From Ultra-luxury brands like Rolls Royce, Bentley, and Maybach to premium-luxury brands such as Audi, BMW, Jaguar, & Mercedes to modest luxury brands such as Acura, Cadillac, Infiniti, & Lexus all of these have the right to be prestigious in their own rights.
We randomly asked 30 people on the street to do a survey and that is why we have a 3 tier grouping system. It came to our surprise that Lexus wasn't mentioned in the same sentence as Audi, BMW, Jaguar, & Mercedes because they are such a powerhouse here in North America. However, that doesn't mean Lexus isn't prestigious.
Tier 1
Rolls Royce: beautifully sculpted body and ultra luxury amenities make this car one of the most desired barges to get around in. The perfect car for the ultra wealthy.
Bentley: they differs than the Rolls Royce in the type of consumers they attract. Rolls Royce is old money whereas Bentley owners seem to be born after the baby boomers. Cars like the Bentley GT coupe really gave the company new life.
Maybach: it's been called the private jet on wheels to other names like it. It's as luxurious as the two automakers just mentioned. It has even more amenities than it's competition and more room in the back seat. It's for the elite who don't want flash like a Rolls Royce but yet still desire the pampering cushioned ride of a Rolls Royce.Tier 2
Audi: as VW's luxury division, Audi has become very well respected world wide. It's contemporary and modest design philosophy really grabs the attention of the buyers who want a fine built German saloon without the glitter and flash of a Mercedes-Benz.BMW: the "Ultimate Driving Machine" as they call it and rightfully so. The 3-series BMW saloon and coupe have been the benchmark in it's segment for years for handling and comfort all in one package. It's definitely more sporty than an Audi or a Mercedes but it caters to those who want luxury but also those who love to drive.
Jaguar: It's safe to say people who buy Jaguar are those who look for traditional British luxury. It's the next best thing next to Rolls Royce and Bentley (even though they are owned by Germans). Jaguar new XF models differs from traditional Jaguar so perhaps that may draw interest from consumers who typically turn to Mercedes as the luxury brand to own. They are very prestigious (especially the high end XJ's)
Mercedes: Not much mentioning is needed for this marque brand. It's been the definition of luxury in a global scale for any person looking for a luxury car. Their innovative technology has benchmarked themselves as the most recognized brand in the world. They cater more to luxury seekers than consumers looking for a sporty ride. Mind you they have a great AMG division which makes adrenaline pumping, gas guzzling, acceleration a must-have.Tier 3
Acura: some call them overpriced Honda's but in reality they differ much from the parent company. We find that Acura's have more care put into their fine finishing. Acura's proposition seems to be more solid than their Honda counterparts. We feel that they are the most understated and under-rated luxury brand in North America. They bring well equipped and well priced luxury vehicles to the table which is a great alternative to the slightly more expensive Infiniti's & various Lexus models. As for it's prestige it lacks the luster of even a Lexus but does its job well and based from our studies, their customers are taken care of very well.
Cadillac: the only American luxury brand maker that made our list. They make heavy comfortable cars and is the best domestic luxury brand in North America. They put Chrysler and Lincoln to shame. Their levels of quality is considered high compared to Chrysler's cheap plastic and Lincoln's inability to keep their door sills lined up with the set on the rear door. Cadillac has prestige and in country's such as China and among others in Asia, they are perceived as very respectable cars. In a world where there are many millionaires and billionaires these cars are a favorite.
Infiniti: has made themselves known for performance luxury vehicles. Their level of prestige is no where close to a Lexus but in our opinion their at the same level until you reach past the M35/M45 price range. They are probably the closest competitor to Acura since both brands don't exactly have a "flagship" vehicle. Not yet at least. So does this Infiniti brand have any prestige? of course! otherwise they wouldn't be considered a luxury brand. They just don't have the reputation of a Lexus. Not yet...
Lexus: has hired the best of the best marketers to promote their brand. They have separated themselves from their Japanese rivals enough that they can contend with the European brands. Some call them glorified Toyota's or expensive Toyota's. In fact, they do share similar components to this day despite them claiming their completely separate entities. Their marketers have built an image for their brand of cars to a level of prestige that their Japanese rivals only wish they could have.
