Luxury cars are typically a step up from the mainstream vehicles offered by most auto manufacturers. Some car companies have a separate marque for their luxury models while others have integrated their luxury offerings into their standard vehicle lines. Regardless of how you define luxury, these vehicles are often equipped with the latest and greatest in terms of comfort, performance and safety. It is not uncommon for technology that first appears in a luxury model to eventually make its way into a more affordable mainstream car.
The term luxury can mean different things to different people, but most automakers offer a variety of vehicles that they consider to be part of this category. These include a range of sedans, hatchbacks, convertibles and SUVs. They also come in various sizes with powertrains that run the gamut from fire-breathing V8s to hybrid propulsion. These vehicles are often more expensive than their mainstream counterparts, but many of them enjoy a higher resale value and depreciation.
While some may be confused by what constitutes a luxury car, it is important to remember that there is no minimum price or specific set of features that determines this distinction. In addition, most luxury cars are built on the same platforms as their mainstream counterparts and some even share the same parts. However, the main difference is that the upscale features and amenities are not shared with other vehicles in the same brand’s lineup.
Many drivers who purchase luxury cars are seeking a higher level of comfort and performance, or perhaps an image upgrade. These vehicles are designed to offer the best in these areas with premium materials, unique design touches and advanced technology. Some of these luxury cars feature rear-seat entertainment systems, headrest television screens and a fully integrated iPod music interface. Other perks include a hands-free trunk opener, remote starter and an anti-theft system.
Most luxury cars are also more powerful than their mainstream counterparts. This is due to the fact that they are usually built on more advanced and responsive chassis with better handling. As a result, these vehicles can often outperform their less-expensive competitors in terms of acceleration, top speed and handling.
Moreover, most of these vehicles are armed with the latest safety features such as anti-lock brakes, parking assist cameras and forward collision warning systems. These are often available on non-luxury cars, but they tend to be standard equipment in luxury models.
Another benefit of these luxury cars is that they usually have more luxurious amenities than their mainstream counterparts. For example, they are more likely to have soft leather seating and rich wood trim. They may also offer a deluxe sound system with multiple speakers and a high-resolution display.
While there are many benefits of buying a luxury car, there are also several drawbacks that should be considered before making this purchase. Some of these include a higher price tag, a faster rate of depreciation and a lower fuel efficiency. In addition, these vehicles may be harder to repair and maintain than their mainstream counterparts.