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Writer's pictureCory Fourniquet

What Makes a Luxury Vehicle?


It seems like the line is blurring between an automaker’s mainstream offerings and their more upscale ones. As technology becomes a bigger factor in designing cars, more cars from the exotic to the everyday commuter begin to offer some of the same features.

Increasingly larger screens, heated & cooled seats, safety tech like lane keep assist and preemptive braking, adaptive cruise control, panoramic sunroofs, keyless entry and remote start...what features make a “luxury” car in your mind?

Looking back a few decades for instance, automatic transmissions were the pinnacle of fancy. Then further down the line leather seats, power windows and locks made a car luxurious. Fast forward a few years and cruise control became a must-have in the luxury game. Then keyless entry, push button start, self driving.

Cars like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan have been hailed as the flagship of luxury items in vehicles. Take a look at a 20 year old S Class and you will see items that have become mainstream today. A then brand-new 2000 model S-Class came with luxury items such as adaptive cruise control, GPS with Tele Aid communication technology, and a sound system with redundant steering wheel controls.


Hard to believe you can get 2000’s level high-luxury in a car like the brand new Corolla. Listen to some of the safety features now standard in a car that starts at $19,600: “2.0 (TSS 2.0) - Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD) with low light pedestrian detection and daytime cyclist detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) and Road Edge Detection with Sway Warning System, Automatic High Beams (AHB), Road Sign Assist (RSA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)”

Move upscale one trim level and you get such infotainment features as: “Audio — includes 6 speakers, 7-in. touch-screen, Siri® Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay® & Amazon Alexa compatible, USB media port, hands-free phone capability, advanced voice recognition and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology, Scout® GPS Link compatible with up to 3-year trial. Connected Services — Safety Connect® with 3-year trial, Wi-Fi ConnectPowered by Verizon with up to 2 GB within 6-month trial.”

Have we gotten to a point where the Cadillac Escalade’s massive 38 inch OLED information screen, Chrysler Pacifica’s leather quilted pillows, or autonomous driving of high-end Teslas define “luxury” in cars?

I remember my first car. It was a Cadillac. It was handed down to me by my grandfather who purchased it new and only really drove it to the golf course and back home. It was a 1991 model, but it was still the pinnacle of American luxury of the time. It had leather seats, all digital gauges, lights on the front fenders pointed back at the driver to indicate which set of headlights was currently turned on, and (perhaps the most interesting) ash trays with lighters at each outboard seat. In a world today where we all have car chargers for our devices, that would still be a relevant feature today.



That was luxury in 1991

My wife and I bought her 2014 Jeep Cherokee that sports leather seats, multiple power outlets, touchscreen nav, adaptive cruise with lane keeping, self parking, panoramic sunroof, push button start with passive keyless entry. All this, and I would not define the car as a luxury car. That is just how far we have come.

Top that off with full size trucks becoming full on luxury rigs. Have you been in a new Ram 1500 Limited? It has reclining, heated AND cooled REAR seats and a massive 12” tablet screen in the dash. In a truck!

Are we spoiled? Are we asking for too much in our cars now? Is this why cars are getting so expensive now?



What features do you consider luxuries in cars?


What defines a luxury car to you?


-Cory

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5 Comments


Liesl Dancewear
Liesl Dancewear
Nov 23

I enjoyed reading this! The article covers some important aspects that often get overlooked. Thanks for shedding light on them in such a clear and concise manner.


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shkokkaescort
Oct 09

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Clark benson
Clark benson
Oct 04

A luxury vehicle is defined by several distinguishing features that elevate it above standard cars, emphasizing comfort, performance, and status. Premium materials such as high-grade leather, real wood accents, and superior build quality are hallmarks of luxury vehicles. These cars often come equipped with advanced technology, including cutting-edge infotainment systems, driver-assistance features, and high-end sound systems that enhance the driving experience. Additionally, luxury vehicles typically offer superior performance through powerful engines and someone write my assignment handling, providing a smooth and responsive ride. The attention to detail, from custom options to bespoke finishes, further differentiates luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Lexus, making them appealing to those seeking both elegance and performance .


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keleb66251
Aug 05

Thank you

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alanadavid307
Nov 13, 2020

The luxury car must have high-quality features that are above and beyond the average requirement. The term luxury is used to classify vehicles that are equipped with superior performance capabilities, elegant interior, and state-of-the-art safety and technology features.

Luxury models generally ride better than mainstream models, and you get less tire noise and wind noise when you're on the road. By the way, I want automobile parts and accessories for my GLS 500 Mercedes. Do you guys know of any Black Friday sales and discount deals in my town Ls Angeles county OR any online discounts on coupon codes such as black friday coupons or christmas?

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