Luxury Car Warranty Guide
A luxury car warranty covers mechanical breakdowns due to defects in materials or workmanship on the vehicle, but you may want to add more coverage.
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Motor1 Reviews Team Take:
- BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volvo, and Lexus are the five most-popular luxury automakers according to Luxe Digital.
- These brands all offer a minimum of 4 years/50,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage.
- You can get extended protection plans from the manufacturer or third-party companies.
Luxury cars can be sleek, attractive, and fun to drive, but they also have high repair costs. High-end vehicles have specialized components, so it’s worth thinking about buying a luxury car warranty to protect your wallet and your peace of mind.
Our research team took a look at the five most popular luxury car brands. In this article, we cover both the factory and extended warranties each brand offers. We also provide some suggestions for the best extended car warranties for luxury cars by independent providers.
Top 5 Most Popular Luxury Car Brands
According to a 2023 study by Luxe Digital, the five most popular luxury car brands are:
Luxe Digital based its ranking on the online search popularity of all luxury makes during the year. Next, we’ll look at the warranty offerings of each top luxury car brand.
BMW Factory Warranty
With all new vehicles, BMW offers a warranty package that protects your vehicle for at least 4 years or 50,000 miles – whichever comes first. Here are the maximum term limits:
| BMW Factory Warranty | Coverage Terms |
|---|---|
| New Vehicle Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Rust Perforation Warranty | 12 years/unlimited miles |
| Federal Emissions Warranty | 2 years/24,000 miles (8 years/80,000 miles for specific components) |
BMW’s new vehicle warranty is a “bumper-to-bumper” type of warranty, which means it covers almost everything related to faulty workmanship or materials (from the front bumper to the back bumper of the car). All major car brands come with bumper-to-bumper factory warranties (usually called new vehicle limited warranties).
BMW’s warranty package also includes a rust perforation warranty that will take care of your car’s rust damage and metal deterioration over time. Emissions control warranties cover different parts of the emissions systems, such as the catalytic converter, fuel injection system, and ignition control module. BMW’s federal emissions warranty covers only specific control devices and lasts for up to eight years, helping you adapt as emissions regulations change.
BMW Extended Warranty
If you want to extend your BMW warranty coverage, you can add extended coverage at any point before the factory warranty expires. BMW offers three tiers of extended warranty coverage: Powertrain Plus, Gold, and Platinum.
For each plan, you can extend coverage for one, two, or three additional years and to either 75,000 or 100,000 miles. These extended warranties include the terms of the factory warranty, so if you opt for 5 years and 75,000 miles, you’re only adding one additional year and 25,000 additional miles of coverage.
| Coverage Level | Term and Mileage Limits | |
|---|---|---|
| Platinum | 7 years/100,000 miles | |
| Gold | 7 years/100,000 miles | |
| Powertrain Plus | 7 years/100,000 miles |
The Platinum plan combines the protection of the other two plans while adding coverage for audio, navigation, and entertainment systems. It also provides limited coverage for your car’s interior and exterior. With extended warranties, Platinum plans are usually bumper-to-bumper warranties.
The Gold plan includes the Powertrain Plus coverage and adds protection for steering, anti-lock brakes, heating, and air conditioning. The Powertrain Plus plan* covers the engine, transmission, drive assembly, and several systems, including fuel and cooling.
*All powertrain warranties cover the “powertrain” of the vehicle, which includes important vehicle components that are often the most expensive parts to replace or fix (the engine and transmission, for example). Powertrain warranties are incredibly useful for older cars or cars that have been driven a lot.
The BMW extended warranty does not cover:
- Environmental or weather-related damage
- Damage from misuse
- Any aftermarket accessories
- Paint damage and other cosmetic issues
- Wear-and-tear items like wiper blades or spark plugs
For further context of common extended warranty options, the graphic below shows the major differences between the two most popular coverage choices in the extended warranty industry: the bumper-to-bumper contract and the powertrain plan.
Audi Factory Warranty
Audi’s new car warranty is a bumper-to-bumper coverage package called the Audi New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Here’s a quick breakdown of its coverage plans.
| Audi Factory Warranty | Coverage Terms |
|---|---|
| Limited Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Corrosion Perforation | 12 years |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 years |
The Audi factory warranty comes with 24-hour roadside assistance and features comprehensive coverage for nearly all of the vehicle’s components and major systems. Like most luxury vehicle warranties, it doesn’t cover wear-and-tear items, damage from infrequent maintenance, or damage from environmental factors or vandalism.
