10 Luxury cars you can actually buy

Since the dawn of the automotive era, owning a high-end car has been one of the simpler markers of one’s wealth and social standing. There was a time when merely owning a car meant you had a full coffer. Then there was a time when owning a really expensive car defined that standard for luxury, which was followed by the trend of owning rare or handcrafted vehicles. In a more modern sense, the term luxury car has been redefined to mean a car that offers a spacious and well-upholstered interior with acres of leg space as well as an ample boot. Premium trims, top-end gadgetry, as well as a well-tuned engine that can perform not only on the speedometer but also on fuel economy as well as emissions standards also define automotive luxury for the modern buyer. For this generation of buyers, a luxury car does not necessarily need to come with an expensive price tag, and the following compilation presents to you the best luxury cars on the market right now that offer you all the benefits of much higher priced top end cars for a more cost-effective price.

Low cost luxury vehicles

1. Audi A4

Audi A4

Product description:

Highly competitive within its class, the Audi A4 underwent an extensive redesign on its last model and the resultant vehicle is Audi's lethal combo of style and substance, that is a versatile and spirited mainstay. Offered as a wagon (Avant) or a sedan after the cabriolet body style was discontinued, the Audi A4 gets an optional FrontTrak front-wheel drive for the sedans though most models still run on the Quattro all-wheel drive system that made the Audi legendary in the first place.

Product USP:

The Audi A4 comes powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder FSI direct fuel injection2.0-liter engine that outputs 211-hp. The Audi A4 is offered with a choice of transmission options including a Multitronic CVT, and a Tiptronic manual shift mode-enabled six-speed automatic as well as a standard six-speed manual transmission. The standard trim on each A4 is called the Premium package which features an auxiliary input jack, satellite radio, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a power sunroof. Available for all variants, the optional Premium Plus package gets you features like iPod integration-enabled Audi Music Interface, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, a universal garage door opener from Homelink, three-zone climate control, heated front seats, LED tail lamps, and Xenon Plus headlamps.

Pros:

1. The new Audi A4 comes with a Driver Assist package that is also available for Quattro models, and features a rear backup camera and a blind spot sensor.
2. Optional rear side-impact airbags and a tire pressure monitor are bundled in with more standard safety gear on the A4 which comes with front side-impact airbags, brake assist, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, traction control systems, electronic stability control systems as well as overhead curtain airbags for both rear and front passengers.
3. An optional Prestige package for the Quattro models of the Audi A4 gets you a premium sound system from Bang & Olufsen, voice-activated navigation, a DVD player, Advanced Key passive entry/start as well as 18-inch alloy wheels.

2. Acura TSX

Acura TSX

Product Description

Redesigned in 2009, the Acura TSX is a muscular car that offers users premium safety features, enhanced convenience and comfort that is complemented by style and efficiency which make the sporty sedan’s performance standout from the competition. Fitted with an electric power steering system, the Acura TSX offers great handling which is complemented by its satisfying blend premium appearance and an enhanced modern cabin.

Product USP

The Acura TSX offers users a choice of engine options: a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual transmission that outputs 201-hp and a 3.5-liter V6 engine that is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission and outputs 280-hp. The front-wheel driven Acura TSX comes with Bluetooth wireless connectivity from HandsFreeLink, a satellite radio, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power moon-roof, as well as Xenon HID (High-Intensity Discharge) headlamps. Exclusive suspension tuning and 18-inch alloy wheels are the standard features on the 3.5-liter model while the 2.4-liter model gets 17-inch alloy wheels.

Pros

1. Steering wheel paddles and a SportShift-enabled auto transmission is offered with the 4-cylinder engine.
2. Also offered as an option is a Technology Package that comes with an upgraded climate control system, an upgraded audio system, integrated rearview camera parking assist, and a voice activated navigation system.
3. New active anti-whiplash front head restraints, overhead curtain airbags front side-impact airbags, traction control-enabled Vehicle Stability Assist, and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes make up the standard safety-enhancing features on the Acura TSX.

