The Tucson SUV can make a 6-year-old E-Class feel antique in terms of features.
BHPian Hypno0784 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
Greetings fellow auto enthusiasts! This is my first post here so kindly ignore my nescience and help me rectify any errors.
Luxury holds a different meaning for each one of us, and as Indian buyers, we have our own unique set of expectations when it comes to luxury cars. In this thread, let’s explore the features that make sense for the Indian market and buyers. This discussion can guide luxury car buyers who want to see what they get or miss out on when considering their luxury car choices.
One thing to note is that we’re concentrating on sub 2 crore luxury cars, as the exorbitantly priced models tend to offer almost everything imaginable. Our goal is to identify features that balance luxury and practicality for the average buyer.
In my opinion, these features are no-brainers and should be included in the sub-80L bracket irrespective of product positioning in a brand’s lineup:
Ventilated seats, massage seats, rear seat recline, soft headrests, window and rear sunblinds, good ambient lighting, a comprehensive safety suite, luxurious and upmarket interiors, plush ride quality, fun engines are driving dynamics and most importantly, opulence, are some of the things that come to my mind.
Of course, I acknowledge that one can modify their car to include almost all these features. However, the allure of luxury cars lies in having these features seamlessly integrated into the chassis, creating a sense of exclusivity and snob value.
My view towards a luxury car is that it should be able to pamper you with all creature comforts but also be fun to drive when you wish so. No Porsche or Ferrari levels, but enough to keep your inner child happy. A different purpose-made machine can take the job of giving you that adrenaline rush.
So, how do you define luxury in your car? What luxury features do you consider essential? Are there any additional features you believe should be on the luxury checklist?
Here’s what GTO had to say on the matter:
To me, the more the luxury features, the better. Korean & Chinese car manufacturers sure take the lead in bringing luxury-marque features to the mainstream segments. Fact is, a Creta today can make a 5-year-old C-Class look barebones, while a Tucson can make a 6-year-old E-Class feel antique in terms of features. Ditto with other cars such as the XUV700 and others.
Especially love features such as ventilated seats, 6 & more airbags, powerful turbo-petrol engines that match/beat the BHP of yesteryear luxury German cars, fast AT gearboxes, ESP etc. I also appreciate the overall improvement in sound quality & audio systems. As much as I love music, I hate ripping apart my car’s interiors in the aftermarket. Factory fit is factory fit. And even theft is rare with OEM audio systems.
Features I really don’t care about = ADAS (hate it in India) & wireless car charging (a gimmick, the tech isn’t there yet).
Here’s what BHPian DCEite had to say on the matter:
From an Indian driving perspective, I would say:
- Ventilated heated and cooled seats
- 360-degree camera
- Lane assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Umbrella holder
- Remote engine start
- Turbo mode cooling
What is not required:
- Panoramic sunroof
- Panoramic sunroof
- Panoramic sunroof
Here’s what BHPian five46 had to say on the matter:
In the order of preference (to be affordable enough):
- 6/8 Airbags
- Automatic Transmission
- Ventilated Seats
I would have mentioned the 5 Star Safety rating too, but Altroz showed that it’s not the territory of luxury cars alone.
Luxury is a subjective matter though. What may be affordable to someone else, may be luxury for me.
Here’s what BHPian Kkumar had to say on the matter:
For me luxury means bespoke. Luxury being a subjective matter varies from person to person. The car should be as per my taste and I should have the freedom to decide what I need starting from the colour of the car to the type of upholstery and features to be included and even the engine and transmission. If a car maker can provide it then that’s luxury.
Keyword: Luxury features in Indian cars that just make sense