Luxury and More: The 2015 New York International Auto Show

New York International Auto Show
The Lincoln Continental Concept luxury car- so exclusive it isn’t yet in production. Credit: Judy Antell for AGirlsGuidetoCars

NYIAS shows off the latest and greatest in luxury.

New Yorkers like me think our city is the center of the universe, but with publishing, finance, and Cadillac’s new New York City headquarters all here, the  New York International Auto Show is surely the the media darling of the auto show world.

And Cadillac celebrated its move to New York City by debuting the luxurious CT6 at the NYIAS. Another luxury brand, Lincoln, showed off its lavish concept car, a premium Continental that both references the past and thrusts the luxury sedan firmly into the new era of supreme elegance.

Several of us from AGirlsGuidetoCars attended the 2015 New York International Auto Show, running through April 12, and found a variety of vehicles to gush over.

Fadra Nally, an auto show veteran, agreed with the emphasis on luxury, She said, “My first experience at the New York Auto Show brought one word to mind: luxury. Some of that luxury was in the form of performance cars like Maserati and McLaren. But what really drew me in were the luxury that aren’t meant for you to drive. They are meant for you to be driven in.”

Fadra’s New York International Auto Show picks:

The Range Rover SC Autobiography looks like a extra shiny Range Rover on the surface but inside the vehicle feels like you’ve just stepped into first class. The rear seats provided full massagers on top and bottom, a chilled bottle and cup holder (sized for a bottle of Cristal, I’m told), and automatic tray table complete with cup holder and USB port tucked away neatly in the arm rest.

New York International Auto Show
Range Rover SC Autobiography. Credit: Fadra Nally for AGirlsGuidetoCars

Stepping up the luxury even more was the Rolls-Royce Wraith, a two door coupe “Inspired by Film.” On the interior, you’ll find massaging seats, Canadel Veneer wood paneling, and lambswool mats, among other luxuries. My favorite touch was opening the suicide doors (more elegantly referred to as carriage doors) and finding a mysterious metal button, which I, of course, pushed. Out popped a full size umbrella from the door frame ensuring that luxury always stays dry.

New York International Auto Show
Rolls-Royce Wraith. Credit: Fadra Nally for AGirlsGuidetoCars

Head turning, and ear splitting luxury from Amelia Dalgaard:

New York International Auto Show
The Vulcan at the New York International Auto Show. Credit: Amelia Dalgaard for AGirlsGuidetoCars

Amelia Dalgaard, aka Motorhead Mama, goes for luxury with power. “The Vulcan officially launched at the Geneva Auto Show earlier this year, but NYIAS was the first time this track car was shown on American soil. Why get excited about a track car? First of all, the track is my happy place; second, this car has some spectacular features that I hope and pray will make it into other production vehicles.  The most obvious being those tail lights!  They’re so gorgeous, at the show they got more tail shots than J Lo. This car sports over 800 bhp– that’s the horsepower of 7 Priuses, or Priui, whatever. It’s all carbon fiber, not the fake stuff that so many car makers are using as decoration these days and with a production limited to 24, it is truly exclusive.”

Bmw'S B6 Grand Coupe Alpina.
BMW’s B6 Grand Coupe ALPINA. Credit: Amelia Dalgaard for AGirlsGuidetoCars

“The other really exciting vehicle at the show is the BMW B6 Grand Coupe ALPINA. Launched as a part of the 50th anniversary of ALPINA automobiles, this B6 is no joke. 600 horsepower and 0 to 60 in 3.6 seconds makes this BMW’s fastest consumer vehicle. I’ve driven the 6 series Grand Coupe and it was magnificent– feeling less like a sedan and more like a roadster. This one is even faster, sportier and more pimp– Mama can’t wait to take it for a hair raising spin!”

What caught my eye: luxury in a hybrid

New York International Auto Show
The 2016 Lexus RX, introduced at the New York International Auto Show

As an eco-conscious consumer, I am most excited about luxury in a hybrid. The fourth-generation Lexus RX 450h, revealed at the New York International Auto Show features a new design and a soccer mom pleasing safety package that includes Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and a Pre-Collision System. There is also Heads-Up Display to help you keep your eyes on the road. To add to the safety features, the SUVs have special Michelin Premier tires with high traction “EverGrip” technology.

The Lexus RX pretty much invented the midsize crossover segment 17 or so years ago, and is the top selling Lexus model. I’m happy that Lexus is sticking with a hybrid option while adding luxury touches like heated second row seats, panoramic moonroof and screens for rear seat passengers.

LeAura lets her top down

New York International Auto Show
The Mazda MX-5, perfect for a summer road trip. Credit: Judy Antell for AGirlsGuidetoCars

LeAura Luciano said, “I’m ready for weekend trips in the spring and summer. My favorite warm weather car is a classic convertible. The Mazda MX-5, the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, the Buick Cascada and Audi TT Roadster top the list for me.

Also, I was pleasantly surprised by a number of new SUVs and Crossovers including the Lexus RX, Infiniti QX50, Toyota Highlander, Fiat 500X and the Mazda CX-3.”

Did you go the the NYIAS? What vehicles did you like?

 

Judy Antell
Judy Antell

Judy Antell, who is TravelingMom.com's Free in 50 States editor, lives in Park Slope, Brooklyn, with her husband and three daughters. Between road trips to visit colleges, travel sports and seeing East Coast sights, she spends a lot of time on the road for a city girl.

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