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Ed Hicks Imports
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Home / Driving / Ready to Test Drive a Luxury Vehicle? Here’s Your Complete Guide

Ready to Test Drive a Luxury Vehicle? Here’s Your Complete Guide

Test driving a luxury car? Learn how to prepare, what to expect, and what to bring so your first drive feels smooth, exciting, and completely stress-free.

For many Corpus Christi shoppers, especially first-time luxury buyers, test-driving a vehicle is the part of the journey where everything starts to come together. It’s where the engineering, technology, and feel come together to show you what sets luxury apart from standard options.

We also know that if you’re new to the process, this experience can feel overwhelming. What do you need to test drive a car — especially a luxury model? How long should a test drive be? And what should you really pay attention to during the drive?

This guide walks you through how to test drive a car at a dealership like Ed Hicks Imports. You’ll be prepared with what to bring, what to expect, and how to make an informed decision when it’s time to make your purchase. Whether you’re navigating city streets, checking tech features, or evaluating how the car handles different driving conditions, this is your chance to connect with a vehicle in a meaningful way.

What to Bring With You

Let’s start with what you need to test drive a car:

  • A valid driver’s license
  • Proof of insurance
  • Comfortable shoes (to better sense the steering feel and pedal response)
  • A short checklist of features you want to evaluate
  • A friend or family member for second opinions, if helpful

It’s also a good idea to bring anything that helps you evaluate how the vehicle fits into your daily life. That may be a child seat, golf clubs, or just your usual commute playlist. 

If you’re wondering how long a test drive should be, most last 15 to 30 minutes. However, we’re happy to arrange extended test drives if you’d like a longer look at how the car behaves on different roads and in real-world scenarios.

What to Expect From a Luxury Test Drive

A premium vehicle deserves more than a loop around the block. At Ed Hicks Imports, we tailor the experience so it’s both relaxing and revealing. Luxury car test drives should help you evaluate comfort, performance, and technology, without pressure.

  • As you settle into the cabin, take a moment to adjust your driving position and familiarize yourself with the infotainment system, displays, and steering wheel controls. 
  • Sync your phone, explore the driver assistance systems, and make sure you feel comfortable before heading out.
  • Once you’re on the road, evaluate how the car handles turns, stops, and acceleration, especially through Corpus Christi’s city streets.

This is the moment to check if the luxury experience lives up to your expectations.

What to Pay Attention to While Driving

Don’t just look at the spec sheet. Pay attention to how the car behaves in real time:

  • Comfort: Are the seats supportive after 15 or more minutes? Can you adjust the climate controls easily while in motion?
  • Tech: How intuitive is the interface? Is the infotainment system responsive? Does it support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
  • Handling: What’s the steering feel like at low and high speeds?
  • Visibility: Are there any blind spots? Does the model include features like a surround view camera or traffic sign recognition?
  • Noise and ride quality: On familiar roads like SPID or heading toward South Padre, does the cabin stay quiet and composed?

Remember: You’re not just driving a car. You’re previewing your new daily experience.

Let Your Lifestyle Guide the Experience

You don’t need to be an expert to make the right choice. Buying a new car, especially a luxury one, is about identifying what works best for your day-to-day routine.

  • Have a family? Bring the crew along and see if they’re as impressed with the backseat comfort or cargo space as you are.
  • Commute across town? Explore how the model handles real driving conditions, not just highways.
  • Want premium sound and finish? Test options like upgraded audio, leather upholstery, or ambient lighting.

Compare More Than One Model or Trim

We encourage you to test drive multiple luxury vehicles, even across different categories like sedans and SUVs. That way, you’ll know which body style and performance profile is the best fit. Also, if you’re eyeing specific packages or trims, we can walk you through the key features of each option.

And, don’t forget to explore our Certified Pre-Owned selection, which includes many high-end models at an excellent value.

Your Luxury Test Drive Checklist
CategoryWhat to Do or Bring
Before You Arrive– Valid driver’s license
– Proof of insurance
– Comfortable shoes
– Short list of features to test
– Personal items like a child seat, golf clubs, or playlist
– A second opinion (friend or family member)
In the Driver’s Seat– Adjust seat, mirrors, and steering wheel
– Connect your phone and explore the infotainment system
– Test out climate control and steering wheel functions
On the Road– Evaluate seat comfort after 15–30 minutes
– Test acceleration, braking, and cornering
– Check steering feel at different speeds
– Listen for cabin noise and observe ride quality on familiar roads
– Check visibility and available safety tech like cameras and sensors
Lifestyle Fit– Consider daily use: commute, family, cargo needs
– Try out premium features like sound system or leather trim
– See how passengers feel in the backseat or second row
Explore Your Options– Test drive more than one body style or trim- Compare features across models
– Ask about pre-owned options

Your First Luxury Experience Starts Here

Choosing a luxury vehicle is more than picking a brand. It’s about finding the right expression of your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a sleek sedan, a commanding SUV, or a feature-packed crossover, Ed Hicks Imports offers a lineup of Mercedes-Benz vehicles that bring comfort, innovation, and confidence together in one refined package.

Visit Ed Hicks Imports today and let us help you find the luxury car that feels like it was built for you.

Ed Hicks Imports

3102 South Padre Island Drive
Corpus Christi, TX 78415

Showroom Hours

Monday – Friday 
8:30am - 7:00pm
Saturday
9:00am - 7:00pm
Closed Sunday
Ed Hicks Imports Location Map
Material in this article is for general information purposes only and was accurate as of the date of first publication. Information is subject to change and does not constitute an offer, representation or warranty (express or implied) by the Hicks Auto Group ("Company"). Interested parties should confirm the accuracy of any information in this website as it relates to a vehicle directly with Company before relying on it to make a purchase decision. Unless expressly referenced, Company does not endorse and is not affiliated with any company that might be mentioned in this article. Company is not responsible or liable for the availability of links to websites or resources, or for any content, advertising, products, services, privacy policies, or other materials on or available through these websites or resources, or for your reliance thereon. Any references to data or products are subject to change without notice. Trademarks are property of their respective owners.
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