Should the words ‘affordable luxury cars’ even be used in the same sentence?
Now that I’m older, what I used to consider a luxury car isn’t quite what I consider luxury now. Back in the day, luxury meant automatic windows, a nice CD player with AM/FM stereo, and let’s not forget cruise control! And quite honestly, are true luxury vehicles even affordable?
Fast forward to now and I am all about heated and cooled leather seats, navigation, a panoramic roof, a premium stereo, safety systems and great design.
Can I Really Find a Luxury Car For Under $40,000?
Normally when we all think of a “luxury” car, we think of vehicles whose price points start at $60,000. That theory had me wondering if you could really find a luxury vehicle that started under $40,000. To find out if you could really buy a luxury car for under $40,000, I started looking at all the auto manufacturers who produce cars that I consider luxury.
What Car Brands Are Considered Luxury?
When you think of a luxury vehicle, what names come to mind?
- BMW
- Mercedes-Benz
- Lexus
- Infiniti
- Cadillac
- Range Rover
- Lincoln
- Audi
- Maserati
- Porsche
- Jaguar
- Alfa Romeo
- Maserati
- Volvo
What Features Do You Consider Luxury In A Car?
I asked several of my readers and friends what they felt were luxury items in a car. Many felt as I do that leather seats, heated seats, navigation, and integrated technology (such as Alexa or Apple Car Play) were on the top of their list. Some, though, mentioned a few additional items like keyless entry, safety sensors, a surround view camera, and upgraded interior details.
With a list of luxury features, as well as the list of vehicles, that are considered luxury, I started to do some online research to see if luxury cars under $40,000 really exist?
After I wrote down all vehicles that I considered luxurious cars, I went to their website sites and started looking around. Unfortunately, many on my list above do not make the under $40,000 price point. However, I was pleasantly surprised at the number of automobile manufacturers that actually DO produce luxury vehicles that DO have a price point starting under $40,000!
Here is my list of 6 of the Most Affordable Luxury Cars Under $40,000!
1. Audi A4 – starts at $36,000.
2. Lexus ES – starts at $38,900
3. Lincoln MKZ – starts at $35,170
4. BMW 3 Series – starts at $34,400
5. Volvo S60 – starts at $33,950
6. Infiniti Q50 – starts at $34,200
Now, let’s talk about these gorgeous affordable luxury cars, shall we?
Most Affordable Luxury Car #1: Audi A4
This beautiful car is a top safety pick and received a 5 Star overall safety rating! Some of the features are:
Customizable Information Center
- Heated leather seats
- Peppy 4 cylinder turbo engine
- 31 mpg
- Rear Cross Traffic Assist
The Lexus ES delivers quality and luxury with a price tag under $40,000. Photo: Becky Fixel
Most Affordable Luxury Car #2: Lexus ES
Is it a bad thing that I need I need to upgrade to a Lexus? This car is gorgeous! Let’s talk all the fun options, shall we?
- 30 mpg
- 268 horsepower
- Mark Levinson Audio System
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lots of Rear Leg Room
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Most Affordable Luxury Car #3: Lincoln MKZ
Lincoln is not going to be outdone with the MKZ. This car is not only filled with luxury, with a price point starting at $35,170, you could definitely add a few options and still have it under $40,000!
Here are a few of the options that are available in a Lincoln:
- 4 cylinder turbo charged engine
- 31 mpg
- Seating for 5
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Pickup and Delivery of your vehicle for service
- A loaner vehicle while your vehicle is being worked on
- Illuminated scuff plates
- Sync 3 infotainment system
Most Affordable Luxury Car #4: BMW 3 Series
This model of BMW starts at $34,900 but it’s not a starter car. This luxury car with a great base price also adds a great drive experience and room for your besties in the back seat. Add a few extra options and you can still be under $40,000!
Some of the options available in the 3 Series (and still keeping the price under $40K) are:
- 4 cylinder twin turbo engine
- Heated seats and steering wheel
- Apple Car Play
- Wireless Charging and WiFi
- Ambient lighting front/rear
Further Reading: How to buy a car with your spouse – without ending in divorce
Photo courtesy of Volvo
Most Affordable Luxury Car #5: Volvo S60
This model happens to have one of the lower price points at $33,950. You could really add on a few extras to keep this under $40,000 very easily.
One of the features that caught my eye first about the Volvo was the fact that the rear passengers, on the outside, can have heated seats!
- 249 horsepower engine
- Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound
- Headlight washers
- Power moon roof
- Steering wheel controls
- Puddle lights to illuminate your path
Most Affordable Luxury Car #6: Infiniti Q50
This is another auto that is at the lower end of the under $40,000 for a luxury car. This particular model starts at $34,200. That will give you a lot of room for a few fun options!
Some of the lovely options are:
- Maple wood trim
- Intelligent key and push button start
- Touch screen infotainment system
- Leatherette seating
- Top active safety features
Now, doesn’t owning a luxury car seem a little more affordable? And, are you ready to go car shopping with your significant other and convince him that he just might like being a little spoiled?
