The used luxury car market is one that is often tricky to navigate. However, it may also prove to be the most fruitful method of purchasing a vehicle normally out of the buyer's price range. Luxury vehicles often tend to depreciate at a much quicker rate than others, and due to that, regular depreciation buyers could scoop up a phenomenal deal on a nicely appointed vehicle from a high-end brand without breaking the bank. Here are the ten best models to search for on the used market today that balance looks, driveability, and prestige.
10 2015 Lexus ES
Lexus has built a name for itself by maintaining an air of elegance amongst its vehicles without sacrificing reliability. Being the luxury arm of Toyota, that means that Lexus' finely-tuned engines often times share many similar parts with their cheaper Toyota counterparts, directly correlating to lower costs of maintenance as opposed to other cars in its class. The 2015 ES model boasts leather seats, a high-end sound system, a heated steering wheel, and generous wood trimmings throughout the interior.
9 2015 Hyundai Genesis 5.0
Continuing with another Asian-made luxury model care of Korean brand Hyundai, the Genesis 5.0 from 2015 is a mid-sized sedan that actually provides elegant appointments and legroom akin to that what you'd find in full-sized offerings from the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Its powerful V8 engine means it is no slouch either and puts it at the head of the pack in terms of power output for the segment at the time. Coupled once again with the fact that the car is powered by an engine created uniquely for it by a manufacturer with a growing reputation for reliability amongst other Asian manufacturers and you have a solid package of power delivery, usability, and sleek looks.
8 2016 BMW 2 Series
Although not as spacious as the last two, the BMW 2 Series is an iconic pillar of the German manufacturer's ability to create a fun, small, and agile vehicle that can still turn heads for its visual beauty equally as much as it does blasting down the road past you. In a day and age in which BMW has focused much of its attention on building larger, more technologically advanced vehicles, the 2 Series is almost the antithesis of that, and is arguably one of BMW's last existing models that stays pure to the company's motto of "The Ultimate Driving Machine."
However, this smaller offering from the legendary automaker still does pack the luxury punch of its bigger brothers. Aside from the iconic streamlined look of the current generation BMW models, the 2 Series specifically offers a heated steering wheel, leather seats, and BMW's Active Driving Assistant. Offered in both coupe and convertible configurations, there's a choice for everybody looking for a small, fun, and well-appointed vehicle.
7 2015 Porsche Panamera
Few manufacturers can boast as storied of racing and high-class pedigree than Porsche can. Whether it be the iconic 911 or the violently fast 918 Spyder, the company has always managed to create cars that are truly crowd pleasers. The Panamera model fits both of these descriptions perfectly, being the only four-door model offered that isn't an SUV, while still maintaining low ride height and a seriously potent engine, a twin-turbo V8 to be exact.
This alongside a seriously luxurious interior, with touch screen infotainment, heated and cooled seats, as well as a heated steering wheel means the Panamera is the perfect Porsche model for those who want equally as much to maintain an air of luxury and refinement as for their car to corner well on a track.
6 2017 Audi A4
Initially launched as a brand new model in 2016, the A4 is Audi's second smallest offering in its lineup, but don't let the size fool you, as this little Audi comes better equipped than many vehicles double its size. With the option of the company's revolutionary "Virtual Cockpit," Audi's traditional gauge cluster can turn into a wholly LED screen that is configurable to anything from a full-screen GPS to a music control station. Aside from this, the A4 also offers a premium sound system, full LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights, as well as climate controlled leather seats.
5 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The E-Class has always been Mercedes-Benz's way of getting buyers into a comparable offering to their flagship S-Class model without breaking the bank nearly as hard as that purchase would, a formula that has been largely successful to them. Garnering the highest safety rating in its class at the time, the E-Class offers unparalleled safety and comfort in a luxurious setting, sharing many similar design cues with the previous generation S-Class models. A multi-contour driver's seat with massage options as well as a world-renowned sound system rounds out this offering from the German luxury brand.
4 2017 Cadillac ATS
The newest model on this list, the ATS is the smaller vehicle offering from Cadillac, slightly shorter in size than the CTS model which is offered in both coupe and four-door configurations. The size does not affect performance, though, as the ATS is a respectably agile and responsive vehicle that offers many luxury elements like its German and Asian rivals. Leather seats, an easily manipulated infotainment system, and striking looks make the ATS a serious head-turner on the roads.
3 2015 Volvo XC70
The position of the only SUV included on the list has to be given to the most reliable, thoughtfully created member of its segment, and the XC70 proves year after year that it is leaps and bounds ahead of its competitors in virtually every way.
The Scandinavian design language allows this car to feel much bigger than it truly is, although it can already seat five in the airy cabin with ample natural lighting and strikingly simple-yet-elegant features make this car an all-around well-balanced luxury offering. Of course, on top of this visual appeal comes Volvo's reputation for creating reliable, long-running engines that have been pitted against the most grueling environments at Volvo's testing centers. All of these factors mean that this SUV will run and still look great amongst its contemporaries for many years to come.
2 2016 Lincoln MKZ
Although not necessarily sporting the brand-name prestige that it once did, the MKZ from Lincoln is a solid offering in the realm of reasonably priced luxurious cars, and, for that reason, it needs to be included. What you are saving in costs from the lack of German badging is made up for tenfold by the features offered within the car. Multi-contour massaging seats and a large crisp infotainment system allow the driver to operate with ease and in comfort, while features such as Active Parking Assist help make sure you get in and out of tight spots with no issues. The MKZ also offers the largest panoramic sunroof in its class, giving the car a magnificent greenhouse effect for natural lighting.
1 2015 Infiniti Q70
The Q70 is the only flagship model included on the list simply due to its impeccable balance of features and reliability. With a remarkable list of luxury appointments, many of which are standard, as well as the reliability of a Nissan-sourced engine, you really can't go wrong with the Q70. Some standout features of the model include full LED lighting, a class-leading infotainment system, and the option for a longer wheelbase to even further extend the ample back seats.