3. Volvo C30

Volvo C30

Product description:

With room for four comfortable passengers, a well appointed interior and unique styling, the Volvo C30 comes packed with a variety of technology and safety features. The premium hatchback is offered with a Premier Plus and a Platinum trim on the T5 and T5 R-Design variants. The Volvo C30 is propelled by a turbocharged inline-five-cylinder 2.5-liter engine that outputs 227-hp and comes mated to an optional five-speed Geartronic automatic trans or a standard six-speed manual.

Product USP:

Depending on the trim level, the standard features on the Volvo C30 include a navigation system, a premium sound system, LED daytime running lights, driver memory, power front seats, leather seating, rear armrest, vehicle alarm, audio streaming, HD radio, and cruise control.

Pros:

1. Electronic stability control, side-impact protection, whiplash protection, seatbelt pre-tensioners, and six airbags make up the safety features on the Volvo C30 which are at par with the excellent standards that a Volvo is expected to come packed with.
2. Premier Plus and Platinum trims are the new packages and equipment levels for the 2012 Volvo C30.

4. Saab 9-3

Saab 9-3

Product description:

Fitted with powerful turbocharged engines and boasting of progressive Scandinavian design, the sporty and dynamic Saab 9-3 is an award-winning and versatile luxury car that caters to buyers in all segments. Offered as a four-door wagon called the SportCombi, a soft-top two-door Convertible, as well as a four-door Sport Sedan, the Saab 9-3 also offers a new XWD all-wheel drive system as well as front-wheel drive options on its models.

Product USP:

The Saab 9-3 is offered in two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that is a part of the 2.0T trim that is offered with a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission and outputs 210-hp, and the 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 engine on the Aero trim that comes with an option of a being mated to a standard six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission with shifter paddles fitted on the wheel and outputs 280-hp.

Pros:

1. Anti-whiplash Active Head Restraints and front and side airbags make up the standard safety features on the Saab 9-3.
2. Rollover protection, side airbag head extensions, and side curtain airbags are offered on the Convertible, the SportCombi, and the Sport Sedan.
3. Both trims of the Saab 9-3 SportCombi and Sport Sedan are offered with XWD systems.

5. Audi A3

Audi A3

Product description:

With its unique combination of fuel economy, around-town usefulness, long-haul friendliness, exquisite sensibilities, and open-road dynamism, the Audi A3 is example of the class-leading contemporary features that the popular luxury car promises each buyer.

Product USP:

The Audi A3 is powered by either a 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged (2.0T) four-cylinder gas engine; or a 140-hp 2.0-liter turbo-diesel (TDI) engine. The 2.0T comes standard with a six-speed manual or optional automatic S-tronic transmission that allows manual selection of gears. The only choice with the TDI is the S-tronic. Quattro all-wheel drive is also available with the 2.0T engine, but then your only transmission choice is the S-tronic.

Pros:

1. Dual-zone automatic climate control, satellite radio, light and rain sensors, and Bluetooth phone connectivity make up the cabin gadgetry in the Audi A3.
2. Optional rear side-impact airbags are offered with standard passenger safety gear like electronic stability control, active front head restraints, and curtain, front, and side airbags.
3. Bumpers and rear spoiler from the former S line package are now standard equipment on the Audi A3.

6. Lexus IS 250

Lexus IS 250

Product description:

Fun and quick to drive, the Lexus IS F 250 is a high-performance compact sport sedan that is fitted with advanced electronic stability control system and a balanced chassis. The cost-effective luxury sports sedan comes in all-wheel and RWD configurations.

Product USP:

Powered by a 2.5-liter V6, the Lexus IS F 250 displaces 204 hp and comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission for the all-wheel drive variant while the RWD variant gets an optional F-1 inspired paddle-shifters-fitted six-speed automatic or a standard six-speed manual trans. Also offered as an option on the Lexus IS F 250 is a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission-fitted 5.0-liter V8 that goes from 0-60 mph in under five seconds and outputs 416-horsepower.

