What Is a Luxury Car?
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Historically, luxury cars were large chromed land yachts, but the definition of luxury has changed significantly over the years. Today, the term is used for a variety of vehicles, ranging from luxury sedans and SUVs to minivans and even high-end trucks.
The concept of luxury isn’t necessarily a matter of price, but rather a matter of exclusivity, and often includes high quality materials and features not found in lesser-priced models. A luxury car may also have a higher warranty and concierge services than a lower-priced model.
Luxury cars may also have fancy features such as a high-tech infotainment system or a large rear seat. Some luxury models even come equipped with a hybrid drivetrain. The best vehicles have an impressive powertrain, plus a high-quality interior and a snazzy exterior.
Luxury vehicles usually include amenities like fine leather upholstery, higher-quality materials and improved safety technology. Some models even have features like smart technology and adaptive air suspension. While these may not be as cool as the new Cadillac CTS with its surround view camera, they are often a worthwhile addition to a car buyer’s arsenal.
The luxury car of the year might be the Bentley Flying Spur, which has an incredible design and a spacious interior. Another model that is worthy of a mention is the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, which is a capable sport utility vehicle that is fully loaded and will cost more than twice as much as an entry-level Lexus sedan.
The Aston Martin Valkyrie, which is a mid-engine supercar, is a great example of how a luxury car brand can be forward-thinking. This particular car also features F-1 derived aerodynamics and a 1,139 horsepower V12 engine. The company hasn’t revealed any details yet about its all-electric models, though.
The BMW 7 Series may not be the best luxury vehicle, but it’s certainly an interesting driver’s car. It’s got a bold exterior and a sophisticated, all-digital infotainment system. It also comes with two wheelbase lengths and optional adaptive air suspension. It’s also available in an all-electric version, though that’s probably not the most exciting feature.
The Mercedes S-Class is also a winner in the luxury car category, albeit for a different reason. It’s built to be comfortable and quiet, and it rides like a dream. A new version is set to debut in 2020. It will likely come equipped with a Maybach derivative. The S-Class is also a great example of how a luxury model has been enhanced by a number of recent upgrades.
The Lexus LS isn’t the best example of luxury, but it’s a worthy alternative to the latest S-Class. It’s also an interesting piece of engineering, despite the fact that its 3.5-litre V6 has to work hard to keep up with the weight of a 2420kg car. The ride isn’t the best, but the handling is impressive.
The Audi Q8 is another example of a luxury vehicle with a lot of high-tech features. It’s got a wide range of engines, plus secure handling and a comfortable driving experience. The company’s latest model also offers a plug-in hybrid version.