13 Luxury Cars That Even Cheap People Can’t Resist
Not all of us can afford luxury cars, even if we would dearly love one. Yet there are some excellent options out there for those of us who would love one, and they are so good that even if we can’t afford them, we are still tempted by them.
Who wouldn’t want to travel around in high levels of luxury and comfort?
The cars on this list, though they may be a bit out of our budget, might still cause us to day dream about withdrawing our 401k…
Cadillac Celestiq
While it is not yet out, Cadillac’s upcoming Celestiq is one of the most exciting luxury vehicles. This fully electric luxury beast will cost roughly $300,000, and thanks to the GM Ultium battery pack, it will have at least 600 hp and around 300 miles of range. The design is one of the most exciting, with sleek lines down the side, sharp curves at the rear, and excellent proportions.
The luxury EV will also have four-wheel drive, and the massive range will help to banish many anxieties over how far their EV can go. The Celestiq promises to rewrite what we thought possible with an EV and a luxury car.
Ferrari GTC4Lusso
Due to its price tag, any Ferrari is typically a luxury car. But the Ferrari GTC4Lusso takes it to another level, with this four-seat grand tourer designed with comfort and style in mind. Replacing the Ferrari FF, the GTC4Lusso has two engine options: the 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 of the GTC4Lusso T and the 6.3-liter V12 of the GTC4Lusso.
These engines produce 602 hp and 681 hp in a car that Ferrari describes as “powerful yet sophisticated, sporty yet luxurious.” The GTC4Lusso is excellent at cruising and taking its time, and it is super comfortable, making it a brilliant long-distance cruiser.
2024 Acura Integra
Amazingly, you can get a luxury car for a reasonable price. You only have to look as far as Acura and the new 2024 Integra to find one, with its $31,800 MSRP undercutting many of its rivals, including BMW and Audi. An ace that the 2024 Integra has up its sleeve is that it is also more practical than its opponents, with plenty of space for occupants and luggage.
The 2024 Integra shares its platform with the latest Honda Civic, but that doesn’t detract from how well the Integra drives, given that it is one of Honda’s best products. Adding a manual makes it even more fun, and the 33 MPG combined fuel economy figure adds to its practicality.
Bentley Continental Flying Spur
Bentley is one of the class leaders in luxury, along with Rolls-Royce, and if you want luxury at an even more affordable level, look no further than a second-hand Continental Flying Spur. Mileage may vary, but you can pick up one of these stunning vehicles for around $15,000 and only a bit more for lower mileage examples.
For your money, yet get access to a 552 hp 6.0-liter W12 engine, which gives the Flying Spur a performance level that some sports cars can only dream of. You might only manage 20 MPG combined, thanks to the W12. But you will do that with abundant power, comfort, and style. As far as used luxury cars go, the Flying Spur is one of the best you can choose.
Mercedes-Benz EQS
Mercedes has entered the electric vehicle race and has done so impressively with the stunning EQS. The German manufacturer is moving differently from its rival, BMW, whose electric 7 Series and i7 share the same platform. However, the S-Class and EQS are entirely different cars on their unique platforms.
The EQS is quiet and smooth, and thanks to a massive 120 kWh battery, you have enough range for up to 400 miles in the real world if you opt for the EQS 450+. A drag coefficient of just 0.20 means it is extra slippery, and while it hasn’t got as luxurious an interior as the standard S-Class, you still get all the luxury you will ever need.
BMW iX
The elephant in the room with the BMW iX is that it is hideous. There is no denying that. Yet BMW counters that by offering some of the best levels of luxury on any SUV, or vehicle in general, at the moment. The electric SUV comes with 296 hp and 249 miles of range with the entry-level iX xDrive40. If you want more range, you get up to 373 miles in the 516 hp xDrive50 and more power with the xDriveM60.
The ride in the iX has been highly praised, making it a compelling choice for a luxury car. Inside, the interior is far classier than the exterior, with brilliant space, excellent levels of comfort, and a whole lot of technology. Ugly it might be, but as a luxury vehicle, the BMW iX is a winner.
Rolls-Royce Wraith
There is no way that we wouldn’t include at least one Rolls-Royce on this list. The Wraith is one of Rolls-Royce’s finest, and when it launched, it was the most powerful Rolls-Royce in history with a 6.6-liter V12 producing 624 hp, around ten percent more power than in the Phantom and Cullinan. It might cost at least $250,000, but you certainly got a lot for your quarter of a million.
