The experience of owning a luxury car shouldn’t be limited to the wealthy. Here are five of the most affordable luxury cars that you can find today.
Buying a car is a big moment. Aside from owning a home, it’s most often your largest purchase in life. There are obviously a ton of options out there, from a basic daily driver to a six-figure status symbol. For those in the market for a new or used car, there are luxury options out there that won’t break the bank.
Our top picks for the five most affordable luxury cars include the Acura ILX, Audi A3, Cadillac ATS, Infiniti Q50, and the Mercedes A-Class, all of which can be found on the used market for less than the price of a new Honda Civic.
Here, we’ll walk you through the recent generations of each of the above models on the new and used-car market, providing details on trim levels, engines, mpg ratings, dimensions, safety ratings, and of course pricing. So, if you are ready to start shopping for your next luxury car, here’s everything you need to know
Acura ILX
Speaking of the Civic, Acura actually built a great luxury car on the same platform as Honda’s popular compact. The Acura ILX is a great option to kick off our list of the five best affordable luxury cars. Considered a “subcompact executive car,” the ILX first launched for the 2013 model year. It replaced the great compact Acura TSX and comes in a front-wheel-drive sedan layout.
Like a lot of Hondas, the ILX is built in the United States, and while the ILX is still in its first generation, there have been several changes over its various model years.
ILX Trim Levels
Starting in 2013, you could choose from three main trim levels: Base, Premium, and Tech. Depending on your choice of engine, there are other options, including the Hybrid, 2.4 Premium, and Hybrid Tech, each of which mixes and matches powertrains with option packages.
That remained unchanged for the 2014 model year, but for the 2015 model year, Acura simplified things to Base, Premium, 2.4 Premium, and Tech.
Things got a bit more complicated again for 2016, but that model year also saw an expansion of available features and options. In addition to the existing Base, Premium, and Tech packages, Acura added the AcuraWatch Plus package, Premium w/A-Spec, and Tech w/A-Spec packages.
The AcuraWatch adds Acura’s suite of safety technology, and the A-Spec adds a sporty flair to the interior and exterior.
Those options carried on through the 2017 model year and generally through the 2018 model year, which also saw the addition of an ILX Special Edition. For 2019 and 2020, Acura sold the ILX in Base, Premium, Tech, as well as Premium A-Spec, and Tech A-Spec.
2021 simplifies the lineup once again to just Base, Premium, Premium A-Spec, and Tech A-Spec.
ILX Powertrain Options
There are three engine options across the ILX’s various model years. Initially, all ILX’s received a standard 2.0L four-cylinder making 150 horsepower. You could also opt for a 1.5L hybrid making 111 horsepower, or an optional 2.4L making a robust 201 horsepower.
The Hybrid option was dropped for the 2015 model year, leaving the two four-cylinder engines remaining. Starting in 2016 and continuing to the present day, the 201 horsepower 2.4L engine is the only option for the ILX.
ILX Fuel Economy
It’s likely not a surprise that the best fuel economy can be found on 2013-2014 Hybrid models, with an impressive EPA estimate of 38 mpg combined city/highway.
The smaller 2.0L engine was rated at an EPA estimated 28 mpg combined city/highway, while the 2.4L comes in around 25 combined city/highway for most model years with 2016-2018 ILXs seeing a temporary bump to 29 mpg combined.
ILX Dimensions and Capabilities
All ILX models are 70.6 inches (5.9 feet) wide and 55.6 inches (4.6 feet) tall. Early models up through 2015 were 179.1 inches (14.9 feet) long, but after a 2016 refresh that lengthened slightly to 182 inches (15.2 feet).
Wheelbase remains constant across all model years at 105.1 inches (8.8 feet). Seating capacity is five passengers for all model years with a cargo capacity of 12.3 cu. ft.
ILX Safety Ratings
The Acura ILX has received impressive crash test ratings across all model years. It got a “Good” (the highest rating) in all “Crashworthiness” categories across all model years. That includes early 2013 to 2015 models which scored “Good” on “Moderate overlap front”, “Side”, “Roof strength”, as well as “Head restraints and seats.”
Starting in 2016, the IIHS also added “Small overlap front: driver-side” as well, in which the ILX also received a “Good” rating along with the same rating in all other categories.
ILX Pricing
The ILX is great value for money, with an average price ranging from just over $10,000 to nearly $32,000. That is definitely a lot of car for the cash.
