Luxury cars are the playthings of the rich and famous. It comes as a status symbol to drive and ride in a classy and expensive vehicle. There is a market for this affluence; otherwise no cars of this calibre are manufactured to serve the discriminating preferences of this niche. Surprising enough, demand escalates for the more expensive types and the limited production of these fine cars makes them even pricier.

Most luxury cars are hand crafted and designed with fine and comfortable trimmings. Rolls-Royce or Mercedes-Benz, even Daimler and BMW have set up a luxury car segment where manufactured coupes are fine-tuned to fit owner preferences at a price that exceeds the range of normal sedans, sports coupes and SUVs.

It is extreme pricing more than technological features that set luxury cars from the regular 4-wheeled machines. These cars usually sell at a six-digit figure floor price. In a 2006 survey of luxury cars in the market, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4— a European built and designed car— is deemed the most expensive coupe, being retailed at $ 1,192,057 million dollars. The SSC Ultimate Aero, an American car was selling at $ 654,000 dollars; a tag price that compensates for its identity as the fastest car in its class. Giant car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz also churned out the SLR McLaren at $ 452,750 and the Maybach 62 at $ 385,250 dollars.

Before the end of year 2006, Rolls-Royce presented an extended version of the Phantom that is outfitted with bullet-proofed features and a roomy passenger cabin to provide lavish comfort and a pleasant driving experience. Such opulence would come at a whooping cost of $ 3.8 million dollars. Toyota on the other hand gave a lift to increasing environmental concerns by giving the industry a hybrid engine train for its Lexus LS 600h L, sold at $ 104,750 dollars.

The premium pricing of luxury cars is compensated by the built-in, power-packed performance features. A distinguishing feature is its power train. The Jaguar car series for example, carries on its hood a throbbing V-8 engine that delivers top-notch speed when moments call for it; an all wheel drive system that comes fully loaded and with superb handling capabilities. Additional features common to most luxury cars, the Mercedes-Benz E500 and BMW 500xi included, are the electronic stability program, digital surround-sound and hands free communication system that allows the driver use of the mobile phone from controls built into the steering wheel. Aesthetically, these luxury coupes are fitted with ergonomically designed leather seats, poplar or maple trims, wireless technology via Bluetooth, park-distance controls, electronic sensors and climate control sensors that can detect and evade pollutants like carbon monoxide and ethanol.

The Daimler Chrysler is popular for its top of the line engineering and car safety features while the Cadillac SRX has perfected the magnetic ride control, the XM satellite radio and back-seat DVD entertainment on top of superb luxury touches.

A new breed of luxury cars with superb aesthetic and aerodynamic features hits the market in 2007. This includes the diamond clad Mercedes-Benz, the all chrome BMW, the gold and diamond inlaid interior of the Maybach 57S and the gold plated Porsche Boxter in 22 karat beaten gold.

More expensive toys for the big boys, huh…definitely!