There was a time when a luxury car could be defined by the amenities, ride and comfort offered on a car. These days, however, plenty of common cars offer features previously thought of as luxuries. Leather interior, navigation systems and power windows can be found across all segments. A luxury car today is one that offers enhanced style, design sophistication and advanced technology in a refined package with at least a little bit of brand swagger to show off.

Perhaps luxury car buyers have the highest expectations of any automotive consumer. They truly want it all: style, sophistication, power, performance, exclusivity and quality. And in many cases today, they get it.

While the growth of the luxury segment means that exclusivity is not what it used to be, the luxury makers have kept pace and increased the model count substantially, growing the number of nameplates to keep up with changing consumer taste.