Luxury doesn’t have to come at a sky-high cost. These car models offer plush cabins and modern tech for bargain prices.
Should you buy a car before auto tariffs go into effect?
President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff on imported cars and key auto parts. Here’s what it means for consumers and automakers.
- The average new vehicle price is nearly $49,000 according to an automotive research company.
- You can get a brand-new luxury car for less than the average new vehicle price.
- Even luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz offer entry-level luxury options.
Luxury cars can cost big bucks in today’s economy. Some automakers produce entry-level luxury car models so drivers can enjoy the opulence of luxury brands without breaking the bank.
The average new vehicle price is nearly $49,000, according to Cox Automotive, an automotive research company. You can score these affordable luxury cars for less than the average new vehicle price in 2025.
10. Acura’s TLX challenges pricier rivals
The 2025 Acura TLX luxury sedan competes with models like the BMW 3-Series and Audi A5. It features a striking exterior design and opulent cabin at a competitive price for its segment.
2025 Acura TLX specs
- Starting MSRP: $45,400
- 272 horsepower, 280 pound-feet of torque
- 26 miles per gallon combined
Acura’s luxury sedan comes with a massive 12.3-inch infotainment system and digital instrument cluster. It also features leatherette-trimmed seats and AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features.
9. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 is a great intro to German luxury cars
Automakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz aren’t known for their affordable vehicles. That said, Benz has an entry-level luxury car for folks who want to experience the brand’s opulence without paying an arm and a leg. The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Coupe is the ideal intro to the brand for many American car buyers.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA specs
- Starting MSRP: $44,400
- 221 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque
- 32 miles per gallon combined
The CLA’s base price comes in at a few thousand dollars under the average new vehicle price and it has a mighty 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mild-hybrid powertrain. It features standard heated sport front seats and Mercedes’ signature MB-Tex upholstery. MotorTrend praises its “upscale interior design” and “impressive tech.”
8. The 2025 Volvo S60 is a solid all-around affordable luxury car
Volvo’s luxury sedan produces plenty of power and is efficient for its segment. It comes with advanced driver assistance and safety features and doesn’t break the bank compared with the average new car price.
2025 Volvo S60 specs
- Starting MSRP: $43,795
- 247 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque
- 30 miles per gallon combined
Volvo’s luxury car blends comfort with fuel efficiency. It features an advanced standard semiautonomous driving system called Pilot Assist and a panoramic moonroof.
7. Lexus’ midsize luxury car provides great value for the money
Lexus is the most reliable car brand according to MotorTrend. Toyota’s luxury division produces several dependable nameplates that offer notable performance specs and premium materials. The 2025 Lexus ES 250 is an affordable luxury car that can go the distance.
2025 Lexus ES specs
- Starting MSRP: $43,435
- 203 horsepower, 184 pound-feet of torque
- 29 miles per gallon combined
Lexus’ ES model comes standard with the brand’s perforated NuLuxe interior trim. It also features standard wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. It’s “one of today’s best all-around performers,” according to Edmunds.
6. Genesis’ small luxury car is a fierce competitor
Hyundai Motor Group’s luxury division Genesis is putting up a serious fight in the luxury vehicle space. It’s disrupting several ranking lists and competing against legacy automotive luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The 2026 Genesis G70 starts under the average new vehicle price and comes loaded with great standard features.
2026 Genesis G70 specs
- Starting MSRP: $42,850
- 300 horsepower, 311 pound-feet of torque
- 25 miles per gallon combined
Genesis’ affordable luxury car is notably more powerful than many rivals, including the Mercedes-Benz CLA. It features a refined cabin and premium materials.
5. The Lexus IS is affordable and sporty
Lexus’ 2025 IS is a small sporty luxury vehicle that comes in plenty of trims. Eight out of the car’s 10 trims have starting prices lower than the average new vehicle price.
2025 Lexus IS specs
- Starting MSRP: $41,830
- 241 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque
- 25 miles per gallon combined
The Lexus IS has a smooth ride quality and great driving dynamics, according to Edmunds. It delivers solid value for the money, like many of its Lexus siblings.
4. The 2026 BMW 2 Series offers entry-level luxury
BMW’s 2026 2 Series Gran Coupe is the most affordable model in the German automaker’s portfolio. It may not be as impressive as other BMW models, but it stays true to the brand’s ethos.
2026 BMW 2 Series specs
- Starting MSRP: $39,600
- 241 horsepower, 295 pound-feet of torque
- 32 miles per gallon combined
The subcompact luxury sedan includes vegan leather upholstery and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. It also includes heated front seats and a suite of advanced driver assistance and safety features.
3. The Acura Integra costs under $34,000
Acura, Japanese automaker Honda’s luxury division, produces one of the most affordable luxury cars on the market. It offers great driving dynamics and fuel efficiency for its segment.
2025 Acura Integra specs
- Starting MSRP: $33,000
- 200 horsepower, 192 pound-feet of torque
- 33 miles per gallon combined
The Integra comes standard with leatherette-trimmed seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. It also features plenty of advanced standard safety and driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow. The Integra provides “exceptional value” according to Kelley Blue Book.
2. The 2025 Audi A3 starts under $39,000
Audi’s A3 luxury sedan is one of the few luxury cars on the market with a starting price under $39,000. It offers sporty driving dynamics and an attractive exterior styling.
2025 Audi A3 specs
- Starting MSRP: $38,200
- 201 horsepower, 236 pound-feet of torque
- 28 miles per gallon combined
The luxury car is driver-centric and includes standard leather seats. It may not be as luxurious as some rivals, or even other Audi models, but it has a strong value proposition.
1. Cadillac makes the most affordable luxury car
American automaker Cadillac, General Motors’ luxury division, produces the most affordable luxury car of 2025. The 2026 Cadillac CT4 comes with a peppy turbocharged engine and luxury looks at a heavily discounted price compared with rivals.
2026 Cadillac CT4 specs
- Starting MSRP: $37,095
- 237 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque
- 26 miles per gallon combined
The Luxury, Premium Luxury and Sport trims all start under $46,000. Cadillac’s base model CT4 now includes standard heated front seats and a standard heated steering wheel. It also features standard blind-spot monitoring, front automatic emergency braking, and rear parking sensors.
Luxury cars don’t have to break the bank despite rising new car prices in 2025. These are some of the best new luxury car deals on the market under $49,000.
