For the vast majority of us, the dream of owning a luxury car is just that, a dream. The best luxury cars are priced well beyond most people's budgets, and while buying one used is always an option, the likelyhood that we will never drive one fresh off the assembly line is a sobering reality.
Yet, while a customer will need to pay a pretty penny to get the best that a luxury brand has to offer, many luxury car companies sell entry-level models that are more in line with the average consumer's budget. While they may lack the stuff you'd get on higher end models, these cars still allow drivers to flash a luxury badge without the luxury price.
10 Genesis G70: $34,900
Hyundai's luxury division, Genesis, may have had a difficult launch, due to poor planning decisions and confusion over the brand's name (Genesis used to be the name of a luxury sedan sold under the Hyundai badge). But despite the bumpy road, Genesis has made quite a few headwaves in the automotive world, with their lineup of sedans recieving rave reviews left and right. The G70, in particular, has also gotten quite a bit of recognition. Despite being at the bottom of the company's pecking order, the G70 manages to turn a few heads, thanks to its sporty engine and ritzy interior. Some critics have even called it one of the best budget luxury cars on the market today.
9 Volvo XC40: $33,700
One thing you'll start to notice about this list is that many of the cheapest entry-level models are compact crossovers. This is a very smart move on the behalf of auto manufactures, as crossovers and SUVs of every size are hotter than ever. The XC40, which is the cheapest car produced by the Swedish auto make, maintains the company's innovative design, but at a price most people can afford. While critics like the wealth of standard features and comfortable cabin, you may need to pay a little extra for leather-appointed seats.
8 Infiniti QX30: $35,100
The first of the three big Japanese luxury makes on this list, the QX30 continues the trend set by our last entry, by giving us an inexpensive, compact crossover. The QX30 may be the smallest out of Infiniti's lineup of people carriers, but it still has a silky-smooth ride and plenty of standard luxury features. It isn't the most reliable though, according to US World and News, which is strange for a car produced by Nissan. It's also recieved rather mixed reviews from critics, and there are a number of less expensive options in its class that are of a much better value.
7 Lincoln MKC: $33,995
The MKC brings Lincoln's class and sophistication to the entry level world. While it may look large on the outside, US World and News did hamper its cargo space, which is smaller than what most drivers would expect for such a car. Still, the ride is apparently very smooth, and its infotainment system is easy enough for anyone to master. Also, Lincoln's classy design aesthetics make the MKC the Frank Sinatra of entry-level luxury cars.
6 Cadillac XT4: $35,695
The XT4 is the most expensive car on this list, but it's still priced well below most other models in Cadillac's lineup. The XT4 is another addition to Cadillac's line of luxury crossovers, which has grown considerably over the years as crossovers become more popular. It gets decent gas milage for a car of its ilk, and drivers can have a lot of fun out of its turbocharged 2.0 L engine. Sure, it may not have the power of a CTS, or the majesty of the Escalade, but it's a good place to start.
5 BMW 2 Series and X1: $32,300 and $32,200
Tying for the number 5 spot are a sedan and crossover that are nearly identical in price. The BMW 2 Series mainly replaces the 1 Series as the company's entry-level model, while the X1 is the less expensive baby brother to the X7. Both cars are considered leaders in their respective classes, with the X1 earning considerable praise from critics. It is the highest rated subcompact luxury crossover on US World and News, who noted the great driving experience and ample cargo space. Both cars should be on the radar of everyone in the market for a entry-level luxury car.
4 Audi A3: $32,500
A trend setter among entry-level luxury cars, the A3 has been Audi's base model for over twenty-three years. While the company does have an inexpensive luxury crossover, the A3 remains the cheapest option, and it's got a hatchback trim for those looking for more space. While the A3 isn't as beefy as Audi's lineup of premium sport sedans, it's a good start for people new to German luxury cars. In fact, BMW, Audi and Mercedes seem to be in an arms race to develop the best, least expensive entry-level sedan/hatchback that can appeal to the average consumer. Speaking of which...
3 Mercedes-Benz A-Class: $32,800
Mercedes got a lot of flack when they introduced the CLA, their first budget sedan with front wheel drive transmission. The whole idea of spending less than $40k on a Benzo just seemed to rub enthusiasts the wrong way. However, since the CLA sold so well, Mercedes decided to up the take it up a notch with the even cheaper A-Class. For a car of its type, the A-Class packs a lot of value. It gets great fuel economy, plus its tech-focused infotanment system should make it tempting for younger drivers. If anything, it's a great way to introduce Mercedes-Benz to a younger generation, until they have enough to afford a Maybach.
2 Acura ILX: $25,900
The ILX is the least expensive car on this list, though that isn't suprising considering it's from Acura. Honda's luxury division is prone to pricing its cars lower than that of other makes in its class, to the point that some people forget that Acura is, technically, a luxury manufacturer. Some critics haven't been nice to the ILX, which has been lambasted for its cheap materials and poor performance. Yet, others have lauded the car for its value, gas milage and style. It seems that with the ILX, it's best to judge it based on other cars in its price range, rather than by luxury car standards.
1 Lexus UX: $32,150
The UX is a great entry-level crossover. While it may not be as feature packed as others on this list, it is extremely reliable, owing a lot to Toyota's reputation for longevity. With fantastic gas milage and plenty of space, the LX is one of the more sensible entery-level luxury cars available. As long as you can get over the car's somewhat oversized front grill, which is something we're seeing a lot on Toyotas these days, it should be on the shortlist for any customer looking to get their start in the luxury car market. A hybrid version is also available, though at a predictably higher cost.