Luxury enhancements to transform your ordinary commute.
There are few things more satisfying and enjoyable than cruising around in a luxury car. Unfortunately, new-vehicle prices have placed these coveted rides out of reach for many folks, leaving them with the decision to either hang on to their current vehicle awhile longer, scour the used market, or spring for a less-extravagantly-priced new model.
We’re here to tell you that just because you’re not rolling around in a pricey whip that rivals the cost of your mortgage payment, doesn’t mean you can’t feel like you are. There are plenty of quality, reasonably-priced aftermarket parts and accessories out there that allow you to trick your car (and yourself) into looking and feeling a little more high-end.
So, pinkies up. Check out some of our favorite luxury upgrades that will have you and your daily driver riding in high-society style.
Interior Appointments
It’s no secret that the interior of your daily driver takes a beating. This is particularly true if you’re a serious commuter spending many hours (and meals) inside your vehicle. That’s why introducing some tailored upgrades that improve everyday comfort and convenience is one of the easiest ways to turn up the dial on luxury.
Seat Covers
One of the first things to show wear and tear on your vehicle’s interior is usually the seats. Frequent entering and exiting takes its toll, as do coffee spills and mystery food stains.
Thankfully, you can quickly and affordably revamp the look and feel of your vehicle by simply adding some custom seat covers. From crisp duck weave to soft polycotton to plush sheepskin, there are plenty of fabrics to choose from. We recommend opting for a custom fit over a generic seat cover, as it gives your car a crisper and more tailored look that better mimics your stock seats. Brands like Covercraft and Coverking have you and your vehicle covered.
Floor Mats
Alongside a vehicle’s seats, the factory carpeting is one of the first things to show its age and wear. Dirt, mud, snow, salt – it all builds up, leaving a layer of stubborn grime in a very visible area.
Rejuvenate your dirty and damaged carpets (and protect your car’s floorpans in the process) by adding some all-weather floor mats. Again, a custom fit is the way to go, as it will provide a crisp look while also preventing any curling or shifting. Brands like WeatherTech and Husky Liners offer premium, laser-cut options molded from a flexible-but-strong elastomeric material that add a sharp look to any interior.
If you’d prefer something that really prioritizes a luxury look and feel, then consider 3D Mats as an upgrade. The brand uses a unique sound-deadening fabric that features a carbon fiber embossed pattern for a very high-end result.
Wireless Charger
A popular onboard feature in many of today’s luxury vehicles, wireless charging upgrades add a nice touch of novelty convenience. Sure, you can manage with a cable and adapter but why bother when innovation says you don’t need to?
Even better, you can add a wireless charging pad or mount to your vehicle for less than $50. Check out Scosche Industries for a long list of available options with varied mounting solutions that can accommodate any type of dash.
Power & Handling
Precision and refinement are terms we hear bandied about a lot when it comes to luxury cars, but not so much in daily drivers. Who says you can’t have a dynamic driving experience in an economy package?? From engine performance to suspension and handling, there are many upgrades you can make that will maximize your vehicle’s power and control for a more thrilling (yet still cushy) driving experience.
Tires
You know that saying about how famous people and regular people both put their pants on one leg at a time? Yea, well, whether you paid $100k or $20k for that ride, both make contact with the road through their tires. And sure, the way they transfer power is different, but the quality of those tires still has a big role to play.
Investing in some high-performance tires that are designed for better handling, grip, and responsiveness can make a world of difference in your ride’s comfort and control. You’ll enjoy better acceleration and braking, as well as smoother cornering and significantly more traction during wet conditions.
And while those innovative tread patterns and advanced rubber compounds do come with a higher price tag, you don’t need to completely blow your budget out of the water to experience a noticeable luxury upgrade.
Coilovers, Springs, Shocks & Struts
Soften your ride and ease up on jarring you and your passengers by upgrading your car’s suspension system. Aftermarket shocks and struts will help dampen road feedback and improve handling, but if you’re looking for a more personalized driving experience, then consider coilovers.
In addition to providing an attractive and aggressive lower ride height, coilovers allow you to make adjustments to your vehicle’s spring and damping rates so you can really fine-tune the handling characteristics to your exact preferences.
If you don’t require quite that much flexibility or you’re on a tighter budget (coilovers can be pricey), but you still want to experience better performance, then lowering springs are a great and cost-effective alternative. You can lower your vehicle’s center of gravity and still maintain the stock dampers – though, upgrading to a stiffer sports damper will really maximize the modification.
Engine Tuning
Our vehicles are essentially roving computers, and learning how to harness (or unleash) that technology can deliver big performance gains – the kinds that come standard on a modern luxury ride.
An engine computer programmer like those from Hypertech, Superchips, or Edge Products allow you to control and modify your engine’s performance to maximize its power levels for daily driving, towing, performance, or extreme conditions. Basically, you can increase horsepower and torque with the touch of a finger, ensuring a more eager and responsive ride.
Cold Air Intake
If you prefer a less tech-minded way of boosting your car’s power and fuel efficiency, then consider installing a cold air intake system. As the name suggests, this upgrade pulls cooler, more oxygen-dense air into the engine, improving throttle response and overall engine efficiency. While the increases to horsepower and acceleration may be mild, you should notice some savings at the pump (something we can’t always say for factory-fresh luxury vehicles).
Exterior Style
What good is having a luxury ride if you can’t show it off? Most luxury upgrades made to a vehicle’s exterior will be more about form than function, but there are several that manage to go beyond mere aesthetics.
Headlights
Boy, has this corner of the market evolved. Remember when LEDs were revolutionary? Now, in addition to transforming your nighttime distance vision, you can enjoy cool personalized animation features like “dancing” light sequences that activate when your vehicle unlocks or starts. Some even keep beat with your music!
Brands like ORACLE, ANZO, and AlphaRex are innovating some very cool features, but even if you’re not looking for that level of customization, a headlight upgrade kit can make a world of difference to both your vehicle’s looks and performance (not to mention safety). While you’re at it, check out the condition of those headlight housings. A good repair kit can buff out cloudy scratches, but cracks require a replacement.
Wheels
Adding some sleek and stylish wheels is quite possibly the fastest way to dramatically change the look of your vehicle without requiring time-consuming modifications. Quality does not come cheap in this arena, however, so be prepared to pay a premium – especially if you’re eyeing up higher-end materials and designs.
If you’re dealing with a small budget or you simply want to experiment with different styles before committing, consider picking up some wheel covers or wheel skins like those made by Coast to Coast International. Made from durable ABS plastic, they simply snap into place over your existing wheels to create a fresh look.
Window Tinting
A simple upgrade that offers big luxury energy, window tinting not only enhances privacy and adds an air of sophistication, but it also shields your vehicle's interior from harmful UV rays.
DIY kits have come a long way here – check out 3M’s offerings – but if you don’t have a steady hand or patient focus, leave it to the pros to ensure a seamless application.