luxury car features on the road

5 Luxury Car Features that are Overrated (and 3 Must Haves!)

By Jackie Gately
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Every car lover wants the best luxury car features for their ride.

But some can be overrated and overpriced for their value.

Find out which features you can skip, and which are “must haves.”

Then, you can know you’ve got the best features to ride in style.

Continue reading for the inside scoop!

luxury car features on the road

CONTENTS – In this article, you’ll get some information about some luxury car features , including:

5 Car Gadgets That Aren’t Worth the Hype

As we age, it can be difficult to keep up with the ever-evolving world of technology and gadgets.

With so many options out there, it’s hard to know which will truly make your life easier and which are just a waste of money.

If you’re an empty nester thinking about upgrading your car but unsure where to start, then this blog post is for you!

We’ll break down five popular luxury car features that aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.

That way, you can make informed decisions about what upgrades are worth investing in for yourself.

Keep reading for the ultimate cheat sheet on avoiding overextending yourself when outfitting your vehicle with technological upgrades.

1. Self-Parking Cars

Self-parking cars have been touted as the latest in technology and convenience.

But the truth is they might not actually be worth all of the hype with the push of a button.

Many manufacturers are boasting their cars’ ability to park without you getting out and turning your wheels.

However, there is still a human element that needs to be taken into account. Someone has to be sitting in the driver’s seat as these models are not entirely autonomous yet.

The driver must be ready to apply breaks should something go wrong or unexpectedly occur.

On top of that, these somewhat “autonomous” cars probably won’t be the cars with the cheapest insurance rates.

2. Built-in GPS Systems

Built-in GPS systems are becoming more popular in cars and other devices, with many touting that its convenience provides a real advantage.

However, the reality may not be what advertisers suggest.

The cost of these systems is often steep as a luxury car feature.

And, they can be prone to glitches or inaccuracies which can lead you astray rather than offering convenience.

luxury car features
Luxury Car Features

Additionally, there is a large gap between the performance of standard GPS models and the built-in versions.

This results in lagging speed and overall decreased accuracy.

Although built-in GPS systems make navigation easier by providing directions without having to use your phone or a separate device, how useful it really is depends on each individual’s needs and budget.

If you are looking for reliable navigation assistance at an affordable cost, take the time to research traditional GPS products.

They might be worth a look before investing in an expensive built-in system.

3. Infotainment System

Infotainment systems are definitely not worth the hype they’ve been receiving in recent years.

While many people praise them for integrating all kinds of useful functions into a car’s interior, they tend to offer more distraction than help.

Instead of allowing drivers to take their attention away from the road, having an infotainment system in a car can potentially be a dangerous addition.

Far too often, we hear news stories about users distracted by their infotainment systems resulting in harm to themselves and other drivers on the road.

They may seem like one of the cool and convenient luxury car features, but there are plenty of drawbacks when it comes to the safety aspect.

Ultimately, it is much better to stick with tried and true methods of enjoying music or keeping up with navigation instructions.

It’s a much better option than depending on a new-fangled device that comes with too many risks.

4. Rear Seat LCD Screens

LCD screens for the rear seats are becoming a common feature in automobiles, but they aren’t necessary for every family.

Despite the hype surrounding these screens, there are certain factors to consider before investing in them.

Price is a major factor—LCD screens can be costly.

And depending on model and make, they are not always worth the price tag they come with.

Another aspect to consider is whether or not it comes with features such as wireless headsets and speakers.

That’s because the sound quality of these devices can be unclear if passengers don’t use headphones.

Lastly, safety should be taken into account when deciding whether or not to invest in rear seat LCDs.

Screen glare could distract both driver and passengers from paying attention to the road even more so than typical entertainment systems.

5. Wi-Fi Hotspot

The concept of having a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot in cars may sound exciting, but there are a couple of reasons why it might not be worth the hype.

Many hotspots are limited to one device so that everyone can’t access it simultaneously as you would be able to with an external wireless router.

These built-in hotspots also tend to have limited signal coverage.

So, even though you do have an internet connection, you may find yourself unable to access it or have a slow or weak connection regardless.

Finally, many cellular carriers are beginning to charge for data usage directly associated with using this hotspot feature.

This can make the convenience far more costly than many people initially anticipate.

Ultimately, most people don’t actually need this as one of their luxury car features.

Unless you do most of your work in your car, investing in this costly feature may not be worth it.

Most importantly it’s best to choose luxury cars with additional and useful features that will make your driving more enjoyable. Visit Prestige Cars to discover which cars provide these features.

A Few Features That Are Worth The Hype

Now that you know what features you can potentially skip, here are a few that are worthwhile investments.

1. Wireless Charging Pads

Wireless charging pads have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason.

These handy devices allow you to charge your smartphone without any cords or cables.

That makes it using your devices on the go more convenient than ever before.

You can even use them to charge multiple devices at once.

So, you don’t have to worry about juggling cords or searching for outlets.

Wireless charging pads are an incredibly convenient and affordable way to keep all your devices powered up.

2. Heated Seats

Heated seats offer a unique way to stay warm and comfortable during the colder months.

Not only do they provide warmth and comfort, but they can also help relieve aches and pains from long drives.

These seats come in a variety of styles and can be equipped with temperature settings.

This allows you and your passengers to customize your warmth depending on the weather and preferences.

This is one of the luxury car features you’ll always appreciate!

3. Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Tire pressure monitoring systems are essential for any driver looking to stay safe on the road.

These systems alert you when your tire pressure is low or when your tires are wearing unevenly.

Having this information allows you to make necessary adjustments before any potential issues arise.

4. Touchup Paint Kit

Lastly, don’t overlook the value of a touchup paint kit when you’re considering luxury car features.

This practical addition can help preserve your vehicle’s flawless appearance, ensuring it stays in top-notch condition and continues to turn heads on the road.

Final Thoughts on the Best Luxury Car Features

As you can see, there are a few car gadgets and features that are worth the hype. And several that aren’t.

Wireless charging pads, heated seats, and tire pressure monitoring systems all offer unique benefits that can make driving easier and more comfortable.

Before investing in any new car gadget, be sure to consider whether or not it is really necessary for your needs.

You don’t want to pay for a bunch of gadgets that aren’t going to be used!

Jackie Gately at the beach


About Jackie Gately, editor-IN-CHIEF

I'm Jackie Gately, your travel confidante and the creative force behind Enjoy Travel Life, awarded the "Best Casual-Luxury Lifestyle Blog (USA)" in Travel and Tourism by LUXlife Magazine for four consecutive years.

With 25 years of published expertise, I'm a seasoned writer, editor, and photographer curating inspiring travel guides and lifestyle tips for empty nesters. I hope to kindle your spirit of exploration, encouraging you to overcome obstacles and turn your dreams into reality.

Learn to minimize your pre-travel angst and maximize the joy of exploration with insights from my experiences. Let's make every adventure a celebration of this exciting phase of life! 

Follow my social channels for more inspiration.

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