The Scents That Make People Think You Drive a $100K Car

Rumor has it that certain cars have a particular smell, but exactly how different are the interior fragrances of a Toyota versus a Ferrari, a Ford versus a Lamborghini, or a MINI Cooper versus an Aston Martin? It typically takes $100,000 or more for most of us to find out what the inside of a supercar or luxury vehicle smells like, but you don’t need a six-figure salary to turn the inside of your car—regardless of the price tag—into a personalized scent oasis. Instead, the best car scents come from premium Drift car fresheners that cost no more than your average Starbucks order.

10 of the Best Car Scents Tied to Success

The smell of success depends on how you define it. Some may link success to expensive cologne and the bespoke fragrance you can only find in certain hotels, while others associate it with the smoke of an imported cigar or the refreshing undertones of a luxury spa. Below are 10 of the best car scents attributed to success—many of which can be found in signature Drift car fresheners. 

1. Mint

“Mint” is a word often associated with money, from the minting process to “making a mint” off a particularly lucrative deal. Yet, there’s something oddly satisfying about the cleansing nature of mint and a crisp dollar bill. Keep your car’s interior in mint condition with the best car scents that incorporate a minty fresh scent note. 

2. Vanilla

The connection between the scent of vanilla and driving a $100,000 vehicle may not be immediately apparent. Nevertheless, there’s something luxurious about the smell of premium vanilla when it comes to baked goods and indulging oneself in decadence. The warmth and calming nature of vanilla can also evoke images of rest and relaxation. 

3. Citrus

Tangy citrus notes in any car freshener evoke a sense of cleanliness. However, the sweet juices that lie within a tough exterior can also signify the promise of what’s to come—both the hard work and the rewards that come with it. Car fresheners that incorporate citrus—like Drift’s Grove scent—can also energize us to be ready for whatever lies ahead. 

4. Lavender

Although wealth often comes with greater risks, it can also provide you with greater rewards. Premium scents like lavender exemplify the tranquility that can come from financial security, a state many of us constantly strive to achieve. Lavender-scented car fresheners can help create a calm ambiance, allowing you to enjoy the fruits of your labor better. 

5. Pine

Growth and prosperity can be found in each of a pine tree’s inner rings, giving the Pine scent a sense of accomplishment and potential. Money may not grow on pine trees, but as they reach toward the heavens, it’s clear there’s no settling for the status quo. 

6. Coffee

Coffee sharpens our focus, helping us keep our eyes on the prize as we strive for better. The smell of coffee in the morning might be something you take for granted, but gourmet coffee notes in your car freshener can evoke a sense of sophistication and motivation. After all, the most influential decisions and actions in history were often made over—or after—several cups of coffee.

7. Cinnamon

For many people, the benefit of driving a $100,000 vehicle stems from the delayed gratification of enjoying sweet rewards with an eye toward the hard work that takes them to the next level. Cinnamon also carries a luxe connotation, with that distinctive sweet yet tart taste that graces the tops of delectable confections and indulgent beverages. 

8. Floral

Flowers commemorate numerous celebrations in our lives, from Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day to wedding days and the last days of our lives. The sweet, delicate floral fragrance that complements clean scents like Open Air can also signal beauty, as is the case with many designer personal fragrances. Luxury vehicles with floral interior aromas can also evoke a sense of prestige. 

9. Apple

The saying goes, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but what if that very same apple could represent the fruits of your labor, the abundance that comes with financial prosperity? Harvesting apples requires preparation, not unlike the dedication it takes to afford a $100K car. Yet with each budding opportunity comes the potential for even greater possibilities in the future. 

10. Coastal 

Wealth can be defined as an excess of opportunities that exist, each varying in their lucrativeness. The vast potential that comes with large amounts of money is not unlike the ocean, with the wealthy perched upon the coast, waiting for profitable windfalls to come their way. Cabana represents Drift’s venture into the coastal arena, complete with coconut, cedarwood, bergamot, and sea salt. 

Don’t Settle for Second-Best With Premium Car Fresheners

Even if your car costs a fraction of the price of a luxury vehicle, you can elevate your vehicle’s interior to new heights with a premium Drift car freshener. Designed with simplicity and style in mind, these exclusive car fresheners feature sustainably sourced alder wood, organic stone, and alloy metal infused with essential and fragrance oil blends. Free from parabens, phthalates, petroleum, formaldehyde, and other harsh chemicals, Drift signature car fresheners are vegan, cruelty-free, and safe for children and pets. 

Drift’s Wood and Stone car fresheners easily slip onto the driver’s or passenger’s visor using a magnetic metal clip. Our Metal car freshener effortlessly clips onto your car’s air vents, infusing the cabin air with deluxe fragrances worthy of any high-end Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, or Rolls-Royce. Best of all, you don’t have to make six figures a year to afford these sophisticated car fresheners.

Elevate Your Ride With Drift Signature Car Fresheners

A stunning outfit, a freshly detailed ride, and a premium car freshener from Drift are all you need to feel like $100,000 driving down the road. Take our Scent Quiz for expert recommendations on which scents best suit your personal preferences. Subscribe to our Scent of the Month Club to receive exclusive new scents delivered straight to your door, and join our newsletter to stay in the know about new products and limited-edition releases.