With mainstream vehicles getting more luxurious with every new generation, what does it take for luxury car brands to stay ahead and set themselves apart? Forbesautos.com has some ideas and thoughts about that. Here's their top 10 list:
The Human-Machine Interface Adaptive Headlights
Adaptive Cruise Control
Live Traffic Reports
Super-High-Fidelity Audio Systems
Hard Drives
Keyless Entry/Start
Heated and Cooled Seats, Front and Rear
Rear Sun Shades
Massaging Seats
Full story here . For more details on each of the above listed items, click here ...
ateixeira says:
07:20 AM, 06/26/07
Funny thins is how some of these things are already found on basic cars.
The Sienna offers adaptive cruise control and sun shades.
$700 portable GPS systems have live traffic reports.
Sebrings have hard drives.
Keyless Go is common now.
I think the idea of these items trickling down is in the past, nowadays automakers put these features in mainstream models often before some luxury cars get them.
blackadder5639 says:
10:11 AM, 06/26/07
I agree with Ateixeira. And many mainstream cars have top hifi systems: those that don't have can go to an audio shop and install them.
I think the primary things that set luxury cars apart are power, refinement, interior quality and frivulous features that mainstream buyers wouldn't pay for (eg., parallel-park-myself on Lexus cars or 5-zone climate control systems).
For example, while there are powerful non-luxury cars like the Evo, hardly do non-luxury cars exceed 300 hp.
estreka says:
11:17 AM, 06/26/07
No bluetooth?
I think fit'n'finish and build quality are what really separate the luxuries from the mainstream.
autoboy16 says:
12:58 PM, 06/26/07
FOo some reason i was reading that list, i thought you were describing the lexus LS460l... Hey why isn't the parking assist or self parking feature here?
-Cj
desmolicious says:
01:10 PM, 06/26/07
Just read that list and as it doesn't have removable doors and fold down windshield I guess my Wrangler doesn't make the cut...
iancar says:
08:42 PM, 06/26/07
Where is internet access, privacy and bulletproof glasses, virtual driver, and speed limiter?
actualsize says:
07:01 PM, 06/28/07
The Human-Machine Interface. Oooh. I want some o' that in my next car. I can hardly drive my "car" without it. Nothing says luxury quite like a big 'ol dose of the Human-Machine Interface thingie.
Bluetooth is a big MIA. Estreka is paying attention.
puristsoul says:
11:39 PM, 10/19/07
How come the massage chair you buy at sharper image is all lumpy, yet they can make an appealing one for a vehicle?