- 2013 Acura ILX: $10,238 – $14,751
- 2014 Acura ILX: $12,172 – $15,431
- 2015 Acura ILX: $14,259 – $16,304
- 2016 Acura ILX: $18,969 – $21,110
- 2017 Acura ILX: $22,497 – $24,802
- 2018 Acura ILX: $17,422 – $23,791
- 2019 Acura ILX: $22,380 – $29,419
- 2020 Acura ILX: $25,900 – $31,780
- 2021 Acura ILX: $25,950 – $31,850
Audi A3
The Audi A3 has been around since 1996 in European markets but began its tenure here in the United States in 2006. Originally only available in hatchback format, the A3 has evolved into a great affordable luxury compact offering.
Starting in 2015, the hatchback A3 layout was discontinued leaving the sedan version. Over the years, there have been a ton of trim levels and options to suit the most discerning luxury buyer. Take a walk through the various model years of the Audi A3 and you’ll likely find something you like.
A3 Trim Levels
The Audi A3 has a pretty simple set of trim options, at least it did at the start of its third generation. Circa 2013 A3 trim levels consisted of Premium and Premium Plus. Pretty simple, you can get good, or better. After a quick hiatus for the 2014 model year, the 2015 Audi A3 became a bit more complicated.
There were three powertrain options (more on that in the next section) that could be paired with each of the three main trim levels – Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. Each engine is available with each trim level.
That same setup continued in a similar fashion through 2016 and generally speaking for 2017 where Audi also added a Sport version of each trim.
Starting in 2018, you could also get all primary trim levels with a Technology version, and 2019 saw the addition of a Titanium top-spec trim level.
While there is no 2021 Audi A3, due to a targeted 2022 redesign, the 2020 version of the A3 comes in Premium, Premium Plus, S-Line Premium, and S-Line Premium Plus trim levels.
A3 Powertrain Options
Starting in 2013, the A3 was powered by a standard turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder that produced 200 horsepower and 207 lb.-ft. of torque. You could also opt for a turbocharged 2.0L diesel four-cylinder that produced 140 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque in the A3 TDI.
After its year-long break in 2014, the A3 was back with new engine options for 2015. In fact, there were two different turbocharged four-cylinders and one diesel engine to chose from. The 1.8L turbo model put out 170 horsepower, and the 2.0L turbo was rated at 220 horsepower.
Naturally, you could get the optional Quattro all-wheel drive, but only on the 2.0L engine. Finally, on the 2.0L TDI diesel, you’ll get 150 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. That continued for 2016, but Audi added the cool e-tron plug-in hybrid version with 204 horsepower. Meanwhile, in 2017 Audi once again updated the engine options.
Well, actually it reduced them a bit, you start with a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder with 186 horsepower and 221 lb.-ft. of torque in front-wheel-drive models and 220 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. in all-wheel-drive models.
The e-tron version remained as well, and that lineup generally continued for 2018. In 2019, both of the 2.0L engines had slight horsepower changes, a reduction to 184 horsepower on FWD models and an increase to 228 horsepower on AWD.
What’s more, the e-tron was no longer available. That same two-engine lineup continued through 2020.
A3 Fuel Economy
With an extensive variety of engine offerings, it’s a complex web of mile-per-gallon ratings to sift through. For your buying convenience, we laid out the EPA-estimated mile-per-gallon rating by model year.
- 2013: 21/28 mpg (2.0L gas), 30/42 mpg (TDI)
- 2015: 23/33 mpg (1.8L gas), 24/33 mpg (2.0L gas) 31/43 mpg (TDI)
- 2016: 23/33 mpg (1.8L gas), 24/33 mpg (2.0L gas) 31/43 mpg (TDI), 35 mpg (e-tron)
- 2017: 26/35 mpg (2.0L FWD), 24/31 (2.0L AWD), 34 mpg (e-tron)
- 2018: 26/35 mpg (2.0L FWD), 24/31 (2.0L AWD), 36 mpg (e-tron)
- 2019: 26/35 mpg (2.0L FWD), 22/30 (2.0L AWD)
- 2020: 27/36 mpg (2.0L FWD), 22/30 (2.0L AWD)
A3 Dimensions and Capabilities
The sedan version of the A3 seats five passengers across all model years, but has actually gotten smaller in just about every dimension over time. Initially, in 2013, width came in at 72 inches (six feet), but that is down to 70.7 inches (5.9 feet) for a 2020 A3.
Height is down as well, from 56.2 inches (4.68 feet) in 2013 down to 55.7 inches (4.64 feet) for the latest A3.
