For many, 2020 feels like just yesterday; for others, it might as well have been an age ago. Either way, it was five years ago, and that means that now is a great time to consider the luxury sedans of that model year. These vehicles offer high-quality features, cutting-edge electronics, smooth rides, and impressive powertrains. While these premium vehicles come with higher price tags than their mainstream counterparts, you can find some excellent models on the used market that won’t break the bank.
Pricing information was sourced from Kelley Blue Book, and reliability ratings are from J.D. Power. General vehicle information came from various automakers. The models are listed by fair purchase price range, from lowest to highest.
10. Audi A3
- Fair Purchase Price Range: $18,545—$24,546
- Reliability Rating: 79/100
The 2020 Audi A3 is the smallest sedan offered by the German luxury brand, but that’s part of what makes it so fun to drive. This compact sedan maneuvers with ease, and its brisk acceleration makes it a joy to take on any road.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
- Transmission: 7-speed automated manual
- Horsepower: 184 hp
- Torque: 221 lb-ft
- Driveline: FWD
- Fuel Efficiency: 27/36 mpg
This little Audi sedan could be a great choice for someone who seldom carries rear-seat passengers. While comfortable for two people, the A3 has limited space in the back.
Pros
- Good balance of comfortable ride and sporty handling
- Strong acceleration from the turbocharged engine
- Refined and stylish cabin
Cons
- Small trunk, especially in AWD versions
- Limited rear seat space
- Design shows its age
9. Acura ILX
- Fair Purchase Price Range: $18,560—$24,045
- Reliability Rating: 80/100
The 2020 Acura ILX is one of the best five-year-old luxury sedans you can buy. You won’t have to spend too much, while still getting a great deal on this sedan. The added qualities make the ILX an enticing choice for those who want upscale features without a hefty price tag.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
- Engine: 2.4-liter 4-cylinder
- Transmission: 8-speed automated manual
- Horsepower: 201 hp
- Torque: 180 lb-ft
- Driveline: FWD
- Fuel Efficiency: 24/34 mpg
The 2020 version of this Acura sedan is mainly a carryover from the previous year, with the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The ILX provides an enjoyable commute.
Pros
- Plenty of features for the price
- Impressive fuel economy
- Spacious front seats
Cons
- Lightweight, plasticky interior trim
- Overly stiff ride
- Leisurely acceleration for the class
8. BMW 2 Series
- Fair Purchase Price Range: $21,581—$37,689
- Reliability Rating: 82/100
If you’re looking for a car that delivers the promise of fun and excitement on the road, the 2020 BMW 2 Series is hard to beat. This little car is fun and engaging to drive; however, it really works best for two people.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Horsepower: 248 hp
- Torque: 258 lb-ft
- Driveline: RWD
- Fuel Efficiency: 23/34 mpg
The convertible model is the most popular version of this BMW, which demonstrates what a lot of shoppers expect from the 2 Series. This small car will put a smile on your face, especially when you push it hard on an open road.
Pros
- Impressive power with strong fuel economy
- Sporty handling without sacrificing ride comfort
- Well-crafted interior with plenty of features
Cons
- Back seats are cramped
- Limited interior cubby space
- Interior styling is a little plain
7. BMW 5 Series
- Fair Purchase Price Range: $24,466—$50,145
- Reliability Rating: 80/100
The 2020 BMW 5 Series is one of the best options when considering a five-year-old luxury sedan, as it offers both an affordable price and a great drive. While the lower trims are a bit of a departure from the brand’s usual sportiness, the comfort level makes an enormous difference.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Horsepower: 248 hp
- Torque: 258 lb-ft
- Driveline: RWD
- Fuel Efficiency: 25/33 mpg
The 5 Series is hard to beat if you’re looking for a BMW sedan with a roomy cabin that is comfortable for five people. This sedan offers plenty of space and can be equipped with features, such as massaging seats and soft-close doors.
Pros
- Wide range of powerful and relatively efficient engines
- A host of innovative features and leading technology
- Interior is quiet and comfortable
Cons
- Evolutionary styling doesn’t stand out in a crowd
- Some interior materials are below segment standards
- Comfort-over-sport demeanor
6. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- Fair Purchase Price Range: $24,713—$71,752
- Reliability Rating: 80/100
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is one of the few entry-level luxury sedans that won’t leave you wanting more. This compact sedan provides a satisfying combination of driving qualities and features, making it enjoyable for years.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- Horsepower: 255 hp
- Torque: 273 lb-ft
- Driveline: RWD
- Fuel Efficiency: 24/35 mpg
This little Mercedes-Benz sedan is versatile and easy to drive. You can find the C-Class in coupe and convertible body styles, as well as the sedan model, offering excellent choices for a great driving experience.
