You don't need $100k to enjoy a luxury car. There are many excellent affordable luxury cars for sale under $40,000 that deliver style, performance, comfort and premium features without busting your budget.
This guide covers the best luxury cars on sale that you can buy while keeping the sticker price under $40k. From sporty coupes to family-friendly SUVs, these affordable luxury cars prove you can have refinement and excitement even on a budget.
Compact Luxury Sedans Under $40k
Compact luxury sedans offer agile handling, premium cabins and powerful turbocharged engines, all without sky-high prices. Here are the top affordable options:
Car Starting MSRP Highlights Audi A3 $33,300 Sporty driving dynamics, elegant interior BMW 2 Series $36,600 Punchy engine, agile moves, excellent fit and finish Genesis G70 $35,895 Potent engines, value-packed features, high safety scores
Audi A3
The Audi A3 combines elegance and agility in a polished compact luxury sedan starting at just $33,300. Standard highlights include:
● Turbocharged 2.0L engine with 228hp
● Quattro all-wheel drive
● Leather upholstery
● Panoramic sunroof
● Audi smartphone interface with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
The A3 glides through corners with sporty handling and provides a hushed, upscale cabin to pamper both driver and passengers. Reviewers praise the A3's nimble performance and refined interior that punches above its price class. The A3 proves you can get genuine luxury thrills in an affordable package.
BMW 2 Series
Starting at $36,600, the rear-wheel drive BMW 2 Series coupe brings the ultimate driving machine within reach. You'll get a turbocharged 2.0L 248hp engine sending power to the rear wheels, sporty handling and steering, automatic climate control, power front seats, and adaptive cruise control.
Test drivers praise the 2 Series for its eagerness to rev and nimble moves on twisty roads. The elegant exterior pairs nicely with excellent fit and finish inside the cabin. Opt for the 230i to get BMW's silky-smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. The M240i amps up performance further with a 382hp turbo inline-6. BMW packs tremendous driving enjoyment into this affordable package.
Genesis G70
This sporty sedan from Hyundai's luxury brand delivers strong value from just $35,895. The G70 impresses with two engine choices: a turbo 2.0L 4-cylinder (252hp) or a potent twin-turbo 3.3L V6 (365hp). You also get rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, leather seats, a generous set of driver assistance tech, and stellar crash test scores.
Reviewers laud the G70's punchy engines, dynamic handling, upscale cabin, and thoughtful features. It's among the highest-ranked cars in its class and won the 2019 MotorTrend Car of the Year award. The G70 proves you don't have to overspend to get luxury treated right.
Sporty Luxury Coupes Under $40k
These sharply styled 2-door coupes deliver luxury with an extra dose of driving passion for less than $40k.
Car Starting MSRP Highlights Kia Stinger $33,090 Powerful engines, value-packed features, standout style Infiniti Q60 $41,250 Smooth V6, well-equipped cabin, eye-catching looks Lexus RC 300 $42,300 V6 power, unparalleled reliability, elegant interior
Kia Stinger
The head-turning Kia Stinger fastback coupe brings performance and panache from just $33,090. Notable features include:
● Turbocharged 2.0L engine (255hp) or twin-turbo 3.3L V6 (365hp)
● Available AWD
● Sport-tuned suspension
● GT2 trim adds quilted leather seats, sunroof, premium audio
● Large cargo area
For its price, the value-packed Stinger provides exhilarating acceleration combined with exotic supercar styling. It shatters expectations of what a Kia can be. The potent V6 Stinger can hit 60 mph in under 5 seconds - rivaling some six-figure supercars.
Infiniti Q60
The Infiniti Q60 brings standout style and performance to this price segment, with prices starting from $41,250. Noteworthy elements include:
● 300hp turbocharged V6 engine (Optional 400hp V6 on higher trims)
● Slick 8-speed automatic transmission
● Intuitive dual touchscreen interface
● Drive mode selector
● Leatherette seating
● 19" alloy wheels
For the money, the Q60 provides an exceptionally rewarding drive experience paired with technology and interior trimmings rivaling pricier competitors. Reliability ratings are also better than key German luxury brands. Offering luxury, thrills and everyday livability, the Q60 coupe represents strong value.
Lexus RC 300
The athletic Lexus RC 300 coupe starts at $42,300 and comes packed with:
● 241hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
● Smooth 8-speed automatic transmission
● Lexus Safety System+ technologies
● Leatherette NuLuxe seats
● Available all-wheel drive
● Unparalleled Lexus reliability
Reviewers praise the RC 300 for its nimble handling, luxurious cabin materials, standout styling and bulletproof build quality. It's an excellent affordable option for those seeking luxury performance with confidence.
Practical Sedans Under $40k
These roomy yet affordable luxury sedans balance driving enjoyment with space for family and cargo.
Car Starting MSRP Highlights Acura TLX $38,525 Sporty V6, ample room, robust tech features Genesis G80 $47,700 Potent V6, premium details, industry-leading warranty Volvo S60 $38,000 Efficient turbo engine, ample safety tech, minimalist Scandanavian design
Acura TLX
The Acura TLX packs excitement and value in a practical package, with prices starting around $38,525. Highlights include:
● 290hp V6 engine with available all-wheel drive
● Roomy cabin and spacious trunk
● Wide array of tech features like a 10-speaker ELS Studio audio system
● Ample passenger room and comfortable front seats
● Good predicted reliability and owner satisfaction
The TLX provides a pleasing blend of power, comfort, and quality with low running costs. It's an affordable midsize sedan that truly delivers on the luxury promise.
