Vehicles are considered a symbol of status, wealth, and power in many cultures. The more expensive the vehicle, the more money you had to spend to be able to afford such luxury. Cars such as the Hennessey Venom, McLaren P1, and Lamborghini Reventon fetch prices that are in excess of $1 million, putting them at the very top end of the luxury price scale. Such vehicles make their owners the envy of those looking to climb the social ladder and of those who want to be seen as rich and powerful.
The Japanese, although makers of Mitsubishis, Toyotas, and other popular brands, place less importance on their own vehicles than they do on vehicles made in other countries. In Japan there are certain cars that are preferred as symbols of status. These cars include those made by Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Here is a list of several models that would be considered status cars for Japanese owners.
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Japanese imports of Mercedes-Benz have set records for September and October, and more Japanese car buyers are choosing to purchase the SL-Class vehicles. This vehicle is a roadster that features all of the luxury options Japanese buyers have come to expect from a status vehicle. The vehicle features a twin-turbo, 4.7-liter V8 engine in the SL-550 model and an AMG twin-turbo V-12 engine in the SL-65 model. The price tags for these cars for Japanese consumers range from 22,000,000 yen to just over 30,000,000 yen ($214,000 to $297,000 USD).
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Behind the SL-Class Mercedes-Benz that are popular as status symbols in Japan is the E-Class Cabriolet. The E-350 and E-550 models are fully equipped vehicles that are luxuriously designed and apportioned. The vehicle also comes as a hybrid, which makes it that more popular as a luxury vehicle choice in Japan. The 2014 models sell for around 6.1 million yen.
BMW 760 Li Sedan
With a price tag of 11,880,000 yen ($116,000 USD), the BMW 760 Li Sedan from Bavarian Motor Works is a top selling luxury model in Japan and throughout the world. The car is a combination luxury vehicle and performance car, with a 6.0-liter DOHC, 48-valve V12 engine that is all aluminum. The vehicle uses a direct injector fuel injection system that allows the car to run on a leaner air-to-gas ratio. More importantly, the vehicle appeals broadly to Japanese car buyers and those seeking to show off their wealth and position.
BMW 550i Sedan
Another offering from the Bavarian Motor Works that is seen as a status symbol in Japan is the 550i Sedan. The vehicle is part of the BMW 5 series sedans that have a price tag of around 6,000,000 yen, or $60,000 USD. The car has all of the design features expected of a luxury class vehicle and of one that gives a very favorable showing as a status symbol vehicle.
These are a few of the popular status symbol vehicles that are available and enjoyed by Japanese owners. Both Mercedes-Benz and BMW continue to remain popular among those who seek to show their heightened status and position in Japanese society.
Kenneth Frederickson is a car fanatic who writes on a variety of auto topics including rental cars, auto mechanics, history of automobiles, the auto industry, foreign luxury vehicles and other topics as well. Those thinking about renting a car in the near future should consider the affordable car rental insurance from Protect Your Bubble.
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