Which cars are classy these days?
Discussion
Interesting topic. The answer is very few. I don't think that any new Audi/BMW/Mercedes has it.
Agree on the big Volvos, Maseratis, Jaguar XJ, maybe Alfa Giulia/4C (but not the Quadrifoglio or the diesel), Land Rovers, especially the Discovery 4 but quite spec sensitive and the Evoque/new Range Rover has probably gone a bit too far, Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe, run-out model Saab 9-5, maybe a previous-gen MINI in a tasteful spec (BRG, smallish wheels, quilted leather etc)?
A few I'm not sure on. Always quite liked the VW Touareg but the emissions scandal may have ruined their classiness? What do we think of Porsches? Not the Macan/Cayenne/Panamera obviously but maybe a fairly plain 991 Carrera or 981 Cayman still oozes a bit of class?
I'm probably in a minority of one but the classiest new car that I have driven recently was a new mid-range Mazda 6 petrol saloon. Quite elegant-looking on smallish wheels (17 inchers I think), rode well, was very smooth and quiet and the interior felt good quality and was a nice place to be. Where does it fit in? Not as "low-rent" as a Mondeo/Insignia in the perception stakes but not a wannabe like a cheaper A4/3-Series/C-Class either.
Agree on the big Volvos, Maseratis, Jaguar XJ, maybe Alfa Giulia/4C (but not the Quadrifoglio or the diesel), Land Rovers, especially the Discovery 4 but quite spec sensitive and the Evoque/new Range Rover has probably gone a bit too far, Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe, run-out model Saab 9-5, maybe a previous-gen MINI in a tasteful spec (BRG, smallish wheels, quilted leather etc)?
A few I'm not sure on. Always quite liked the VW Touareg but the emissions scandal may have ruined their classiness? What do we think of Porsches? Not the Macan/Cayenne/Panamera obviously but maybe a fairly plain 991 Carrera or 981 Cayman still oozes a bit of class?
I'm probably in a minority of one but the classiest new car that I have driven recently was a new mid-range Mazda 6 petrol saloon. Quite elegant-looking on smallish wheels (17 inchers I think), rode well, was very smooth and quiet and the interior felt good quality and was a nice place to be. Where does it fit in? Not as "low-rent" as a Mondeo/Insignia in the perception stakes but not a wannabe like a cheaper A4/3-Series/C-Class either.
jackincaves said:
Base Carrera in a dark, subtle colour, with deleted model designation, "small" wheels and clear glass.
Or keep the model designation as you don't care for people knowing what it is or how much you spent or not as you have class, and it is a car for your enjoyment not gloating or deceiving....?
In terms of current models, I'd say Mercedes S class or BMW 7 series, but they have to have the biggest petrol engine available and not have tints, mahoosive wheels or a gaudy interior. Maseratis remain rather classy, as are most Aston Martins but not the 'R' models which attract footballers. Proper full-fat Range Rover is still passably classy if not hit with the wallet-Barry stick by the likes of Kahn or Overfinch. Must be mud splattered and have a labrador in the back though.
MaxSo said:
I thought they all got special rates with Audi - so a bit of a marketing ploy I think.
Undoubtedly for the Royal Family there is a special VIP fleet deal, but Audi with the Allroad and Volvo with the Cross-Country & similar have a real niche amongst the well to do looking for a classy, capable vehicle without being vulgar and brash
phope said:
Undoubtedly for the Royal Family there is a special VIP fleet deal, but Audi with the Allroad and Volvo with the Cross-Country & similar have a real niche amongst the well to do looking for a classy, capable vehicle without being vulgar and brash
The Allroad and Cross Country are definitely candidatesMaxSo said:
Agree on the Mazda 6 particularly. I was going to suggest a Mazda 6 Tourer in SE / SE Nav spec.
I think it is fairly easy to come up with examples of old cars ( still interesting and nice to look at though). Any other new car suggestions?
Yes. Forgot to mention that I think it was a mid-spec, leather but not very bling, so probably an SE but I don't think it had any badges saying what it was. The Mazda 6 Sport looks quite nice to me but no doubt the (19 inch?) rims would be detrimental to the ride?I think it is fairly easy to come up with examples of old cars ( still interesting and nice to look at though). Any other new car suggestions?
phope said:
Undoubtedly for the Royal Family there is a special VIP fleet deal, but Audi with the Allroad and Volvo with the Cross-Country & similar have a real niche amongst the well to do looking for a classy, capable vehicle without being vulgar and brash
Although, if Audi has provided the Royals with cars to be seen in (at very favourable rates) then perhaps that has had an influence on what 'the set' perceive to be a suitable vehicle. It's like celebrities being gifted luxury goods.I think most here are on the right track, but it can be a very thin line between class and class-less. I agree that anything top-spec is usually class-less, as is anything "showy".
I think these Range Rovers are like Ralph Lauren polos. In essence, they are the same, but in reality they are completely different beasts.
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I think these Range Rovers are like Ralph Lauren polos. In essence, they are the same, but in reality they are completely different beasts.
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MaxSo said:
Although, if Audi has provided the Royals with cars to be seen in (at very favourable rates) then perhaps that has had an influence on what 'the set' perceive to be a suitable vehicle. It's like celebrities being gifted luxury goods.
Very true - Balmoral is not far from where I am so I do see fleets of dark coloured Range Rovers, Audi and the like swarming over Royal Deeside in the summer months when they are in residenceIn the queue for the Tarbert, Isle of Harris, to Uig, Isle of Skye Cal Mac Ferry last summer, I found myself looking at an Aintree Green L405 RR Vogue V8D. It was on standard 20s, with clear glass and a nice sheen of island mud on it. I thought it looked very elegant and fit for purpose, like a RR should. Also had a very expensive custom dog crate for two labs in the boot 
There is a new 991.2 Carrera been knocking around the County over the last two weeks. Standard exhausts, on standard 19s in dark blue and again, I think it looks very elegant...certainly not bling. The colour and wheel combo seems to make the 991 look smaller too. It also sports a good covering of road grime.
I think that pair would make for a classy stable.
There is a new 991.2 Carrera been knocking around the County over the last two weeks. Standard exhausts, on standard 19s in dark blue and again, I think it looks very elegant...certainly not bling. The colour and wheel combo seems to make the 991 look smaller too. It also sports a good covering of road grime.
I think that pair would make for a classy stable.
corden said:
I think most here are on the right track, but it can be a very thin line between class and class-less. I agree that anything top-spec is usually class-less, as is anything "showy".
I think these Range Rovers are like Ralph Lauren polos. In essence, they are the same, but in reality they are completely different beasts.
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Totally agree I think these Range Rovers are like Ralph Lauren polos. In essence, they are the same, but in reality they are completely different beasts.
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