How to Define Luxury Cars

When you step inside a BMW 7-Series or Rolls-Royce Wraith, you enter an exclusive world. These luxury vehicles command attention whether you’re driving through a city or rolling up to your country club for dinner. While these models might turn heads, they’re also built to drive better and offer a more enjoyable experience than mainstream options.

There are many ways to define a luxury car, but one important factor is the interior quality. The seats should be soft to the touch, and the cabin should feel airy and spacious. The materials used in the interior should also be of high-quality, and most luxury cars come with amenities that aren’t available in mainstream models. For example, you might find an adjustable steering wheel and a rearview camera in luxury vehicles, while some may even include massage seats.

You can also consider how well a car performs, and most luxury cars have a smooth and powerful engine that can handle fast driving. They also tend to have a larger infotainment screen and premium audio systems. Additionally, some luxury vehicles are made from hand-crafted components and feature handmade touches like unique metal trim or wood accents.

Another way to determine if a car is considered luxury is by looking at its safety ratings. Many of the features that we now consider standard in luxury cars—like self-dimming headlights, auto-start, and remote-locking doors—first debuted in lower-priced mainstream vehicles. In addition, luxury manufacturers often provide longer warranties and concierge services, which can help you with maintenance or repairs.

Regardless of the definition you choose, it’s important to remember that the luxury market is always evolving. Today, many automakers known for their economy vehicles are pushing into luxury territory. That’s why it’s important to shop around and look for a deal on a new luxury vehicle that fits your budget.

European brands dominate the luxury vehicle market, with BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi all grabbing more than 60% of search interest. But that doesn’t mean that they don’t have competition. Sweden’s Volvo, Japan’s Lexus, and Italy’s Alfa Romeo and Maserati are all gaining ground.

Lastly, you can also find some true luxury vehicles from emerging markets like South Korea’s Genesis. These luxury cars typically use cutting-edge technology and a sporty design to appeal to millennials and other younger buyers who aren’t interested in classic sedans and hatchbacks.