10 Most Fuel Efficient Used Luxury Cars

2015-BMW-535d-front-34-white-driving ・ Photo by BMW

There are many reasons to purchase a fuel efficient used luxury car, whether you want to save money on fuel costs, reduce the environmental impact of your actions, or want to help reduce our reliance on foreign oil. There’s a wide array of economical models that fit these criteria, ranging from small to large, from hybrid to diesel-powered and from sporty to sedate, and the expert editorial team at Autobytel has narrowed the selection down to the most economical models so that you don’t have to. Take a look at our list of 10 most fuel efficient used luxury cars (which we've sorted by least to most economical) to see if any of them are right for you.

10) 2014-2015 BMW 535d

The midsize BMW 535d takes the tenth spot on our list of 10 fuel efficient used luxury cars thanks to its diesel engine and 30 mile per gallon combined fuel economy rating. The diesel 5 Series can sprint to 60 miles per hour in 5.5 seconds with the ride and handling you’d expect from a BMW. In fact, with the BMW 535d, you seem to get all the upsides of a diesel motor (like the good fuel economy and stump-pulling torque) without any of the downsides (like slow acceleration and rough running). Expect used 2014 models to start around $27,000 while 2015 models can run up to $55,000.

Photo by BMW

9) 2015 Infiniti Q70 Hybrid

Only marginally less efficient than its smaller sibling, the Q70 has a combined fuel economy rating of 31 miles per gallon. The exterior design is attractive, while the interior is incredibly roomy both front and rear (though, as usual, the hybrid system does steal some trunk space), offering a comfortable alternative to the typical German fare, with a nice design and good materials. Handling is decent and the ride is smooth. Depending on its mileage and condition, a 2015 Q70 Hybrid should set you back anywhere between $36,000 and $43,000. While the Q70 places near the bottom of our list of 10 fuel efficient luxury cars, it's nearly as efficient as some of the small cars currently on the market.

Photo by Infiniti

8) 2014-2015 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid

The compact Infiniti Q50 Hybrid has a combined fuel economy rating of 31 miles per gallon, earning it a spot on our list of fuel efficient luxury cars. With the Q50 Hybrid, you get the same good looks as the regular car, and unlike most of the other cars on this list, you also get plenty of power (and a sub-5-second sprint to 60). The interior is nice but not great, though it is comfortable. Handling is good but never seems particularly engaging, mostly due to the standard Direct Adaptive Steering steer-by-wire system. The going price for a 2014 Q50 Hybrid starts at around $21,000, while a nice 2015 model could set you back around $35,000.

Photo by Infiniti

7) 2014-2015 Mercedes-Benz E250 BlueTEC

The midsize Mercedes-Benz E250 BlueTEC is a diesel-powered luxury sedan that has a combined fuel economy rating of 32 miles per gallon. The diesel’s torque does a good job of getting the car off the line, but once up to speed, it slowly runs out of breath. The E250 strikes a good balance between ride comfort and handling, and all-wheel drive is available. Depending on the mileage, you should be able to find a 2014 model for around $25,000 while a 2015 model will cost significantly more, at up to $40,000. If you’re looking for a used fuel efficient luxury car and would rather avoid the complexities of a hybrid system, the E250 BlueTEC might be the ideal choice.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

6) 2014 Cadillac ELR

The Cadillac ELR is the only plug-in hybrid on our list of fuel efficient luxury cars, with an all-electric range of 37 miles and a combined fuel economy rating of 33 miles per gallon once the juice has run out. The exterior is well-proportioned and the styling is instantly recognizable as a modern Cadillac, while the interior design and materials are very nice indeed. The ride quality is good, but despite its looks, the ELR has no sporting pretensions. If you’re in the market, a 2014 Cadillac ELR should run you somewhere around $30,000. If you don’t need all the luxury, a Chevrolet Volt offers more interior space and better fuel economy for less money.

Photo by General Motors

5) 2014-2015 BMW 328d

The top diesel model on our list of 10 fuel efficient used luxury cars is the midsize BMW 328d. Thanks to the increased energy found in every gallon of diesel fuel, the 328d manages a combined fuel economy rating of 36 miles per gallon without the use of any hybrid technology. Ride, handling, comfort and quality are all up to the BMW standard, and the 328d is anything but slow, capable of reaching 60 miles per hour in around 6.5 seconds. Like most diesels, the BMW holds its value quite well, and 2014 models start at around $24,000 while 2015 models can run up to $35,000.

Photo by BMW

4) 2014 Acura ILX Hybrid

The compact Acura ILX Hybrid earns the fourth spot on our list of 10 fuel efficient hybrid vehicles thanks to a combined fuel economy rating of 38 miles per gallon. The ILX has a good ride and decent, but not particularly sporty handling, while power is acceptable in the city but lackluster on the highway. The interior is attractive and uses nice materials, and though headroom is limited, there's lots of space everywhere else in both the front and rear. Unfortunately, the hybrid system eats up quite a bit of the trunk space. A good 2014 model should cost you anywhere from $18,000 to $24,000 depending on condition, mileage and options.

Photo by Acura

3) 2014-2015 Lexus ES 300h

The Lexus ES 300h hybrid is remarkably efficient for a large car, earning a combined fuel economy rating of 40 miles per gallon. Toyota has become an expert on hybrid cars, and its luxury brand’s ES 300h is no exception, with a quiet and smooth powertrain that can change modes without the driver noticing. The interior is quiet and comfortable and the ride is good, and handling is better than you might expect (though definitely not sports car-like). A nice 2014 model should start at around $24,000, while 2015 models go up to $30,000. If you’re looking for a used fuel efficient luxury car, the Lexus ES 300h might just fit the bill.

Photo by Lexus

2) 2015-2016 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

The next car on our list of 10 fuel efficient used luxury cars is the midsize Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The Lincoln is surprisingly efficient, with a combined city and highway fuel economy rating of 40 miles per gallon. The Lincoln’s exterior styling is retro-modern and the interior is attractive, though with some hard plastics that seem out of place in this price range. The continuously variable transmission does a decent job of making the most of the limited amount of power, but the tradeoff is a loud engine that works hard and lackluster acceleration. A 2015 MKZ Hybrid should run around $18,000, while a 2016 model will come in around $25,000.

Photo by Lincoln

1) 2014-2016 Lexus CT 200h

The most economical car on our list of 10 fuel efficient used luxury cars is the hybrid-powered compact Lexus CT 200h, with a combined fuel economy of 42 miles per gallon. The 2014 model year brought a few styling updates and the CT is an attractive car with a nice interior and excellent fit and finish. Handling is significantly better than in the Prius (a close relative to the CT 200h), especially with the F Sport package, but there isn’t much power to work with and the CT isn’t what you’d call sporty. You should be able to pick up a nice 2014 CT 200h for somewhere starting around $16,000, while a 2016 model will command around $25,000.

Photo by Lexus