EX30
- Make
- Volvo
- Segment
- SUV
Think luxury car and a lavish Range Rover or Mercedes-Benz S-Class probably come to mind first. Not every vehicle that provides a more dignified, comfortable commute needs to cost the earth, however. We've put together a list of affordable luxury cars that are a cut above mass-market brands, looking at tangible aspects like build quality and technology, as well as intangibles like the badge on the nose - as much as most people hate to admit it, luxury is as much real as it is perceived, so even though a Mazda CX-90 does a fine impression of luxury, the Mazda badge simply isn't equated with opulent motoring.
We've also given more weight to aspects like ride comfort over athletic handling, and refinement over sheer power and acceleration. A price ceiling of $45,000 has been applied, which speaks to how expensive luxury motoring has become. But if you want your car to be more than an appliance to get from point A to point B without wrecking your budget, one of these cars could be for you.
Lexus ES: $42,040
Despite its midsize-segment dimensions, the Lexus ES starts at a far more palatable price than its rivals. You can get a base ES 250 for $42,040, over $15,000 less than a base BMW 530i or Audi A6. In true Lexus style, the ES delivers a soft, absorbent ride, one of the most important characteristics of luxury motoring. The seats are comfortable (with excellent rear-seat legroom), the cabin well-insulated, and the materials classy. The base 203-horsepower engine is hardly exciting, but that doesn't undo the fact that this is an excellent luxury sedan for the price. It doesn't hurt that Lexus ranked as the top brand in the J.D. Power 2023 US Vehicle Dependability Study.
Volvo S60: $42,000
An XC40 may be slightly cheaper, but the S60 is a better luxury car for almost the same price. Starting at $42,000 for the Core trim, the effortlessly stylish Volvo S60 represents excellent value alongside rivals like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Even the base S60 has powered front seats, a CleanZone system to keep the cabin's air as clean as possible, a lane-keeping aid, and traffic sign recognition.
The soothing interior design doesn't scream at you as a Merc's cabin does, and while it's hardly sporty to drive, the S60 excels at delivering a luxurious driving experience with its smooth ride and insulated cabin. Many elegant touches around the interior, such as the Iron Ore aluminum inserts and high-tech tailored gear selector, showcase Volvo's excellent attention to detail.
BMW X1: $40,500
The first X1 didn't do a convincing job of transferring BMW's luxury reputation to a smaller crossover package, but the third-generation model has evolved into a much more cohesive package. The xDrive28i starts at $40,500, and while that's hardly inexpensive, entry-level BMWs with sparse interiors and little more than that famous badge on the nose are a thing of the past.
The X1 has a nicely styled interior with perforated Veganza imitation leather, a SensaTec-trimmed dashboard, a wide Curved Display, and power front seats. We drove the new X1 and praised it for its spacious cabin, efficient and powerful engine, and smoother ride.
BMW has had no issue cranking out thousands of large sedans and SUVs through the years, but it has finally learned how to make a proper subcompact luxury SUV.
Genesis G70: $39,400
At $39,400, the base Genesis G70 represents excellent value for money alongside its direct rivals. As of this writing, the 2023 version is still on sale, which gets you a 252-hp turbocharged engine, but a more powerful base model is on the way.
Despite enjoyable rear-wheel-drive dynamics, the G70 also rides comfortably. Features like heated front seats, powered front seats, and highway driving assist are all baked into the standard specification. Inside, besides a rather small back seat, the G70 delights with its user-friendly and smartly attired cabin.
Lincoln Corsair: $38,830
Significantly cheaper than its BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class rivals, the Corsair doesn't have a sporting bone in its attractively styled body, putting the emphasis squarely on comfort and refinement. The base price of $38,830 is for the Premiere trim with its 250-hp turbocharged four-pot.
The Lincoln Corsair comes with the brand's active noise control system and acoustic laminated windshield glass to keep the cabin quiet, along with standard equipment like soft-touch seats, heated front seats, and a memory system for the driver. It's not the best SUV in its class, but it's one of the nicest for relaxed commuting.
Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class: $37,500
In base GLA 250 guise, the GLA easily undercuts its BMW X1 rival, although only the X1 gets standard AWD. While you won't be fooled into thinking you're driving a GLC, the GLA delivers a compliant ride and the prestige of owning a Merc.
It has standard features like powered front seats, a power liftgate, dual-zone climate control, and dual seven-inch displays. You can also dress the interior up with genuine leather (replacing the standard imitation leather) and natural grain wood inserts.
That Mazda CX-90 we mentioned earlier is a lot more car for not much more money, but for many, the chance to own a new Mercedes at under $40k is worth it.
Lexus UX Hybrid: $35,540
When the first Lexus, the LS, arrived in the USA, it easily undercut comparable rivals on price. Decades later, the gap has closed somewhat, but the ES and UX Hybrid show that you can still get a more affordable luxury car for less than a comparable German.
The UX Hybrid starts at $35,540 and has a smooth ride, a quiet interior, and posh cabin materials. Power-adjustable front seats covered in the brand's NuLuxe upholstery, adaptive cruise control, and road sign assist are all standard. The 181-hp powertrain delivers only adequate performance, but luxury is about taking it easy, not taking on every Civic Type R at the traffic lights.
Audi A3 Sedan: $35,400
At $35,400, the base Audi A3 Sedan packs a lot of luxury into a comfortable, competent package. That's how much you'll pay for the Premium trim with front-wheel drive, so it won't suit customers who need all-wheel drive. You can add quattro AWD for $2,000 more, however.
Regardless of the drivetrain, the A3 boasts powered front seats with heating, leather upholstery, a crisp digital gauge cluster, and three-zone climate control - the latter is unusual in a car of this size. Some harder plastics give away the fact that this is no A4, but the attractive design of the car leaves little to complain about. Although not the first choice for enthusiasts, the absorbent ride and comfortable seats make highway driving effortless, and the turbocharged engine has enough power.
Volvo EX30: $34,950
Although it's only arriving in 2024, the EX30 simply had to have a place on this list. It delivers all Volvo's attributes in a smaller package - and with a smaller price tag. The fact that it's fully electric is notable, as other luxury brands simply don't sell EVs at this price point in North America.
Early overseas reports suggest the EX30 drives like a larger SUV, effortlessly soaking up bumps, while the interior remains quiet thanks to the electric motors. It can already be reserved in the USA at a sub-$35k price, and available features like automated parking and Pilot Assist take some of the effort out of the driver's hands.
