Luxury on a Budget: Top 3 Picks for High-End Cars Under $40k

Around $35,000 to $39,000
With a reasonable price range
What are some cost-effective luxury cars?

Consumer expectations for luxury car models are high. When choosing a luxury car, consumers consider many factors, such as high quality, stable ride comfort, safety, and design. As many conditions must be met, the average price is also high. There are quite a few models with prices well over $70,000.

However, some car brands manage to meet these expectations to a certain degree while maintaining more reasonable prices, thus catching the eye of consumers. This article will explore three types of luxury cars priced between approximately $35,000 and $39,000.

The Cadillac CT4, a midsize sedan with a sleek, low-profile

The first is Cadillac’s midsize sedan CT4, which starts at $35,990. The powertrain is equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline turbo engine, delivering a maximum output of 237 horsepower and a maximum torque of 35.7 kgf.m. The 2.7-liter 4-cylinder gasoline turbo engine produces a higher performance of 309 horsepower and 48.1 kgf.m but is provided as an option in the upper trim, Premium Luxury, and is standard in the CT4-V trim.

In the case of the base model, it operates in rear-wheel drive with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive is provided as an option. The body size is 4,755 mm (187.2 inches) in length, 1,815 mm (71.5 inches) in width, 1,425 mm (56.1 inches) in height, and a wheelbase of 2,775 mm (109.3 inches), making it a sporty configuration with a low height compared to the long length. On the other hand, the exterior features luxurious design elements by applying elements such as Cadillac’s unique shield-shaped grille and vertical DRL.

The Audi Q3, a compact SUV with an improved interior

Next is Audi’s compact SUV Q3, which starts at $38,595. In the case of the 40 TFSI Quattro, the 4-cylinder gasoline turbo engine generates a maximum output of 186 horsepower and a maximum torque of 30.5 kgf.m. It is combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission and operates as a four-wheel drive. The body size is 4,485 mm (176.6 inches) in length, 1,850 mm (72.8 inches) in width, 1,620 mm (63.8 inches) in height, and 2,680 mm (105.5 inches) in wheelbase. Although the interior space is not spacious, the length has increased compared to the first-generation model, and the second-row legroom space has been expanded, making up for the shortcomings.

The rough interior was also neatly cleaned up in the second-generation model. The 8.8-inch MMI infotainment system is applied as standard, and a 10.1-inch display is available. The interior materials were changed to be more luxurious, and convenience was improved by arranging various buttons in a horizontal layout on the center fascia. Although it has the lowest price range in Audi’s lineup, it also has the advantage of having Audi’s family look. The trapezoidal grille, sharp headlamps, and large air ducts create a luxurious yet sporty look on the exterior.

The Lexus UX Hybrid with excellent fuel efficiency

The last is the compact SUV Lexus UX Hybrid. The price starts at $36,690. In the case of the powertrain, it operates as a hybrid system that combines a 4-cylinder gasoline naturally aspirated engine and an electric motor. It produces a total system output of 183 horsepower and a maximum torque of 19.2 kgf.m, providing sufficient power in everyday driving areas. A CVT transmission is combined here to drive front-wheel drive, and four-wheel drive is provided as an option.

The biggest strength is the high fuel efficiency of the hybrid system. According to EPA standards, the front-wheel drive model was certified for fuel efficiency of 18.3 km per liter (43.0 mpg) in the city and 17.4 km per liter (40.9 mpg) on the highway. The body size is 4,495 mm (177.0 inches) in length, 1,840 mm (72.4 inches) in width, 1,520 mm (59.8 inches) in height, and a wheelbase of 2,640 mm (103.9 inches). In the interior, leather materials are applied here and there to add a sense of luxury, and neat stitching and non-clunky plastic materials are used.