Today, even basic trim levels are downright loaded compared to what counted as standard equipment for the cars of twenty years ago, and the comparison only becomes more dramatic the farther back in time you go. Features that once defined luxury are simply expected today; air conditioning certainly comes to mind, and power windows.
And if you’re shopping for a bonafide luxury car in 2025, the scope of technological luxuries as well as paints and coverings and conveniences is truly staggering. Multi-mode massaging seats, custom interior lighting, ergonomic memory settings, voice-activated features … the list goes on and on.
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But what defines luxury to you? Certainly we can agree those massaging seats are nice, not to mention the ability to warm one’s hams via electrical filaments beneath the leather (real or animal-friendly), or come summertime, blast said hams with cooled air. But as Autopians, I’m confident we all have some unique takes on what constitutes luxury beyond the usual niceties.
As a serial shitbox owner for many years, I still count “starts every time” and “is safe” as highly valued luxuries. I’ve also suffered many a crap stereo – factory and aftermarket – so a nice sound system is clutch. And a power rear hatch? Absolutely delightful.
Your turn: What is luxury for you?
Top image: Doug DeMuro/YouTube
Luxury is about that little bit of excess that differentiates what is needed for a given task and what makes that given task at least slightly easier or more enjoyable. Think of the difference between power seats and power memory seats. That little memory function really makes a big difference. Many cars have auto dimming rearview mirrors, but when you throw in auto dimming side mirrors again its that little extra bit that makes the car just a bit more comfortable.
Dougie keeps pronouncing the Caddy as “brahm”, but back in the day I always heard it as BRO-um.
Just me?
You’re correct. BRO-um or browm is the correct pronunciation. Now just imagine how much consternation could come the masses trying to correctly pronounce the new Porsche Brougham model.
To me, luxury is more about the build quality and the choice of materials. AKA leather and soft vinyl rather than rattley hard plastics. Real wood trim, not a sticker or some shiny black plastic. Leather seats that wear nicely with age like a fine pair of loafers. Controls that feel substantial and not plasticky. It also means good engineering that holds up over time and nothing silly or gimmicky. BMW and Mercedes were at the top of that game in the late 90’s, building timeless cars that still hold up to this day.
My daily driver for a while has been a 1995 BMW 540i, and it’s amazing how well it’s held up considering it’s almost 30 years old. At 288,000 miles, the seats are in excellent shape, the headliner is perfect, the dashboard has no cracks or warping, all of the features of the car work perfectly, and it still does autobahn-level cruising like an absolute champ. Yes, it’s had maintenance done, but it’s still on the original motor and transmission. A great all-around sport luxury car.