Pros:

1. Front-passenger and driver knee airbags make up the standard safety features on the Lexus IS F 250.
2. Other standard equipment includes Traction control, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, ABS, and aluminum four-piston calipers on the four-wheel discs brakes.
3. Safety Connect XM satellite radio, Bluetooth, a USB jack, and foldable rear headrests are also available on the Lexus IS F 250.

7. Infiniti G37

Infiniti G37

Product description:

Offered in Sport 6MT, Journey, and Base trims, the luxurious and quiet Infiniti G37 comes with more horsepower and continues in the vein of the G series heritage thanks to its abounding curves and aggressive yet subtle styling that makes the rear-wheel drive car attractive in terms of both design and performance.

Product USP:

Depending on model, the smooth, powerful 3.7-liter V6 engine on the Infiniti G37 outputs 325/330 horsepower and if offered with a choice between a six-speed manual as well as a new seven-speed automatic transmission.

Pros:

1. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, traction control, and six airbags make up the standard safety features on the Infiniti G37.
2. Bose sound-fitted upgraded audio system and an intelligent cruise control system are optional add-ons for the Infiniti G37.
3. A folding hardtop convertible is also offered as an option for the Infiniti G37.

8. Hyundai Genesis

Hyundai Genesis

Product description:

Offering the luxury appointments of much more expensive cars for a fraction of their price tags, the Hyundai Genesis sedan is four-door luxury-oriented vehicle that takes on heavy-hitting established competition with ease.

Product USP:

Offered in a choice of 4.6-liter premium fuel V8 that outputs 375-hp and a 3.8-liter V6 displacing 290-hp, the Hyundai Genesis sedan is rear-wheel driven with a manual sequential shift-enabled six-speed automatic transmission.

Pros:

1. Panic brake assist, stability control, and traction control are included in the mechanical safety features of the Hyundai Genesis sedan.
2. A tire pressure monitor, whiplash protection-fitted electronic active front headrests, and airbags provide safety to the driver and the passengers.
3. Wood grain trimmings, automatic dual-zone climate control and luxurious leather seats make up the expensive-looking cabin of the Hyundai Genesis sedan.

9. Cadillac SRX

Cadillac SRX

Product description:

A favorite among the luxury car-buying public, the Cadillac SRX is a five-passenger CUV that delivers more than its mid-size luxury crossover vehicle tag projects. Boasting of significantly improved driving dynamics, and better fuel economy, the General Motors' premium brand is the pack leader amongst similarly sized SUVs.

Product USP:

Offered with a manual shift control-fitted a six-speed automatic transmission, the Cadillac SRX comes with either a turbocharged 2.8-liter V-6 or a direct-injection 3.0-liter V-6 with both variants being available with all-wheel and front-wheel drive configurations.

Pros:

1. OnStar, daytime running lights, a theft-deterrent system, tire pressure monitor, occupant sensing system-enabled airbags, Stabilitrak electronic stability control, and anti-lock disc brakes are the standard safety features on the Cadillac SRX.
2. Rain-sensing wipers, 20" wheels, double-sized glass sunroof, navigation system, rearview camera, adaptive Xenon headlights, and genuine wood interior trim are included in the luxury-inspired cabin of the Cadillac SRX.

10. BMW 128i

BMW 128i

Product description:

Inspired by the BMW 2002, the 1-series redefines the entry-level luxury vehicle with typical BMW refinement and balanced performance. The rear-wheel drive 128i is available as either a coupe or convertible.

Product USP:

An inline, dual overhead cam six-cylinder 3.0-liter engine outputting 230-hp powers the BMW 128i and is offered with a steering wheel paddle shifting-fitted six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.

Pros:

1. Run-flat tires with pressure monitoring, stability and traction control, adaptive brake lights, anti-lock brakes, and airbags are the standard safety features on the BMW 128i.
2. Multi-way adjustable front seats, leather wrapped steering wheel, automatic climate control, auxiliary input jack, and a 6-speaker audio system makes up the creature comforts available inside the BMW 128i.