21Apr
Even with price tags exceeding $40,000, these are the best you can do if you're searching the market for cheap luxury cars. In the current climate of tightened belts and economic sobriety, the quest for affordable luxury has taken a desperate turn, and the market has responded with a bevy of options that blend luxury with affordability, a niche that's grown not out of desire, but necessity.
You have no real choice outside this list as far as the new car market is concerned in 2024. Without sugarcoating anything, here is an honest review of the most affordable luxury cars based on customer feedback and professional reviews.
This is for those who yearn for a luxury vehicle's plush seats and purring engines but are constrained by their budget. We've scoured the market to bring you the best low-cost luxury cars with the least compromise on the prestige and perks that come with higher-end models.
Beyond Your Budget: 15 Most Expensive Luxury Cars That Redefine Extravagance
Roundup of the top 15 cheapest luxury cars ranked by manufacturer-suggested retail pricing:
- 2024 Acura Integra: Starting at $32,995
- 2023 Audi A3: Starting at $34,195
- 2023 Cadillac CT4: Starting at $34,590
- 2023 Lincoln MKZ: Starting at $36,750
- 2023 Infiniti Q50: Starting at $37,625
- 2023 BMW 2 Series: Starting at $37,800
- 2023 Volvo S60: Starting at $39,295
- 2023 Lexus IS: Starting at $42,000
- 2023 Jaguar XE: Starting at $42,200
- 2024 Audi A4 40 Premium Quattro Sedan: Starting at $42,295
- 2023 Audi A5 Sportback: Starting at $42,345
- 2023 Acura TLX: Starting at $42,500
- 2024 Genesis G70 2.5T RWD Standard: Starting at $42,750
- 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia: Starting at $43,195
- 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA 250 Sedan: Starting at $44,350
2024 Acura Integra
- Starting MSRP: $32,995
The 2024 Acura Integra offers a roomy hatchback-style cargo area, high fuel economy, and many advanced driver aids as standard features. Passengers enjoy plenty of rear legroom, and it comes with a more powerful optional engine.
However, some drawbacks include underwhelming acceleration in the standard model, noticeable road noise, and a cabin that may not feel particularly luxurious. Summarily, the Integra shines in the areas of practicality, spacious cargo area, and overall value proposition.
2023 Audi A3
- Starting MSRP: $34,195
The 2023 Audi A3 offers a spry driving demeanor, a fuel-efficient powertrain, and a high-tech interior. It comes with a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo gas/electric mild hybrid engine and a 7-speed automated manual transmission, delivering 201 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque.
The front-wheel-drive model achieves a fuel efficiency of 28/38 MPG, but drivers may feel the A3 is not as quick or fun to drive as the S3. Also, the toggle shifter takes some getting used to. The redesigned A3 compact luxury car encapsulates modern Audi features in a smaller package.
2023 Cadillac CT4
- Starting MSRP: $34,590
The 2023 Cadillac CT4 offers sporty acceleration, up-to-date technology features, and robust engines that still achieve good fuel economy. However, it has a small back seat, overly firm ride quality, and features too much cheap-feeling plastic and hard surfaces considering its price.
The CT4 falls short in modern comfort and may not compete well with its entry-level luxury sedan rivals. Nonetheless, the new Cadillac CT4 delivers a decent driving experience even if it fails to meet the expectations of shoppers familiar with a more refined and comfortable ride in the entry-level luxury compact executive class.
2023 Lincoln MKZ
- Starting MSRP: $36,750
Reviewers considered the 2023 Lincoln MKZ average in driving dynamics, luxury features, and performance. That’s a lot of pain points, but the base models are well-equipped and competitively priced.
However, turning the tables again are the higher trims considered by critics as underwhelming compared to other vehicles in the same price range.
Some common criticisms include underwhelming interior quality and limited interior space relative to its exterior size. However, the MKZ is praised for its long list of standard features and lower starting price versus some competitors.
2023 Infiniti Q50
- Starting MSRP: $37,625
The 2023 Infiniti Q50 shines with its powerful turbocharged V6 engine and comfortable front and rear seats but falls short in the interior design. The cabin looks dated, and some advanced driving aids are reportedly overly sensitive.
The competition offers more cohesive and refined options for a similar price. It's wonderful that the Q50 has aged well cosmetically, but the blowback is that it lags behind its rivals in terms of interior features and driving experience.
2023 BMW 2 Series
- Starting MSRP: $37,800
The 2023 BMW 2 Series is an entry-level luxury coupe with a reputation for offering a fun driving experience, perky powertrains, athletic handling, and compliant ride quality.
The 230i model uses a turbocharged 255-hp inline-four engine, while the M240i features a 382-hp turbo straight-six, both available with rear- or all-wheel drivetrains.
However, some drawbacks of the 2 Series include a tight rear seat, the absence of a manual gearbox, and no convertible option. Regardless, the 2023 BMW 2 Series demands your attention and money with its driving dynamics.
