The luxury car perks on offer to get you behind the wheel

We’re not just talking about the driving or the servicing, we’re thinking luxe perks like chef’s dinners or competitive golf days. It’s one way top-of-the-range brands are trying to win new customers.

But are the benefits worth it? In the case of exclusivity and access to other prestige car owners, the answer is probably yes.

With an Audi Experience membership you’ll get real and virtual events and experiences across food, wine, travel, cinema, fashion and motorsport. Think a gin masterclass hosted by actor Richard Roxburgh or a surf class with seven-time world champion, Stephanie Gilmore.

Audi owners can also access partner offers such as discounts on premium hotels, or top-brand audio equipment. Membership is complimentary within the warranty period or for those who have their car serviced at an Audi Service Centre.

Verdict: Buy in the lower price range (an Audi A1 starts at around $41,000) and you’ll be getting access to premium perks for a competitive price. Buy in the top price range (an Audi S8 will set you back about $304,000) and you’ll want to look for events that will make your cashed-up colleagues jealous.

Mercedes-Benz dealers know owners’ preferences for culture or entertainment and reach out with invitations such as a preview of a national art exhibition at the NGV or tickets to the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, according to Jerry Stamoulis, head of brand management.

Mercedes-Benz AMG Private Lounge Community also offers special benefits such as hitting the track on the famous Albert Park Formula 1 circuit under the personal guidance of a professional instructor, VIP golf events, travel experiences and more.

Verdict: With a starting price for a Mercedes-Benz A-Class at around $65,000 and an S-Class Sedan at $270,000, specific perks vary according to your location and membership tier.

You’ve seen the ads where life seems to be a whirlwind of wining and dining. Lexus Encore program offers owners free upgrades and complimentary airport transport at selected hotels, 25 per cent off valet parking at large Westfield shopping centres, events such as a Nigella Lawson and Neil Perry fine dining experience and a day at the racetrack driving Lexus performance vehicles. Regular Lexus golf days are also a popular perk.

There is also the new Encore Elevate program which is an $1899 annual subscription that allows owners of older or second-hand Lexus cars to experience many of the benefits of a new one.

Verdict: This program definitely comes with a boast factor. With a Lexus UX 200 Luxury starting at around $50,000 and an LX 500d starting at around $175,000 you’ll reap benefits according to whether you are a silver, gold or platinum member.

BMW works with its dealer network to offer experiences ranging from VIP tickets to prestigious events like France’s 24-Hour Le Mans race and the 12-hour Bathurst race, says Alex Mclean, general manager of marketing for BMW Australia. Customers also have a chance to take part in The BMW Golf Cup, the largest amateur tournament globally.

Later this year BMW's driver experience program will offer thrilling driving experiences with professional drivers in a range of BMW vehicles.

Verdict: Motorsports fans and serious driving enthusiasts should love this offering. And with a BMW 1 Series starting at around $59,000 and a BMW M8 at around $420,000, the golf events may be the just right place to network with other high-net-worth individuals.

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