Best Entry Level Luxury Car
To qualify for this contest all of these “entry level” luxury cars must come from upscale manufacturers and be the least expensive vehicles on their roster. But that is not to say that these cars are by any means stripped out or cheap. A lot of them are also very fast and handle better than sports cars of just ten years ago.
While it used to be a “shameful” thing to buy the least expensive model in a luxury car line (read: the Cadillac Cimarron) now you are just seen as being “wise to downsize.” Who needs all that space anyway? Because isn’t the greatest luxury driver enjoyment? And boy, do these five deliver.
Besides being fun to drive many of these models also offer manual transmissions—a must for any driving enthusiast outside of the metropolitan Los Angeles area. They also usually are available with leather, full length glass roof, Bluetooth, iPod hookup, and more bells and whistles than you see in a Christmas parade. Even though these are entry level luxury cars, it definitely does not mean you have to go without. Not by a long shot.
- Think another product should be best? Leave a comment.
Why it's best:
(Starting at $29,000)—This may not be the most practical choice for the family man but it is perfect for couples or a single person with a dog (the back seat is best left to canines or kids or both). But whether it is in regular strength 128i form (228 horsepower) or a...read full review
Why it's a best pick:
(Starting at $27,270)—You can’t argue with the practicality of a good hatchback and the Mini proved they can be upscale as well. The A3 is available for the first time this year with a turbodiesel engine called the TDI. The TDI makes only 140 horsepower but makes... read full review
Why it's a best pick:
(Starting at $33,600)—Now to the traditional luxury cars. And no car says “traditional” as loudly as a Mercedes and the C-class is no different. It may be a bit more expensive than its rivals but what else do you expect from the three pointed star? This edi... read full review
Why it's a best pick:
(Starting at $33,250)—This is another entry level luxury model that can get surprisingly expensive when you spec it up with options. While the exterior styling can be an acquired taste (I like it, many people I know do not) there is no arguing the interior is a huge im... read full review
Why it's a best pick:
(Starting at $29,310)—What about the Lexus IS, are you wondering? Well, apparently it couldn’t decide if it wanted to be a Corolla or a Lexus today so it dropped out of the competition. All kidding aside, the Acura TSX is a fine car and easily better than that bo... read full review