Similarly, length dropped from 185.1 inches (15.4 feet) in 2013 to 175.7 inches (14.6 feet) for 2020. The wheelbase is also down seven inches over the past eight years. However, cargo space has somehow remained the same.
A 2013 A3 sedan could hold 12.4 cu. ft. of stuff, whereas a 2020 model holds a nearly identical 12.3 cu. ft. Those looking to maximize cargo space should look for an early hatchback, which held 19.5 cu. ft. of cargo.
A3 Safety Ratings
There are multiple IIHS safety ratings available for 2015 to present model year A3s. It received “Good” (the highest rating) in every category across all model years. Kelley Blue Book also praised its safety features in its 2016 Audi A3 video review.
A3 Pricing
The Audi A3 has a wide range of pricing options, from just over $10,600 for a base 2013 to $36,500 or so for the latest 2020 top trim level A3.
- 2013 Audi A3: $10,640 – $13,391
- 2015 Audi A3: $14,545 – $27,982
- 2016 Audi A3: $18,457 – $32,812
- 2017 Audi A3: $24,388 – $37,174
- 2018 Audi A3: $25,869 – $37,157
- 2019 Audi A3: $28,562 – $45,825
- 2020 Audi A3: $33,300 – $36,500
Cadillac ATS
Yet another great affordable luxury car to grace our list is the Cadillac ATS. The “compact executive car” was produced from 2013 through the 2019 model year. The ATS was built on a rear-wheel-drive platform but featured an all-wheel-drive option as well.
With a mix of features and options, it’s a great addition to the best affordable luxury cars lineup and to your shopping list.
ATS Trim Levels
You can find the early 2013 ATS in four main trim levels, Base, Luxury, Performance, and Premium. That naming changed slightly for 2014 where the “Base” trim became the “Standard” trim, which does sound a bit fancier.
Starting in 2014, each of the four trim levels of the ATS now also had an AWD version available as well. For the 2015 model year, that nomenclature remained the same, with AWD versions of each trim, but Cadillac also added a coupe version of the ATS.
The same four trim levels remained for 2016 as well, however, they were each appended with the word “Collection”, which is very luxurious. Cadillac tweaked things yet again for 2017, with the base model being joined by Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Premium Performance.
As before, RWD is standard, but you can find AWD versions of each trim level, as well as coupe versions (and AWD coupe versions).
That lineup did not change for 2018, however, in 2019 (the final year of the ATS) Cadillac simplified the lineup. The coupe was the only body style available and the base RWD coupe was joined by a base AWD coupe, Luxury RWD coupe, Luxury AWD coupe, Premium Luxury RWD coupe, Premium Luxury AWD coupe, and last but certainly not least, the Premium Performance RWD coupe.
ATS Powertrain Options
The 2013 ATS featured a base 2.5L four-cylinder that makes 202 horsepower and 191 lb.-ft. of torque. Or you could ramp up to an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produced 272 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, or the even more impressive 3.6L V6 making 321 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft. of torque.
That same list of engines continued for 2014 and 2015, and for the most part 2016 (the V6 was bumped to 333 horsepower).
For 2017 the big news was that the optional 272 horsepower engine became the standard engine, while the optional V6 got another small bump to 335 horsepower and 285 lb.-ft. of torque. There were no changes to the powertrain for 2018 or 2019.
ATS Fuel Economy
The base 2.5L engine from 2013 for the ATS got an EPA rating of 22/33 mpg city/highway, while the optional 2.0L turbo was rated at 19/30 mpg (RWD manual), 21/31 mpg (RWD automatic), and 20/30 (AWD). The top-spec ATS engine for 2013 got an EPA-estimated 19/28 (RWD) and 18/26 (AWD).
Those numbers stayed fairly consistent through 2016 when Cadillac dropped the base engine in favor of the midrange turbo. Even in 2017, the two engines delivered comparable mpg to previous years with the base 2.0L turbo getting 20/29 mpg city/highway (manual) and 22/31 mpg (automatic) and the optional V6 getting 20/30 mpg (RWD) and 19/27 mpg (AWD). Those ratings were consistent within one mpg across the last few model years of the ATS.
ATS Dimensions and Capabilities
The Cadillac ATS sedan stays consistent with regard to size across each of its model years. It measures 71.1 inches (5.9 feet) wide, 56.4 inches (4.7 feet) tall, and 182.2 inches (15.2 feet) long. You’ll get seating for five in all sedans as well as 10.4 cu. ft. of storage capacity in the trunk.
