Let’s face it: New cars are fun. Whether it’s an Infiniti or a Suzuki, a Buick or a Cadillac, a compact or a convertible, a new car always brings excitement, not to mention that new-car smell. But even more exciting than a new set of wheels is a new luxury car – especially one that features all the latest bells and whistles. If you can afford one, bringing home, say, a new Tesla, with its race-inspired options and smart-driving technology, is too tempting to ignore.

But if you’re going to spend that kind of money, you want to make sure that you’re getting the best options, and we’re talking so much more than just heated seats. Which options are totally worth your investment?

If you’re in the market for a new luxury hybrid, gas or electric car – whether for your own use or as a car hire – keep the following tips in mind. (These tips also apply whether you’re buying for keeps or just mulling a really tempting Audi lease offer.)

1. Advanced safety features

We’re talking about features that go way beyond automatic high-beam headlights, or a sensor that detects movement behind your car when you’re backing up (though, of course, any coupe or sedan would benefit from such basic features).

No. We’re thinking, at minimum, automatic safety braking; a system that warns you when there’s an object ahead of and you’re not slowing down sufficiently (aka forward collision warning); and blind-spot warning alerts.

A Tesla, for example, will sound a warning beep if there’s a car ahead of you and you’re not slowing down sufficiently. As a brand, Lexus is also known for its advanced safety features. And that extends to parking assistance, too. Not all of us are great at parallel parking, but that doesn’t mean your car can’t be. How smart is this? Ask your dealer if your potential car has  remote parking assist, which essentially parks for you. You just stand there on the curb, while your car maneuvers, by itself, into that tight spot.

2. Smartphone compatibility

It’s 2022. There is no excuse for a car not being able to talk to a phone. 

For the initiated, the idea is simple: Think of all your favorite smartphone interfaces, but accessible through your car’s infotainment system, usually via a built-in screen. (Oh, your luxury car doesn’t come with a built-in screen? Forget it.)

Whether it’s via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, whether you’re getting a Cadillac, Buick or Infiniti, your car should be able to pull information from your smartphone. You can play your favorite songs, surf the web and send messages (when parked, of course). 

One other reason to make this function a priority: Safety. The ideal smartphone compatibility setup lets drivers use voice-recognition technology to use all of their favorite phone features in their cars. For example, you might say, “OK, Google, play the Beatles,” or “OK, Google, what’s 10 times 10?” These voice commands even let you reply to messages. 

And that kind of smart tech equals safety: It encourages drivers to put down their phones and keep their focus on the road.

3. Keyless entry

Once you go keyless, it’s very hard to go back. If you want to start your engine the 2022 way, you don’t even have to press a button. In fact, you don’t even have to have a key or a card near you at all.

Tesla may be the best example here. That brand lets you use an app on your smartphone to unlock your car, open your trunk and more. It’s a handy – some might say habit-forming – way to avoid fishing for the keys or jugging shopping bags or baby carriers. But Tesla isn’t alone; Lexus offers a similar option that lets you share the above features with up to three other people.

4. In-car wireless charging and Wi-Fi

Yes: The best luxury cars on the market should offer you your own Wi-Fi hotspot, making it easier than ever to send and receive messages on the road. If you have a family, know this: A built-in hotspot lets multiple devices access the Internet through a single, high-speed connection.

You should also look for a car that offers wireless charging option for your phone or other mobile devices. A wireless charging pad uses induction to charge a phone battery without connecting it to an outlet. Cadillac, Chevrolet, Toyota, Lexus, BMW, Audi – most of the major brands you know have at least one model with this option available.

There are plenty of other luxuries to consider as well, even for cars as small as a compact or coupe. Before you say yes to that lease offer and hello to a new set of wheels, consider these honorable mentions: Seats with adjustable lumbar support, a heated steering wheel, multi-zone climate systems, and, if you’ve got family, a rear entertainment system.