During my foray into the car-buying market earlier this year, I found that the automotive marketplace has changed significantly during the past four years or so. Admittedly much of this reflects the ongoing impact of the pandemic, and the abrupt consumer shift toward SUVs and away from sedans. But when confronted with the array of models, option packages, and price points, some current realities confounded me:

-It is now possible to buy a Nissan Sentra with a quilted leather interior, while certain Lexus models are just now adding features like Android Auto, Apple Car Play and memory seats.

-The top trims of brands such as Kia, Hyundai, Mazda, Honda and even Chevrolet now command prices that are firmly positioned within what was formerly considered to be “luxury brand” territory.

-In terms of product quality, Toyota and Mazda often outperform marques such as Infiniti, Audi and Cadillac, and certainly more boutique brands such as Land Rover.

So given my experiences in this year’s marketplace, I have a question for the good people of Reddit:

What is “luxury” now?

Is it the availability of high-end features? The extent to which the technology is up-to-date? Product quality? The driving experience? Performance metrics? Comfort?

Is it “exclusivity”?

Or is it merely a function of average transaction prices, and the perceived prestige that results when price is a feature?

In an environment in which some Kias are better equipped than some Lexus vehicles, when many M-Bs are furnished with synthetic leather, and the Lexus ES is among the most popular and seemingly accessible vehicles in some communities, I thought this would be an interesting discussion.

What defines “luxury” for you? And what dollar amount would you pay to obtain it? Or conversely, at what price point is it no longer worth it?

Thanks in advance! I look forward to reading your responses.