There is an undeniable appeal to luxury cars. Whether it is the power, comfort, or style they embody, every little detail makes the driving experience feel that much more special. Another part of a luxury car’s allure is its road presence, and well-styled silhouettes tend to get the most attention. Everything about luxury cars sounds great, right? Well, there is only one real problem: new luxury cars are very nice, but very expensive.
However, the reality is, in 2025, all new cars seem expensive (and nicer than ever before). Economy cars? Not too many of those are left anymore. Thus, if you are going to spend all that hard-earned cash on something new, you might as well get what you actually want (within reason). Thus, we have assembled a list of ten (relatively) affordable luxury rides that capture the full allure of luxury car ownership without breaking the bank ($50,000 MSRP or less). Let’s get into it.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources.
2025 Acura Integra
Base MSRP: $33,000
- Base Trim Engine
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1.5L I-4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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2-speed CVT
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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200 HP @6000 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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192 lb.-ft. @ 1800 RPM
The most affordable luxury car on our list is the 2025 Acura Integra, which is the dressed-up variant of the humble eleventh-generation Honda Civic. To achieve this low price point, the Acura Integra offers the smallest engine on our list and a standard CVT transmission, which is usually a no-no once you start talking about luxury cars.
Yet, interestingly enough, the Acura Integra (in the $39,200 A-Spec with Technology configuration) is one of the few remaining luxury sedans offering a six-speed manual transmission. We love the functional yet sleek design of the Acura Integra, and it sure has an elegant road presence when cruising the freeway.
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2026 Cadillac CT4
Base MSRP: $35,600
- Base Trim Engine
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2L I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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237 HP @5000 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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258 lb.-ft. @ 1500 RPM
The Cadillac CT4 is the most affordable new Cadillac model for sale, but despite its low price, it has all the exterior glitz and glamour of a luxury car. The 2.0-liter turbo-four is smooth and provides a solid luxury experience, but the CT4 doesn’t feel like a sports sedan, per se.
Yet, where the Cadillac sedan falls short compared to its rivals is in its mediocre ride quality and disappointing interior quality. You will find less road noise, more comfortable seating, and better value in other entry-level luxury vehicles, so you have to love the look of the Cadillac CT4 to justify its price.
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2026 BMW 2-Series Coupe
Base MSRP: $41,700
- Base Trim Engine
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2L I-4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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255 HP @5000 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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295 lb.-ft. @ 1550 RPM
When BMW introduced the new 2-Series Coupe in 2022, its brash and angular exterior design was met with some hesitancy. Although the strange rear end (especially the taillights) still has us scratching our heads a bit, the rest of the car has grown on us and looks quite sleek and stylish.
Yet, looks are not everything because what sets this BMW Coupe apart is its impressive handling and high-quality interior featuring functionality updates to the BMW Curved Display. There aren’t too many 2+2 sport coupes left on the market, especially at this price point, and the BMW 2-Series Coupe offers a well-rounded package with good looks and a nimble character to boot.
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2025 Lexus IS
Base MSRP: $41,830
- Base Trim Engine
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2L I-4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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241 HP @5200 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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258 lb.-ft. @ 1650 RPM
Although the 2025 Lexus IS Sedan is far from the best-selling Lexus model, we love it as it remains Lexus’s most affordable and versatile sports sedan. Although this third generation of the Lexus IS has been around since 2014, the Lexus IS got a major facelift for the 2021 model year and has never looked better.
The uniqueness of the Lexus IS line is that, depending on what trim you select, there is still the option of Toyota’s emblematic naturally-aspirated 2GR V-6 (AWD and 350 models) or the newer and more efficient 2.0-liter turbo-four engine (300 models). Either way, expect a smooth and comfortable ride behind the wheel of the Lexus IS that is still highly functional while still keeping the base price under the $50,000 mark.
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2026 Mercedes CLA Coupe
Base MSRP: $42,750
- Base Trim Engine
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2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
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8-speed dual-clutch automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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221 hp
- Base Trim Torque
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258 lb-ft
Mercedes’ smallest four-door coupe, the CLA Coupe, is the German brand’s most affordable car. Yet, despite its price, the CLA looks just as classy as the more high-end Mercedes models, even if it is not quite like the quality (or price point) of the Mercedes S-Class.
