Luxury shoppers do their homework. They want style, performance and quality, and a fair price on top, which is why a used luxury car is such a smart buy. These nine models are among the best used choices in each class.
Compact luxury cars
Audi A4 (2019–2021)
Audi regularly ranks near the top of the compact luxury class, and the A4 shows why: the signature grille, a refined cabin and modern tech, all with a sporty edge. A good fit for a driver who wants polish and some fun.
| Model years | 2019–2021 |
|---|---|
| Safety | NHTSA five-star overall rating |
Lexus IS (2018–2020)
Sporty without giving up comfort. It is nimble, the seats are comfortable and driver-assist features come along. Simple controls, built-in navigation and good cargo space make it an easy first luxury car.
| Model years | 2018–2020 |
|---|---|
| Highlights | Driver assists, integrated navigation, ample cargo space |
BMW 2 Series (2020–2021)
Small, but flexible and strong. It comes in several body styles, all with seats for five and a standard infotainment system, plus responsive steering for drivers who like to drive.
| Model years | 2020–2021 |
|---|---|
| Power | 228 to 405 hp |
| Seats | 5 |
Luxury sedans
Lexus ES (2018–2019)
A midsize sedan that is easy to overlook and easy to love: a roomy cabin, leather seats and plenty of standard comfort. The 2019 model adds Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa, which links the car to the smart home.
| Model years | 2018–2019 |
|---|---|
| Highlights | Spacious cabin, leather seats; 2019 adds Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa |
BMW 5 Series (2020)
Much of what the 3 Series offers, with more room. A big trunk and a quiet cabin make it a strong luxury family car, and many trim packages offer different mixes of power and features. A top pick for drivers who care about power and handling.
| Model year | 2020 |
|---|---|
| Highlights | Large trunk, quiet cabin, many trim packages |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (2021)
A long-time favorite, so there are plenty of used ones to choose from. It comes in several body styles, some with room for up to seven, and the well-insulated cabin keeps road noise out.
| Model year | 2021 |
|---|---|
| Base engine | Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, 255 hp |
| Seats | Up to 7, depending on body style |
Luxury SUVs
Porsche Macan (2019)
A compact SUV that stands out for its handling and smooth ride. The 2019 update brought a more luxurious cabin and a new infotainment system.
| Model year | 2019 |
|---|---|
| Power | Up to 348 hp |
| Tech | 10.9-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi hotspot |
BMW X5 (2022)
One of the most sought-after midsize luxury SUVs. Five people ride in comfort with Apple CarPlay, a large touchscreen and ambient lighting as standard, and it stays agile on twisty roads.
| Model year | 2022 |
|---|---|
| Power | Up to 617 hp with the V8 |
| Seats | 5 |
Lincoln Navigator (2018)
Everything a large luxury SUV should have: space, power and a plush cabin where up to seven people can stretch out. The twin-turbo engine gives it strong acceleration and plenty of towing muscle, and safety did not get left behind.
| Model year | 2018 |
|---|---|
| Engine | Twin-turbo V6, 450 hp |
| Seats | Up to 7 |
| Safety | NHTSA five-star overall rating |
The bottom line
For a first luxury car, the Lexus IS and Audi A4 are easy to live with; the BMW 2 Series adds the most fun. Families do well with the BMW 5 Series or a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and buyers who need room and power should look at the BMW X5 or the seven-seat Lincoln Navigator.
Looking for a used luxury car?
Browse the current inventory or ask the sales team which luxury models are on the lot.
Sources
- U.S. News & World Report: 2020 Audi A4 review
- NHTSA: 2021 Audi A4 safety ratings
- U.S. News & World Report: 2018 Lexus IS review
- U.S. News & World Report: 2021 BMW 2 Series review
- MotorTrend: 2019 Lexus ES first look
- U.S. News & World Report: 2020 BMW 5 Series review
- U.S. News & World Report: 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class review
- U.S. News & World Report: 2019 Porsche Macan review
- Kelley Blue Book: 2022 BMW X5 review
- Car and Driver: 2018 Lincoln Navigator
- NHTSA: 2018 Lincoln Navigator safety ratings