall (2012)
In Quantum of Solace, Daniel Craig's James Bond developed a fondness for driving his Range Rover, which led to the vehicle making a return in Skyfall. The Range Rover Vogue SE proved to be a dependable and rugged choice, capable of handling various terrains with ease. Bond, sporting a slight beard, was seen being chauffeured in the car during the initial scenes filmed at London's Whitehall, showcasing its practical yet sophisticated appeal. While not as flashy as some of Bond's other vehicles, the Range Rover remained his most sensible mode of transportation.
Land Rover Series III
No Time to Die (2021)
James Bond goes to meet Felix in No Time To Die - No Time to Die (2021) - Land Rover Series III
In No Time to Die, Daniel Craig's James Bond was prepared for the rugged terrain of Port Antonio in Jamaica by driving a blue Land Rover Series III. This iconic vehicle, originally featured in Timothy Dalton's Bond film The Living Daylights, was chosen for its off-road capabilities. Bond utilized the roofless Land Rover to rendezvous with CIA agent Felix Leiter, showcasing its durability and versatility. Inspired by World War II jeeps, this Land Rover remains a timeless symbol of adventure and resilience.
2018 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera
No Time to Die (2021)
James Bond Aston Martin DBS Superleggera - No Time to Die (2021) - 2018 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera
In his final appearance as James Bond, Daniel Craig once again got behind the wheel of an Aston Martin, this time a 2018 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera. This iconic vehicle pays tribute to the Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, who played a significant role in developing Aston Martin cars in the 1960s and 1970s. The Superleggera, a standout in Craig's Bond era, is considered one of the most impressive vehicles featured in the spy series. However, while it serves as a nostalgic callback to its first appearance, it cannot surpass the original Aston Martin.
2011 Aston Martin DBS V12
Casino Royale (2006)
Bond runs towards his Aston Martin DBS in Casino Royale - Casino Royale (2006) - 2011 Aston Martin DBS V12
The standout car of the Daniel Craig era of James Bond has to be the 2011 Aston Martin DBS V12 featured in Casino Royale. This iconic vehicle is closely associated with Bond, being one of the most luxurious cars in the James Bond series and serving as the preferred mode of transportation for the MI6 agent. Making its debut in Casino Royale, the Aston Martin DBS V12 actually appeared in the film two years before it was available for purchase, and later made a brief return in Quantum of Solace.
Sources: James Bond Lifestyle (Volvo S40), James Bond Lifestyle (Ford Mondeo Concept), James Bond Lifestyle (Aston Martin DBS Superleggera)
Editor's P/S:
The article provides a comprehensive overview of the impressive vehicles featured in Daniel Craig's era of the James Bond series. From the rugged Ford Bronco II XLT to the sleek and powerful Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, each car played a significant role in shaping the character of James Bond and his adventures. The article highlights the diverse range of vehicles used, showcasing the evolution of Bond's style and adaptability to different situations.
Overall, the article serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of the James Bond franchise and its ability to captivate audiences with its iconic characters, thrilling action sequences, and stylish vehicles. The cars featured in the Daniel Craig era not only served as transportation but also became symbols of Bond's resilience, sophistication, and unwavering determination.
