Luxury Advice

The difference between Mercedes classes is methodical and distinctly German, devised to distinguish Mercedes car models by size and purpose.

BMW buyers don't have the option of a capped-price servicing plan, but the company does offer owners a different way of ensuring the costs are kept under control when it comes to maintenance.

What's the most expensive car in the world? Well, we often think of the latest hypercars as the pinnacle of automobiles, and the manufacturers have turned to releasing eye-wateringly expensive limited-editions like the Koenigsegg Trevita ($6.7 million). However, modern cars don't hold a candle to classics when it comes to the most expensive car ever sold.

I know what you’re thinking, of course Toyota makes luxury cars - they’re called Lexus.But despite the brand being the definition of mainstream, selling the most new cars every year in Australia with a focus on affordable models like the Corolla, Camry and RAV4, Toyota has some expensive models, too.The question is - can a Toyota be a luxury car? Well, it may surprise you to know that in its domestic market Toyota does indeed have some true luxury vehicles.Specifically the Century, a Toyota luxury sedan that’s been used by the Japanese Imperial family as well as the Prime Minister for decades. In 2023 Toyota added the Century SUV for both the Japanese and Chinese markets, in a nod to the modern preference for high-riding models rather than sedans. That’s the Japanese stance, but is Toyota a luxury car brand in Australia?No, not really. For genuine luxury cars that compete against the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW, then you need to look at Lexus. But we’ve taken a deep dive into the world of the popular brand to find the most expensive Toyota models currently on sale locally.There are plenty of nice Toyota cars to choose from, but for this assignment we’ve focused strictly on price and the level of standard equipment that sees the brand cross over into Lexus territory.While Toyota may not seem like a luxury brand to most, the reality is you can define a luxury car in many ways and often personal perspective plays a big part. The LandCruiser 300 Series is a perfect example of that, because while it may not be a true luxury rival to the likes of Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz, for many Aussies it’s most definitely an aspirational vehicle to own.The Sahara ZX sits at the very top of the Toyota range, with buyers not getting any change from $150K but receiving a LandCruiser equipped with loads of luxuries in return. The Tundra is the American version of the HiLux (not in size, but popularity) and there’s not much that's 'luxurious' about a ute. But spending $150K on a ute puts the locally converted Tundra into Toyota fancy car territory. It may be a working-class vehicle in the US, but here its massive cabin and 4500kg towing capacity give it the feeling of being a step above a HiLux and bordering on luxury.This is the price for the upcoming, new-generation Prado, which is due in Australia soon and will bring with it new styling and new creature comforts but the same off-road attitude.The range will continue to be topped by the Kakadu and the price will nudge six-figures, putting the Prado into a similar price bracket as some conventional luxury SUVs, such as the Land Rover Defender, Jaguar F-Pace and Volvo XC90.For this extra money the latest Prado Kakadu will come loaded with goodies, including such items as a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled seats (front and rear), a 14-speaker JBL sound system, leather-accented trim, a panoramic moon-roof and even illuminated side steps.Any sports car, even an affordable one like the Toyota GR86, can be considered a luxury car. That’s because a sports car is driven for enjoyment, not simply commuting, and that’s not something everyone can afford to do.The Supra may actually be, at least technically speaking, the closest thing Toyota has to a conventional luxury car because it’s based on a BMW. Toyota partnered with the German brand to develop the Supra and Z4 together, so they share the same six-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive platform. Even if a sub-$100K asking price is relatively affordable for such a car, this is Toyota luxury at its purest.While it doesn’t meet the standard of luxury today (nor would it have nearly 40 years ago when it was new), like the LC300 the 70 Series is a vehicle that people are happy to wait years to get their hands on and that speaks to a certain level of aspiration and desirability.While it has an image as a hard-working, rough ‘n’ tumble off-roader, the truth is the 70 Series is such a bespoke tool - it’s really only in its element in wild and remote areas - that buying such an expensive vehicle with such a narrow purpose ultimately feels like the definition of luxury.And the range-topping GXL even comes with power windows!

