When you think of luxury cars, names like Range Rover or Mercedes-Benz S-Class likely come to mind. However, the experience of a more dignified, comfortable commute doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The following list comprises affordable luxury cars that elevate the driving experience beyond mass-market brands. We’ve considered practical elements such as build quality and technology, and also the aspiration associated with the brand itself.
Luxury, as real as it is perceived, carries a certain cachet. So although a Mazda CX-90 may offer a near luxury experience, the Mazda badge doesn’t carry the same prestige. We’ve also prioritized ride comfort over sporty handling, and refinement over raw power and acceleration. A price ceiling of $45,000 has been applied, reflecting the increasing cost of luxury motoring. However, if you desire a car that transcends mere transportation, without shattering your budget, these vehicles could be perfect for you. All of the following vehicles are produced by luxury brands and are available for the 2025 model year. Their ranking goes from most to least expensive based on their 2025 pricing.
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2025 Volvo EX30 – $44,900
- Base Engine: Single motor, rear-wheel drive; 258 hp
- Interior Design: Minimalist with sustainable materials
- Infotainment: 12.3-inch touchscreen with Google built-in
- Driver Assistance: Pilot Assist, Park Pilot Assist
The Volvo EX30 represents the brand’s inaugural venture into purpose-built EVs, and it’s a strong beginning. It encapsulates classic Volvo attributes within a smaller package, and with a more attainable price point. As a fully electric vehicle, the EX30 stands out because other luxury brands have not entered the EV market at this price level in North America.
Overseas reports note the EX30’s driving experience mirrors that of a larger SUV, effortlessly absorbing road imperfections, and the interior remains exceptionally quiet, thanks to the electric motors. It’s already available for reservation in the USA at a sub-$35k price. Features like automated parking and Pilot Assist reduce driver effort. Despite minor expected delays, the company aims to deliver vehicles to customers before the year’s end.
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2025 Lexus ES – $43,215
- Base Engine: 2.5-liter inline-4; 203 hp
- Interior Materials: Semi-aniline leather, wood trim available
- Infotainment: Optional 12.3-inch touchscreen, Mark Levinson audio
- Driver Assistance: Lexus Safety System+ 2.5
Despite being in the midsize sedan segment, the Lexus ES is available at a far more competitive price than its rivals. The base ES 250 starts at $43,215, which is more than $15,000 less than a base BMW 530i or Audi A6. In true Lexus fashion, the ES delivers a soft, absorbent ride, which is one of the central characteristics of luxury motoring. The seats are comfortable with excellent rear-seat legroom, the cabin is well-insulated, and the materials are luxurious. The base 203-horsepower engine isn’t particularly exciting, but that doesn’t detract from the model’s value as a luxury sedan. It is worth mentioning that Lexus was ranked as the top brand in the J.D. Power 2023 US Vehicle Dependability Study.
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2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class – $43,000
- Base Engine: Turbocharged mild-hybrid inline-four; 221 hp
- Interior Materials: Imitation leather standard, genuine leather optional
- Infotainment: Dual 7-inch displays
- Driver Assistance: Available adaptive cruise control
The GLA 250 base model is slightly more costly than the BMW X1, but it compensates with its excellent driving dynamics and an impressive interior for the price point. While the driving experience won’t lead you to believe you’re in a GLC, the GLA delivers a compliant ride and provides the prestige of owning a Mercedes.
This model comes standard with powered front seats, a power liftgate, dual-zone climate control, and dual seven-inch displays. Consumers also have the option to upgrade the interior with genuine leather (replacing the standard imitation leather) and natural grain wood inserts. The Mazda CX-90 mentioned earlier is significantly more car for a comparable price, however, many consumers will decide that the opportunity to own a new Mercedes at a reasonable price outweighs other considerations.
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2025 Volvo S60 – $42,600
- Base Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four; 247 hp
- Interior Design: Iron Ore aluminum inserts, tailored gear selector
- Infotainment: Google-based system
- Driver Assistance: Lane-keeping aid, traffic sign recognition
While an XC40 might be slightly more affordable, the S60 is a superior luxury car for nearly the same price. Its potential discontinuation highlights how much we should value entry-level luxury cars on the market. This model will have limited availability.
Starting at $42,600 for the Core trim, the stylish Volvo S60 offers excellent value compared to competitors like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Even the base S60 has powered front seats, a CleanZone system to purify cabin air, a lane-keeping aid, and traffic sign recognition.
The interior design is calm and attractive, unlike the more ostentatious interiors of models from Mercedes. It is not the sportiest car to drive, but the S60 excels at delivering a luxurious driving experience with its smooth ride and insulated cabin. Several elegant touches throughout the interior, such as the Iron Ore aluminum inserts and the high-tech tailored gear selector, exemplify Volvo’s impeccable attention to detail.