Audi Extended Warranty
To extend your Audi warranty coverage, you must buy the plan you want before your factory warranty expires. The Audi extended warranty plans are Powertrain, Gold, and Platinum. Here’s a look at the their terms:
| Audi Extended Warranty | Coverage Terms |
|---|---|
| Platinum | 10 years/150,000 miles |
| Gold | 10 years/150,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 10 years/150,000 miles |
The Platinum plan is a bumper-to-bumper extended warranty with some exclusions. The Gold plan offers comprehensive coverage of most of your vehicle’s components, including front and rear suspensions, fuel systems, electrical systems, and climate control. Like most powertrain warranties, Audi’s Powertrain plan takes care of the engine, transmission, and drive axles.
Mercedes-Benz Factory Warranty
Mercedes-Benz offers a New Vehicle Limited Warranty that lasts for 4 years/50,000 miles starting on the date of purchase. Powertrain coverage, a corrosion warranty, and a roadside assistance plan are all included. Here’s an overview of the Mercedes factory warranty:
| Mercedes Factory Warranty | Coverage Terms |
|---|---|
| Basic warranty* | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Plug-In Hybrid Electric High Voltage Battery | 6 years/62,000 miles for most states |
| Emission performance/control | Varies |
| Vehicle service parts and accessories limited warranty | 2 years/unlimited miles |
*Powertrain and bumper-to-bumper coverage
The terms for the Plug-In Hybrid and Emission Performance warranties vary based on which state you purchase in. Rather than just 6 years and 62,000 miles, hybrid drivers in the following states with the plug-in warranty will get coverage for 10 years/150,000 miles:
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
Additionally, Mercedes-Benz covers tires for 12 months/12,000 miles, but only in cases where the tires have defects from shoddy materials or poor workmanship.
Mercedes-Benz Extended Warranty
To stretch your Mercedes warranty coverage, you must purchase extended coverage from an authorized dealership before the initial factory warranty expires. The Mercedes extended warranty lengthens coverage for one, two, or three years and up to 75,000 or 100,000 miles.
The Mercedes Extended Limited Warranty covers a range of components, including the following:
- Engine
- Suspension traction and stability systems
- Climate control
- Transmission
- Electrical systems
- SUV 4-wheel drive system
- Passenger Car 4Matic® components
- COMAND®/MCS system
- Navigation system
- Turbocharger
- Speakers
- Rear axle
For car repairs, you can take your Mercedes-Benz to any of the 380+ authorized dealers across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The Mercedes extended warranty comes with a $0 deductible, so you won’t incur any out-of-pocket expenses.
Mercedes extended protection does not cover wear-and-tear items, the vehicle’s battery, weather-related damages, or tires.
Volvo Factory Warranty
Volvo might not have the same image of exclusivity as the brands above, but it certainly fits in the luxury category with premium manufacturing and greedy price tags. The Volvo warranty covers the vehicle for 4 years/50,000 miles and includes bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage. Volvo also offers a few more coverages as explained below:
| Volvo Factory Warranty | Coverage Terms |
|---|---|
| New Vehicle Limited Warranty* | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Hybrid Battery System | 8 years/100,000 miles |
| California Hybrid Battery Warranty | 10 years/150,000 miles |
| Corrosion Protection | 12 years/unlimited miles |
| Federal Emission Defects and Components | 2 years/24,000 miles or 8 years/80,000 miles depending on the part |
| Parts & Labor Warranty | 2 years/unlimited miles |
| Tow for Life | Tow to nearest Volvo dealer within 25 miles for life |
*Powertrain and bumper-to-bumper coverage
Volvo’s Tow for Life is one of the unique perks you’ll find from the company. This provides towing to the nearest Volvo dealer within 25 miles if your car breaks down. Volvo provides this even after your factory warranty expires.
Volvo Extended Warranty
You can get more coverage for your vehicle with a Volvo Increased Protection plan. The company offers three plans that can last up to 11 years/150,000 miles. The Volvo extended warranty is one of the longest extended warranty options from a manufacturer in the industry.
| Volvo Extended Warranty | Coverage Terms |
|---|---|
| Platinum | 11 years/150,000 miles |
| Gold | 11 years/150,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 11 years/150,000 miles |
The Platinum plan is an exclusionary warranty, so it covers any mechanical breakdown except for certain parts and situations outlined on the contract.
The Gold plan covers 10 systems including front/rear suspension, brakes, electrical, and hybrid components. The Powertrain plan covers the engine, transmission, drive axle, and hybrid components.
The Volvo extended warranty comes with alternate transportation coverage, towing coverage, and travel breakdown coverage. Unfortunately, extended plans don’t come with full roadside assistance, just towing.