Close your eyes and think of a luxury car (just make sure you open them again to read the rest of this story).What did you picture? A BMW X5? Mercedes-Benz S-Class? A Range Rover? Chances are it was something big. But a few years ago luxury car makers had a revelation that they didn’t have to build just big cars and could, in fact, build smaller ones.This allowed them to expand their line-up to new levels of affordability, attracting new customers and growing sales. In 2023 Australian snapped up more than 22,500 small cars costing more than $40,000, which is the figure used to determine the difference between mainstream small cars and luxury small cars.We’ll go into detail below about the best luxury small cars and the biggest sellers, but before we do it’s important to explain the defining characteristics of the small luxury cars Australia currently offers.That’s because inflation, price rises and other business decisions have pushed some mainstream nameplates into the same ‘small car under $40K’ official segment as the genuine luxury compact cars from the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.For example, the Honda Civic, Peugeot 308 and Volkswagen Golf all fall into the same sector of the market as the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class, despite not being direct competitors.While often there isn’t much to split these different types of cars on features, there is a clear demarcation between them in terms of brand prestige and often the ownership experience.The likes of the A3, 1 Series and A-Class can all be considered small luxury vehicles rather than just fancy hatchbacks, and they play a key role in attracting new owners who can then potentially graduate through the ranks of whatever premium brand they choose.It’s the same reason small luxury SUV models are so popular. They act as gateways into the brand at a price more comparable with a high-grade mainstream model.*Based on 2023 VFacts registration dataArriving into the world in 1996, the A3 is a prime example of why luxury car makers, and their larger parent companies, love small cars.That first A3, and every model that followed, uses largely the same underpinnings (‘platform’ in car-speak) as the Volkswagen Golf, which allows for the expensive engineering work to be shared and then charging more for the finished product.In 2023 Audi sold 3319 examples of the A3, while Volkswagen Australia sold 3592 Golfs, which means nearly 7000 sales of a largely similar car for different prices. The A3 range begins at $50,600 and stretches all the way to $99,300 for the RS3 Sedan.In fact, the sedan is another way luxury car makers have continued to grow the small car market. Audi now offers a hatch and sedan, expanding the appeal of the A3 and extending its reach across the smaller segment.The three-pointed star brand was one of the first to enter the true compact luxury car market, announcing the A-Class way back in 1994. After a difficult beginning, mainly because of the now-infamous ‘Elk Test’ that saw the car roll over during a Swedish magazine test, the A-Class has gone on to become a Mercedes staple.In 2023 Mercedes Australia sold 2392 A-Class, which not only made it second on this list but also the brand’s fourth best-selling model here, behind only the GLC and GLE SUVs and the stalwart C-Class sedan and wagon. While Audi and Mercedes jumped into the small car space in the ‘90s, BMW waited until the mid-2000s, launching the first generation 1 Series in 2004. Not only did the brand arrive late to the party, but showed up with a different take on the concept - a rear-wheel drive hatchback.The first 1 Series used a modified version of the 3 Series platform, allowing for the unconventional but very sporty and dynamic layout.It meant sacrificing space, though, and for the third (and current) generation, BMW has swapped to a more conventional front-wheel drive layout.It hasn’t hurt sales, with the latest model notching 1755 sales in 2023 to claim third on this list - which is only the beginning for BMW’s small luxury cars…The Bavarian brand may have been a slow starter, but it’s not only caught up but become a major small car brand with a second entry in the top five sellers. The 2 Series was spun-off from the 1 Series Coupe and Convertible models, although the current line-up features the four-door Gran Coupe instead of the drop-top.Between the 1 and 2 Series line-ups, BMW Australia sold 2887 small cars in 2023, making the duo the second best-sellers after the Audi. Despite being small, the 2 Series also showcases how this end of the market has evolved to a more premium level over time, with the latest high-performance M2 Coupe starting at $121,700.One of the key reasons for BMW’s switch to a front-wheel drive 1 Series was because it allowed the German giant to take advantage of the platform it had already developed for the Mini Hatch.While the original Mini was an affordable and very mainstream small car, when BMW took control of the brand it decided to reinvent it as a premium compact model, starting in 2001.Since then it has continued to evolve and grow to the point that there are currently six variants of the Mini on offer in Australia. This includes the standard Cooper three-door hatch, a largely five-door model, the even larger Clubman, an electric version and a convertible, plus the Countryman SUV (which is stretching the meaning of the word mini).Still, last year Mini managed to sell more than 4200 cars in Australia, of which 2011 were the hatch and thus putting it on our list.

