Torque Shop: Technology, build quality and brand image make a premium car premium

New kid: Lexus has proven that good old-fashioned quality combined with consistent marketing can make a premium contender. PHOTO: LEXUS
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

Not all expensive cars are deserving of the term “premium”. The word is attributable to brand image, snob appeal and heritage as much as it is to technology, quality and design.

Some premium brands earned their status decades ago and, more importantly, have managed to maintain their image with consistent development. They include household names which need no introduction.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.