Whatever matches your house is what looks good.

"Concerned that plastic egress well and vinyl window will be cheap looking. Read that wood windows are more durable"

Where did you read that? What do you have now? What is your plan for the window type? What type of egress window well are you looking to use here? Help us help you with more info please.

I agree you do what you have for the rest of the home's windows

If the window is at “grade” code allows a 5.0 opening.

We paid a bit more and got wood windows with muntins that match the rest of the windows in the house. Our wells around the egress window are wood timbers--more money but a much better look overall. If you have the space do the wood timbers with an interior step to allow for more light and also a better look. If you can step up the budget a bit, you'll get a much better look.

Why not do an aluminum casement windows for the basement remodel, as they look good and cost just a little bit higher than upvc but lower much to wood windows and they are good for egress windows?