Buyers Demand More Luxury And Power - Is This Why The Japanese Luxury Brands Are Behind The Eight Ball?

The Porsche 911 Carrera GTS carries 430 hp of brute strength and can go 0-60 mph (97 km) in 3.8 seconds on its race-track style suspension. The interior, with its Alcantara red or silver stitching and red tachometer, belongs in a fashion show.

Buyers mainly want the power kit when they pay for the GTS package, says Calvin Kim, a product-experience manager for Porsche Cars North America. But, he adds: “They want to be able to enjoy themselves every day. That involves a certain level of comfort and convenience.”

From performing like a race car to having a lounge-like interior, makers of luxury models are straining to differentiate themselves. Technology is important, too, and earning the luxury label in that area is even more difficult.

At a time when mass-market cars offer LED lighting, Bluetooth connectivity and sometimes even Alcantara fabrics, luxury brands are having to reach ever higher to meet customer expectations.

“There used to be a bigger gap between a luxury car and a mainstream car in terms of functionality,” says Jesse Toprak, chief analyst at consumer website Cars.com. “Now there is more pressure on true luxury brands to push the envelope.”

TheSteve - 12/12/2014 2:01:31 PM

+6 Boost

Are buyers truly "demanding" more luxury and power, or are they doing what they've always been doing: Evaluating what various automakers offer, and choosing what suits them best? I think it's much more the latter.

It has always been a matter of "how much of what I like can I get for what I'm willing to pay."

Dumbpeople - 12/12/2014 7:12:48 PM

+1 Boost

At last someone who offers an opinion based on common sense and not brand bashing. I my opinion i believe you are correct people want value for money and here in Australia we are ripped blind by the prestige brands. One example $5k for diamond white from Merc.

chewy - 12/15/2014 5:16:54 PM

0 Boost

Very true. But the Japanese brands don't give you that many options above 400 hp.

sexyshapewear - 12/12/2014 2:54:21 PM

0 Boost

I've been hearing about and seeing more Audis on the road. I'd like to learn more about them. Very nice lines. http://best-waist-cinchers.com/

CarCrazedinCali - 12/12/2014 3:18:04 PM

0 Boost

Agreed, the mainstream brands have sure come up with features that used to be only found in luxury cars.

MDarringer - 12/12/2014 8:18:28 PM

+1 Boost

The Japanese brands lag big time on styling and performance.

The RCF would be considered amazing were it not for the better looking and better driving M4
The LS can hold a candle to the Equus and MAYBE the Genesis, but it's an S Class competitor against which it is laughable.

leej - 12/14/2014 1:33:35 PM

+2 Boost

The average S Class lists for $25k-$30k more than the average LS. Three years from now, the used S class will have depreciated so much that it will sell for less than the used LS. It's all about value.