The ATS coupe is also consistent across all model years and actually measures a bit wider and longer than the sedan. It measures 72.5 inches (six feet) wide, 54.8 inches (4.6 feet) tall, and 183.6 inches (15.3 feet) long. Seating is limited to four people, but has the same 10.4 cu. ft. of space in the trunk.
ATS Safety Ratings
The Cadillac ATS does not have significant IIHS crash test ratings to report. But Kelley Blue Book had plenty of good things to say about the 2015 Cadillac ATS in its review.
ATS Pricing
The ATS has a wide range of pricing options, from just over $13,000 for a base 2013 to almost $43,500 for the most recent example in the highest trim level.
- 2013 Cadillac ATS: $13,018 – $18,224
- 2014 Cadillac ATS: $14,365 – $20,056
- 2015 Cadillac ATS: $16,077 – $25,863
- 2016 Cadillac ATS: $19,237 – $29,976
- 2017 Cadillac ATS: $22,025 – $32,117
- 2018 Cadillac ATS: $25,340 – $37,407
- 2019 Cadillac ATS: $32,552 – $43,475
Infiniti Q50
Continuing the list of the five best affordable luxury cars is the Infiniti Q50. You may have heard of the Q50’s Japanese market name, it’s also known as the Nissan Skyline.
So, it’s clear that the Q50 has a great lineage of performance and engineering. It was preceded by the fantastic Nissan G-Series (G35 and G37) and kicked off its first year on sale in 2014.
Like many others on this list, it’s a compact executive sedan and delivers a ton of tech features and options, plus impressive performance.
Q50 Trim Levels
The first year of the Q5 saw five trim options including Base, Premium, Sport, Hybrid Premium, and Hybrid Sport. That trim lineup continued for 2015, while in 2016 Infiniti updated the trim levels to reflect engine size. The base 2.0t Base and 2.0t Premium were joined by a 3.0t Premium, 3.0t Sport, 3.0t Red Sport 400, and the Hybrid.
That same general list of trim levels continued for 2017 with the exception of a new 3.0t Signature Edition. For the 2018 model year, Infiniti got creative, the new base model with the smallest engine was called 2.0t Pure, and you could go for the optional 2.0t Luxe.
The larger engine series was called 3.0t Luxe, 3.0t Sport, and you can still get the economy-minded Hybrid LUXE and the performance-focused Red Sport 400. For 2019 the lineup was simplified with another 3.0t Signature Edition replacing the 3.0t Luxe, and for 2020 the Edition 30 filled that same spot.
Finally, for 2021 you’ll get to choose from 3.0t Pure, 3.0T Luxe, Red Sport 400, 3.0t Signature Edition, and 3.0t Sensory.
Q50 Powertrain Options
The Q50 carried over the standard engine from the outgoing Infiniti G37, a 3.7L V6 producing 328 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque. Interestingly the most powerful option in the early Q50 lineup is the optional Hybrid model.
Powered by a 3.5L V6 paired with a 50-kilowatt electric motor fed by a lithium-ion battery pack, the 2013 Q50 Hybrid makes a combined 354 horsepower. That same powertrain pairing continues for 2015, but big changes came for 2016.
The then-new base engine for 2016 is the “2.0t” which is a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder with 208 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. The Q50 3.0T also gets a turbocharged engine, but it’s a larger 3.0L V6 that makes 300 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque.
The top-spec version is the Q50 Red Sport 400 which uses a more potent 3.0L turbo V6 with an impressive 400 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque.
For 2017, the same general engine options continued with the Hybrid option using a 3.5L V6 paired with a 50-kW electric engine for a combined output of 360 horsepower. That powertrain arrangement continued for 2018 and 2019. Starting in 2020 and continuing for 2021, you could get a standard twin-turbo 3.0L V6 engine with 300 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. The 400 horsepower Red Sport 400 is still available as well for 2020 and 2021.
Q50 Fuel Economy
Each year of the Q5 varies slightly depending on the engine and other drivetrain components. Pay close attention, some are slightly different from year to year.
