Best Entry-Level Luxury Cars to Buy in 2025

Buying a luxury car can obviously be an expensive undertaking, with the most popular models costing a pretty penny. It doesn’t have to be, though, as there are plenty of plush cars on the market that aim to be more attainable and more affordable.

Luxury automakers have known for a long time that it is important to offer entry-level models to keep sales numbers up. While these budget-friendly cars may not have the top-of-the-line features, they benefit from the trickle down of technology and materials, meaning they can often actually be bargains.

We’ve found ten of the best luxury cars on the market under $45,000, meaning they cost less than the average price of a new car in 2025. These cars provide a brilliant blend of comfort, sportiness, and practicality. We take a look at what helps them stand out in their competitive segments and what kind of performance you can expect.

Related

Table of Contents

Toggle

10 Most Reliable Luxury SUVs You Can Count On in 2025

These 10 luxury SUVs offer top-tier reliability in 2025, combining premium comfort with proven durability for a worry-free ownership experience.

10

2025 Acura Integra

Starting MSRP: $33,000

Front 3/4 shot of a 2023 Acura Integra

Back in 2022, Acura brought the Integra back to U.S. roads. The nameplate has a ton of history and the new model had some big shoes to fill. In our opinion, it has done so pretty well. The Integra has always borrowed alot from the Civic, but that isn’t a bad thing, with Acura’s sedan feeling as enjoyable to drive but with a plusher interior and more handsome bodywork.

Performance Specifications

Don’t expect the Acura to be a rocket off the line, with many other premium sedans beating it to 60 miles per hour. However, it has plenty of power to be fun through corners, especially considering how well-tuned the chassis is. We’d spring for the $38,000 A-Spec Technology model, though, just so you can avoid the CVT and opt for a manual transmission instead.

9

2025 Mini Cooper S

Starting MSRP: $33,200

Front 3/4 action shot of a 2025 Mini Cooper S

While hatchbacks have certainly taken a dip, particularly in the United States, we still hold that they have a ton of character and are worth looking at. The MINI Cooper S is the perfect example of this. Its unique styling, inside and out, set it apart from the plethora of other options available.

Performance Specifications

The Mini Cooper S defines itself from the regular cooper by being the more powerful, sportier model. Not only does this little hatch make excellent use of the power that it has, but it is also impressively light on fuel. It has tons of character and the noise coming out of its exhaust when you put your foot down will have you falling in love.

8

2025 Cadillac CT4

Starting MSRP: $36,390

Front 3/4 shot of a 2023 Cadillac CT4

If you’re looking for a home-grown subcompact luxury car, the Cadillac CT4 is your last choice. Cadillac has distinguished the CT4 from its sea of competition with sharp styling and an entertaining rear-wheel drive setup. It is also plenty refined, though, with a cabin packed full of high-quality materials.

Performance Specifications

While the CT4-V may be enticing, it’s much higher price tag puts it out of the entry-level category. This means you’ll be left with the four-cylinder engine. You shouldn’t be glum, though, as it is plenty of power to pop the tail out and have some fun. When needed, it can seamlessly convert into a smooth sailing cruiser as well. It is also super reliable.

Related

The Best Value For Money Luxury EV in 2025

This 2025 luxury EV blends performance, tech, and range at a price that undercuts rivals, making it the best value for money in its class.

7

2025 Audi A3

Starting MSRP: $38,200

Front 3/4 action shot of a 2025 Audi A3

The A3 is the most affordable model from the big three German luxury automakers. Audi has given their most affordable model a light styling refresh for the 2025 model year, making it look sportier and more aggressive than the outgoing model. It retains its sleek interior and smooth performance.

Performance Specifications

Audi offers a single powertrain choice on the 2025 A3, coming standard with Quattro all-wheel drive. It may not have as much power as some of its direct rivals, but its chassis is plenty playful and it is a ton of fun to drive. On most surfaces, it remains composed and offers a pleasant ride as well.

