The luxury vehicle market used to be dominated by European manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi. However, strong competition from other brands like Lexus, Infiniti and Cadillac has upset the balance in recent years.

Many luxury cars, tend to showcase the very latest in technology, safety, and driving dynamics. In regards to technology, take a close look at the new infotainment system coming from Cadillac this year. All new for 2012 the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) is set to arrive on the 2012 Cadillac XTS Flagship and 2012 Cadillac ATS Sport-Sedans. CUE offers connectivity to up to 10 devices through Bluetooth and accepts user input via voice command, or a 8-inch multi-touch screen.  A key part to the whole experience is the gestures, and app ecosystem, which mimics a lot of modern smartphones.

What’s New?

In regards to interior quality, luxury vehicles are known to have superior fit and finish, not to mention excellent sound-deadening that reduces the amount of interior noise. Additions like wood trim, brushed aluminum, leather and sometimes even carbon fiber help round out the luxury car interior. The new 2013 Acura RDX, is one example of a product that has been impressively re-worked to deliver a premium feel.

In terms of safety, Infiniti is striving to be a leader. For example, in the 2013 Infiniti JX35 the lane departure system will warn the driver if the car drifts into another lane without signalling. It can even apply brakes to direct the car back into its original lane. Even more impressive is a new rear auto brake system that can detect if an object or person is not only behind the car, but approaching it, and can actually apply the brakes to stop the vehicle. New innovations like these are what make a luxury vehicle an attractive option for many drivers. Meanwhile, technologies like lane-departure warning and blind spot assist, first seen in luxury vehicles are starting to trickle down into more mainstream models.

While it won’t be offered here, the 2012 Volvo V40 can now be equipped with a pedestrian airbag that can inflate to protect pedestrians in the case of an accident. While the V40 won’t be offered in North America, look for this technology to arrive on another model in the near future.

When it comes to driving dynamics, some luxury vehicles try their best to provide the most engaging driving experience. The brand new 2012 BMW 3-Series for example, takes many steps to make sure that the vehicle is the most fun and enjoyable vehicle to drive. This is achieved by using a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and different selectable driving modes. Not all luxury vehicles take this route though. Flagship models tend to place a greater emphasis on comfort, ensuring that the drive is soft, and the steering is smooth.

A new trend in the luxury vehicle segment arrives in the form of hybrid electric technology. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz E 400 Hybrid is expected to arrive later this year in the U.S. a gas-electric powerplant, which gets about 24 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. Lexus is also offering a hybrid option for the majority of its luxury vehicles. The new 2013 Lexus GS450h shows off the company’s new look and approach to hybrid power. The new look Lexus is set to combine a sporty feel, luxury features and good fuel economy.

Lastly, most luxury cars tend to be inoffensive in terms of styling. They don’t try too many radical angles, and tend to be quite clean in terms of look. For those looking for luxury and style, try the new 2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe or the 2013 Audi A7.