What Is a Luxury Car & How To Determine if a Car Is Luxurious?
Not all cars are created equal, as there are numerous qualities and features that differentiate the high-end from the entry-level. But what exactly are those attributes that qualify as luxurious? That is precisely what we are going to answer for you today.
We’ve carefully narrowed down the most luxurious features to bring you a comprehensive guide that definitively answers the question: “What is a luxury car?” You never know; you may own a luxury car but just never knew it, as Porsche, the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Range Rover, Land Rover, or Tesla are not the only luxurious vehicles on the road. We invite you to join us in our discussion below to help you determine your car’s prestige and much more.
What Makes a Luxury Car?
Luxury cars and luxury brands are known for their unique features. They’re built with the best materials, offer the latest in technology, offer premium comfort, and come with features that many lower-cost vehicles don’t have. Money Talks News reports that “luxury” is defined by what people will pay for.
It’s not about the brand name or type of car; it’s about how much someone is willing to spend on a vehicle. Luxury cars, like SUVs by Cadillac, Honda, or Lincoln, come with high price tags, often starting at $50,000 or more for an entry-level sedan.
If you are determined to own a luxury SUV or vehicle, perhaps you should consider trying one first before you make the investment. As long as you are old enough to rent a car, you can try out a luxury model to ensure that it fits your needs.
What Does It Mean To Be a Luxury Car?
Before we proceed any further, it’s important to note that the term “luxury” is subjective. Some drivers might consider the cost of a vehicle to make it luxurious. But the price isn’t the only determining factor in whether a car is considered luxurious.
For example, some people may not consider a Mercedes Benz to be a luxury car, while others think it’s the very definition of luxury. The same holds true for just about every make and model on the road. But when it comes down to it, there are some fundamental qualities that set a luxury Volvo S90 or Audi Q8 apart from the average.
There are two things that are critical to being called a luxury vehicle: style and price. The cars have to have an elevated level of style that separates them from the competition. But with style often comes greater expense, thus making luxury cars like the Bentley Bentayga more expensive by default.
A luxury car is usually defined by its features too. A car might be considered luxurious because it comes with all the latest technology or safety features not available on other cars in its class. It can also be defined by how many seats it has, what color it comes in, or the country of origin.
Just recently, BMW unveiled a car that changes color. With the use of a simple mobile app, drivers can turn their BMW any color they want. Many people think this is a luxury feature, and they are right, as this is a new and innovative feature found only on select vehicles.
The truth of the matter is that there are many factors that equate to luxury. But because there are so many different components to luxury cars, the things that were once unique to high-end vehicles are now the norm in even entry-level automobiles.
As such, it’s fair to say that more modern cars have an advantage in setting the bar in terms of what’s luxurious. But this isn’t always the case. There are plenty of vintage rides that remain luxury cars due to their stellar craftsmanship and unparalleled presentation.
The Features of a Luxury Car
The features of a car are one of the first things to look at when deciding what is a luxury car. Luxury cars are often decked out with all the latest, most advanced bells and whistles. Depending on the manufacturer, some luxurious vehicles offer specific amenities for buyers, such as:
- Infotainment system
- Panoramic sunroof
- Massage function
- Starlight Roof
- Scent system
- Heated seats
- Automatic transmission
Moreover, a luxury vehicle is more likely to have all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive capabilities. There are also numerous technologically advanced features that separate luxury sedans from your average sedan.
For example, you will typically find that most luxury cars offer the following:
- Bluetooth capability for hands-free phone calls
- USB ports for plugging in various devices
- High-quality sound systems
- Enhanced safety features
- MP3 compatibility
- Satellite radio
Another feature worthy of mention is engine size. A larger engine size will be able to provide more power than a smaller engine size. So those who plan on using their car for long road trips or transporting heavy loads may want to prioritize this feature in their purchase decision.
But in doing so, you may compromise luxury for utility. It’s true that there are luxury vehicles with powerful engines. But oftentimes, you see such motors in vehicles that are intended for things like off-road use.
Exterior vs. Interior
Luxury is about more than just the car’s exterior, although that is certainly a key selling point on high-end vehicles. Indeed, luxury automobiles often sport sleek and stylish exteriors that serve to enhance both appearance and drivability.
The interior of the car should be equally attractive, with features that offer comforts and quality-of-life improvements. A luxury vehicle should also have high-end technology that makes driving easier and more enjoyable.
Because there are many unique features and functions of luxury vehicles, they are often very expensive by comparison. As such, you should be prepared to pay a substantial sum if you want to own a luxurious car.
How Much Luxury Can You Afford?
The first step in finding the right luxury vehicle for your budget is to consider how much you can afford. Luxury vehicles are often very expensive, so this is a key consideration.
If you have a large budget, you will have more options available to you. If your budget is considerably smaller, then you’ll need to be more strategic with your choices.
Some people who want luxury will instead purchase a slightly cheaper car that has some of the luxury features they love. For example, if leather seats are important to someone, they might opt for a car that has faux leather seats instead of a full leather interior.
Other people may decide to wait until they can save up enough money for a luxury vehicle. Doing this could take years but would be worth it if it means getting everything on their wish list.
Regardless of which choice you make, know going into the process what kind of luxury your budget can afford and what compromises you’re willing or able to make.
Summary
As you can see, there are a lot of factors that contribute to luxury cars. And while more luxurious vehicles are often quite pricey, there are alternative options that yield similar conveniences. As discussed above, you can make compromises here and there to better fit your budget if necessary.
If you are considering investing in a luxury car, we recommend that you rent one first to gain a better understanding of what they offer. Luxury vehicles offer an entirely new driving experience, so it pays to try it first to make sure it’s what you want in a high-end car.
Sources:
BMW made a car that can change colors – Roadshow | CNET
Cars with Panoramic Sunroofs: Everything You Need to Know | Car & Driver
What is the Mercedes-Benz Air Balance System? | Mercedes-Benz of South Bay
