When teenagers are a year or two away from getting a driver’s license, they dream about cars. The vehicles they imagine are not the base model sedans that their grandmothers drive, nor the fuel-efficient compacts that are popular with college students. They dream about fast and fancy vehicles with leather seats and big engines. In short, they dream about luxury cars. Buying a model from a mid-range brand can be expensive enough. So why consider something more upscale? Here are two reasons:
Advanced Safety Features
Numerous studies have shown that higher end vehicles are safer than their cheaper counterparts. The reason is that auto companies use luxury cars to introduce the public to their new technologies. Today, any vehicle that is less than twenty years old has air bags. In the late 1980’s, though, only a small number of high-end models offered them. Anti-lock brakes were first seen in the flagship models for different brands. Today, the latest and greatest automotive technology is found in the best and most expensive vehicles.
Take nighttime safety as an example. 42% of all accidents and 58% of fatal crashes occur at night. In response, automakers have created brighter, more effective headlights. Some companies are even offering thermal imaging as a safety feature in their high-end models. This system detects obstacles in the dark beyond the reach of headlights and warns the driver via the navigation system. The more expensive models also offer features such as heads up display, which allows a driver to see the speedometer and engine readings without taking his or her eyes off of the road. Another feature common in the high-end brands is adaptive cruise control, which adjusts the auto’s speed to match that of the vehicle in front of it. These systems can also brake for the driver in an emergency, and they even correct the path of the tires if they begin to leave their lane.
Enjoyment and Confidence
While safety is one of the most important aspects to owning a vehicle, having fun with one should be a close second. Just as automakers test their latest safety features in their top of the line models, they also test their performance features as well. Luxury cars generally have bigger engines, better brakes, and sharper handling than their counterparts. Studies have also shown that people who buy expensive vehicles actually receive a boost of self-esteem through the mere ownership of the auto. These studies have linked social and monetary gains to the brain’s reward center. The boosts seen in the studies led to greater confidence in dating circles, higher salaries, and greater satisfaction with day-to-day life. As much as everyone would like to be perfectly content with what they have, it isn’t always the case. Splurging a bit on your next automobile could provide you with your own personal confidence booster to park in your driveway every night.
