Oh Yes You Can! 8 of the Best Luxury Cars Under $50K
Maria Smith
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These legit luxury cars will make you look like a boss (even if you’re not really anyone’s supervisor).
Can you really find luxury cars under $50k? Short answer: yes! The truth is that $50,000 will buy you a lot of car, even when your tastes run fancy and pampered. Whether you want a mid-size model, an SUV, or even a wagon, there are lots of luxury cars under $50K.
With up-to-the-minute technology, high quality interiors and sleek lines, many car manufacturers are making it so buyers don’t have to break the bank to buy the status-symbol car they really want. We found 19 car models that fit the bill for luxury cars under $50k and the A Girls Guide to Cars team as driven them all to make sure they are as luxe as they seem. (Tough job, but someone’s got to do it!) We narrowed down the list to 8 of our favorites:
8 of the Best Luxury Cars Under $50k
1. Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV
THE 2018 ALFA ROMEO STELVIO Q4. PHOTO: SCOTTY REISS
Cost: Starting price, which includes push button start, rearview camera, DNA drive system, power liftgate and rain sensing wipers: $41,995
Why it’s one of the best luxury cars under $50k:
It’s so stinking SEXY. No one is going to accuse you of “just” being a soccer mom when you pull up in this baby. Scotty Reiss wrote after her test drive: “You see it immediately in the curvy elegant exterior framed by the triangle front grille and slanted, steely-eyed headlights. And inside, Alfa Romeo’s dedication to design and refined aesthetics continues in a simple, elegant design that may flatter its occupants more than wow them.”
Read the complete Alfa Romeo Stelvio review here.
2. BMW X3 SUV
THE 2018 BMW X3 IS A SMALL LUXURY SUV AND FAMILY FRIENDLY, TOO. PHOTO: SCOTTY REISS
Cost: Base price is $42,450 which includes run flat tires, roof rails, wifi hot spot, power seats, power rear seat adjustment, enhanced USB and Bluetooth: $42,450. For another $2,850 add a panoramic sun roof, keyless entry and 1 year of SiriusXM Radio.
Why it’s one of the best luxury cars under $50k:
This small SUV is affordable without losing all the luxury touches BMW owners are used to. “There are some things that are non-negotiable in a BMW: Technology that sharpens your drive experience, like rain sensing wipers and side view mirrors that tilt down when the car is in reverse; run flat tires; a fun, sporty drive experience; paddle shifters. Just because your kids and dog are along for the ride is no reason to compromise, and happily, the X3 embraces all these rules.”
Read the complete review of the BMW X3 here.
3. Acura TLX sedan
THE 2018 ACURA TLX AWD A-SPEC HAS STYLE THAT WILL TURN HEADS. PHOTO: SHANNON ENTIN.
Cost: Standard Acura TLX with AWD is $38,200. Add the extras from the Advance and Technology packages and the cost goes up to $45,950.
Why it’s one of the best luxury cars under $50k:
The Acura TLX combines style, safety, and technology in an affordable package that is sure to turn heads. “This mid-size sedan is a solid choice for drivers wanting luxury paired with safety, reliability, and technology. And if style is important to you (of course it is!), the TLX shows off Acura’s new look with the ‘Diamond Pentagon Grille’ that replaces the chrome belt that covered the front of its prior versions.”
Read the complete review of the Acura TLX here.
4. Audi Q5 SUV
THE REAR OF THE 2018 AUDI SQ5. PHOTO: SCOTTY REISS
Cost: The Audi Q5 Base price is $41,500 and includes a 4-cylinder turbo engine, Quattro all wheel drive, leather seating, sliding split fold rear seats and power tailgate. For $4,000 upgrade to the Premium package, which adds a panoramic sunroof, spare tire, parking system and heated front seats.
Why it’s one of the best luxury cars under $50k:
As writers who drive dozens of top-of-the-line luxury cars every year, we understand what makes this 5-seat SUV one of the top selling luxury vehicles for families. Scotty Reiss writes, “the Q5 sends the message that you’re sophisticated and discerning, that luxury matters, but so does engineering and capability, all at a reasonable price for a luxury SUV.”
