Luxury cars are vehicles with the highest level of quality and design, often with the latest technological advancements and a high degree of comfort. Some manufacturers create separate luxury brands, while others incorporate luxury models within their flagship lines of vehicles. These premium cars come in many shapes and sizes with powertrains from fire-breathing V8s to electric propulsion. They’re generally crafted with superior materials and have high-end amenities such as leather seats, a high-end sound system, telematics and safety features. Many innovations in automotive technology start on upscale models before making their way into mainstream vehicles.
There’s no hard and fast rule about what makes a vehicle a luxury model, but it’s typically based on the price tag. The top luxury car brands include Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac, Infiniti, Lincoln and Lexus. Some of them have been around for decades, while others are relatively new. The cost of luxury models can be far above the average price for a car, and that’s one reason why they’re so desirable.
Manufacturers use marketing and advertising to groom car shoppers to think of these brands as being a cut above the rest. They often use a combination of factors to define the luxury experience, including the reputation of the brand, the design and build quality of the vehicle and the level of amenities it has.
These cars also usually have a limited production run. This is because luxury car manufacturers tend to employ highly skilled labor and don’t produce thousands of vehicles like big box auto makers do, which allows them to keep production costs down while ensuring that the finished product is exceptional.
Moreover, these manufacturers often offer exclusive ownership perks to their customers. These can include concierge services, luxe dealership spaces, VIP benefits and a host of other exclusives to help car owners get the most out of their purchase. As a result, some of these luxury models have higher owner satisfaction ratings than other cars on the market.
Some of these perks are not just for the initial purchase, but throughout the duration of ownership. For example, some companies offer roadside assistance, while other give owners access to special service centers and even loaner cars for routine maintenance or warranty repairs. Other perks can include priority access to events, VIP treatment and even discounted services at other auto companies.
The entry-level luxury segment includes a wide range of sedans and SUVs that are priced below the top luxury competitors from Japan and Germany. These models are usually designed to appeal to a younger demographic, and they sometimes include upscale details that might otherwise be found in a more expensive model. Examples of these models include the Acura TL, Alfa Romeo 156 and the Cadillac CTS.
While some of these entry-level luxury models are a bit more spacious than compact luxury vehicles, they’re not quite as spacious as the mid-size luxury models that comprise the middle luxury segment. These are vehicles such as the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Lincoln MKZ.