In the pursuit of automotive happiness, many car enthusiasts look for ways to own a luxury vehicle without breaking the bank. One approach is to consider heavily depreciated luxury cars from the last decade. These ‘luxury barges’ offer a suite of premium features, powerful engines, and refined comfort at significantly lower prices than their original MSRP.
The Concept of Luxury Barges
Luxury barges, or high-end vehicles that have depreciated significantly, present an exciting opportunity for buyers. While they come with the risk of potentially high maintenance costs due to their complicated electronics and expensive powertrains, a well-maintained vehicle can provide years of trouble-free service. The key is to understand the risks and rewards.
Top Picks for Affordable Luxury Cars
- 2015 Audi A7 Prestige Average Used Value: $16,000 Original Price: $70,000 The Audi A7 Prestige offers a comfortable luxury experience with its V6 engine, four-zone climate control, LED lights, and heads-up display. Its supercharged TFSI V6 engine can propel it to 60 mph in the five-second range.

- 2020 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Reserve Average Used Value: $21,000 Original Price: $42,000 This hybrid variant of the Lincoln MKZ offers a comfortable cabin and excellent fuel economy at 41 MPG combined. It was part of the second and last generation of the MKZ before it was discontinued.

- 2015 Maserati Quattroporte GTS Average Used Value: $23,000 Original Price: Over $100,000 The Maserati Quattroporte GTS is a refined and luxurious Italian sedan with a Ferrari-built engine. It offers impressive performance with its 4.7-liter V8 engine producing 434 horsepower.

- 2015 Audi A8L W12 Average Used Value: $27,000 Original Price: $140,000 The Audi A8L W12 is a luxury flagship sedan with a 6.3-liter W12 engine producing 493 horsepower. It offers a refined and strong driving experience.

- 2015 BMW 760Li Average Used Value: $28,000 Original Price: $160,000 The BMW 760Li is a high-performance luxury sedan with a V12 engine producing 536 horsepower. It offers quick and refined cruising with advanced technology features.

- 2015 Mercedes-Benz S 550 4MATIC Average Used Value: $29,000 Original Price: $100,000 The Mercedes-Benz S 550 4MATIC is a luxury sedan with a twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 449 horsepower. It features adaptive suspension and comfortable heated seats.

- 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL 550 Average Used Value: $29,000 Original Price: $100,000 The Mercedes-Benz SL 550 is a modern sports tourer with a V8 engine and retractable hardtop roof. It offers impressive performance and luxury features.

- 2015 Porsche Panamera Turbo S Average Used Value: $35,000 Original Price: Over $180,000 The Porsche Panamera Turbo S is a high-performance luxury sedan with a twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 562 horsepower. It offers a blend of luxury, speed, and Porsche heritage.

- 2011 Bentley Continental GT Average Used Value: $37,000 Original Price: Much higher The Bentley Continental GT is a luxury grand tourer with a twin-turbocharged W12 engine producing 552 horsepower. It offers extreme luxury and performance.

- 2019 Cadillac CT6 4.2 Platinum Average Used Value: $49,000 Original Price: $100,000 The Cadillac CT6 4.2 Platinum is a luxury sedan with a twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 550 horsepower. It features a refined cabin and advanced luxury features.

Conclusion
These luxury cars, while depreciated, still offer the essence of high-end motoring at a fraction of their original prices. Potential buyers should consider the balance between the luxury experience and the potential maintenance costs associated with older, complex vehicles.