Lexus Factory Warranty
Lexus is the first luxury automaker to offer longer powertrain coverage than bumper-to-bumper coverage. The Lexus warranty includes 4 years/50,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and 6 years/70,000 miles of powertrain coverage.
| Lexus Factory Warranty | Coverage Terms |
|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 6 years/70,000 miles |
| Hybrid Warranty | 8 years/100,000 miles |
| Hybrid Battery Warranty | 10 years/150,000 miles |
| Corrosion Perforation Warranty | 6 years/unlimited miles |
| Service Parts Warranty | 1 year/unlimited miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 years/unlimited miles |
Lexus’s bumper-to-bumper warranty covers almost any mechanical breakdown. After it ends, you get an additional 2 years/20,000 miles of powertrain coverage. The warranty protects the engine, transmission, and drive axles, which can be expensive to fix if you have a breakdown.
Lexus Extended Warranty
If you want more coverage than the factory warranty, you can get a Lexus extended warranty. The program is called Lexus Extra Care and it offers three options: Platinum, Gold, and Powertrain (are you seeing a pattern?).
| Lexus Extended Warranty | Coverage Terms |
|---|---|
| Platinum | 10 years/125,000 miles |
| Gold | 10 years/125,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 10 years/100,000 miles |
All Lexus extended warranties come with roadside assistance, trip interruption, and alternate transportation coverage. You can choose between a $0 or $100 deductible or a disappearing deductible (the deductible is waived if you visit the selling dealership for repairs).
Third-Party Extended Luxury Car Warranties
Other than a manufacturer’s extended warranty, there are plenty of third-party companies offering vehicle service contracts (VSCs)* that may fit your needs. Here are two reputable extended car warranty companies that can help protect luxury vehicles – including used cars and other high-end makes like Jaguar, Lexus, and Land Rover.
Endurance Highline Protection Plan
Endurance offers Highline, a special version of its Supreme warranty plan that’s designed specifically for luxury cars. The Supreme plan is Endurance’s highest level of coverage, most similar to a factory warranty. As with most extended warranties, the Highline Protection Plan comes with roadside assistance, towing, trip interruption protection, and rental car reimbursement.
Read more: Endurance Warranty review
Carchex Titanium Plan
The Carchex Titanium plan is the most comprehensive coverage Carchex offers, being the most similar to a car manufacturer’s new vehicle warranty. As a bumper-to-bumper coverage plan, Titanium covers nearly all of your vehicle’s components with a few exclusions. The plan is not specifically designed for luxury cars, but offers the highest level of protection.
Read more: Carchex review
Luxury Car Warranty: Bottom Line
If you’re looking for options beyond the extended manufacturer warranty, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from several third-party providers. This will help you determine which is the best warranty for you and your vehicle.
Luxury Car Warranties: FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about warranties for luxury cars:
Is an extended warranty worth it on a luxury car?
Extended warranties can be worth it on luxury cars because repair costs are higher for high-end vehicles. An extended warranty may end up paying for itself if your vehicle is statistically more likely to experience a mechanical breakdown after a few years.
What car brands offer a 10-year warranty?
Most luxury brands only offer extended warranties that last up to eight years. Mid-level car brands like Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Genesis all offer 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranties.
Does CarShield cover luxury cars?
Yes, CarShield can cover luxury cars with several vehicle protection plans. While most of CarShield’s warranties aren’t specifically designed for high-end vehicle brands, its Aluminum protection covers voice activation control, power seat control, sensors, navigation/GPS, and other systems found in luxury vehicles.
Methodology
In an effort to provide accurate and unbiased information to consumers, our expert review team collects data from dozens of extended auto warranty companies to formulate rankings of the best providers. Companies receive a score in each of the following categories, as well as an overall weighted score out of 5.0 stars.
- Industry Standing: Warranty providers with a history of strong business practices and endorsements from experts receive the highest scores in this category.
- Coverage: This rating is based on types of extended warranty plans available, coverage terms, and added benefits like roadside assistance.
- Cost: Our research team reviews sample quotes for a variety of plans and vehicles. Companies with lower prices per year of coverage receive the best scores.
- Transparency: This score takes into account contract transparency and the availability of a money-back guarantee.
- Customer Service: We comb through customer reviews and perform our own shopper analysis to get a sense of the responsiveness and helpfulness of each warranty company.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
*VSCs are technically not extended warranties, but serve the same function. VSCs are often created by separate companies (though offered and sold through dealerships) – and have their own regulations. However, VSCs can be considered as extended warranties when offered by auto manufacturers.
