The Cheapest Luxury Cars You Can Buy in 2022

Luxury cars are generally more expensive than the average commuter car because they offer amenities like leather upholstery, high-tech creature comforts, exceptional performance, and some level of prestige. However, what if you want the cushy features that come with a high-end car without paying a massive price? The phrase "cheap luxury car" may seem like an oxymoron, but it is entirely possible—after all, not every luxury car costs six figures, nor is every luxury car in every size class priced identically, meaning there is real relative value to be found amongst today's luxury cars.

To help guide you through these options, here is a list of the cheapest cars in every size class covered by the MotorTrendBuyer'sGuide , from subcompacts to compacts to midsizers on up to full-size limousines. Continue reading to see the cheapest luxury cars, class by class:

Cheapest Subcompact Luxury Sedan: 2022 Acura ILX ($28,395)

The 2022 Acura ILX is the cheapest luxury car on this list, and among the oldest. The ILX is based on the Honda Civic of two generations ago, though you might not know it: It has subdued but attractive styling and offers plenty of premium features such as heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, and lane keep assist. The ILX is effectively being replaced by the 2023 Acura Integra, so now may be the best time to pick one up as dealers might be rushing the ILX out the door to make room for the Integra.

Cheapest Subcompact Luxury Sedan: 2022 Acura ILX ($28,395)

: Attractive exterior, generous standard safety tech, affordable

: Aging platform, outdated infotainment system, FWD only

Specifications

Base price: $28,395

Engine specs: 2.4L I-4 (201 hp, 180 lb-ft)

Fuel Economy (city/hwy/combined): 24/34/28 mpg

Cheapest Compact Luxury Sedan: 2022 Cadillac CT5 ($38,690)

Despite being one of the cheapest luxury cars on this list, the 2022 Cadillac CT5 is the largest sedan the company offers. It's also big for this class, which is highlighted by heavy hitters such as the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Audi A4. In fact, the CT5 straddles the compact and midsize classes, and the entry-level model comes with a nine-speaker sound system, remote engine starting, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and GM's OnStar system. There are plenty of options available, but obviously each box you tick will up the price. If you can get by without things like seat massagers or a 12-inch HD touchscreen, the base "Luxury" trim is a roomy, fine-driving option.

Cheapest Compact Luxury Sedan: 2022 Cadillac CT5 ($38,690)

: Plenty of rear legroom, intuitive infotainment, optional carbon-fiber trim

: Small trunk, overworked four-cylinder engine, lackluster driving dynamics

Specifications

Base price: $38,690

Engine specs: 2.0L turbo I-4 (235 hp, 258 lb-ft)

Fuel Economy (city/hwy/combined): 23/33/27 mpg

Cheapest Compact Luxury Fastback: 2022 Audi A5 Sportback ($44,995)

It might be shocking to see the 2022 Audi A5 Sportback make a list for the cheapest anything. One little-known fact about the German brand is that many of its models are fairly competitively priced. In fact, the A5 is our No. 1 pick for the Best Luxury Compact Fastback in our Buyer's Guide (and it's the least expensive!). Unfortunately, the A5 Sportback in entry-level Premium guise lacks some driver assist features such as adaptive cruise control and a blind-spot monitoring system. We suppose Audi hopes you'll forgive those missing features in exchange for a leather interior, walnut wood inlays, and pretty styling; you can have that plus nicer features, but you'll pay more.

Cheapest Compact Luxury Fastback: 2022 Audi A5 Sportback ($44,995)

: Outstanding design and quality, good cargo space, quick acceleration

: Somewhat detached driving feel, lacks standard driver assist features, tire noise

Specifications

Base price: $38,690

Engine specs: 2.0L turbo I-4 (201 hp, 236 lb-ft)

Fuel Economy (city/hwy/combined): 26/34/29 mpg

Cheapest Midsize Luxury Sedan: 2022 Lexus ES250 AWD ($42,025)

The 2022 Lexus ES250 AWD could be the best bang for buck on this list for those who prioritize comfort and style over performance. The midsize ES250 is easy to drive and has a very spacious interior with 99.1 cubic feet of passenger volume, plus Lexus' updated touchscreen that makes navigating infotainment much easier than in the previous model. On the other hand, the ES250 isn't a very "spirited" vehicle and doesn't offer much in the way of fun driving dynamics. We found it to be on the slow side. If you want a sportier experience, you might want to look elsewhere. The ES is for the "kick back and relax" crowd.

Cheapest Midsize Luxury Sedan: 2022 Lexus ES250 AWD ($42,025)

: Spacious, high-quality interior, proven Lexus value and reliability

: AWD drags down already slow powertrain, lacks personality and sportiness

Specifications

Base price: $42,025

Engine specs: 2.5L I-4 (203 hp, 184 lb-ft)

Fuel Economy (city/hwy/combined): 25/34/28 mpg

Cheapest Luxury Wagon: 2022 Audi A4 Allroad ($46,595)

Who says a wagon can't be luxurious? These days, in fact, most of the remaining station wagons you can buy live in the luxury space. Not only does the 2022 Audi A4Allroad present as truly luxurious, but it is the cheapest way to get a luxury-branded wagon, just edging out the Volvo V60 Cross Country. The A4 Allroad takes the brisk acceleration and quality interior of an A4 sedan or A5 Sportback and adds copious cargo space and a boxier body. The capacity to ferry extra stuff increases when considering the long roof with included racks. On the downside, the A4 Allroad's suspension doesn't have the smoothest ride quality, and like many base-model Audis, it's missing some driver assistance features as standard equipment.

Cheapest Luxury Wagon: 2022 Audi A4 Allroad ($46,595)

: Quick acceleration, interesting SUV alternative

: Lifted suspension diminishes ride quality, anonymous styling

Specifications

Base price: $46,595

Engine specs: 2.0L turbo I-4 (261 hp, 273 lb-ft)

Fuel Economy (city/hwy/combined): 24/30/26 mpg

Cheapest Midsize Luxury Fastback: 2022 Audi A7 ($70,295)

If you're a fan of four-door fastback coupes then, you have oddly specific tastes. If you're not a fan, then you may want to reconsider. The 2022 Audi A7Quattro is an interesting sedan alternative and a great choice for anyone who wants to spend less than $75K on a luxury vehicle. For all its value and good looks, the A7 isn't perfect. The suspension is a bit too soft for our liking, and the throttle is a tad overzealous. In exchange for those compromises the Audi A7 provides an elegant and practical everyday luxury driving experience.

Cheapest Midsize Luxury Fastback: 2022 Audi A7 ($70,295)

: Sculptural exterior styling, genuine everyday practicality

: Overly soft suspension, jumpy throttle calibration

Specifications

Base price: $70,295

Engine specs: 3.0L turbo V-6 (335 hp, 369 lb-ft)

Fuel Economy (city/hwy/combined): 21/30/24 mpg

Cheapest Full-Size Luxury Sedan: 2022 Genesis G90 3.3T ($76,620)

The 2022 Genesis G90 3.3T is a Korean heavy hitter that has come to shake up a segment dominated by German competitors. The G90 managed to rank #4 Best Luxury Full-Size Sedan in our Buyer's Guide. With a price below $75K the Genesis G90 can hold its own against the Mercedes S-Class, which has a starting price over six figures. The G90 has eye-catching exterior design, rides like a cloud, and has a quiet cabin. On the downside, the interior design is bland compared to other cars in its class. Furthermore, as a new brand, Genesis doesn't have the same level of prestige as its German and Japanese competitors.

Cheapest Full-Size Luxury Sedan: 2022 Genesis G90 3.3T ($76,620)

: Elegant exterior, rides like a limo, affordable for the class

: Uninspiring interior design, subpar infotainment

Specifications

Base price: $76,620

Engine specs: 3.3L twin-turbo V-6 (365 hp, 376 lb-ft)

Fuel Economy (city/hwy/combined): 17/24/19 mpg

Cheapest Electric Luxury Car: 2022 Polestar 2 ($49,800)

The 2022 Polestar 2 single-motor EV is a strange car with even stranger origins. Polestar originally started as Volvo's performance division before it was spun off to produce electric cars. We like its styling, even if it is a bit too close to its Volvo siblings. We're also impressed by its stylishly minimalist vegan interior. With a 0-60 time of 7 seconds, the Polestar 2 isn't exactly quick. However, the single-motor trim has a respectable 270-mile range, and its $49,800 price is hard to beat, especially considering that price is before the $7,500 federal tax break.

Cheapest Electric Luxury Car: 2022 Polestar 2 ($49,800)

: Unique style, intuitive Android-based infotainment, eco-friendly interior

: Stiff, crashy ride, recognizably Volvo, understeer

Specifications

Base price: $49,800

Engine specs: single electric motor (231 hp, 243 lb-ft)

Range: 270 miles

The Cheapest Luxury Cars in 2022

• Cheapest Subcompact Luxury Sedan: 2022 Acura ILX ($28,395)
• Cheapest Compact Luxury Sedan: 2022 Cadillac CT5 ($38,690)
• Cheapest Compact Luxury Fastback: 2022 Audi A5 Sportback ($44,995)
• Cheapest Midsize Luxury Sedan: 2022 Lexus ES250 AWD ($42,025)
• Cheapest Luxury Wagon: 2022 Audi A4 Allroad ($46,595)
• Cheapest Midsize Luxury Fastback: 2022 Audi A7 ($70,295)
• Cheapest Full-Size Luxury Sedan: 2022 Genesis G90 3.3T ($76,620)
• Cheapest Electric Luxury Car: 2022 Polestar 2 ($49,800)