When drivers think of luxury cars, big names like BMW and Mercedes-Benz often come to mind. However, Lexus rightfully deserves a place among the world’s best automakers, with some of the most exciting and well-built models on the market.
Lexus cars have been on the roads since 1989. As part of the Toyota Motor Corporation, Lexus cars are typically cheaper than Audi luxury vehicles and are similarly priced to Mercedes-Benz and BMWs. Lexus automobiles are highly regarded for their reliability, comfort, technological features, and value for money. Therefore, it can definitely be classified as a luxury car.
What is classified as a luxury car?
Before we take a closer look at Lexus, let’s first define what is meant by a luxury car.
In the past, a luxury car would have been a term used to describe vehicles such as a limousine, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, or BMW. However, over the years many more major brands have developed a separate line of luxury car models.
For example, Honda’s contribution to the luxury car market is the Acura, and Ford has the Lincoln as its top-of-the-line vehicle. In 1989, the Japanese car manufacturer Toyota introduced its first luxury car to the market: the Lexus LS 400.
Automakers go above and beyond with their luxury vehicle lines, incorporating as many innovative features as possible and creating a car that is comfortable but also performance-enhanced.
Here are some of the key characteristics that define luxury vehicles:
stylish interior
Many luxury cars will have leather interiors. Think leather steering wheel, seats, and even the doors and dash can be padded with leather. Instead of standard seats, a luxury car may have large bucket seats or captain’s chairs.
There will often be different lighting options inside the vehicle as well. For example, the 2023 Lexus NX 250 has themed ambient lighting, allowing the driver to choose different interior lighting colors to suit the driver’s mood.
high end technology
Often the most innovative technology is reserved for luxury car brands. You can expect high-end, fully interactive infotainment systems, large digital touch screens, multimedia interfaces and much more.
The Lexus NX 250 features a smart assistant, wireless Apple Car Play and a digital rear view mirror, to name just a few of its innovative technological features.
Impressive security package
All cars are designed to be safe on the road, and many conventional vehicles come with a safety package. However, luxury cars take safety to the next level and often include the best features designed to prevent collisions and keep drivers and their passengers safe.
Safety features included with the Lexus NX 250 include technology to automatically reduce vehicle speed when a pedestrian is detected in its path and a pre-collision restraint system.
higher price tag
You can often tell a luxury car by its high price. Luxury vehicles will cost thousands of dollars more than regular passenger cars and money is the price you pay for driving in style.
However, not all expensive vehicles are luxury cars. For example, the Lexus NX 250 AWD costs €39,775, but there are popular brands of pick-up trucks with a higher starting price than this.
improved performance
Everything about a luxury car is of a higher standard and this includes engine performance. Luxury vehicles will often have better horsepower and will likely have at least one V6 engine under the hood.
Driving a luxury car will be a smooth and fast ride and owners of these vehicles can expect continued high performance for years to come.
a touch of luxury
It sounds obvious, but a luxury car needs a touch of luxury. Drivers want to feel comfortable yet sophisticated when they ride in their high-end cars.
Examples of luxurious features include built-in aromatherapy diffusers, champagne chillers and holders, night vision, customizable starlit ceilings, cool cup holders, and a rotating dash.