Luxury sports cars are something of a tautology. By their nature sports cars are a luxury item, as the primary purpose of such cars is driving enjoyment, which is very much a luxury.At least, that’s one way to look at it. But what if we take a different view and assess it in the prism of modern luxury cars?In simple terms, luxury sports car brands are the same as you’d think of when you think of prestige cars and exotic sports cars. So, think of popular brands such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz and more high-end sports cars from Aston Martin, Ferrari and Porsche.The list of luxury sports cars that are common in Australia is filled with familiar names, as sports cars tend to sell in less volume and therefore only the most popular models survive. Some familiar names include the BMW 4 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe and Porsche 911.There are other famous names, such as the Ford Mustang and Toyota Supra, but these don’t meet the widely accepted view of what a luxury car is, which is a vehicle that stands out in terms of either comfort or performance.Below you’ll find a rundown of the best luxury sports cars in Australia defined by 2023 sales across the brands and models that meet the criteria of a premium vehicle.While the 2 Series is a broad range, it meets the standards most people would expect from a luxury vehicle. And while it makes the list based on a strong sales year it would also headline a list of affordable luxury sports cars, as it’s the only one on the list in the under $80,000 price segment in the industry's VFacts registration data set.The 2 Series is available as a genuine two-door coupe or four-door Gran Coupe, but the headline attraction is unquestionably the M2.This twin-turbo six-cylinder makes 338kW/550Nm and sends all that power to the rear wheels for a very dynamic driving experience.There’s a variety of 4 Series models to choose from, with the two-door coupe, convertible, four-door Gran Coupe and even the electric i4. BMW has long offered a coupe version of its 3 Series small sedan but made the decision in 2013 to separate the two to create a more distinct sports model.The 4 Series Coupe is the most overtly sporty member of the range, in particular the M4 hero model. The M4 Coupe has long been considered a benchmark for luxury sports cars (dating back to when it was still badged as an M3), especially at what is considered the more affordable end of the market. In the same way BMW offers a sedan and coupe version of its 3 Series so Mercedes does with the C-Class. The C-Class Coupe and Convertible are among the most popular luxury sports cars in Australia and the range is headlined by the muscular AMG C63.Once famous for its growling V8 engines, the latest C63 features a downsized turbocharged four-cylinder engine but it's still a potent beast. The four-cylinder C63 still makes an impressive 350kW power and a staggering 1020Nm of torque, ensuring this is a true luxury sports car in every way.When people think of fancy sports cars chances are the 911 will be the first model that springs to mind. Porsche arguably set the benchmark for luxury sports cars when it launched the first 911 way back in 1964. Since then it has only become more luxurious and sporty with each new generation.The reason it has become so iconic is its blend of comfort and practicality whilst remaining an incredibly capable and dynamic performance vehicle. These days the 911 range includes more than 20 variants so you can choose the level of either luxury or sporty bias depending on your preference and budget.While Chevrolet may not sound like the most obvious luxury brand, the latest generation Corvette certainly fits the bill of a classy sports car. This eighth generation ‘Vette shifted the American brand into a direct fight against the established European premium players like Porsche and Ferrari with its new mid-engine layout and more premium design.The C8 Stingray feels like a true luxury sports car whenever you drive it, blending everyday usability and sharp handling into a single package. It’s also now priced like a luxury car starting at close to $200K, but when compared to its European rivals it makes a strong value argument.It probably shouldn't come as too much of a surprise that there's a second Porsche on this list, as the 718 Cayman bridges the gap between luxury sports cars like the BMW and Mercedes to the more expensive 911.But that doesn't mean the Cayman isn't a great luxury sports car on its own merits. The more compact model offers its own unique driving experience compared to its bigger sibling, especially since it switched to its four-cylinder turbocharged engine when the 718 generation was introduced.Still, like the 911, Porsche offers a wide variety of Boxster variants to suit all (luxury level) tastes and budgets.

The rise of luxury SUVs has driven the increasing amount of luxury family cars, whereas previously it was five-seat sedans like the BMW 5 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class, nowadays you can choose from the likes of the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS, Land Rover Defender 130 and more.

What is luxury car tax? Luxury Car Tax (LCT) is a tariff on new cars (those less than two years old) sold at a price that’s above a value threshold set by the Australian Tax Office (ATO), and it’s called a Luxury tax because theoretically it only applies to expensive cars at the luxurious end of the market. 

Most of us are now familiar with the app-based Uber rideshare service, but since 2019, the platform has been diversified to offer a next-level rideshare experience.

Maybe you’ve heard the expression “There’s no such thing as a cheap luxury car”.The fact is, there’s at least some truth to it, because by their very definition, a luxury car costs more than its more prosaic counterpart.Maybe affordable luxury cars is a better description. Or even low-priced luxury cars or budget luxury cars.And if that’s the case, what else makes a car a luxury car? And, by default, what is a cheap luxury car?A lot of people start with the badge the thing wears. Just as there are luxury clothing brands and luxury furniture manufacturers, so too does the automotive industry contain luxury or prestige brands.But even a more mass-market carmaker can include a luxury line-up at the top of its range, so clearly that’s not the only criterion.Typically, luxury cars are the first to market with the latest tech and safety features. That’s purely because they have a higher profit margin for their manufacturers, so they can still be sold profitably even though they cost a lot more to make.Luxury cars, traditionally, have also stood apart form the sports car tag although, lately, those lines are becoming increasingly blurred as powertrain technology (EVs, mainly) offer up mind-blowing performance even in a big, heavy luxury car.Certainly, though, having ample performance has always been important for any luxury car.So, having made the leap that your next wheels will be a prestige make or model (or both), what’s the best way to get luxury cars for cheap?Without a doubt, the answer is to shop second-hand. There are several really sound reasons for this.The first is that cars get cheaper as they age and rack up kilometres. And it doesn’t matter how luxurious a model once was, if it’s now an older car with 200,000km on its odometer, we can guarantee it will change hands for a fraction of its new cost.Yes, there are the odd exceptions, but those surround cars that are, for whatever reason, considered collectible or super rare.The second reason is that luxury cars just tend to be better built in the first place, and, therefore, better equipped to handle those years and kilometres.So they’ll often age a bit more gracefully than their cheaper counterparts which were originally built down to a price.Thirdly, there’s what’s called the funnel effect. This is when there are enough high-fliers and executives to buy a batch of high-end cars brand-new, but not enough private buyers willing to shell out when those cars hit the market at the end of their lease term.That’s when you’ll see the laws of supply and demand in action. Less demand means lower prices, and suddenly, you’re buying a car that was super-expensive just three years ago, at a bargain price.Okay, so why not a luxury car for your next ride?This is another reason luxury cars are often second-hand bargains; people are scared of them. They’re frightened of the price of parts and repairs for high-tech, often imported cars where there’s a lot more to go wrong in the first place. The luxury car price tag could just be the beginning of the spending if you get the wrong one.This is a real concern, too, and anybody who has received a repair estimate that’s more than the car is worth will know the feeling.Fortunately, there are plenty of independent repairers out there who specialise in one luxury brand or another and will usually be a cheaper option than dealership servicing and repairs.You might also find insurance will cost more on a luxury car as the underwriter hedges their bets a little.And as with anything imported right now, supply chain hassles might mean a wait on parts from overseas.So how about a list of the cars we reckon are going to make the best budget-beating luxos?We’ll stick to best luxury car under $50K. but we’ll also throw in a couple of real speculators that represent the best cheap luxury cars under $10K, which, if nothing else, should start a few debates.As for where to search, well, the online classifieds like Autotrader or CarsGuide are a great place to find cheap luxury cars for sale.Price: From $19,000This model 7 Series was a victim of its own controversial styling. The odd bootline and upside-down face kept some buyers away and while that didn’t matter too much to captains of industry buying them brand-new, it meant they sat around as used cars.There were six-, eight- and 12-cylinder engines offered, but the V8 is probably the nicest. The V12 is glorious but will bankrupt you if it goes wrong. But this is a great example of one of those cheap cars that looks expensive.Watch out for: Cars with broken adjustable suspension, high-miles (some were hotel limos) tatty interiors and worn transmissions.Price: From $12,000When it comes to the best cheap luxury cars Australia is often overlooked as a source. But the later Caprice models were proper luxos with loads of equipment and good (if not brilliant) build quality. And as one of the cheapest luxury cars to maintain, Australia does it again.The best buy is the V8 which better suited the role of hauling a big car across a big country in style. The V6 was definitely the poor relation and often saw taxi duty thanks to the availability of an LPG option from the factory.Watch out for: Really tired mechanicals, worn camshafts and lifters, sagging headlining, glitchy electronics.Price: From $25,000The original Lexus LS400 rewrote the book on luxury cars and gave the established players a huge fright. But those still around have often been to the moon and back (because they will) so a newer LS model looks like good buying.There was a great V8 petrol engine and even a hybrid version, but which ever way you go, you’ll be buying a superbly quiet cabin and impeccable build quality. Not the sportiest cars ever made, these are nevertheless 100 per cent Quality Street.Don’t be worried about the Toyota connection, either. Many Japanese and Korean brands have tried an upper-shelf luxury branding exercise (Mazda, Nissan and Hyundai to name just three) but Toyota pulled it off best with Lexus.Watch out for: High miles, sticky dashboards, incomplete service record.Price: From $4000No discussion of classy cheap cars can ignore the W124 Mercedes. When new, they cost about the same as a house, but now – thanks to age and fear of repair costs – they’re almost free to a good home.Not many people associate Mercedes-Benz with the cheap luxury car brands, but in this case, it’s entirely justified.Grab a six-cylinder version as performance and refinement are better than the four-cylinder, and be amazed at how well something this old drives and how brilliantly the interior has held up. This could be the best value luxury car ever.Watch out for: Blown head gaskets, insane mileages, glitchy ABS.Price: From $9000At a time when Volvo was casting off the bowls-hat image and getting semi sexy, the C70 arrived in hardtop and soft-top form.Power came from a five-cylinder turbocharged engine with a hot-rod version if you wanted to go faster. A four-speed automatic was most commonly fitted, but that was replaced by a five-speed auto in 2001, so that later car is the one to find now.Solidly built and decent to drive, they also somehow exude a bit of classiness that isn’t evident in all Volvos. There’s plenty of leather and standard equipment and the looks have aged pretty well. The ride is slightly firm, though, which was a Volvo thing at that time.Watch out for: Trashed gearboxes, rattly suspension, split cylinder bores (on the hotter, T5 model).