2011 Audi A8 L W-12 quattro

2011 Audi A8 L W-12 quattro

In the past, value for money hasn’t been seen as one of the major requirements for luxury car buyers but in today’s ever competitive world value--or perceived value--is becoming more important than ever.

Thankfully, there are resources on hand for consumers like Strategic Vision’s annual Total Value Index, which is now in its 14th year. While the index applies to virtually every new model and brand under the sun, when looking purely at the luxury autos one brand is a clear winner.  

That brand is Audi, which saw its A8 flagship sedan, TT, A5 and Q7 SUV all come out on top in their respective segments.

To determine a vehicle’s ‘Total Value’, Strategic Vision researchers use the responses of over one hundred thousand new car buyers annually to compile a very comprehensive collection of 442 different data points.

The calculation of Total Value begins with clear statements that owners make about value (e.g. expected reliability, expected fuel economy, price paid, expected resale value, innovation, etc.). The study then incorporates the importance of the variables that make up the ownership experience--essentially the worth of the attribute weighed against the costs.

On the next page is a list of number one ranked vehicles in Total Value in their segments, as rated by new vehicle buyers:The following are the number one ranked vehicles in Total Value in their segments, as rated by new vehicle buyers:

Segment - Winner(s) - TVI Score

Small Car: Honda Civic Hybrid 814; Honda Civic Coupe 812
Small Multi-Function: Volkswagen Golf 790
Mid-Size Car: Ford Fusion 802
Mid-Size Multi-Function: Subaru Outback 760
Large Car: Volkswagen CC 806
Near-Luxury Car: Hyundai Genesis 852
Luxury Multi-Function: Lincoln MKT 815
Luxury Car: Audi A8 821
Specialty Coupe: MINI Cooper Hatchback 817
Premium Coupe: Audi TT Coupe 816
Mid Specialty: Honda Accord Coupe 781
Convertible: Saturn Sky 817; Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible 814
Premium Convertible/Roadster: Audi A5 Cabriolet 820
Minivan: Volkswagen Routan 748; Honda Odyssey 746
Entry Utility: Hyundai Tucson 800
Mid-Size Crossover Utility: Ford Flex 786
Mid-Size Traditional Utility: Toyota 4Runner 762
Large Utility: GMC Yukon 747
Near-Luxury Utility: Mercedes-Benz GLK 799
Luxury Utility: Audi Q7 798
Standard Pickup: Honda Ridgeline 732
Full-Size Pickup: Dodge Ram 1500 767; Ford F-150 766
Heavy Duty Pickup: Ford F-250/350 698