Pros
- Interior is impeccably crafted
- Many available advanced features
- A range of high-horsepower engines are available
Cons
- Clumsy touchpad infotainment interface
- Sport suspension is harsh
- Limited cargo room
5. Lexus IS
- Fair Purchase Price Range: $27,885—$37,777
- Reliability Rating: 84/100
The 2020 Lexus IS looks and feels sporty in every version, and this small and active luxury sedan could be the best five-year-old model for you. Its stylized visuals and sporty pretense make the IS stand out.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Horsepower: 311 hp
- Torque: 280 lb-ft
- Driveline: RWD
- Fuel Efficiency: 20/28 mpg
Some 2020 versions of this Lexus sedan feature a Blackline edition package, adding dark exterior elements to give it extra sophistication. The interior boasts dark blue accents to complement the exterior.
Pros
- Smooth V6 power
- Advanced driver aids work well
- Distinct appearance
Cons
- Optional Remote Touch infotainment system is distracting to use
- No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration
- Handling capabilities don’t create much driver excitement
4. Lexus ES
- Fair Purchase Price Range: $29,216—$37,890
- Reliability Rating: 82/100
The 2020 Lexus ES offers faultlessly refined handling and impressive styling, making it an excellent choice among midsize luxury sedans. This five-year-old model could be exactly what you need to upgrade your commute and enjoy a high-quality driving experience.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Horsepower: 302 hp
- Torque: 267 lb-ft
- Driveline: FWD
- Fuel Efficiency: 22/32 mpg
This Lexus sedan provides a serene and quiet cabin, ensuring that you enjoy the moment. The ES can be a good choice when you want to provide your family with something special to drive on your next road trip.
Pros
- Comfortable and mostly upscale interior
- Excellent ride quality
- F Sport’s surprisingly capable handling
Cons
- Finicky infotainment interface
- Rear seats don’t fold down
- Less athletic than some competing models
3. Cadillac CT6
- Fair Purchase Price Range: $32,586—$61,789
- Reliability Rating: 83/100
One of the best five-year-old luxury sedans to drive is the 2020 Cadillac CT6. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a flagship sedan packed with all the features imaginable.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
- Engine: 3.6-liter V6
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Horsepower: 335 hp
- Torque: 284 lb-ft
- Driveline: AWD
- Fuel Efficiency: 18/27 mpg
This big Cadillac sedan might not match the top models from German luxury brands, but it has the comfort and luxury elements that make it easy to enjoy, whether you’re in the driver’s seat or the passenger’s seat. Some trims even feature Super Cruise.
Pros
- Plenty of rear passenger space for adults
- Engaging driving experience for a large luxury sedan
- Super Cruise system offers hands-free driving on the highway
Cons
- Mediocre interior materials
- Lacks the posh ride qualities offered by competitors
- Less roomy inside than its rivals
2. BMW 7 Series
- Fair Purchase Price Range: $32,688—$75,866
- Reliability Rating: 81/100
If you’re looking for one of the best five-year-old luxury sedans, the 2020 BMW 7 Series is hard to pass up. This flagship sedan offers the size, space, quality, and opulence to make you feel great once you step inside.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
- Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Horsepower: 335 hp
- Torque: 330 lb-ft
- Driveline: RWD
- Fuel Efficiency: 22/29 mpg
If you expect this big BMW sedan to deliver an athletic driving experience, you might be a little disappointed. However, the 7 Series has everything you want if you’re seeking comfort, style, and upscale features.
Pros
- Strong engine options
- Standard adaptive air suspension delivers a comfortable, controlled ride
- Exceptional rear passenger space
Cons
- No standard-length wheelbase model is available
- Not the driver-focused benchmark it once was
- Gimmicky interior tech
1. Porsche Panamera
- Fair Purchase Price Range: $49,465—$120,680
- Reliability Rating: 81/100
The 2020 Porsche Panamera stands out in its class as a 2+2 sports sedan that leans more toward sports car than luxury sedan. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a sports car with sedan qualities, this could be the right car for you to enjoy every day.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
- Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged V6
- Transmission: 8-speed automated manual
- Horsepower: 330 hp
- Torque: 330 lb-ft
- Driveline: RWD
- Fuel Efficiency: 19/27 mpg
There’s no denying the Porsche driving dynamics built into this sedan, making it one of the most engaging and fun cars to experience. Sometimes, the Panamera is overlooked because of its sports car heritage, but it offers the sedan qualities you may desire.
Pros
- Strong acceleration from various powertrains
- Handles more like a sports car than a large sedan
- Refined interior design with the latest technology
Cons
- Only two rear seats are standard
- Infotainment system trails the competition
- Interior ergonomics are challenging