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2025 Genesis G70 – $42,000
- Base Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four; 300 hp
- Interior Design: User-friendly with upscale materials
- Infotainment: Standard touchscreen
- Driver Assistance: Highway driving assist, lane-keeping assist
With a starting price of $42,000, the base Genesis G70 offers exceptional value compared to its direct competitors. It might not be as focused as a sports sedan like some rivals, but Genesis has invested significantly in research and development and is producing a killer product that keeps improving. For 2024, a new engine finally provides enough entry-level power to make you seriously consider the newest 3 Series. The G70 delivers a comfortable ride, along with enjoyable rear-wheel-drive dynamics. Features like heated front seats, powered front seats, and highway driving assist are all part of the standard specifications. Inside the car, the G70 offers a user-friendly, elegant cabin, excluding the somewhat small backseat.
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2025 BMW X1 – $40,950
- Base Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four; 241 hp
- Interior Design: Veganza imitation leather, SensaTec dashboard
- Infotainment: Wide Curved Display
- Driver Assistance: Active lane control, optional adaptive cruise
The first X1 didn’t do the best job of translating BMW’s luxury reputation into a compact crossover package, but the third-generation model has matured into a more cohesive package. The xDrive28i starts at $40,950, which is a great bargain because entry-level BMWs with sparse interiors and not much more than the renowned badge are a thing of the past.
The X1 has a well-designed interior with perforated Veganza imitation leather, a SensaTec-trimmed dashboard, a Wide Curved Display, and power front seats. Road tests of the X1 have praised its spacious cabin, efficient and powerful engine, and smoother ride. BMW has had consistent success with large sedans and SUVs, and has finally perfected its subcompact luxury SUV offering.
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2025 Lincoln Corsair – $39,485
- Base Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder; 250 hp
- Interior Design: Quiet cabin with soft-touch materials
- Infotainment: Standard touchscreen with available upgrades
- Driver Assistance: Active noise control, driver memory system
Significantly cheaper than its BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class rivals, the Corsair is designed for comfort and refinement. The base price of $39,485 applies to the Premiere trim, featuring the 250-hp turbocharged four-pot.
The Lincoln Corsair comes equipped with the brand’s active noise control system and acoustic laminated windshield glass to suppress cabin noise, and is equipped with standard soft-touch seats, heated front seats, and a driver memory system. It is not the top SUV in its class, but it’s one of the best choices for relaxed commuting.
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2025 Audi A3 Sedan – $38,200
- Base Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four; 201 hp
- Interior Design: Leather upholstery standard
- Infotainment: Digital gauge cluster, 10.1-inch touchscreen
- Driver Assistance: Lane departure warning, adaptive cruise optional
At $38,200, the base Audi A3 Sedan packs a lot of luxury features into a comfortable, capable package. This price applies to the Premium trim with front-wheel drive, so it will not suit customers who require all-wheel drive. Customers can pay an extra $2,000 to add Quattro AWD. Regardless of the drivetrain, the A3 boasts powered front seats with heating, leather upholstery, a digital gauge cluster, and three-zone climate control, which is relatively unusual for a car of this size. Some of the interior’s harder plastics indicate that this is not an A4, however, the appealing design leaves little to criticize. While not the top choice for enthusiasts, the absorbent ride and comfortable seats make highway driving effortless, and the turbocharged engine provides ample power.
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2025 Lexus UX Hybrid – $37,515
- Base Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid; 196 hp
- Interior Design: NuLuxe upholstery, posh materials
- Infotainment: Touchscreen with smartphone integration
- Driver Assistance: Adaptive cruise control, road sign assist
When the first Lexus, the LS, arrived in the USA, it was priced significantly lower than rivals. Decades later, the gap has shrunk, but the ES and UX Hybrid demonstrate that consumers can acquire an affordable luxury car for less than a comparable German model. The UX Hybrid starts at $37,515 and offers a smooth ride, a quiet interior, and luxurious cabin materials. Power-adjustable front seats covered in NuLuxe upholstery, adaptive cruise control, and road sign assist are all standard. The 196-hp powertrain delivers adequate performance. Luxury is about enjoying the journey, not dominating the traffic lights.
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2025 Cadillac CT4 – $36,390
- Base Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four; 237 hp
- Interior Design: Modern, tech-focused
- Infotainment: Touchscreen with smartphone integration
- Driver Assistance: Optional adaptive cruise, standard lane assist
The final, and most affordable, model on this list is Cadillac’s smallest sedan, the CT4. This vehicle will offer the driver an attractive driving experience. While the base model has some material deficiencies, the higher trim levels offer a considerably stronger fit, finish, and performance.
