On-board computer, floor mats and 12V socket for an extra charge, which is a sin of premium brands

Premium cars are supposed to offer more. In them, the driver should feel better than in the car of a “regular” manufacturer. Of course, such luxury costs correspondingly more, but is such a high price justified? Are we really getting more than in cars of the same segment, but at a lower price?

In the equipment of premium brands such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes or Infiniti, we will find really impressive accessories that can be found in vain in lower-level competitors - for example, decorative trims made of natural wood or metal, active pendants or varnishes in the composition dictated by the customer . However, there is another side of the coin.

In cheaper cars, which do not have the right logo on the hood, the equipment includes the most necessary, almost basic items that are simply obvious from the driver's point of view. It would seem that in premium cars you should not think about such additions at all, but just think about which gadget is worth paying extra for. However, it turns out that in the pursuit of beautiful rims, driving assistance systems or gadgets in the cabin, you can forget about other seemingly obvious elements.

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Audi

Let's start alphabetically, with the Audi A1. Base model A1 Sportback with 1.0 hp 95 TFSI engine. costs PLN 78. That's a lot considering the size of the car and the drive offered. This is the price of the manual transmission version, as the S tronic dual-clutch transmission will have to pay an extra PLN 700. However, this is a reasonable amount for the convenience of driving a car with an automatic transmission - even in brands lower, “dual clutch” is not cheaper.

However, when we start looking at accessories, we can conclude that the manufacturer from Ingolstadt wanted to save money on the main elements. It can be a front armrest for PLN 740 or a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel for PLN 1410 instead of the standard plastic steering wheel without radio buttons. There would be nothing wrong with this if it were not for the fact that we have to buy at least an MMI Radio for PLN 2070 for such a steering wheel and an on-board computer for PLN 880. Yes, the car is not equipped with an on-board computer, and the basic Chorus model has a radio tape recorder. There is also no satellite navigation, so using a multi-wheel without the above, additionally paid elements is pointless.

Another interesting feature is that the front speakers… are inactive. To "activate" them, that is, to enjoy a better sound, you need to spend an additional PLN 250. Today we will pay PLN 1460 for the popular Bluetooth connector. It is also worth adding cruise control to the equipment for PLN 1220. The standard equipment also surprises with the provision regarding the chassis - “suspension without damping”. The looseness of the translation does not mean that the A1 does not receive any sprung or damping elements. Just for an additional PLN 980, you can choose a suspension with other characteristics, which, according to the manufacturer, "improve contact with the ground for sporty driving." Interestingly, velor floor mats front and rear are standard. Contrary to appearances, this is not so obvious, even in cars that are several times more expensive.

When using the aforementioned accessories, which should be standard for premium cars, even in this segment the final price increases by PLN 7540 86, which gives a final amount of PLN 240 1.0. Of course, all this with an entry-level 15 TFSI engine, 1.4-inch wheels, white paint and no fancy extras. For a similar price, we will get an Alfa Romeo MiTo with a 140 HP MultiAir engine. and automatic transmission. The alternative is very tempting.

BMW

"Tastes" can also be found in the BMW configurator. An example is the 1-door version of the Series 5. The base model 118i with a manual transmission costs PLN 111. It's true that the list of "curiosities" here is not as long as with Audi, but some elements are surprising. For example, for a simple 000V socket you have to pay PLN 12, and for a “loading system”, that is, a rear seat divided in a 90:40:20 ratio, an additional PLN 40. We will pay PLN 895 for a 5,7-inch display on the dashboard between the clocks, which provides information about navigation readings or the absence of washer fluid. These are not large amounts, but such surcharges slightly spoil the “premium” effect in this car. Luckily, we get velor mats for free.

jaguar

The XJ in the Premium Luxury SWB variant has a few things that confuse the prestige of a premium limousine. An example is the PLN 1300 LED reading lights, which should be included as standard. The absence of a full-time parking assistant, which is found in many cars of the C segment, is also surprising. In a limousine of this class and with such dimensions, such a gadget would be especially useful. Unfortunately, you will have to pay almost 5000 zł for this.

Mercedes-Benz

If we talk about German cars, it is worth mentioning Mercedes. As wallpaper we take the A-class and the A 160 model - the cheapest option at a price of PLN 91 with a manual transmission and a 600 engine with 1.6 hp. At this price, we get a car that sits on 102-inch steel rims. It must be admitted that such equipment is not suitable for a premium manufacturer. The cheapest 15-inch alloy wheels cost PLN 16.

Of course, the configurator contains many costly dependencies. If we want the windshield wipers to be controlled by a rain sensor, we have to buy a visual and light package for PLN 1423. The electrically folding exterior mirrors are only included in the £1521 mirror package, as are the photochromic mirrors. Do you need soda can holders? You have to buy … 7G-DCT automatic transmission for PLN 8637 810. In order to get a luggage net in the backrests of the front seats, you need to purchase a luggage compartment package for PLN 100. For the same price we will buy an armrest for the back seat. After adding all the elements, the cost can significantly exceed PLN 000.