- 2014: 20/29 mpg (3.7L RWD), 19/27 mpg (3.7L AWD), 29/36 mpg (Hybrid RWD), 28/35 mpg (Hybrid AWD)
- 2015: 20/29 mpg (3.7L RWD), 19/27 mpg (3.7L AWD), 29/36 mpg (Hybrid RWD), 28/35 mpg (Hybrid AWD)
- 2016: 23/31 mpg (2.0L RWD), 20/26 mpg (3.0L RWD), 19/27 mpg (3.0L AWD), 28/33 mpg (Hybrid RWD), 27/30 mpg (Hybrid AWD), 20/26 (Red Sport RWD), 19/26 (Red Sport AWD)
- 2017: 23/31 mpg (2.0L RWD), 22/28 mpg (2.0L AWD), 20/29 mpg (3.0L RWD), 19/27 mpg (3.0L AWD), 27/32 mpg (Hybrid RWD), 26/30 mpg (Hybrid AWD), 20/26 (Red Sport RWD), 19/26 (Red Sport AWD)
- 2018: 23/30 mpg (2.0L RWD), 22/28 mpg (2.0L AWD), 20/29 mpg (3.0L RWD), 19/27 mpg (3.0L AWD), 27/32 mpg (Hybrid RWD), 26/30 mpg (Hybrid AWD), 20/26 (Red Sport RWD), 19/26 (Red Sport AWD)
- 2019: 23/30 mpg (2.0L RWD), 22/28 mpg (2.0L AWD), 20/29 mpg (3.0L RWD), 19/27 mpg (3.0L AWD), 20/26 (Red Sport RWD), 19/26 (Red Sport AWD)
- 2020: 20/29 mpg (3.0L RWD), 19/27 mpg (3.0L AWD), 20/26 (Red Sport RWD), 19/26 (Red Sport AWD)
- 2021: 20/29 mpg (3.0L RWD), 19/27 mpg (3.0L AWD), 20/26 (Red Sport RWD), 19/26 (Red Sport AWD)
Q50 Dimensions and Capabilities
Dimensions across the various years of the Q50 do not vary widely. Width comes in at 71.8 inches (six feet), while it averages around 57 inches high (4.8 feet), and around 189 inches (15.8 feet) long. All Q50 models seat five passengers and at least 13.2 cu. ft. (or more) of storage in the trunk.
Q50 Safety Ratings
Starting with the 2014 and 2015 Q50, the IIHS ratings were “Acceptable” for the Small overlap front: driver-side (second highest of four ratings) and “Good” for all other categories (the highest rating).
From the 2016 model year, all the way up through 2021, all categories of IIHS crash testing were rated as “Good”.
Q50 Pricing
The Q50’s pricing starts at just over $17,000 for a base 2014 and goes up to $57,750 for the newest top-spec Q50.
- 2014 Infiniti Q50: $17,080 – $22,510
- 2015 Infiniti Q50: $20,609 – $26,128
- 2016 Infiniti Q50: $17,550 – $32,568
- 2017 Infiniti Q50: $21,981 – $38,049
- 2018 Infiniti Q50: $24,858 – $41,583
- 2019 Infiniti Q50: $27,127 – $48,044
- 2020 Infiniti Q50: $32,811 – $54,007
- 2021 Infiniti Q50: $36,600 – $57,750
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class actually has a long history of sales around the world. It kicked off production in 1997, primarily in hatchback layout, and only sold overseas.
However, for the 2019 model year, Mercedes decided to import a compact sedan version of the A-Class to the United States.
It turned out to be a pretty impressive car, and there is a great mix of options available over the last few years. It’s a modern and fitting end to our list of the best affordable luxury cars.
A-Class Trim Levels
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is available in one main trim level, the “A 220”. You can find it for the 2019, 2020, and 2021 model years.
A-Class Powertrain Options
Choosing between engines is easy for the A-Class. For 2019-2021, there was a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine putting out 188 horsepower and 221 lb.-ft. of torque mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
You’ll get front-wheel-drive as standard, but Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is available as well as an optional extra.
A-Class Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is rated at 24/35 mpg city/highway for the FWD model and 24/34 for the AWD model for the 2019-2020 model years.
For 2021, those numbers increase slightly to 25/36 mpg for the FWD model and 25/34 for the AWD model.
A-Class Dimensions and Capabilities
The 2010-2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class measures 70.7 inches (5.9 feet) wide, 56.9 inches (4.7 feet) high, and 179.1 inches (14.9 feet) long. You’ll get seating for five, but cargo capacity is a relatively small 8.6 cu. ft.
A-Class Safety Ratings
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class does not have IIHS crash test ratings to report.
A-Class Pricing
The A-Class has a wide range of pricing options, from just over $10,600 for a base 2013 to $36,500 for the latest top-spec A-Class.
- 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class: $37,775 – $43,502
- 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class: $32,800 – $44,950
- 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class: $33,650 – $35,650
Photos: Audi, Acura, Cadillac, Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz
