Top 10 Features that Redefine Automotive Luxury

Top 10 Features that Redefine Automotive Luxury
ForbesAutos takes a look at the latest set of features that are defining a new generation of luxury vehicles.

Click through for the top 10 features that redefine automotive luxury.

1. Human-Machine Interface (HMI): Motorists are suffering from technology overload. “The trend for the future is to seamlessly integrate all of the mobile devices. It redefines the definition of luxury,” says Johnson Controls VP Mike Warsaw. Navigation, Bluetooth mobile phones, portable audio and video devices will all get synched into one interface along with the rest of the vehicles’ increasingly complex electronic systems. Perfecting the human-machine interface in vehicles is challenging as automakers struggle to keep pace with the latest technology and make controls intuitive.

2. Adaptive Headlights: Adaptive headlights change the way light hits the road. Lenses and reflectors in the headlights move in conjunction with the steering wheel to throw beams of light in the direction of a turn. Like the now-pervasive airbag and skid-control systems, adaptive headlights are an example of advanced safety technology being pioneered on luxury automobiles.

3. Adaptive Cruise Control: The ability to cruise without worrying about the traffic pace is not only a luxury, it enhances safety. Adaptive cruise control uses sensors in the front bumper to gauge the distance and speed of traffic ahead. The driver can set a predetermined distance from a vehicle that the system then automatically maintains, no matter the speed.

4. Live Traffic Reports: Navigation systems with live traffic reports can help when streets and highways are gridlocked or unexpectedly closed. “People can immediately look and see what’s in their path,” says Lexus’ Greg Thome. Acura says its 2005 RL sedan was the first vehicle sold in the U.S. to offer this feature.

5. Super-High-Fidelity Audio Systems: “For some people, the sound system they listen to in their car is more important than the sound system in their home,” says Lexus’ Greg Thome. That has lead luxury carmakers to partner with ultra-high-end audio experts, such as Mark Levinson in the case of Lexus...
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SupraNeverBackSupraNeverBack - 6/25/2007 2:09:02 PM
-4 Boost
Lexus LS = The best


RupertRupert - 6/25/2007 4:25:59 PM
+5 Boost
Lexus didn't pioneer any of these technologies!
1. iDrive, Comand, MMI
2. Citroen pioneered it in the 50s
3. Mercedes Benz pioneered this
4. Acura says it's first in the US, I'm sure BMW or Merc had this in Europe years ago.
5. BMW, Mercedes and Audi have been offering these for well over 10 years.
6. Chrysler Sebring
7. Mercedes Benz
8. Mercedes Benz
9. Audi, BMW or Mercedes, not sure which.
10. Mercedes Benz or BMW (they had Active seat way back in 99)


RupertRupert - 6/25/2007 4:27:21 PM
+4 Boost
Regards to number 4, my 99 740i has trafficmaster, ie live traffic reports.


SevorbeupstryIsBackSevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/25/2007 4:46:29 PM
+5 Boost
"Lexus pioneered every single technology on this list. Another reason why it is the premiere luxury brand."

You simply cannot be serious!


SevorbeupstryIsBackSevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/25/2007 4:47:59 PM
0 Boost
By the way Rupert.. number 6 Chrysler Sebring?

Was that the car that first had a HDD?


RupertRupert - 6/25/2007 4:57:22 PM
+2 Boost
For music, I really think it was. (the S class had one for Nav)
If it wasn't then that is the thing the Lexus wins.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 6/25/2007 9:52:56 PM
+1 Boost
snore.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 6/25/2007 9:53:53 PM
+2 Boost
if lexus is the 'premier' luxury car brand why can't they charge a premium for such prestige?


TauronB2GTauronB2G - 6/25/2007 2:28:09 PM
+2 Boost
Have you guys seen the new Hyundai commercial that pits the Hyundai Azera against the LS460?
T


motomoto - 6/25/2007 4:52:37 PM
+2 Boost
To most DRIVERS, a car should be light, quick, and easy to use - with performance and quality commeasurate to the buyer's demands and cost acceptance.

But a luxury car, by my definition is for PASSENGERS, not for drivers. For those who allow the chauffeur to do all the "work", then they can install whatever the hell they want on their cars.

Nevertheless, Forbes clearly isn't read by real drivers, nor by chauffeurs.

1. Human-Machine Interface (HMI): BAD IDEA. Any audiophile will tell you that upgrading the audio system in newer cars is an increasingly big headache. Who wants to wade through menus to access the control you want to adjust??? Tying in non-similar systems into a single "user interface" only increases complexity and reduces aftermarket options.

2. Adaptive Headlights: safety equipment, not luxury. The Tucker Torpedo had it first.

3. Adaptive Cruise Control: for those who can't figure out how to leave enough clearance in front of them in traffic? Hint: compression braking eliminates most need for ever touching a foot to the brake on the freeway.

4. Live Traffic Reports: for those who don't listen to the radio?

5. Super-High-Fidelity Audio Systems: road noise is the biggest influence in automotive audio quality, not the electronics!

6. Hard Drives: for those who don't already own an iPod?

7. Keyless Entry/Start: for those who cannot twist a simple key?

8. Heated and Cooled Seats: for those who cannot dress appropriately for the temperature?

9. Rear Sun Shades: for those who do not own sunglasses?

10. Massaging Seats: for those who are too out-of-shape to handle the rigors of travel?


we really are becoming a lazy society if we consider any of this stuff luxurious!


w209w114w209w114 - 6/25/2007 5:01:35 PM
+2 Boost
Moto

Forget Cars. I have a great set of LEGSUS that can take me prom point A to B.


answeranswer - 6/25/2007 7:03:30 PM
+1 Boost
Moto,

You forgot:

#11 Starter motor: for those to lazy to work a hand crank.




Homer008Homer008 - 6/25/2007 10:51:21 PM
0 Boost
ha ha..that's a good one but true. Funny you mention about Korean massagers..If you goto either Japan or Korea..its the White Russian ladies giving "special massages" and very cheap too!







PorschinatorPorschinator - 6/25/2007 2:40:50 PM
+6 Boost
Lexus didn't pioneer any of these features, the just had a Lexus rep there for the 10 list portion. They added the existing technology to their brand. Def not a bad thing and a way to better the Lexus brand. Most of these feaures are seen on most luxury cars today and of course some are better than others.


kpaxxkpaxx - 6/25/2007 2:50:51 PM
+2 Boost

A lot of these features I could do without.

I think what really defines luxury is the quality of materials and interior design details. These have more appeal to me than all the x-box gadgetry.




w209w114w209w114 - 6/25/2007 5:03:40 PM
+4 Boost
Luxury is something everyone can do without. thats why its a LUXURY. The definition of Luxury is something u dont need, but offers convenience at a cost.


PorschinatorPorschinator - 6/25/2007 2:56:24 PM
+1 Boost
Well a fine mix of technology and luxury is what I like. The MAIN reason for the gadgets is to one up the competitors with something they don't have in their cars. Like some of you I prefer the bulk of the technology towards performance and ride feel and not the glove box with built in microwave and expresso maker. Yet add on technology is not entirely bad if it makes practical sense.


montyz81montyz81 - 6/25/2007 3:03:16 PM
+3 Boost
If your a real driver, then most of these things don't matter to you. That is why I bought a G35 6mt without some of the features above. Its a drivers car.


w209w114w209w114 - 6/25/2007 5:04:43 PM
+1 Boost
LexusKing,

Oh GOD! I didnt know u were into the elderly. To each its own


answeranswer - 6/25/2007 7:05:06 PM
-1 Boost
I don't know if you are overweight or lazy, but being concerned about being deboosted sure makes you a geek.


sewingmachinesewingmachine - 6/26/2007 12:28:01 AM
-2 Boost
^^^^ lololol bimmermike got owned.


david999david999 - 6/25/2007 5:43:14 PM
0 Boost

All these features are not necessary for your vehicle to enjoy it, but that is
what many luxury buyers want and look for. Lexus among others excell at the luxury game.


EnnNorakEnnNorak - 6/25/2007 10:59:03 PM
0 Boost
Let me turn this around. I would pay NOT TO HAVE (and not necessarily in that order): iDrive, NAV system, Lexus' silly self parking, sunroof, AWD systems with slipping clutches that wear out, the dreaded CVT, inherently-out-of-balance 90-degree V6 engines, MAybach's engine that only has 3 valves per cylinder, Engines with SOHC instead of DOHC, cars that do not have identical adjustments for not front seats, and spare wheel/tires that are not matching alloys and that are mounted inside the vehicle instead of in a proper wheel well inside.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 6/26/2007 1:14:11 AM
+4 Boost
well, that's your opinion.
it doesn't even make my list.
but then....i'm under 60.


titsmageetitsmagee - 6/26/2007 3:04:42 AM
+1 Boost
Some of these comments are sad


bevisroybevisroy - 6/28/2007 10:18:56 PM
+1 Boost
Lexus ALWAYS understates their 0 - 60 times by at least .5 seconds. Here are the results of the 5 Top Luxury Cars in this test which was reported in the January Issue of Car and Driver. Please note these tests were all done on the same day at about the same time and at the same altitude. The results reflect the average of 3 runs and all cars are the 2007 vintage.

Mercedes S550 5.6, 0 - 60 quarter mile in 14.1 (Benz show 5.4 in their specs)
BMW 750iL 5.7, 0 - 60 quarter mile in 14.2
Jag XJ Super 6.0 0 - 60 quarter mile 14.5
Lexus LS460L 6.2 0 - 60 quarter mile 14.6
Audi A8 6.8 0 - 60 quarter mile 15.2

Note that Lexus, as usual, is more than the 5.4 the manufacturer CLAIMS to get by .8 seconds.

Also note the LS430 (prior model the LS460 replaced) was rated at 295 HP and was actually 278 when Lexus corrected their rating. And there were no refunds or apologies from the so-called "quality" car company. ABC - Always Be Careful what you buy from the (REPREHENSIBLE) Toyota/Lexus people.....
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