Regarding premium sedans in India, few names command as much respect as the Honda City. Known for its sleek design, comfortable interiors, and refined driving experience, the City has been a favorite among car buyers for decades. However, one question often arises: Is Honda City a luxury car?
Spoiler alert: It’s not. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth your attention. Let’s explore why the Honda City is a standout in its segment and why it’s often mistaken for a luxury sedan.
What Defines a Luxury Car?
Before determining whether the Honda City is a luxury car, it’s essential to understand what makes a vehicle truly luxurious.
Luxury cars are typically associated with:
✅ Premium Build Quality – Use of high-end materials like genuine leather, wood trims, and soft-touch surfaces.High-end materials and premium finishes.
✅ Advanced Technology – Cutting-edge AI-powered infotainment, digital cockpit, adaptive cruise control, and driver assistance features performance enhancements.
✅ Superior Comfort & Features – Ventilated and massaging seats, automatic climate zones, noise cancellation, and panoramic sunroofs.
✅ Performance & Engine Power – Turbocharged, V6/V8 engines for higher power output and seamless performance.
✅ Brand Prestige & Exclusivity – Luxury vehicles are associated with premium brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and Volvo.
✅ High Price Tag – Most luxury sedans start at ₹40 lakh and can go well beyond ₹1 crore.
Does the Honda City Qualify as a Luxury Car?
While the Honda City is one of the most premium sedans in its category, it does not fall into the luxury segment. Here’s why:
1. Honda vs. Luxury Brands – Brand Positioning
Luxury cars are synonymous with brands like Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW, which are designed to offer exclusivity. In contrast, Honda is a mainstream brand focused on affordable yet premium offerings for the mass market.
2. Price Comparison – Affordable vs. High-End
One of the biggest differentiators is the price. The Honda City is priced as a mid-range sedan, making it accessible to a wider audience. In contrast, luxury cars often start at double or triple the price of the City
The Honda City price in India ranges from ₹12 lakh to ₹20 lakh, making it one of the most affordable premium sedans. In comparison, entry-level luxury sedans like the BMW 2 Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine start at ₹40 lakh and go much higher.
3. Features – Premium Yet Not Ultra-Luxurious
The Honda City has features like a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and advanced safety features such as lane-watch cameras and adaptive cruise control. While these features are impressive for its price range, they don’t quite reach the level of sophistication in luxury cars.
The Honda City 2024 model comes with:
✔ Leather upholstery
✔ Electric sunroof
✔ Honda Sensing ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System)
✔ 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
✔ Automatic climate control
While impressive, true luxury cars offer premium features such as:
❌ Ventilated and massaging seats
❌ AI-powered voice assistants
❌ Bespoke interior customization
❌ High-end surround sound systems like Bose, Burmester, or Bang & Olufsen
4. Performance – Refined But Not Ultra-Powerful
The Honda City engine options include:
1.5L i-VTEC Petrol Engine (121 PS, 145 Nm)
1.5L Strong Hybrid e: HEV (126 PS, 253 Nm)
While offering smooth and refined driving, it does not match the turbocharged or V6/V8 engines in luxury cars, which deliver 200-500+ horsepower for a more exhilarating experience.
5. Interior & Comfort – Premium Yet Not at Par with Luxury Car
The Honda City boasts a sleek, modern design that turns heads. Its spacious interior and premium finishes give it a luxurious feel, but it doesn’t quite match the opulence of true luxury cars.
The Honda City’s interior is well-designed and comfortable, featuring leather seats, soft-touch dashboard materials, and a premium infotainment system. However, luxury sedans offer handcrafted leather, custom ambient lighting, ultra-quiet cabins, and premium materials like genuine wood and aluminum accents.
Why Do People Consider Honda City a Luxury Car?
Despite not being a true luxury car, the Honda City is still perceived as a high-status vehicle by many buyers. Here’s why:
✔ The Honda City has been an aspirational car for Indian buyers for over two decades.
✔ It offers a premium driving experience at an affordable price.
✔ Its features, comfort, and design give it a luxury-like feel within its segment.
✔ Among mid-size sedans, the City is considered a top-tier option.
How Does the Honda City Compare to Luxury Cars?
Let’s compare the Honda City to a true luxury sedan like the BMW 3 Series:
- Price: The Honda City is significantly more affordable
- Features: While the City offers advanced features, the BMW 3 Series takes it up a notch with cutting-edge technology and performance enhancements.
- Brand Prestige: Honda is a mainstream brand, while BMW is synonymous with luxury.
Luxury Car Alternatives to Honda City
If you’re looking for a true luxury sedan, here are some excellent alternatives:
Entry-Level Luxury Sedans (₹40-60 lakh)
🚗 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé – A sporty yet premium sedan.
🚗 Audi A4 – Features advanced technology and superior comfort.
🚗 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine – This offers German engineering at an entry-level luxury price.
Premium Luxury Sedans (₹60 lakh – ₹1 crore)
🚗 BMW 3 Series – A blend of performance and luxury.
🚗 Mercedes-Benz C-Class – It offers a refined driving experience with premium features.
🚗 Volvo S90 – Scandinavian luxury with advanced safety features.
Why the Honda City is Still Worth Considering?
Even though it’s not a luxury car, the Honda City has a lot to offer. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
- Value for Money: You get a lot of features for the price.
- Reliability: Honda is known for its durable and long-lasting vehicles.
- Resale Value: The City holds its value well over time.
Final Thoughts – Is Honda City a Luxury Car?
The Honda City is a premium sedan but not a luxury car. It offers a stylish, comfortable, and feature-rich driving experience at an affordable price point, but it lacks the high-end materials, power, and exclusivity found in true luxury vehicles.
If you’re looking for a reliable and stylish sedan with premium features, the Honda City remains one of the best choices in its segment. But if you seek exclusivity, handcrafted interiors, and top-tier performance, you might want to explore luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes, and Audi.
No, the Honda City is not a luxury car. However, it’s one of the best premium sedans in its price range, offering a perfect blend of comfort, features, and affordability. If you’re looking for a car that feels luxurious without breaking the bank, the Honda City is an excellent choice.
FAQs About Honda City & Luxury Cars:
Is Honda City better than luxury cars like BMW or Audi?
No, BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz luxury cars offer better performance, high-end features, and superior comfort. However, Honda City is an excellent value-for-money premium sedan.
What is the highest variant of Honda City?
The Honda City e:HEV Hybrid is the top-end model, featuring ADAS, better fuel efficiency, and advanced hybrid technology.
Which car is better, Honda City or Skoda Slavia?
Both are premium sedans, but Honda City is known for reliability, while Skoda Slavia offers a more powerful turbo engine.
Does the Honda City have luxury car features?
Yes, Honda City offers leather seats, a sunroof, and ADAS, but it lacks features like massaging seats, high-end sound systems, and customizable interiors that define true luxury cars.