Luxury cars have long symbolized status, sophistication, and engineering perfection.
The average transaction price for a new car in the U.S. was about $48,000 in September, but Kelley Blue Book says you don’t need a six-figure budget to buy a luxury car.
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Most automakers produce luxury cars for less than $50,000 with design, safety, and performance features that rival cars that cost twice as much.
Below are six luxury cars that offer real value for money.
1. Genesis G70
Price: $42,000 to $52,520
The Genesis G70 offers a smooth driving experience and luxurious interior design that sets it apart from many cars in its class. With its agile handling and sporty performance, this compact luxury sedan stands out among the best sedans, primarily due to the attention to detail in its interior.
The G70 features quilted leather seats in your choice of red or tan, and extends to real aluminum and open-pore wood trim that exceeds expectations for the car’s price. The driver-centered cockpit places all controls at arm’s length and focuses on comfort and accessibility.
The advantage of this G70 is that it has an adaptive suspension system that smooths out bumps in Comfort mode. You can also go for a sportier feel while driving in Sport mode.
The vehicle is equipped with Valet Mode, a rare advanced security feature that locks access to personal data and system controls. Genesis’ excellent warranty is matched by few other luxury brands.
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2.Lexus ES
Price: $42,040 – $52,330
The Lexus ES offers a quiet and serene driving experience that sets it apart from other cars. The interior features acoustic glass and extensive soundproofing materials, making it one of the quietest sedans in its class.
The interior of the ES is also super luxurious. The seats are ergonomically designed and available with semi-aniline leather upholstery. The 12.3-inch display is easy to use and responsive thanks to the remote touch interface. One of the standout interior features is the Mark Levinson surround sound stereo, which transforms the cabin into a concert hall with its clear audibility.
In addition to that, the Lexus ES also stands out in terms of safety features such as the standard Lexus Safety System Plus 2.5, pedestrian detection, lane tracing assist, and road sign recognition.
The hybrid model’s superior fuel economy (up to 44 MPG combined) is its biggest differentiator, and this alone makes it a great choice for eco-conscious luxury buyers.
3. Acura TLX
Price: $45,400 to $57,750
The Acura TLX is designed for sport purposes and provides an unforgettable driving experience.
Long, low, and razor-sharp aesthetics give the TLX an athletic feel. The sedan also features a Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system that improves cornering precision and overall stability, delivering superior performance and agility for a smoother driving experience. It will come true.
The Type S is a more powerful TLX with a 355-horsepower turbo V6. It is also equipped with an adaptive damper system that automatically adjusts the suspension according to driving conditions. Unlike many sedans in this price range, the TLX Type S also features performance-oriented Brembo brakes for faster braking.
The TLX’s interior combines high-end materials and superior technology. The driver-focused format utilizes a 10.2-inch display, True Touchpad interface, and available ambient lighting.
4.Kia K5
Price: $26,990 – $34,490
The Kia K5 redefines what is expected from the midsize sedan market with its combination of bold, bold design, high-end features, and affordable pricing.
The exterior features a bold “tiger nose” grille and dynamic LED headlight accents. The K5 has a fastback-inspired roofline and an eye-catching coupe-like sporty silhouette.
The K5’s interior features ventilated front seats, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, and wireless charging capabilities. This GT-trimmed model combines a 290-horsepower engine with a sport-tuned suspension to deliver performance comparable to more expensive cars.
The K5 is equipped with advanced safety features such as driver assistance and forward collision prevention, which is surprisingly comprehensive for its class. The K5 comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which exceeds most luxury brands.
5. Hyundai Sonata
Price: $26,650 – $36,400
The Hyundai Sonata’s technological and innovative construction is nearly unbeatable in its price range.
It has Remote Smart Parking Assist, which allows you to take control of your car when parking in crowded areas and allows you to control everything from the outside using your key fob.
The Sonata’s interior surprises with its clean, thoroughly modern design and premium materials. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a customizable display is available.
The Sonata Hybrid is equipped with a first-in-class solar roof panel that increases driving range from its roof. All these eco-friendly features combine to give the hybrid model a fuel economy of 52 mpg.
Hyundai emphasizes safety with features such as blind-spot view monitors and surround-view camera systems. Seeing how well the Sonata balances advanced technology with everyday practicality is impressive for a car in this class.
6. Volkswagen Arteon
Price: $43,010 – $50,175
The Volkswagen Arteon stands out among its competitors by offering fastback styling and premium European design.
The Arteon has a sleek exterior, with features such as frameless windows and an evocatively sculpted grille. Arteon’s designs aren’t just about aesthetics. It has an aerodynamic shape that improves fuel efficiency and reduces wind noise inside the vehicle.
The Arteon’s interior features a spacious cabin with unique touches such as a driver’s seat massage function and customizable ambient lighting. The 10.25-inch virtual cockpit offers a crisp, configurable display and Kardon premium audio for an immersive experience.
Although Arteon has a luxurious feel, it is also highly practical. The liftback design allows for over 27 cubic feet of cargo space, which is much more spacious than most sedans and many SUVs. This combination of luxury, practicality, and performance makes the Arteon a solid choice for serious buyers.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 luxury cars under $50,000 that feel like they cost twice as much
