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An Audi A3 Sportback on display at an auto show

These Are 5 of the Most Affordable Luxury Cars You Can Buy Now

Some luxury cars are more affordable than you would think. If you have your heart set on obtaining a new luxury model but aren’t sure of where to start looking, we’ve gathered five of the most appealing options, all under $40K. Keep in mind though that these cheaper options don’t include all of the latest …

Some luxury cars are more affordable than you would think. If you have your heart set on obtaining a new luxury model but aren’t sure of where to start looking, we’ve gathered five of the most appealing options, all under $40K. Keep in mind though that these cheaper options don’t include all of the latest upgrades. 

2020 Acura ILX 

White 2020 Acura ILX A-Spec driving down a fall forest road
2020 Acura ILX A-Spec | Acura

The Acura ILX is the car you get when you just want a luxury nameplate. Its low base price is one of the most attractive things about it. It does, however, come with a ton of advanced safety features. These include forward-collision warning, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, automatic emergency braking, and a surround-view camera parking system. Not many infotainment features come standard though.

Overall, the ILX is fairly comfortable but its interior design is bland. It gets a high fuel economy rating but its standard engine is underpowered. If you are able to pay a bit more, you might want to consider the Kia Stinger instead. 

2020 Lexus UX

As far as entry-level luxury models go, the UX is a great option. The UX is an enjoyable ride but it’s certainly not the most powerful crossover but that’s OK.  This crossover is available as a fuel-efficient traditional gas-driven and as a hybrid. The UX is quite comfortable to ride in and there’s plenty of tech features available on the inside too. It’s also one of the most reliable and safe options you can get in the luxury crossover class.

2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

A 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan parked outside on a rooftop deck.
2020 A-Class Sedan ⎹ Mercedes-Benz

The A-Class sedan is the smallest and cheapest option in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Even though it’s cheap, it still feels like a real Benz. Although, its cabin isn’t as upscale as we would like. The A-Class does make up for its so-so interior with a zippy 188-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s mated with a standard seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The A-Class offers fast acceleration and smoothness on the road.

2020 Audi A3

Audi’s A3 is one of the more dynamic options on this list. It’s cozy and fun to drive. The standard model comes with a satisfying 184-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that holds its own in most situations. Plus, the A3 gets an above-average fuel economy rating of 31 mpg overall. This entry-level luxury model doesn’t compromise much on interior quality either. The A3 comes with leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a nice infotainment system.

2020 Volvo XC40

Volvo XC40 crossover SUV car on display at Brussels Expo
The 2020 Volvo XC40 | Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images

The Volvo XC40 is pretty affordable for a luxury car and actually ranks toward the top of its class. You’ll find that the XC40 is surprisingly nimble and sporty. It gets its power from a 187-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s paired with an eight-speed automatic.

On the inside, this SUV feels upscale and comfortable. In-car electronics are also a highlight of the XC40. Standard features include a 9-inch touchscreen display, a wifi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. There’s also plenty of standard safety features including oncoming collision mitigation and lane departure warning.

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