Overview
More than a fancy badge and leather seats, today's luxury cars are surrounded by an aura of benefits including everything from personal concierge services to dealership putting greens to no-hassle loaner cars. And the cars are nice, too. The best part? You don't have to spend six figures to join the club.
10/10
2012 Hyundai Genesis
Surprise! There's a Hyundai on this list of luxury cars. No, this isn't a joke and neither is the car. The Genesis has stylistic gravitas, plenty of premium touches throughout its cabin, performance chops to rival the best in class and a modest $35,050 starting sticker price. Look beyond the badge if you have to and you'll find a luxury bargain that's hard to beat.
9/10
2012 Buick LaCrosse
It's as comfortable and quiet as whichever Buick your grandparents drove, but there's more spring in its step and enough available technology to pleasantly befuddle even some Gen Y drivers we know. The Lacrosse starts at $30,820 and offers continuing savings in the form of 36-mpg highway fuel economy.
8/10
2012 Lexus IS
Still a relative newcomer to the profoundly competitive entry-luxury segment, the Lexus IS has proven to be a quick learner. Starting at $34,470, the Lexus IS lives up to its name as an "Intelligent Sport" sedan with its clean design, foolproof ergonomics and array of available creature comforts.
7/10
2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The three-pointed star isn't just a hood ornament, it's a globally recognized symbol for luxury. Mercedes has enhanced the C-Class lineup for 2012 with a mild facelift, redesigned interior, new fuel-efficient four-cylinder turbo engine and the addition of a true coupe model for the first time. The C250 Sedan starts at $35,675, the C250 Coupe at $38,095.
6/10
2012 Infiniti G
The Infiniti G is fun, comfortable and super stylish, but its key strength is value. Compared to the European competitors sprinkled throughout this list, the Infiniti G can save buyers more than $5,000 for similar power and equipment. The Infiniti G lineup starts at $32,600, but even a 328-horsepower, all-wheel-drive, heavily outfitted version comes in under our $40,000 ceiling.
5/10
2012 Lexus RX
The revolutionary Lexus RX established the luxury crossover segment in 1998 and has maintained its position as the category's sales leader into 2012. Lexus' bestselling vehicle is a well-rounded premium crossover that offers modern styling, ample fuel economy and an exceptionally comfortable ride. And it ekes under our $40,000 cutoff with a starting sticker price of $39,950.
4/10
2012 Acura TL
Boasting tasteful exterior/interior styling tweaks plus a new econo-enhancing six-speed automatic transmission, the 2012 Acura TL has become even more appealing. A long list of premium standard features and a starting price of $36,490 combine to give this premium midsize sedan a tangible value-oriented edge.
3/10
2012 Audi A5
Luxury ain't cute - it's handsome. And the 2012 Audi A5 coupe isn't just handsome - it's a knockout composed of elegance and exceptional drivability. Guaranteed: The A5's lines are going to keep it looking fresh well into the next century, and probably a century or two after that. The 2012 Audi A5 starts at $37,975.
2/10
2012 Cadillac CTS
Available in sedan, coupe and wagon body styles, the midsize rear-drive Cadillac CTS started a design revolution at GM's luxury division that continues to this day. Complementing edgy styling, excellent dynamics and solid performance with loads of upline appointments and technology, the 2012 CTS lineup - starting at $36,790 - is ready to rumble with any European or Japanese rival.
1/10
2012 BMW 3 Series
The 2012 BMW 328i starts at $35,795 and ends up as our pick for the best luxury car under $40,000. All new for 2012, there's nothing "entry-level" about the luxury in this luxury sedan with a turbocharged 4-cylinder that outperforms last year's inline-6 on every level from performance to fuel economy.
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