What Defines the Pinnacle of Automotive Luxury?
I’ve been spending some time lately visiting my parents, which always involves quality time with my brothers, catching up with my niece and nephews, and enduring a few nights on a twin bed with questionable pillows. It’s also a chance to reconnect with my E39 BMW 540i—the car my parents are graciously storing for me. I have a genuine fondness for that car, but, sadly, it’s a quarter-century old, and urban environments aren’t exactly conducive to the long-term preservation of German engineering. I also remain steadfast in my belief that it’s one of the greatest cars ever made.
While the M5 often gets the lion’s share of admiration, the reality is that the day-to-day driving experience isn’t drastically different. Sure, it has a bit more torque and horsepower, yet the practical advantage is marginal. The premium, in my estimation, largely covers the exclusive quad exhaust and the coveted M badges. Is it possible that my affection for the 540i stems from the fact that, over a decade ago, the M5 was beyond my financial reach? Perhaps. Nevertheless I can’t help but love the 540i. It sports a manual transmission and the sport suspension, and the overall driving experience is incredibly rewarding. Suspension adjustments? There aren’t any; it’s got the perfect suspension setup. Infotainment system? I suppose the CD player qualifies. It’s an absolute joy to drive, surprisingly comfortable on extended trips.
However, I acknowledge the existence of significantly more luxurious vehicles. The 540i might be the only luxury car I’ve ever owned, but a realm of opulent comfort awaits exploration.
So, I’m curious: What would you declare to be the apex of luxury cars?