See also:
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2023 Volvo S60
- Starting MSRP: $39,295
The 2023 Volvo S60 flaunts an attractive Scandinavian interior aesthetic with supremely comfortable seats and lots of desirable standard features. It comes with a standard powertrain that some critics accuse, along with the limited interior cubby storage, as underwhelming.
The S60 is more of a luxury cruiser than a sports sedan, focusing on classiness and comfort rather than sportiness. It makes a strong case in the compact executive car class with its elegant design, comfortable seating, and advanced safety features.
2023 Lexus IS
- Starting MSRP: $42,000
The 2023 Lexus IS boasts head-turning looks, a well-appointed cabin, and supportive front seats.
It has so much more in terms of mechanical and tech features going for it, but the boasting dwindles when adult passengers in the rear seat wish they had more space, and the comparatively underwhelming base four-cylinder engine fails to impress.
It doesn’t quite match the sportiness of its German rivals, but the Lexus IS stands out visually among small sports sedans.
2023 Jaguar XE
- Starting MSRP: $42,200
The 2023 Jaguar XE, particularly the 300 Sport AWD trim, enjoys mostly positive reviews for its fluent chassis, punchy performance, and balanced handling.
The car’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, delivers a lively performance comparable to the Alfa Romeo Giulia. The XE's driving dynamics, accuracy, and directness make it engaging to drive despite the slightly cramped rear seat and relatively small trunk space.
2024 Audi A4 40 Premium Quattro Sedan
- Starting MSRP: $42,295
The 2024 Audi A4 40 Premium Quattro Sedan offers a luxurious blend of performance and comfort. It features an upscale interior with premium materials like leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof. The in-car tech includes Audi's MMI touch infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, virtual cockpit, and smartphone integration.
The A4's Quattro all-wheel drive comes standard and delivers excellent traction, but the absence of a manual transmission is a noticeable drawback for some drivers.
The turbocharged engine provides quick acceleration, but some drivers may feel a lack of feedback from the steering and occasional slow downshifting from the transmission. Summarily, the 2024 Audi A4 40 Premium Quattro offers a blend of performance, refinement, and technology at a fair price.
2023 Audi A5 Sportback
- Starting MSRP: $42,345
Reviewers love the 2023 Audi A5 Sportback’s attractive blend of premium driving experience and practical hatchback design. They appreciate its smooth driving, fun handling, and high-quality interior with plenty of standard and optional tech features.
However, the limited rear-seat headroom did not escape reviewers' notice; neither did the lack of interior storage cubicles and average braking performance. The Premium Plus S line 4dr Hatchback AWD w/45 TFSI is the A5 Sportback’s most popular trim level.
It uses a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo gas/electric mild hybrid engine, delivering 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque via a 7-speed automated manual transmission. With an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 24/32 MPG, the A5 promises to balance performance with efficiency.
2023 Acura TLX
- Starting MSRP: $42,500
The 2023 Acura TLX is a stylish sports sedan blessed with a well-appointed cabin and robust turbocharged engines. The standard TLX gets motivation from a 272-hp turbocharged inline-four engine, with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive.
The Type S variant presents a compelling alternative with its all-wheel-drive system and comfortable cabin, but some may find the infotainment touchpad controller distracting and the rear seats a bit cramped.
Nonetheless, the 2023 Acura TLX is a solid choice in the midsize sedan segment for those looking for a comfortable sports sedan.
2024 Genesis G70 2.5T RWD Standard
- Starting MSRP: $42,750
The 2024 Genesis G70 2.5T RWD Standard benefits from a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, rear-wheel drivetrain, and a range of standard features, including advanced safety technologies like forward collision warning, automated emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist.
The interior is made of high-quality materials and welcomes passengers to comfortable seating, including a 16-way adjustable driver seat. It offers a user-friendly infotainment system with a large touchscreen display. This includes an 8-inch HD Color LCD Multi-Information Display and a 10.25-inch infotainment display with navigation and Apple CarPlay.
Additionally, The G70 offers Nappa leather upholstery in the Sport Prestige package. An optional genuine Aluminum Trim with Sport Pattern paneling adds a premium aesthetic to the interior.
2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia
- Starting MSRP: $43,195
The 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia gets a lot of love for its seductive styling, feature-packed cabin, and satisfyingly crisp handling. Critics admire its good looks, impressive driving dynamics, and balanced performance.
However, Giulia does not offer as much interior storage, and the cramped rear seat space is as much a letdown as its relatively firmer ride quality. Despite these flaws, enthusiasts remain charmed by the new Alfa Romeo Giulia's blend of beauty and sporty handling.
2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA 250
- Starting MSRP: $44,350
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, particularly the CLA 250, flaunts a sublime coupe-like styling guaranteed to turn heads the first and second time. It comes with upgraded tech features (including a digital cockpit MBUX infotainment system) and hooligan AMG models.
The CLA 250 receives motivation from a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This car's voguish design and luxury features, offered at an entry-level price point, demand your attention.
Refreshed for 2024, the CLA offers improved performance and efficiency thanks to mild hybrid integration. The interior is as upscale as you'd expect, but some its cabin materials are not as premium.
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