You know that a luxury car will cocoon you in plush suede, buttery leather, exotic wood trim and an opera house quality sound system. But, as it turns out, there are even more pampering extras that could put you at the forefront of technology, save you money on ownership and just make your life infinitely better.
Here, six reasons (beyond the obvious) to go luxury.
Luxury car brands recognize that no one wants to rearrange their schedule to tend to their car. So they were the first to roll out 24/7 roadside assistance and complimentary maintenance packages. And these perks keep getting better: Lincoln, Genesis, Lexus and more will come retrieve your car for service and provide a loaner while service is being done. Some will also offer a hotel stay if a breakdown or accident leaves you stranded. And Tesla takes it one step further by coming to you to do repairs. Just leave it where you want it serviced–your driveway, your office parking lot, whatever--and they'll find it, fix it and leave it ready for your next 12,500 miles.
From Mercedes Benz and Infiniti,’s concierge services, to Cadillac's My Rewards program to the Lexus Drivers benefits program, these days, fancy car owners can expect serious benefits. Think: special parking areas at concerts and events, VIP areas at auto shows, special sections at sporting events and even curated experiences at resorts, malls and more. Just show your key fob and you're in.
Michelin started it all with the Michelin guide, and luxury auto brands have kept the momentum going. Mercedes-Benz offers preferred access to hotels, restaurants, even spa certificates; Lexus not only has a list of preferred partners offering discounts and special experiences, but allows owners access to a new restaurant, Intersect, which they created in partnership with Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality group. (Locations are currently in in New York and Dubai, with more coming soon.) And Lincoln's Black Label offers dining and travel perks, including a year of complimentary “Clear” through TSA checkpoints.
Luxury automakers tend to be first to market with new technology. From head up display to adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and voice activated everything, brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW were the early birds. Lincoln has taken the mission to heart, turning your smart phone into a key fob that can lock, unlock, start and drive your car for you. And when technology confounds you, just give a call. BMW, Lexus, Genesis and others will either send someone out to walk you through the mysteries of the infotainment system or invite you to the dealership for a latte and Q&A.
Ever wanted to go to the factory and see the car you've been waiting for roll off the line? Or shake the hand of the plant manager who made sure that every detail was perfect? You can do that! Many manufacturers including Volvo and BMW invite you to be there when your car is completed and drive it away, and Acura NSX owners are even encouraged to attach the Acura badge to their new car right on the assembly plant floor. We’re also fans of the Jaguar’s "Handover Encore" program, which brings the car to you and offers a detailed dive into the car's features. From there, the rep keeps in touch, letting you know when the car needs servicing, and arranging for pick-up and delivery of a loaner.
Luxury cars should thrill you, right? Still, most owners are reluctant to put them to the test. But with many high-end brands, including Cadillac, BMW, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and Ford's top-tier models, you can take your new baby, or one just like it, out on the track for a fun day or in order to see what it's capable of. You'll learn from a seasoned track pro and have a chance to go it on your own. After all, this is supposed to be fun, people.