Genesis G80
This midsize luxury sedan from Hyundai's upscale Genesis brand starts at $47,700, marginally above $40k but worthy of inclusion. Reasons to consider the value-packed G80:
● 300hp turbocharged V6 engine
● Generous rear seat legroom
● Quilted Nappa leather seats
● Industry-leading 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty
● Advanced safety features like blind spot monitoring and surround view parking camera
The G80 surrounds occupants with premium details like matte wood trim and ambient lighting. Reviewers praise its potent V6 power, placid ride quality, and interior fit and finish that rivals the Europeans. Yet it costs thousands less than comparable BMW, Mercedes and Audi models.
Volvo S60
Volvo's S60 sedan starts around $38,000 and emphasizes value, safety, and minimalist style:
● 250hp turbocharged engine delivers brisk acceleration
● City Safety system can automatically brake to avoid collisions
● Elegant, uncluttered interior design
● Large 9" Sensus touchscreen display
● Generous rear seat legroom
The S60 provides an intriguing blend of performance, luxury, and safety. Combining sporty driving dynamics with Scandinavian elegance inside and out, the Volvo S60 satisfies those seeking sensible indulgence.
Sportback Luxury Cars Under $40k
These gorgeous fastback-style hatchbacks fuse sports car flair with everyday usefulness for less than $40k.
Car Starting MSRP Highlights Kia Stinger $33,090 365hp twin-turbo V6, exotic styling, practical hatchback Audi A5 Sportback $43,000 Sophisticated driving manners, elegant interior, ample cargo room
Kia Stinger
Covered earlier among the coupes, the Kia Stinger fastback also deserves mention for its practical hatchback body style. The $33,090 base model comes with a 255hp turbocharged engine. Step up to the 365hp twin-turbo V6 for blistering performance under $40k. With its exotic looks and affordable price, the Stinger redefines expectations for a practical luxury car.
Audi A5 Sportback
The sleek Audi A5 Sportback provides a tantalizing mix of style, driving enjoyment and functionality. With prices starting around $43,000, it slightly exceeds our $40k budget but deserves a look if you can stretch a bit. Reasons to love this sporty hatchback include:
● Sophisticated road manners and composed handling
● Luxuriously finished cabin with excellent materials
● Capable turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
● More practical than the A5 Coupe with rear hatch cargo access
● Sharp, sweeping "Sportback" body style
The A5 Sportback retains the grace and refinement Audi is known for while adding space for passengers and cargo. It's for those seeking everyday livability augmented by luxury thrills.
Compact Luxury SUVs Under $40k
These small luxury crossovers deliver cargo versatility and premium features for less than $40,000.
Car Starting MSRP Highlights Acura RDX $39,300 272hp V6, SH-AWD, excellent safety scores Volvo XC40 $35,100 Posh interior, standard safety technologies, fun to drive Lexus UX $34,000 Ultra-reliable, high-end cabin materials, nimble handling
Acura RDX
The athletic Acura RDX crossover starts at $39,300 and comes loaded with:
● 272hp V6 engine with available SH-AWD
● Ample cargo room
● Premium ELS Studio 3D audio system
● Complete suite of advanced safety tech
● Top safety scores from IIHS and NHTSA
Reviewers praise the RDX's potent acceleration, agile handling, and upscale, comfortable cabin. It's an affordable compact luxury SUV that delivers on performance, luxury, and safety.
Volvo XC40
Volvo's entry-level XC40 SUV brings Scandinavian luxury design from just $35,100. Notable elements include:
● Punchy turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (optional plug-in hybrid available)
● Minimalist, uncluttered cabin design
● Large Sensus touchscreen with intuitive interface
● Standard advanced safety features like collision avoidance
● Fun driving dynamics with sporty handling
The XC40 provides a distinctly European take on luxury, emphasizing elegant design, safety, and a sensible driving experience. It's an affordable ticket into the prestige of Volvo ownership.
Lexus UX
The smallest Lexus crossover starts at $34,000 and rewards owners with:
● Agile handling and smooth ride quality
● High-end cabin materials and construction
● Lexus' unbeatable reputation for quality and reliability
● Available all-wheel drive
● Standard advanced safety features
Though petite in size, the UX delivers big on luxury. Reviewers praise its cushy, whisper-quiet interior and blend of nimble driving dynamics with Lexus refinement. The UX is an ultra-reliable luxury crossover at an affordable price.
Summary - Best Affordable Luxury Cars Under $40k
This wide selection of polished yet affordable luxury cars proves you don't need to spend a fortune to treat yourself to refinement, performance, and premium features. From practical family sedans to sports coupes to compact SUVs, there's an affordable luxury model to satisfy nearly any taste.
Which amazing luxury car for under $40k most tempts you? For exciting amenities and refinement on a budget, these models deliver luxury without the huge price tag.