Although it is affordable by Mercedes standards, the CLA Coupe is still on the premium end compared to its well-known German competitors, but it doesn’t offer the luxury you might hope for at its price point. The interior looks gorgeous, and the large Mercedes screens look and feel the part, but the CLA Coupe’s ride quality isn’t as plush as it should be.
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2026 Genesis G70
Base MSRP: $43,450
- Base Trim Engine
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2.5L I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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300 HP @5800 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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311 lb.-ft. @ 1650 RPM
The 2026 Genesis G70 is a luxury sport sedan that offers both a sleek aesthetic and impressive performance. Yet, once you consider the unmatched warranty and the attractive pricing that only they offer in this segment, it is clear that Genesis has created a small lane of its own.
The 2.5-liter turbo-four powering the base model G70 is the most powerful unit in its class, but the G70’s handling isn’t quite as sharp as the BMW equivalent. The interior feels premium, as do the front seats, and the only thing that reduces the overall luxury experience is road noise at higher speeds.
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2025 Volvo S60
Base MSRP: $43,795
- Base Trim Engine
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2L I4 Hybrid
- Base Trim Transmission
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8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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247 HP @5400 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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258 lb.-ft. @ 1800 RPM
The third generation of the Volvo S60 debuted in 2019 and is the first Volvo produced in the United States. While the luxury sedan may not be as popular as it once was, entries like the attractive 2025 Volvo S60 have kept the segment both diverse and competitive.
Why would you select the Swedish safety saloon over one of its otherwise more well-known competitors? Well, if your priorities are comfort, safety, and performance (in that order), you’ll be happy as you can be with the new 2025 Volvo S60.
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2026 BMW 3-Series Sedan
Base MSRP: $47,500
- Base Trim Engine
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2L I4 Hybrid
- Base Trim Transmission
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8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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255 HP @4700 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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295 lb.-ft. @ 1600 RPM
The BMW 3-Series has been the standard by which all other luxury sedans have been measured for decades, and that fact is still true in 2025. The 2026 BMW 3-Series Sedan doesn’t sell quite as much as its coupe-styled four-door sibling, the BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe, but it is more spacious and affordable.
As far as performance is concerned, the BMW 3-Series is still the most athletic option in the segment, even in its base model configuration. If you want the style and performance of a luxury sedan without compromising on practicality, the BMW 3-Series remains an easy pick despite the diverse options in this segment.
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2025 Cadillac CT5
Base MSRP: $47,595
- Base Trim Engine
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2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
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10-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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237 hp
- Base Trim Torque
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258 lb-ft @ 1500-4000 rpm
Cadillac’s flagship sedan debuted in 2020 with a homegrown aesthetic that is produced in Lansing, Michigan. The Cadillac CT5 saw further updates with its 2025 facelift, although the major components like the powertrain remain unchanged.
The new exterior styling updates add additional aggressive flair, and on the inside, you will find the new 33-inch diagonal infotainment system that looks impressively similar to BMW’s Curved Display. While the Cadillac CT5 does shine in certain areas, it still lacks that X-factor that makes it a clear pick ahead of its well-equipped competition.
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2025 Audi A5
Base MSRP: $49,700
- Base Trim Engine
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2.0l Inline 4
- Base Trim Transmission
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7-speed dual-clutch Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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268 hp
- Make
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Audi
Just barely tickling our $50,000 reference point is the all-new 2025 Audi A5. Gone are the days of the Audi A4 or A5 Coupe or Convertible, leaving only the Audi A5 Sedan as the segment’s sole representative.
Big improvements come both inside and out, with the liftback styling of the A5 improving its overall functionality and the new “big screen” infotainment system that pushes this Audi sedan into the modern era. With improved power and torque, variable driving modes, and quattro AWD, the Audi A5 feels good behind the wheel and impresses as a well-rounded luxury package.
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