If you’re in the market for a premium vehicle, chances are you’re working on a budget north of $100,000. That’s because most top-spec luxury vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class hover around that price point, which is perfectly fine if your bank account allows for a car that costs six figures.

However, with premium car brands expanding their lineups to cater to more segments, it’s now possible to find high-end cars that don’t demand a $100k plus investment, and that’s what this list is all about. But first, what’s considered a luxury car?

What Defines A Luxury Car?

Luxury vehicles are characterized by several key elements distinguishing them from standard offerings. They provide an elevated level of comfort, quality, and refinement that sets them apart from more pedestrian models. This distinction begins with the design and materials used throughout the vehicle. Premium leather and high-grade metals often adorn the interiors to attain that all-important attention to detail.

Technological innovation is another hallmark of luxury cars. These vehicles typically feature the latest safety, entertainment, and connectivity advancements. From adaptive cruise control and advanced driver-assistance systems to high-resolution infotainment screens and premium audio systems, the tech features in luxury cars are supposedly cutting-edge.

Performance is also important, and these vehicles should be engineered for a smooth ride and effortless acceleration. What makes a luxury car truly luxurious is the combination of all these aspects. These elements combined create a pleasurable driving experience for those seeking the finer things in life. This list delves into what we think are the 10 best luxury cars available for under $70,000, proving that sophistication and superior craftsmanship can be both accessible and relatively affordable.

Genesis G80 – $54,400

There may not be many sedans left, but they’re still the go-to body type within the luxury vehicle realm. Among the premium sedans, the Genesis G80 is one of the best, starting at $54,400 for the 2.5T AWD trim. At this price, the South Korean model already has notable convenience features like a hands-free tailgate, advanced driver-assist features, and a huge 14.5-inch infotainment with all the latest connectivity features.

However, a step-up to the 3.5T AWD brings the price tag up to $64,250. This adds a full leather interior, heated/ventilated seats, bigger 19-inch wheels, an electronically controlled suspension with road preview, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 that’s good for 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. This makes this specific G80 one of our best V6 sedans of 2024. To maximize your $70,000 budget, you can get the Sport Advanced package for $67,200. This package adds premium features such as a surround-view monitor, power cushions for the driver, tri-zone climate control, power rear sunshade, Lexicon premium audio system, Genesis Digital Key, and wireless phone charging – all for under $70,000.

BMW X3 – $46,900

At $46,900, the BMW X3, in its rear-wheel-drive sDrive30i trim, has more than enough room to add luxurious options such as leather seats, premium driving aids, heated seats, heads-up display, and panoramic sunroof to BMW’s compact Sports Activity Vehicle. The 248 hp and 258 lb-ft coming from the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder may sound faint, but it’s enough to catapult the X3 from 0-60 mph in just 6 seconds. This base variant already comes with attractive 19-inch Ferric Gray wheels, active driving assistant, active blind spot detection, lane departure warning, frontal collision warning with city collision mitigation, and sports seats.

The X3’s low starting price also provides a wiggle room to go for the higher M40i trim, which is powered by a TwinPower turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder that puts out 382 hp and 369 lb-ft. At $61,900, this higher trim level still has room for premium options like navigational aids, posh seats, a parking assistance package, and professional driving aids while still keeping the price within the $70,000 budget. Now that the new model has been unveiled, you can also haggle with dealerships to get an even better price on the outgoing model.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class – $62,300

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan is a luxury sedan worth looking at if you’re shopping for below $70,000. The E 350 4Matic starts at $62,300, which already comes with adaptive damping and a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that sends 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels. You still have money to spend on the leather package ($800) and the Multicontour Seating Package ($2,950), which adds front seats with massage, ventilated/rapid-heating front seats, heated front armrests, and Air Balance cabin air purification and fragrance system.

Even better, the more powerful E 450 4Matic trim starts at $68,100, which means you get the 375-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six without exceeding the $70,000 budget.

Audi S5 Sportback/Coupe – $57,500

The Audi A5 is already an attractive option among compact luxury vehicles, but going for the more powerful S5 still falls within the $70,000 mark. Even better, you’re practically paying the same price whether you go for the four-door S5 Sportback or the two-door S5 Coupe, with the former only more expensive by $300. Both are powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder, producing 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

The base S5 TFSI Premium trim has 19-inch wheels, Matrix-design LED headlights, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, and leather upholstery. However, the top-spec TFSI Prestige trim, at $64,900, ensures your S5 is fully loaded, equipped with a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, Audi’s proprietary laser lights, animation for the front and rear lights, a heads-up display, parking assistance, and navigation. The catch? A new S5 Sportback is already underway, but you must wait a few more years before that model reaches America.

Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing – $61,495

The Cadillac CT4-V starts below $50,000, but if you want the best compact V-Series sedan, the CT4-V Blackwing is still within the $70,000 budget at $61,495. This price tag is for the row-your-own-gear version, while the one equipped with the 10-speed automatic sells for $64,670. Whichever you choose, the primary selling point of the CT4-V Blackwing is its powerful engine, specifically its 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 472 hp and 445 lb-ft of torque.

Apart from the sonorous mill, that money also gets you magnetic ride control, an electronic limited-slip differential, Brembo high-performance front and rear brakes, front bucket seats, a sporty steering wheel, an AKG 15-speaker surround system, and a full set of safety features to go with the sedan’s high-octane performance. Basically, you get two cars for the price of one. Thanks to Caddy’s magnetic ride control, this car can be smooth most of the time, but ultra firm when you need it to be.

Lexus IS 500 – $58,870

The Lexus IS is quite inexpensive, with a price tag of only under $50,000. But just like the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing above, you don’t need to break the bank to get the top-spec version – specifically the Lexus IS 500, with a base price of $58,870. Armed with a burbling natural aspirated 5.0-liter V8, the IS 500 makes an astonishing 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque.

But go for the F Sport Performance Premium trim at $63,370, and you’ll get a 10.3-inch touchscreen display with a navigation system, triple-beam LED headlamps, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound setup. Available options without breaching $70,000 include NuLuxe leather upholstery and 19-inch BBS forged alloy wheels.

It’s not as hardcore as a full-fat M or AMG model, and all the better for it. It’s perfectly comfortable on a daily basis, but more than capable of having some fun when carving canyons.

Land Rover Range Rover Velar – $61,500

For a budget of $70,000, it’s surprising to see a Land Rover on this list, but the Range Rover Velar fits the bill. With a base MSRP of $61,500, the Velar S trim already comes with notable features like 19-inch wheels, auto high-beam assist, Meridian premium sound system, 14-way driver memory front seats, grained leather upholstery, and an interactive driver display. At this price, you also get a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes a respectable 247 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque.

But if you don’t mind going over your budget by a mere $600, the Range Rover Velar Dynamic SE with the P400 engine option should get you the mild hybrid 3.0-liter turbo inline-six mill, which makes 395 hp and 406 lb-ft torque.

Acura MDX – $50,150

The Acura MDX starts at $50,150 for the 2024 model year, and that’s for the front-wheel-drive variant powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 that makes 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. This base model already has a high-definition 12.3-inch center display, panoramic sunroof, heated side mirrors, powered seat adjustments, ambient LED cabin lighting, and advanced driver-assist features.

But if you want more power, the Acura MDX is available in Type S AWD trim for $68,450. This model has adaptive air suspension, Brembo brakes, an ELS Studio 3D premium audio system with 16 speakers, and a snazzier exterior outside. But more importantly, the MDX Type S is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, producing up to 355 hp and 354 lb-ft. However, this will change for the 2025 model year, as the more powerful MDX will only be available in the Type S Advance package at nearly $75,000. Like we mentioned before, the existence of a new updated model gives you more room to negotiate with dealers for any 2024 model year cars they may have in stock.

BMW 5 Series – $57,900

In its latest generation this year, the BMW 5 Series starts at below $60,000 for the base RWD 530i. The 5er gets the base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder at this price point, good for 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It also has the anthracite headliner, moonroof, wireless charging, and active driving assistant, while leather upholstery and other more advanced tech features are available for an added premium.

The more powerful 540i xDrive starts at $64,900, headlined by its 3.0-liter turbo inline-six, which produces 375 hp and 398 lb-ft. You can also opt for the full-electric version, which starts at $70,100, just a hair over our limit.

Mazda CX-90 PHEV – $49,945

The Mazda CX-90 PHEV may look like a wildcard on this list, but we believe it blurs the line between mainstream and luxury segments. With a starting price of $49,945 for the Preferred, it fits right into our budget, though its premium features may have undercut other genuine luxury car brands on this list. At that price, it already has radar cruise control, a glass moonroof, and other amenities you’ll normally find on premium makes.

However, going for the top-spec Premium Plus trim at $57,450 won’t be a bad idea as it will give you even more upscale features like a 12-speaker Bose surround sound system, Nappa leather upholstery, active driving display with traffic sign recognition, heated/ventilated seats, and captain’s seats on the second row.

Traditional shoppers may not see Mazda as a premium brand, but they simply need to experience the latest models. Two years ago, Mazda announced that it wants to become a luxury brand, and it’s definitely well on its way to achieving that goal.