You Don’t Have to Splurge To Get Luxury: The Best Luxury Cars Under $50,000
You need a new car and it’s hard to avoid the siren call of a luxury car: They dazzle with design, pamper with posh interiors and wow with intuitive technology.
And, timeless designs and ahead-of-the-curve technology make an investment in a luxury car often a very good one because you’ll end up keeping this car longer.
The good news is that you don’t have to break the bank on a luxury car; most brands offer an entry level model that gives you the full experience with out the hefty price tag. There are caveats, though: entry level models typically have smaller engines and less power, often they feature leatherette instead of leather seating and often, even the smallest things, such as added safety features or power passenger seats, are an an add-on that may put the car’s price out of range.
But don’t let that discourage you; there are a lot of great options. Here are the best luxury cars you can buy right now, why we like them and why you will, too.
BMW X1 Delivers Entry-Level Luxury; Priced from $40,500
Redesigned just last year to deliver a more modern cabin experience and the iconic look of BMW’s SUV lineup, the BMW X1 also includes top-tier technology and a comfortable interior design. In all, it’s a well-appointed entry-level luxury car. Powered by a 4-cylinder turbo that generates 241 HP and with standard AWD, it’s peppy and confident on the road.
Inside, the X1 gets our Best Cars vote for top features that include “Hey BMW” voice activated assistance, multiple drive modes and leather-like leatherette upholstery. You can add features that ratchet up the price, or go with the base model. Either way, this luxury SUV will make you feel good every time you get behind the wheel.
The BMW X1’s Interior Is Sets the Tone for the Brand
We love the floating center console, the expansive touch screen and the control panel at your fingertips; that is where you’ll find controls and more. See all the details on our video, here.
Your First Lexus Awaits You, Priced From $41,765
We have been fans of the Lexus NX since it first hit the lineup of this luxury arm of Toyota. Lexus is always among the best cars for its great customer experience and high reliability. And in the NX buyers will find all the luxuries of the RX and other SUVs, but in a smaller, more compact SUV.
With a redesign last year, the NX is now even more beautiful, with leatherette seating, a wide touchscreen multimedia system and “Hey Lexus” voice assistance. Buyers can upgrade the tech, go for the sporty F Sport trim or add a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, but if all that is out of reach for the first new car, not to worry: The 4-cylinder 201 HP engine won’t leave you wanting for more.
Related: The Lexus NX Just Got An Amazing Makeover, Making it the Lexus to Drool Over
Why is the NX Among Our Best Luxury Cars? The New Interior is Supreme
From leather seating to the wide screen to the demure gear shifter, the interior of the NX makes you feel at home and in control. We love this red interior but there are many choices, including a lovely cream color. See more about the Lexus NX here.
The Audi Q3 is a Luxury Bargain, Priced From $37,400
We love Audi’s no-nonsense approach to luxury. Its elegantly designed cars and SUVs pare packedaged to deliver exactly what you expect in technology and features. And the Audi Q3 is no exception. Its 4-cylinder turbo engine delivers 225 HP for plenty of power under foot. And the cabin is nicely appointed with digital driver and multimedia displays, leather seating, adaptive cruise and a wireless phone charge pad. You can add all wheel drive for $2,000, and for a bout $1,700, upgrade the car’s technology and add features like digital cockpit and a head up display.
This Audi Q3’s Multimedia System and Phone Box Put this Among the Best Luxury Cars
This might be our favorite feature in the Audi Q3: the phone box. Put your phone here, connect it to the system and its signal is enhanced, it charges wirelessly and it projects to the multimedia system (once you’ve connected it). See more about the Audi Q3 here.
For the Sportier Entry-Level Buyer, BMW X2, Priced from $42,000
When it comes to cars that look like they are far more expensive than they actually are, the BMW X2 tops the list. This SUV got a fresh design makeover for the 2024 model year, giving it not only a great new look– it’s longer, taller and more muscular than the design it replaces–but it shares many details with the X1, including the 4-cylinder, 241 HP engine and all wheel drive.
