We’d all love to own a luxury sedan, but who can afford one, right? Most luxury cars cost well north of $50,000. Many top brands such as BMW, Audi, and Mercedes cost $80,000 or more. That puts luxury sedans out of most people’s reach.
What if we told you that there are several luxury cars available that won’t break the bank? These are sedans that have all the amenities, technology, and comforts of more expensive luxury vehicles, but at a fraction of the price. Yes, affordable luxury is possible if you’re willing to look around. Here is a list of 10 cheap(ish) luxury sedan worth considering. We say “cheap(ish)” because they are still technically luxury models. The Honda Civic will always be a cheaper choice, but the following options have that extra touch of class.
10. Cadillac CTS
We know that everyone immediately thinks of their grandfather when we mention a Cadillac. However, the Cadillac CTS is worth considering. It’s still a less expensive luxury sedan – albeit a full-size one. It can be considered a sporty sedan, which is impressive for a Cadillac.
It’s also lightweight (less than 4,000 pounds) and has lots of features to recommend, such as an electrically assisted steering wheel that makes driving fun. Add in a twin turbocharged V6 engine that pumps out 420 horsepower and you’ve got a Cadillac that is decent to drive.
If the top price of $60,000 is too rich for you, the CTS is available in more affordable models that have weaker engines. We still recommend getting the version that has some torque under the hood. After all, Cadillac made this car with performance in mind.
9. Audi A5
For a full luxury vehicle, the Audi A5 gets top marks in terms of affordability. Make no mistake, this is a legitimate luxury car and it’s priced as on. The starting sticker price is just under $40,000. The good news is that drivers will not encounter a lot of needed repairs or maintenance with the A5. It is known to be sturdy as a rock, and it comes with luxury features that people expect.
Some of the highlights include all-wheel drive and a turbocharged, direct-injected 2.0-liter turbo engine. The engine produces 220 horsepower and gets 22 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway in terms of fuel economy. Leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, a ten-speaker sound system, heated headlamp washers, LED turn signals, fog lights, Bluetooth connectivity, and a garage door opener all come standard. This car is a luxury sedan that is both affordable and reliable.
8. Lexus LS
For people who are in the market for a truly high-end luxury vehicle, the most cost effective option (relatively speaking, of course) is the Lexus LS. A starting price of $72,000 is going to put this car out of reach for many people. However, as far as high-end luxury cars go, the Lexus LS gets top marks. It typically ranks among having the lowest insurance costs, fewest breakdowns, lower repair bills, and best fuel economy.
This car also looks terrific. It’s a full-sized sedan with plenty of room. The LS has neat features such as four zone climate control, stadium quality surround sound speakers, and a built in entertainment system that is second-to-none in the luxury car market. Also available in a hybrid model, the Lexus LS is the affordable super expensive car.
7. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The E-Class is among the more affordable Mercedes models. That’s partly because it is one of the company’s least popular models. Despite robust marketing, the E-Class hasn’t proven to be as popular with consumers as its rivals such as the BMW 5-Series or Audi A6. Critics claim this is a crime given the luxurious cabin materials, ample seating, and massive cargo space offered by the E-Class.
The E-Class wagon has even more room, at 57.4 cubic feet when you fold down the rear seats. The engine is considered excellent and among the best on the market today. It’s a fuel-efficient turbodiesel four-cylinder V8, which provides plenty of pnuch. Sadly, this Mercedes hasn’t caught on with the public. The good news is that you can pick one up brand new for just under $50,000. Mercedes typically offers a ton of incentives on the E-Class, in hopes of attracting buyers. We say, “take advantage!”
6. Buick Verano
Another sedan that you might be quick to dismiss as an “old man car” is the Buick Verano. However, Buick has worked hard to change its image in recent years. The modern Buick models are aiming to be more upscale and compete head-on in the luxury car space.
Buick’s entry level luxury car is the Verano. It’s a small luxury sedan that boasts features such as a leather interior, a remote climate controller, an exceptionally quiet interior thanks to thick glass, hands free calling, and a rear-view camera to help with backing up and parking. However, the Verano is also one of the cheapest luxury cars to own and operate. That’s partly thanks to a 2.4 liter engine that has excellent fuel economy. Safety features include 10 airbags and anti-lock brakes, making this a smart purchase. With a starting price of $25,000, can you really afford not to consider this luxury car?