Read the complete review of the Audi Q5 here.
5. BMW X2 sports activity couple
THE FRONT CABIN OF THE BMW X2. PHOTO: SCOTTY REISS
Cost: Starts at $36,400. For $43,350 you can get the premium package which includes keyless entry, panoramic sun roof, head up display, heated steering wheel, and navigation with touchpad controller.
Why it’s one of the best luxury cars under $50k:
We call this car the “boyfriend jeans” of cars because even though it fits the “hot hatchback” category that guys love, women will love the size, scale and fit of this car, which is sized somewhere between a small SUV and a hatchback. Scotty found that this model is in a class all its own. “It’s still higher off the ground than most sedans and it is available in all wheel drive, meaning it’ll be right at home in my driveway in winter. It’ll also be totally capable for reaching ski weekend getaways and not intimidated by steep, rocky hiking trail heads.”
Read the complete review of the BMW X2 here.
Lexus continues to refine its shape and silhouette with a more toned and sleek look. Photo: Scotty Reiss
6. 2019 Lexus ES 350
Cost: Starting at $36,900, the Luxury edition takes the price up to $42, 255; the Ultra-luxury edition adds premium leather, wood accents, and ambient lighting for $43,25 and you can upgrade to hybrid for $1,810.
Why it’s one of the best luxury cars under $50k:
The redesigned 2019 Lexus ES 350 makes it all about the driver. Premium materials, smart design, and intuitive technology defined the new version of this classic luxury sedan. The Lexus ES hits all the points that are important to drivers: a redesigned touch-pad infotainment system, a new interior with more comforts and technology, refined details, including a wider panoramic sunroof, Head up display with road sign assist—it reads the speed limit signs!– Apple Car Play and a premium Mark Levinson sound system that keeps the cabin filled with your favorite music.
Read the complete review of the Lexus ES 350 here.
7. Volvo CX90 station wagon
THE VOLVO V90 IS EASY TO SPOT WITH ITS DISTINCTIVE CHEVRON TAIL LIGHTS. PHOTO: SCOTTY REISS
Cost: Starting Price of the V90 wagon $47,700. For $1900 add the Convenience package including heated washer nozzles, 360 surround view camera, grocery bag shelf and park assist.
Why it’s one of the best luxury cars under $50k:
The Volvo CX90 station wagon is made for discerning drivers who love their wagons. Coming in just barely under the $50,000 mark for a starting price, it may bust your budget if you add lots of extras. However, if you want a luxury station wagon filled with safety options, this is the place to look. “Volvo has always taken pride in its safety record and still does, even citing its use of high strength steel in the car’s roll-cage. Add to that traction and stability control and some of the leading safety technology in cars and you get a package that is hard to beat if safety is your top priority.”
Read the complete review of the Volvo CX90 here.
8. Mercedes Benz GLC400 hatchback
THE PROFILE OF THE MERCEDES-BENZ GLC 300 PHOTO: SCOTTY REISS
Cost: Starting price is $40,700. For an extra $3350, add the premium driver assist package including blind spot warning, keyless entry and start, household power outlet, adaptive cruise control and lane departure assist, cross traffic alert, speed limit assist and pre-emergency braking.
Why it’s one of the best luxury cars under $50k:
Did you think you had to have a C-suite job title to own a Mercedes Benz? Not anymore. This sporty hatchback has everything you need. Plus, the style (and coolness factor) of a Mercedes Benz. “It looks fast and sporty, it has an open concept feel in the cabin, it has plenty of room for everyone and it’s *almost* as cool as the two-door version. With its higher ground clearance it’s easy to get in and out of, easy to load and unload things and you’re never worried about being stuck in bad weather.”
Read the complete review of the Mercedes Benz GLC400 here.
The good news is that you don’t have to be a CEO to buy a vehicle loaded with all the luxury touches you really want. These luxury cars under $50k are proof that affordable luxury really does exist!
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