5 Luxury Car Features You Probably Didn't Even Realize Existed

Some people say a car is just a car. That's fine if you want to get from Point A to Point B without the frills and fuss. But some of us appreciate fine details and prioritize convenience and comfort. In these cases, a car is never just a car, but rather an extension of our well-being and sense of self.

That's the magic of luxury vehicles. They take a basic utility and make it better than you might have thought possible. Thoughtful little details turn a short drive or a long trip into a comforting and enjoyable experience. They're not just about looks; luxury cars aim to get the most function and purpose out of every aspect. It might not be a feature you'd think to look for or want in a car. But once you realize these features exist, you might be hooked for life. You truly do get what you pay for, and these five thoughtful features of luxury cars prove it.

If you love the idea of cruising under a sky filled with stars, you don't have to wait until nighttime. Starlight headliners bring tons of tiny twinkling lights into the cabin to mimic the appearance of a night sky. The fiber optic lights are embedded into the headliner (the fabric that lines the ceiling of the car) and each light is carefully placed so that it doesn't look like a boring grid of LEDs. Along with turning them on or off, you can also dim them to set a specific mood, read a book, or just zone out.

Rolls-Royce is a leading example of the starlight headliner. The Phantom was among the first to offer this luxury feature. It includes more than 800 "stars" for a romantic, high-end vibe. The Ghost and Cullinan, both by Rolls-Royce, also include starlight features, and the atmosphere is truly something to behold. Every ride feels less like a commute and more like a midnight ride under real stars. Sorry, no moon included.

Anyone can pack an ice chest and take it on the go. But when you need every inch of available cargo space or just prefer a minimalist vibe, it's handy to have a built-in refrigerator or cooler. Cars like the Cadillac Escalade have mini-fridges built into the cabin, and unless you're looking for them, you might not even realize they're there. These fridges are big enough to hold a few cold drinks or snacks, perfect for your long road trips or commutes.

In the higher-end trims of the Cadillac Escalade, you'll find the fridge in the front center console. It's roomy enough to hold up to six drinks (500 mL each). Temperatures are adjustable, allowing you to chill drinks or even freeze them down to 23 degrees Fahrenheit. Since it's part of the center console (which most cars have anyway), drinks stay cold and out of the way. There's no need to drag along an extra cooler. Some cars, like the Rolls-Royce Ghost, offer optional cool box add-ons that hide in the backseat middle armrest. The Ghost's cool box is big enough to chill two bottles of champagne and store two champagne flutes.

If you don't enjoy having to awkwardly balance your laptop or food on your lap while riding down the road, a retractable table in a luxury vehicle was made for you. Similar to airline tables, luxury automakers have included retractable or fold-down tables for backseat passengers. They're attached to the seatback or center console and can pop out or stow away whenever you need. Your car becomes a mobile workplace, dining car, lounge, or entertainment zone. It lets you enjoy lunch without spills and gives you the option to check email or work comfortably while you travel.

Many of the top luxury car makers have models that include retractable tables, including Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, and Bentley. Other luxury features tend to complement the pop-out tables, like the heated and cooled cupholders in the Mercedes-Benz S550 with the Executive Plus package, or the reclining seat and footrest in the BMW 7 Series with the Rear Executive Lounge Seating option. It's never "just a table," and it's never "just a car." Vehicles like these are thoughtfully designed with comfort and convenience in every square inch.

No one wants to step out of a car and into a downpour, especially since it means you and your car's interior stand to get soaked. Built-in umbrella storage solves that. Some luxury vehicles put your umbrella right where you need it, so there's no more hassling with getting it out of the trunk or backseat. Umbrellas have a dedicated slot, which makes it easy to put the umbrella back when you're done using it and make sure it's in its spot every time you get behind the wheel. 

The Rolls-Royce Phantom is a prime example. The car tucks bespoke umbrellas into a doorframe compartment, and several other Rolls-Royce models have followed suit. Other cars are doing something similar, like the Cadillac CT5's umbrella compartments in the front door pockets. Little details like these make luxury cars classy and functional. The umbrella is always there when you need it and tucked away and out of sight when you don't.

Heads up displays are still a luxury feature in their own right, and they're not just reserved for luxury brands. But some luxury car manufacturers are adding augmented reality to the mix, giving you a futuristic look and driving experience. AR heads up displays (HUDs) place graphic overlays on your windshield to show you helpful information as you're driving. This might be the speed you're driving, navigation arrows, lane guidance, or even alerts that float on top of the road ahead. This helps the driver keep their eyes on the road instead of looking away to check a dashboard or gauge cluster.

AR HUDs aren't as widely used yet, but you can find them in trims of certain cars, like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the Audi A6 e-tron, and the Cadillac Lyriq. Augmented reality turns driving into a smoother (and arguably safer) experience. You get the info you need while looking straight ahead. It's a luxury upgrade that might feel more like a necessity.