In fact, a good way to think about the X2 is that this is the coupé version of the X1, in the true BMW style of producing a coupé version of its classically shaped SUVs: Odd numbers are square-back SUVs, even numbers are sport-back SUVs. We love the sport back shape for it’s modern proportions and progressive look, though because of its shape it has slightly less interior space and rear seat headroom.
The X2’s Interior Has All the BMW Feels
Our test model was the M35i version, which adds about $10K to the price tag and about 70 HP to the performance. And considering, it’s a fabulous deal. See more about the redesigned BMW X2 here.
Learn to Love Luxury in the Mercedes-Benz GLA, Priced From $41,850
This is the car that will teach you to love luxury, and to be ambitious about your next car. That’s because for a very reasonable entry price you can be immersed in the Mercedes-Benz experience and then, learn what features you aspire to on your next Benz.
The company loves to offer lots and lots–and lots–of features, futuristic conveniences like augmented reality navigation, hyper screens and massaging seats choreographed with music, lights and fragrance, all options, of course. But for a very reasonable price you’ll have a 4 cylinder engine that generates 221 HP and delights you with a lovely cabin and basic tech and features that feel anything but basic.
The Interior of the Mercedes-Benz GLA Delivers a Flight Deck Feel
Greetings from the flight deck. Behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz GLA you’ll get the feeling of control, from the controls on the steering wheel, the multimedia screen, the driver’s display and if you opt for it, the head up display. You can get a feel for what its like here.
Luxury Is Intuitive and Generous in the Genesis GV70, Priced From $45,700
Luxury buyers who know a good thing have been flocking to Genesis for the last decade. This brand has developed a reputation for putting all the brand’s ambition to work in its models, leading with design, delivering more tech than its competitors and creating a drive experience that is powerful without being objectionably loud or aggressive. In the Genesis GV70, the brand surrounds driver and passenger with lovely crystal-topped controls, textured metal and beautiful leather upholstery. And the size of this SUV is not too large, but not too small; it’s just perfect.
Related: Genesis GV70 First Drive Review: Simple, Modern Design that Elevates Your Life
This Interior Makes You Feel Special
The elegant approach to the GV70’s interior starts with soft brushed chrome and leather, but elements like ambient lighting, textured metal controls and sweeping panels that draw your eye complete the experience. See what the GV70 is all about here.
The Volvo XC60’s Classic Chic Starts at $46,900
There is true luxury in confidence. Confidence in a traction system that will keep you steady on even the worst roads; confidence in a powertrain that never hesitates when you tap the accelerator. Confidence in style and materials that always looks fresh and modern, even on the dreariest days (or when someone has exploded a full bag of snacks in the back seat).
That’s the appeal of the Volvo XC60, a mid-sized SUV that is large enough for a family, has lots of cargo space and boasts Volvo’s elegant, minimalist design.
Related: What’s new in the 2022 Volvo XC60, and 6 Reasons To Buy It
Inside the Volvo XC60, a Cabin to Calm Even the Most Challenging Days
From the layered leather to the panoramic sunroof to the option of an Orrefor’s crystal gear selector (which I highly recommend) to the wide multimedia touchscreen, every detail in the Volvo XC60 is executed with care and thoughtfulness. Get more details on this lovely SUV here.
Go Ahead, Fall in Love with the Infiniti QX50, Priced from $41,000
We did. We have loved this car since the Infiniti QX50 was a baby, falling for its gentle curves, sloping roof and elegant interior. With a 4 cylinder turbo engine that generates 268 HP, it’s powerful but also quiet, exactly as a luxury car should be.
But what wowed us the most was the interior, marked by layers of materials and colors in our test model, though there are simplified interior choices, too. Add to that the panoramic sun roof and the cocoon feel, sealed by a solid ‘thunk’ when the door closes, and you feel protected from the indignities of the world outside.
Related: Infiniti QX50 Review: This Luxury SUV is Filled with Bright Springtime Feels
Isn’t it pretty? We fell for the quilted leather, dark accents and layers of microsuede on the interior of the QX50, though there are simpler choices. We also love all the standard features, including driver assist and safety systems, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and sporty 20″ wheels. See more about the Infiniti QX50 here.
