Audi Tops Luxury Brands In Latest Strategic Vision Study

For the second year in a row, Audi is the luxury manufacturer with the highest number of vehicles on the Strategic Vision Total Value Index, which recognizes models for their overall value. Factoring in to the equation are variables such as warranty coverage, technical innovation, standard equipment and even fuel economy.

Strategic Vision claims that its Total Value Index survey paints a more accurate picture of what owners really think of new vehicles purchased. By asking targeted and in-depth questions, the company gathers valuable data on both consumers and market trends, and its report is based on the responses of over 68,000 new car buyers.

Audi took top honors in the Luxury Car segment with its A8 sedan, and nearly tied the Porsche Cayenne for top place in the Luxury Utility segment with its Q7 crossover. Acura fared well with its underselling-but-beloved-by-buyers TSX Sport Wagon, which earned first place in the Luxury Multi-Function Category.

In Near-Luxury classes, Cadillac’s CTS Sedan edged out Lincoln’s MKZ Hybrid for first place in the Near-Luxury Car class, while the Volvo XC60 won the Near-Luxury Utility segment. Surprisingly, Volvo’s aging C70 convertible scored nearly as well as the BMW Z4 roadster in the Premium Convertible Coupe segment.

Overall, Volkswagen was named as the best brand for total value, followed by Hyundai and Ford. A significant trend for 2011 was the rise of alternative-fueled-vehicles, with four hybrids or electric cars leading their respective categories for the first time in Strategic Vision survey history.

Head on over to the next page for a complete list of vehicles ranked highest in Total Value by segment.