The Best Affordable Luxury Cars of 2025

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The term “luxury” casts a wide meaning, and it doesn’t necessarily need to equate to expensive. We tested dozens of new luxury cars for comfort, performance and the latest technology — some of which may eventually trickle down into more mainstream cars.

We chose seven luxury cars that we judge provide the best value. The prices for most start at around $40,000, but a few cost $30,000 or so and a couple of Mercedes models were priced at $50,000 or more, and yet we think are worth considering for their luxuriousness and stylishness, respectively.

Using a step-by-step methodology, we evaluated a wide-ranging mix of luxury cars — from entry-level to mid-level, gas-powered to battery-electric, big to small — for attributes including value for money, safety, plush features and performance. Below are our top choices, with explanations on how each stands out from the pack, as well as their pros, cons and key specs.

(If you’re interested in a broader look at the new vehicle marketplace, check out our full list of the Best Cars of 2025.)

Best Affordable Luxury Cars of 2025

Best Overall: Audi A3
Best for Luxury: Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Best for Performance: BMW 2-Series
Best for Warranty: Genesis G70
Best for Value: Acura Integra
Best for Styling: Mercedes-AMG CLA
Best American-made: Cadillac CT4

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Best Overall: Audi A3

• Price: $38,200
• Mileage: 24 mpg city/34 mpg highway

The Audi A3 is a right-sized entry-level luxury car that’s priced to sell. But at this price point, you will have to make some tradeoffs. Starting at $38,200 for the base model, you’ll get standard all-wheel drive but not much space in the second row or trunk.

The car is also short on safety features that are typically standard in luxury cars, like forward collision warning and forward automatic emergency braking. Finally, the 201-horsepower turbo engine is decent, but a little anemic.

The cabin is where the A3 stands apart from rivals at its price point. Its well-appointed interior comes with leather upholstery and a 10.1-inch touch screen equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Best for Luxury: Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

• Price: $49,600
• Mileage: 23 mpg city/33 mpg highway

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class represents the best combination of luxury features at an entry-level price. Starting at $49,600, the small car manages to be both athletic and refined, making it the bestselling car both for the brand and within the segment. Among all the luxury automakers with a car in the entry-level class, Benz balances it best.

Lately, Mercedes has beefed up its focus on integrating technology into the C-Class, one of its most affordable models. The roomy cabin features a pair of sleek display screens that appear to float in space. Ambient LED lighting adds warmth to the futuristic feel.

Best for Performance: BMW 2-Series

• Price: $39,200
• Mileage: 26 mpg city/35 mpg highway

The nimble BMW 2-Series seems to present endless engine options that promise continually sportier performance. Starting at $39,200, the 230i Coupe comes equipped with a 255-horsepower turbocharged engine that thrills on the track, especially when you deploy Launch Control, an electronic feature that helps achieve maximum traction with minimal wheel spin when accelerating from a standstill.

The 2-Series cabin feels reasonably upscale, with synthetic leather upholstery and BMW’s Curved Display with a 14.9-inch infotainment touch screen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. But as with the Audi A3, don’t expect much room for second-row passengers or cargo. This car’s compact dimensions are heavily focused on serving the driver.

Best for Warranty: Genesis G70

• Price: $42,000
• Mileage: 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway

The Genesis G70 emerged a few years ago to take on the German sports car makers and has since proved itself a viable competitor. Starting at $42,000, the base model provides plenty of power and performance, but in this case, we have to recommend the $50,450 3.3T trim. The rear-drive variant gets a lively, 368-horsepower twin-turbo V6 that’s more than adequate for all of your daily driving needs.

The 3.3T trim also comes with luxuries like leather upholstery, ventilated seats and a premium sound system. Also, its five-year/ 60,000-mile limited warranty and 10-year/ 100,000-mile powertrain warranty provide excellent coverage for a luxury car.

Best for Value: Acura Integra

• Price: $33,000
• Mileage: 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway

Starting at $33,000, the Acura Integra is the lowest-priced model on our list. The luxury small car is not the most powerful of the bunch, but it balances athletic-enough performance with practicality. And, adding to its value, the Integra is fuel efficient, achieving an impressive 30 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway – the best of the group. An optional six-speed manual transmission boosts its performance credentials.

The base model feels sufficiently upscale with leatherette-trimmed upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats and ambient LED lighting. It also includes the full suite of AcuraWatch advanced safety equipment like traffic jam assist and road departure mitigation, further packing outstanding value into its spacious cabin.

Best for Styling: Mercedes AMG-CLA

Courtesy of Mercedes Benz

• Price: $56,100
• Mileage: 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway

With its rakish stance and attractive proportions, it’s hard not to turn your head when the Mercedes-AMG CLA passes by. Plus, although it starts at about $56,000, the car offers decent value for your dollar, too.

In addition to sporty styling, you’ll get 302 horsepower out of its turbo-four and a sport-tuned suspension. However, the price ratchets up quickly if you opt for the AMG CLA’s 416-horsepower version.

The coupe received exterior styling updates last year and more standard features. It’s short on rear-row and cargo space. Although it seats five, the CLA’s cabin is best suited to two adults out for a joyride.

Best American-Made: Cadillac CT4

• Price: $34,995
• Mileage: 26 mpg (combined city/highway)

You can slide into the leather-upholstered driver’s seat of Cadillac’s turbocharged compact sedan for as little as $36,000. But we recommend spending another $5,000 or so to upgrade from the ho-hum base model to the Premium Luxury trim.

At about $41,000, the upgraded car still costs a good deal less than some other models on this list. And the Premium Luxury offers niceties such as leather seating and LED interior ambient lighting. You’ll also get 12-way power driver and front passenger seats with driver memory settings and a suite of advanced safety equipment.

The CT4’s ride is not as thrilling as a BMW or Audi, but its 237-horsepower turbo-four does the job if you’re looking for American-made luxury.

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