The interior is beautiful, full of fine wood, leather, and various metals covering nearly every surface. The Wraith is user-friendly thanks to BMW technology in the infotainment and electric systems, yet Rolls-Royce has done an excellent job hiding any hint of BMW. Like many Rolls-Royce cars, it is virtually silent inside the Wraith.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class/G-Wagen
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, better known as the G-Wagen, might be polarizing in its looks. It’s a big, boxy SUV that shouts a bit too loud, thanks to its V8 engine. But like the BMW iX, it excels as a luxury vehicle with a fabulous interior. The interior is massive, with plenty of room, and the quality of the materials and finish is exemplary.
It does have the odd downside, however. It is vast and therefore not ideal for driving around town. Plus, its large V8 might produce a great sound. But too many people will find it too loud, and if you want to get good fuel mileage, you aren’t going to do that with a big, throaty 4.0-liter V8 engine. However, if you want to be more economical, opt for the six-cylinder 3.0-liter diesel G 400d instead.
BMW XM
Remarkably, the first exclusive M-car since the iconic BMW M1 is the XM. It is a vast, powerful, and bold SUV with a massive V8 engine but one that does ooze luxury throughout the interior. Yet it does that without being too fussy and complicated, making it a brilliant place on any long-distance journey.
Thanks to the XM’s electric motor, you can cruise around town quietly and slip on by. The electric power gives you 50 miles of range, perfect for commuting to and from work if you work locally. However, the one thing we can’t escape is how big the XM is, like with the iX. BMW is great at producing luxury vehicles, but at the moment, they could be better at making them subtle.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a staple of the luxury world, and while it feels like its rivals have caught up, it is still one of the best luxury cars on the market. The S-Class has an excellent range of gasoline, diesel, and hybrid powertrains, and of course, its electric sibling offers a whole new driving experience. The hybrid S-Class S580e is the most impressive, with 503 hp and 64 miles of electric range.
It might not stand out among a Rolls-Royce or BMW 7 Series, but the S-Class still represents a great way to get around. Its interior is slick and refined, with comfortable seating and plenty of space for the occupants. Plus, it might look a little dated now, but the subtle exterior makes a refreshing change from the bash and ugly nature of some of BMW’s offerings.
Range Rover
The Range Rover is a staple of the luxury vehicle segment, and in its fifth generation, it is as refined as ever. Jaguar-Land Rover has improved things by adding the plug-in hybrid Range Rover P440e and P510e models, offering up to 70 miles of range. That is easily enough for short days out and for getting around town.
The real winner, however, is the 523 hp 4.4-liter V8 engine, taken directly from BMW. It might not do your gas mileage any good, but it is enough to launch the Range Rover from 0-62 mph in just 4.4 seconds. But if you want to do your bit for the planet, an electric Range Rover is on the way to ensure that the luxury giant can survive in this ever-changing and more energy-conscious world.
Rolls-Royce Phantom
There is little else we can say about the stunning Rolls-Royce Phantom that hasn’t already been said. But it is worthy of a place on this list, and the latest generation of Phantom is undoubtedly the best. The Phantom gets as close to perfection as possible, with doors that close themselves, a dashboard that looks like an art gallery, and rotary control for many of the car’s functions.
Driving the Phantom is unlike driving any other vehicle on the planet. What makes it even better is the enormous 6.75-liter V12 engine that produces 563 hp. While it might not feel appropriate for such a luxury car, you barely notice it as you cruise along, as Rolls-Royce has once again done an excellent job at making the Phantom as quiet as a mouse.
Porsche Panamera
While it gets overlooked in favor of other luxury vehicles, there is nothing wrong with the Porsche Panamera. It doesn’t help that the Panamera’s sibling is the iconic Porsche 911 sports car. Still, Porsche’s luxury sedan offers plenty of power with added luxury to make it an excellent daily driver.
The Panamera is a striking-looking machine. It even has an active suspension system, which includes a complex system of hydraulic pumps and electric motors for even more comfort. That isn’t the Panamera’s only party trick. The stunning interior provides a snug yet spacious experience that keeps all occupants comfortable. It is a solid, well-built machine that sadly does have a touchscreen, the bain of many modern cars.