When you think of luxurious vehicles, you probably think about immaculate interiors and cutting-edge technology. However, not every car that looks high-end delivers on the luxury promise. Some cars are marketed are premium but, at the end of the day, they fall shorts when it comes to performance, comfort, or value. Whether it’s bad advertising or inflated prices, these eight cars don’t live up to the hype.
8. Volvo XC40
Volvo isn’t necessarily synonymous with luxury, but they have manufactured some nicer cars in recent years. The XC40 has a modern, sleek look to it. Once you’re inside, the interior feels a bit too basic to be considered a luxury vehicle though. It has hard plastic throughout and fewer high-end materials than you’d expect. Unfortunately, the XC40 also has a bit of a choppy ride and there aren’t many engine options. Not to mention, the technology inside isn’t that impressive and the infotainment system can often be slow. Overall, it falls short of providing the driver with a luxury experience.
7. Tesla Model 3
It’s true that Tesla has completely changed the car industry as we know it. When it comes to luxury vehicles though, the Model 3 doesn’t always live up to its reputation. Of course, the tech found in the car is incredibly advanced from what you’ll find elsewhere. That said, the build quality and minimalist interior design leave a lot to be desired.
6. Acura RDX
The Acura RDX is admittedly at the lower end of the luxury SUV market, but it does market itself as a lux vehicle. There’s decent tech in the interior, but everything about this SUV feels more utilitarian than luxurious. It can have a rough ride quality and the cabin is noisier than you’d expect. Although Acura gives the RDX a premium badge, it doesn’t really feel like a luxury SUV.
5. Buick Enclave
Buick has done some significant work in rebranding itself as a luxury carmaker. That said, the Enclave struggles to keep up in the luxury car market. Don’t get me wrong, it has a spacious interior, but the materials are less-than-luxurious. The tech is also lacking when you compare it to similar SUVs on the market. It’s just not what you’d expect.
4. Infiniti QX50
Infiniti has been clamoring for a spot in the luxury market, but it often fails at meeting expectations. There is no doubt that QX50 has an attractive design, but its interior is lacking in many ways. While it offers plenty of space, it has lower-quality materials and the infotainment system is confusing, at best. Additionally, the QX50’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) leaves many wanting responsiveness from the car.
3. Lexus UX
Like Infiniti, Lexus has done what it can to try and keep up with other top-notch luxury car brands. However, the UX crossover misses the mark. It’s an attractive car, but the illusion of luxury fades once you’re inside. You’ll find the car to be underpowered, often providing a sluggish driving experience. The interior also features hard, cheap-feeling plastics and an uncomfortable cabin. It’s definitely not giving “luxury.”
2. Lincoln Corsair
Ever since Matthew McConaughey popped up whispering in their commercials, people started to see Lincoln differently. You might expect after a Hollywood star supported the brand that it would be the epitome of luxury, but that’s not necessarily true. The exterior of the Corsair is nice looking, I won’t lie. Once again, the carmaker failed when it came to the interior. It feels more basic than luxurious and the cabin can be fairly noisy when you’re driving.
1. Cadillac XT4
Cadillac is another company that’s overgone some makeovers throughout the years. While they have some impressive cars on the market, the XT4 leaves a lot to be desired. It looks high-end, but as with the others listed, the interior isn’t anything you’d look twice at. When you’re in the back, you’ll have your knees cramped into the seat in front of you. Honestly, it altogether feels more mid-range on the inside and the tech package is fairly outdated when compared to other lux SUVs. This one is just a disappointment.
Looks Can Be Deceiving
Never judge a car by its appearance. While many cars have the appearance of luxury vehicles, taking a deeper look at all of its features will highlight its shortcomings. Several of them have underwhelming interiors and lack performance where you’d expect a luxurious ride to truly shine. In the end, you need to look beyond the badge and marketing and focus on what’s important: quality, performance, and comfort.