What's The Point Of Owning A 'Luxury' Car Anymore?
08-24-16, 10:00 AM
#47
Lexus Champion
08-24-16, 10:01 AM
#48
Pole Position
Yes, these things to me mean luxury, in addition to the better materials and aesthetics. Its the engineering involved behind the vehicle. Someone at that luxury brand cared enough to implement these things. No, they aren't deal breakers, but they are what set the cars apart from mainstream brands, to me.
I'm just saying that I wouldn't mind if my washer stopped in mid-wipe when I turned off the car. It's great that they thought of this, but I can think of 100 other things that would define a luxury vehicle compared to a "standard" model that I would rather have implemented into the car.
For example, Honda has the wonderful idea of putting a camera under the passenger side mirror so that when you turn the right signal on to change lanes (or to simply turn right), the camera shows the right blind spot. Genius.
To me, THIS is luxury. I'd trade the wiper stopping in mid-wipe any day for something as seamless integrated as this blind-spot detection system (though the camera is a little clunky, but quite effective).
Many car buyers equate a solid, firm, precise "thunk" when closing doors/hood/trunk with quality and an upscale feeling. I mention, in my reviews, if I think doors sound or feel tinny when closing.
08-24-16, 10:16 AM
#50
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
Makes sense.
I'm just saying that I wouldn't mind if my washer stopped in mid-wipe when I turned off the car. It's great that they thought of this, but I can think of 100 other things that would define a luxury vehicle compared to a "standard" model that I would rather have implemented into the car.
For example, Honda has the wonderful idea of putting a camera under the passenger side mirror so that when you turn the right signal on to change lanes (or to simply turn right), the camera shows the right blind spot. Genius.
To me, THIS is luxury. I'd trade the wiper stopping in mid-wipe any day for something as seamless integrated as this blind-spot detection system (though the camera is a little clunky, but quite effective).
I'm just saying that I wouldn't mind if my washer stopped in mid-wipe when I turned off the car. It's great that they thought of this, but I can think of 100 other things that would define a luxury vehicle compared to a "standard" model that I would rather have implemented into the car.
For example, Honda has the wonderful idea of putting a camera under the passenger side mirror so that when you turn the right signal on to change lanes (or to simply turn right), the camera shows the right blind spot. Genius.
To me, THIS is luxury. I'd trade the wiper stopping in mid-wipe any day for something as seamless integrated as this blind-spot detection system (though the camera is a little clunky, but quite effective).
08-24-16, 10:28 AM
#51
The reason I would buy a "luxury" car is also due to the dealer service. This may not be true with BMW, but Lexus and Infiniti have treated me very well and have offered loaner cars for the most routine service. In my experience, the mainstream brands do not offer the same experience. Even their showrooms are down market.
I leased a new Honda Accord for my cousin, and when I drove the top-of-the-line Touring version I was quite impressed. I considered one for about a minute, until I realized the wood is fake. Yet another reason to go for a luxury car with higher quality materials. Her battery died (incredible in a new Accord), but Roadside Assistance came and made it right. That is yet another way the luxury and mainstream brands are converging.
On another topic, what is the VW equivalent of an Audi S5, and why would you not consider it "luxury enough". Do you think an A8 is not luxury enough? If you don't think it is, go check it out. ;-)
I leased a new Honda Accord for my cousin, and when I drove the top-of-the-line Touring version I was quite impressed. I considered one for about a minute, until I realized the wood is fake. Yet another reason to go for a luxury car with higher quality materials. Her battery died (incredible in a new Accord), but Roadside Assistance came and made it right. That is yet another way the luxury and mainstream brands are converging.
On another topic, what is the VW equivalent of an Audi S5, and why would you not consider it "luxury enough". Do you think an A8 is not luxury enough? If you don't think it is, go check it out. ;-)
08-24-16, 10:51 AM
#52
Lexus Fanatic
08-24-16, 11:31 AM
#53
Lead Lap
08-24-16, 11:35 AM
#54
Lexus Champion
Yes, it's a hybrid Limited Platinum. Not sure if all Highlanders have the feature or just the higher trim levels. I was actually quite surprised when I saw it do it, as I didn't know any Toyota had it.
08-24-16, 11:51 AM
#55
Lexus Fanatic
08-24-16, 11:57 AM
#56
Lexus Champion
08-24-16, 12:05 PM
#58
Driver
Join Date: Feb 2015
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I'm thinking he's talking about the power rear lift gate as being soft touch close, but the side front and rear doors?? no way... our 16' limited HL certainly does not have that feature.
08-24-16, 12:14 PM
#59
Lexus Champion
Not talking about soft close doors. We are talking about the power windows. Just as in Lexus, the power windows in my Highlander slow down as they finish raising or lowering.
08-24-16, 12:18 PM
#60
Lead Lap
every highlander (even LE) has the overhead vents in the rear, but only the higher optioned models (XLE, Limited) have the adjustable 3-zone temperature controls where you can change the temperature from the back. same goes for having a power electric rear tailgate.