10 Entry-Level Luxury Vehicles For 2015

2015 bmw 328 ・ Photo by BMW

Entry-level luxury cars may seem like an oxymoron, but they are one of the most popular segments in the automotive marketplace. Having the nameplate and pedigree of some of the most prestigious automakers means these models get the technology, driving dynamics, and of course the cachet of the automaker. We decided to look at the entry-level luxury class of 2015 and pick our favorites under $40,000.

Audi A3

The 2015 Audi A3 says good-bye to hatchback shape that the previous model came with and hello to a sedan body style. The overall shape is very similar to other Audi sedans, notably the A4 and A6. Dimension-wise, the A3 is around the same size as the A4 from the late nineties. Inside, the A3 takes a modern approach with minimal controls throughout and high-quality materials throughout. Three engines are available on the A3: a 1.8 TFSI four-cylinder, 2.0L TFSI, and 2.0L TDI. Audi's quattro system is an option for the 2.0 TFSI, while the 1.8 and 2.0 TDI stick with front-wheel drive. With a base price of $29,900 for the A3 Premium with the 1.8, it's easy to see how it made our list.

BMW 228i

The BMW 1-Series was a perennial favorite of many enthusiasts since it brought superior driving dynamics in a small coupe. The new 2-Series plans to continue that tradition. While many have their hearts set on the M 235i, sadly it isn't on our list since the base price is over $40,000. Instead, we picked the 228i which is a worthy contender in its own right. First is the 2.0L TwinPower four-cylinder which delivers 240 horsepower and up 36 MPG on the highway. Throw in an excellent eight-speed automatic or no-cost six-speed manual and excellent chassis, and you have a driver's delight. If you dream about having a M 235i, you'll be happy to know BMW does offer a package on the 228i which adds certain suspension components and brakes from the M 235i. Not bad for a model that has a starting price of $32,100.

BMW 320i

You want a fun to drive luxury sedan, but price is a huge concern. Then a BMW 320i may be your answer. The 320i comes with a 2.0L TwinPower four-cylinder that makes 180 horsepower and goes through either a eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual to the rear wheels. Optional is BMW's excellent xDrive all-wheel drive system. You still get an excellent chassis and steering system which makes the 320i a joy to drive along your favorite road. Also, you have number of options to make a 320 very much your own. A 320i starts off at $32,750.

Buick Regal

What is a Buick doing on our list you might be wondering? Well the Regal represents an interesting alternative to the usual German and Japanese suspects in the entry-level luxury class. Under the sleek European design is a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder with 259 horsepower and 295 pound-feet. This goes through a six-speed automatic to either the front wheels or optional all-wheel drive system. Standard equipment is generous with an eight-way power driver's seat, backup camera, Buick Intellilink, and eight air bags. Price? The Regal starts off at $29,690.

Lexus CT 200h

You want a luxury car, but need some practicality with it. Then the Lexus CT 200h maybe a perfect choice. The CT 200h only comes in a hatchback which means its perfect for moving people and their stuff with ease. Lexus did some design tweaks to the CT 200h to help bring it up to date with their current design language, including a new grille which makes it look like a relative to the Predator. Power comes from Lexus' Hybrid Drive which produces a total output of 134 horsepower, which means you have to work the CT a bit. The upside is 42 MPG on the combined cycle. It doesn't hurt that CT 200h is also a fine handler in the curves. A CT 200h begins at $32,050.

Photo by Lexus

Lexus IS 250

The Lexus IS family is departure from what most people think of the brand as being quiet and soft luxury cars. The IS put more emphasis on sporty driving. Lexus made some dramatic changes a couple years back with the IS, giving a more aggressive and distinctive look. Inside, the IS gets a revised interior which continues the aggressive personality of the exterior. Because of pricecap, we recommend the IS 250 which begins at $36,550 and comes with a 2.5L V6. The 2.5 is somewhat pokey, but gets better gas mileage when compared to the IS350. Also, the IS 250 retains the great handling dynamics of the previous models.

Lincoln MKZ 2.0 EcoBoost and Hybrid

Lincoln has been on a comeback tour and leading the charge is the MKZ sedan. The MKZ is a very striking sedan to look at with such items as the dual-wing grille, distinctive character line, and a fastback roofline. The interior comes nicely appointed with MyLincolnTouch, leather seats, and a push-button transmission. For our $40,000 price cap, we recommend either getting the 2.0L EcoBoost or Hybrid model. The 2.0 EcoBoost makes 240 horsepower and comes equipped with a six-speed automatic. The Hybrid model uses a Hybrid system with 188 horsepower and gets 38 MPG combined. The MKZ starts off at $34,190 for the 2.0 EcoBoost, and $35,190 for the MKZ Hybrid.

Mercedes-Benz CLA250

Do you dream of one day having a Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class sitting in your driveway, but the price is considerably too high for comfort? Then a Mercedes-Benz CLA250 is your next best choice. The CLA is a shunk-down version of the CLS, which means it features a similar four-door coupe style and short overhangs for the front and rear. Inside, Mercedes-Benz is trying to be hip with a distinctive design that includes aluminum trim and a power front sport seats. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.1L four-cylinder with 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed dual clutch transmission gets all of that power to the front wheels. The base price for the CLA250 starts at $29,900.

Volkswagen CC 2.0T

You might not think of Volkswagen as being able to offer an entry-level luxury car considering this is the company sells the Jetta and Golf. But the CC (Comfort Coupe) makes a compelling case for itself. To start, the CC is one of the best looking Volkswagens in awhile with a sleek shape and distinctive coupe roofline. Moving inside, the CC is equipped nicely with quality materials, navigation, backup camera, and dual-zone climate control. A turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder delivers 200 horsepower and can be paired to either a six-speed manual or dual-clutch gearbox. A V6 is also available, but because of its $42,895 starting price, we're sticking with the turbo. The 2.0T is also good on gas with fuel economy ratings of 21 City and 32 Highway. The CC starts off at $32,495.

Volvo S60 T5 Drive-E

The Volvo S60 is a hidden gem in the entry-level luxury car marketplace because most people still think of Volvo as something their parents or college professors would drive. The Swedish automaker has been doing its best to remove that reputation and the S60 plays a key role in that. First off are the looks. This doesn't look like it came from flat-pack furniture box. Sleek lines, a distinctive front and rear end treatment, and a number of wheel options make the S60 quite the standout. The inside is tastefully done with aluminum and leather throughout, and set of comfortable leather chairs. Under the hood is a new turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder which part of Volvo's new Drive-E engine family. The engine produces 240 horsepower and 258 pound-feet. This is paired to a six-speed automatic. The S60 T5 Drive-E kicks off at $33,750.