6

2025 BMW 2-Series Coupe

Starting MSRP:

Sporty compact coupes are something that are becoming rarer by the day, which is a crying shame in our opinion. The 2-Series Coupe shows just how good they can be. If you’re looking for a truly sporty luxury car that won’t break the bank, there aren’t really any better options.

Performance Specifications

If you’re looking for the most affordable option, the 230i is the way to go, outlined above. The M240i is excellent, though, if you’re willing to spend north of $50,000. Throw the M Sport Performance Package on to the 230i and you’ll find it plenty enjoyable, whether on a stretch of highway or around some backroads.

5

2025 Lexus IS 300

Starting MSRP: $41,610

Front 3/4 shot of a 2025 Lexus IS 300

Lexus has always been associated with value, and in 2025 the IS certainly lives up to that reputation. The base IS 300 may not offer pin-you-to-your-seat performance, but it cruises smoothly and features a richly appointed cabin. It is also one of the most reliable luxury vehicles you can buy.

Performance Specifications

The Lexus IS focuses more on comfort than it does sportiness, no matter how much Lexus tries to convince you otherwise. This doesn’t mean it can’t be fun, it just means that it isn’t quite as hard as its rivals. This isn’t neccissarily a bad thing, though, especially if you’re looking for a quiet cruiser, which is something the IS does incredibly well.

Related

10 Japanese Luxury Cars That Define Elegance and Performance

These are 10 Japanese luxury cars renowned for their performance design, and exceptional craftsmanship.

4

2025 Genesis G70

Starting MSRP: $42,500

Front 3/4 action shot of a 2025 Genesis G70

Genesis seemingly burst onto the scene a couple of years ago and has since proven a worthy competitor to the many well-established automakers in the luxury market. The G70 is a sporty compact sedan that is a genuinely worthy alternative to the likes of the 3-Series at a more affordable price.

Performance Specifications

While the turbocharged V-6 sits above $50,000, the base turbocharged four-banger is an over-achiever and delivers some impressive performance. The G70 might not be as quick off the line as some of the segment’s best choices, but it manages to perfectly balance its ride and handling dynamics.

3

2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia

Starting MSRP: $43,995

Top-down view of the 2025 Alfa Romeo Guilia

When people talk about the Giulia, it is often to do with the Quadrifoglio. However, that model is now gone and many are realizing that the base Giulia is actually a damn good sedan. Its brilliant Italian styling mixes with fantastic driving dynamics to deliver one of the most enjoyable driving experiences out there.

Performance Specifications

The Giulia in every way is built for enjoyment. When driven hard, you can feel yourself walking the razors edge, spurred on by the melody produced by the exhaust. While it remains composed and pliable on your daily commute, it is always ready, daring you to put your foot down.

2

2025 Volvo S60

Starting MSRP: $43,995

Top-down shot of a 2025 Volvo S60 

Volvo has always been associated with sensibility and safety, and this hasn’t changed in the modern age. The S60 drips class despite its understated styling. It doesn’t rely on loud design elements, it is far too grown up for that. It checks every box you would expect it to and delivers a high-class driving experience.

Performance Specifications

The plug-in hybrid model, which delivers 456 horsepower, starts above the $50,000 mark. While the base powertrain may not be quite as entertaining, it is quick enough for most. The Volvo is more subdued than rivals, rather focusing on being smooth, sleek, and comfortable.

Related

10 Used Luxury Sedans That Are Better Than New Rivals

Here are 10 used high-performance luxury sedans that offer unmatched power, precision, and value—outshining even newer, more expensive rivals.

1

2025 Audi A4

Starting MSRP: $44,110

Front 3/4 of a 2025 Audi A4

With Audi adopting a new naming structure, this is technically the last year for the A4. The Audi aims to be a jack-of-all-trades, offering a good level of interior luxury while remaining fun to drive. It exists as a middle ground between the brasher BMW 3-Series and the more opulent Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Performance Specifications

The Audi A4 utilizes a four-banger and a mild-hybrid 12-volt system to produces a decent amount of power. All-wheel drive is the only setup, as is standard practice with any Audi. This sporty sedan offers great steering feedback and is sharp around corners. Its ride is also impressively plush.