The ’90s ushered in the era of the monster SUV, opening up the luxury mindset to Cadillac Escalades, Range Rovers and Lexus sedans as luxe standbys. The first decade of the 2000s was more divisive among those who craved horsepower and those who sought the image associated with hybrid badging, inspired by the Toyota Prius. We have feisty ponies like the revived Mustang Boss, the Bentley Continental GT, and Porsche’s best selling model, the Cayenne. Then there were luxury minded people driving the first hybrid sports car, the 2006 Lexus GS 450h, which eked out about a 19 mpg tank of gas.
As 2011 advances, we move further into decade with new factors creeping squarely into our luxury mindset. The categories have been changed by battery suppliers, turbo power gasps of air that allow for mindful performance, and an industry that has been electrified by Tesla and an outcry for alternative fuels. With all that in mind, here are five new trends I’ve identified in the aspirational mindset that are creating new ways of thinking about luxury:
1. A New Look for the Dealership Experience. Mercedes-Benz Flagship Dealership opened last month in Manhattan setting the tone for what shopping should be like beginning with fine architectural excellence. While the dealer and manufacturer dance is always a tricky one, the sink-or-swim times seem to have pushed these entities closer into a more seamless experience.
2 Better Fuel Economy By The Numbers: MPG ranks closely after horsepower and 0 to 60 mph in most buff book reviews these days. I still remember the not-so distant days when people would turn up their noses at the idea of reduced consumption on any performance car. The new way of thinking in BMW’s push of the Active E campaign is the real indicator that times have changed.
3. Sustainable Materials: What used to be thought of gauche – used materials! — now gains cache as recycled. It’s much easier world for the green. Consider the recycled aluminum and intent for more on the Jaguar XJ.
4. More Wiggle Room: After a decade of riding on 44s, we’re back to fine functionality. That right, it’s the return of the foxy sedan. Nothing exemplifies this more than a four-seater Ferrari — yes it’s true the FF is the first Ferrari family car. Is the wild horse station wagon or the flying minivan next? I wonder what Enzo would say.
5. Go Electro!: While purists that drive cars like the stripped down Porsche Boxster Spyder S gawk at too many bells and whistles that bog down track times, HMI (the Tron-like human machine interface) is the name of the game for new cars. It’s actually mass marketers like Ford that are leading the way for smaller luxury brands to beef up on in-car gadgets that are streamlined for better driving. That’s one reason why Lincoln is regaining status among buyers. In other words, what can your car’s computer do for you?