5. Volvo S60
Volvo is another brand that has seen great success with certain models, yet struggled with others. One of the models that Volvo has had the most problems pushing out the door is the S60. This Volvo sedan has long been a hit with auto experts, who rave about the fabulous interior, smooth but powerful engine, and superior steering.
Whether riding the highways or running to a suburban grocery store, the S60 has proven itself to be versatile and fun to drive. Still, the S60 only sells about 25,000 units a year. That’s considered a major disappointment by the Volvo brass in Sweden. The main problem appears to be that, despite boasting two powerful turbocharged engines, the S60 isn’t viewed by the public as a sports sedan.
A lot of buyers have apparently been turned off by the S60 because it is front- or all-wheel drive. They seem to prefer rear-wheel-drive cars such as the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The lack of demand just adds up to a cheaper price for bargain hunting luxury sedan buyers. The Volvo S60 has a starting price of just $35,000.
4. BMW 3 Series Wagon
Most BMW models are highly respected. We would argue that some of them are overhyped, but that’s not the case with the 3 Series Wagon. The 3 Series Wagon tends to get left in the dust by glossier BMW SUVs and crossovers, which are the top sellers for the German automaker. What you are missing by overlooking this vehicle is a classy sports sedan, with driving manners and looks to spare. That’s to go along with a cargo hold that is so roomy it puts to shame many other so-called “utility” vehicles.
Sure, you don’t have the high center of gravity that you get with an SUV. However, the 3 Series Wagon more than makes up what it lacks in size with premium handling and driving performance. Tricked out with all-wheel drive and a diesel engine, and there’s no place the 3 Series Wagon can’t go. Plus, the interior and technology found in the 3 Series Wagon is as good as any other BMW model. The best thing about this luxury vehicle is the price – nicely equipped at $45,000.
3. Genesis G70
The Hyundai Genesis competes with the BMW 3 Series and other smaller luxury sedans. The base price of $35,000 should be appealing if you who have both refined tastes and a family budget to keep in mind. The Genesis offers superior horsepower and more features than many of its competitors too. Highlights include a 252-horsepower turbo 2.0L inline-four V-6 engine, ample cargo room, and a killer infotainment system.
This sedan was actually named “North American Car Of The Year” at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show. Reviewers praised the G70s performance, safety features, and comfort. The fact that you can get your hands on such a highly praised luxury sedan for $35,000 should prove enticing. It’s hard to go wrong with this Genesis model on your shopping list.
2. Jaguar XE
The XE may be a compact sedan, but it is still a Jaguar. That should still mean something. Making its debut in 2017, the compact sedan had its sights firmly set on competing against the popular BMW 3 Series. Built with light-weight aluminum and available in three different engines, with the top one being a supercharged V6 capable of reaching 60 mph in about five seconds, the XE is ultra impressive.
This sleek Jag also boasts all-wheel drive, an adjustable suspension, blind spot monitoring, and auto emergency braking. People can even order semi-automatic parallel parking, if they need that AI assistance. It’s also a relatively affordable luxury vehicle. The starting price for the 2020 model is just under $40,000. Not bad.
1. Acura ILX
The Acura ILX is a little on the smaller side and has a few less features than other Acura models and competing luxury sedans. However, with a starting price of $27,990, this is one of the best priced luxury cars on the market today. The ILX borrows heavily from the legendary NSX supercar, a favorite of automotive enthusiasts.
The 2.4 liter, 4-cylinder engine pumps 201 horsepower and is good on gas. A state-of-the-art noise canceling system turns the entire cabin into a giant noise canceling headphone – great for drivers who don’t want wind and engine noise to interfere with their musical preferences or meditation time.
Make no mistake though, this Acura is still well-equipped with innovative safety and technology features. Topping the list is lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, anticipatory braking, and a blind-spot warning system that provides real-time alerts on congested roadways. For under $30,000, you could do a lot worse.
Source: Acura.com
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