The Evolution of Luxury Cars: Beyond German Brands
When it comes to luxury vehicles, most buyers traditionally gravitate toward established German brands. However, according to Alan Gelfand, owner of German Car Depot with over 30 years of experience servicing BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Porsche vehicles, it’s time to expand our view.
“The luxury experience market no longer depends on German brands because alternative manufacturers now provide comparable premium experiences at lower prices,” Gelfand said. Here are the most improved luxury cars Gelfand recommends buying now and why they’re worth your money.
Genesis G90 and G80
Once dismissed for their Hyundai roots, the Genesis G90 and G80 (2022 and newer) have evolved into serious contenders in the luxury space. Gelfand noted that Genesis recruited engineers from German brands, which is evident in their improved engineering.
“The engineering divisions of Genesis and Cadillac established partnerships with employees who previously worked at German automakers. The suspension settings and interior materials and overall sophistication of these vehicles demonstrate a clear enhancement,” Gelfand explained.
Genesis also offers a 10-year powertrain warranty, significantly longer than the four years offered by BMW and Audi, making it a more cost-effective option to own. Gelfand estimated owners save 40% to 50% on maintenance over five years compared to a Mercedes S-Class.
Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing
Cadillac’s Blackwing sedans (2022 to 2024) pair American muscle with premium refinement. Powered by a supercharged V8 from the Corvette Z06, the CT5-V Blackwing delivers over 650 horsepower with the option of a manual transmission, an increasingly rare feature.
“The construction quality and interior components of these vehicles match the standards of BMW M vehicles,” Gelfand said. Low production numbers and strong enthusiast demand are already pushing resale values higher, making them potential future collectibles.
Lexus LS 500
The Lexus LS 500 has always been known for reliability, but newer models (2021 and newer) deliver a more complete luxury experience. The 2021 refresh introduced significant enhancements to ride quality and infotainment.
“The brand stands as a proper competitor to S-Class luxury vehicles,” Gelfand said. For buyers valuing peace of mind and long-term durability, the LS 500 is a smart pick.
Looking Ahead to 2025 Models
Gelfand is keeping an eye on several luxury EVs poised to shake up the market:
- BMW iX M60: With up to 610 horsepower and adaptive air suspension, the iX M60 delivers dynamic handling expected from a BMW, even as an electric SUV.
- Mercedes-Benz EQS (2025): A larger battery and updated software aim to fix early issues, making the 2025 EQS more refined and range-efficient.
- Genesis Electrified G90: Expected to carry over Genesis’s award-winning design and build quality, this flagship EV could disrupt the high-end luxury electric segment.
“We’re in the middle of a major shift in the luxury car world,” Gelfand said. While German brands still lead in brand prestige, they’re no longer the only way to get a premium driving experience. Today’s most improved luxury cars offer competitive quality, cutting-edge tech, and often better long-term value.
