Three Outrageous and Overpriced Car Options

Carbon fiber finish on the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport - $300,000

Somewhat recently, carbon fiber has gained popularity as an option on car parts/bodies for a good reason. The weave is nice to look at and the actual material is incredibly strong and lightweight, so it definitely serves a good purpose on a high powered sports car. Dismissing the fact the option itself costs more than some homes (this is a 2.5 million dollar car, after all), you can’t help but ignore the fact that the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport’s body is already made out of carbon fiber. You are essentially being charged a $300,000 premium to leave paint off of your car. Does this make sense at all? Didn't think so. 

Porsche Panamera Leather Door Sills: $2,900

I can't think up a valid reason why one would want leather door sills versus aluminum. Not only will the leather corrode and wear away fast from being stepped on so much, but it will discolor eventually. Also, you won’t even be able to see or appreciate your $2,900 door sills seeing as the doors on your car remain closed 99.9% of the time save for the few seconds you open and close the door.

Rolls Royce Phantom Gold Plated Spirit of Ecstasy: $8,650

In case driving a Rolls Royce Phantom did not differentiate you from the rest of the world enough, you can now spend over $8,000 to rub it in people’s faces that you are rich by having your hood ornament gold plated. The hood ornament goes away when the car is parked, so unfortunately you cannot show it off nearly as much as you want. While a Rolls Royce owner can afford the expensive option, it should be noted on principle that the ornament is only gold plated, a process which shouldn’t run over 1 or 2 hundred dollars.  

The Maybach 62

Unless you regularly listen to rap music or take an interest in cars, you have likely never heard of the Maybach brand of cars. The German automobile manufacturer was founded in 1909, and has since been picked up by Mercedes. In an effort to compete with the ultra-luxury segment of cars dominated by Rolls Royce and Bentley, Mercedes introduced the Maybach 57 and 62 models. Both cars are similar, though the 62 is a slightly longer version of the 57 model.

As you would expect from a car that competes with Rolls Royce, the interior is absolutely beautiful and luxurious. Along with the front seats, the rear seats recline as well and even extend out if you would like to rest or take a nap. Just about any luxury feature you’ve ever heard of is packed into the Maybach 62. Features you have probably never heard of are also available, naturally. For example, an extra 5,000 will get you an atomizer that attaches to the rear air vents and spreads fragrance around the car. Other optional features include an electro transparent screen between the driver and rear passengers, panoramic glass roof, lambskin carpets and even a loudspeaker to communicate with the driver.

For most, the $427,000 Maybach 62 is purchased as a car to be driven in rather than a car to drive. The 12-cylinder engine that produces 543 horsepower will likely impress those who do drive the Maybach. The combined 13 miles per gallon is another story, however. Of course, if you can afford the car in the first place, paying for gas is likely the least of your worries.

Unfortunately, those who wish to purchase a new Maybach 62 are out of luck, as Mercedes ceased production on both models in 2013 due to low sales. In fact, any remaining inventory is now offered with a $100,000 cash back option. If you somehow have 300some thousand dollars to spare and want a car nobody else has, now is the time to find a Maybach dealer.