Luxury-car shoppers did not necessarily need a six-figure budget in 2024. Several premium models started well below the roughly $48,000 level that American buyers were typically paying for a new vehicle during the year, creating some interesting alternatives for shoppers who wanted upscale features without moving into the price range of larger luxury sedans and SUVs.
Kelley Blue Book reported an average new-vehicle transaction price of $48,401 in July 2024 and $48,397 in September. That put a number of entry-level and midsize luxury models comfortably below the market average, at least in their least expensive configurations.
The catch is that starting MSRP does not tell the whole story. Adding all-wheel drive, larger engines, technology packages or higher trim levels can quickly push some of these cars toward or beyond the average new-car price.
Here are 10 2024 luxury cars that stood out for combining premium credentials with relatively accessible starting prices.
1. Acura Integra
The 2024 Acura Integra was one of the easiest ways to enter the premium market without spending anywhere near the average new-car price.
The base Integra started at $31,800 and used a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 200 horsepower. With front-wheel drive and the CVT, it returned an EPA-rated 30 mpg city and 37 mpg highway.
The five-door liftback also offered considerably more practicality than its compact-luxury positioning might suggest. Higher trims added more equipment, while the A-Spec Technology version could be ordered with a six-speed manual transmission.
For buyers focused on long-term value, the Integra’s Honda-based mechanical roots and relatively straightforward powertrain make it one of the more sensible choices on this list.
2. Lexus UX 250h
The 2024 Lexus UX 250h brought something unusual to this group: a luxury hybrid crossover with a starting price of $36,490, including destination and handling.
Its 2.0-liter hybrid powertrain produced a combined 181 horsepower. Front-wheel-drive versions were rated at 42 mpg combined, while available all-wheel drive reduced that figure to 39 mpg combined.
The UX also came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, along with features such as adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.
It is not the roomiest luxury vehicle available, but its relatively low entry price and hybrid efficiency made it a compelling choice for buyers who wanted premium branding without the fuel consumption associated with larger luxury SUVs.
3. BMW 228i Gran Coupe
The 2024 BMW 228i Gran Coupe started at $38,400, placing it more than $10,000 below the typical new-car transaction price seen during much of 2024.
Its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produced 228 horsepower and was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive version was rated at 24 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.
BMW also offered the 228i xDrive Gran Coupe for $40,400, adding all-wheel drive while slightly reducing fuel economy.
The 228i was aimed at buyers who prioritized the BMW badge and driving character in a smaller package. Its compact dimensions also made it easier to live with in urban environments than larger luxury sedans.
4. Audi A3
Audi’s smallest sedan remained another relatively affordable route into the luxury segment.
The 2024 Audi A3 started at $35,400 with a 201-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The front-wheel-drive version could return as much as 29 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, depending on configuration.
Audi also offered quattro all-wheel drive, but adding it raised the starting price.
The A3’s appeal was less about outright size and more about giving buyers a premium cabin, contemporary technology and Audi styling in a compact footprint. It was particularly attractive to shoppers who did not need the space of an A4 or larger luxury sedan.
5. Volvo S60
The 2024 Volvo S60 began at $42,450 for the B5 FWD Core Dark Theme.
Its 2.0-liter turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder produced 247 horsepower and delivered an EPA-rated 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway in front-wheel-drive form. All-wheel drive was also available.
The S60 occupied a different part of the market from the smaller A3 and 228i. It offered a more substantial cabin and a more relaxed driving character while retaining Volvo’s emphasis on safety and understated design.
Buyers should note that higher S60 trims could exceed $48,000, so the base model is the version that best fits the budget premise.
6. Lexus ES 350
The Lexus ES 350 was one of the most traditional choices among these affordable luxury cars.
For 2024, the ES 350 started at $43,190. It used a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 producing 302 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
EPA fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive ES 350 was rated at 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.
The ES was never intended to be a sports sedan. Instead, it focused on quiet cruising, a spacious interior and a comfortable ride. For buyers who value those qualities and want a premium sedan with a strong reputation for durability, the ES remains an especially logical option.
7. Acura TLX
The 2024 Acura TLX started at $45,000 before destination charges for the 2.0T with Technology Package, or $46,195 including destination.
Its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder produced 272 horsepower. The front-wheel-drive model was rated at 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined.
The TLX also offered Acura’s SH-AWD system and a more powerful Type S variant, although those versions moved significantly closer to or beyond the average new-car price.
Compared with the Integra, the TLX provided a larger and more substantial luxury-sedan experience while retaining a relatively accessible entry point.
8. Cadillac CT4
The Cadillac CT4 represented one of the least expensive ways to buy an American luxury sport sedan in 2024.
The CT4’s starting MSRP was in the mid-$30,000 range, while its standard 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produced 237 horsepower. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available.
The EPA rated the rear-drive 2.0-liter CT4 at 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.
Cadillac also offered a 2.7-liter turbocharged engine with 310 horsepower. That version, along with the performance-focused CT4-V and CT4-V Blackwing, pushed pricing much higher.
For shoppers looking specifically at entry-level luxury, however, the standard CT4 remained an interesting alternative to the German compact sedans.
9. INFINITI Q50
The 2024 INFINITI Q50 was unusual because it offered a twin-turbocharged V6 at a price well below the average new-car transaction price.
The Q50 LUXE started at $43,050 with rear-wheel drive. Its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 produced 300 horsepower, while the EPA rated the RWD model at 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
All-wheel drive was available from $45,050.
The Q50 was also nearing the end of its production run, making the 2024 model something of a final chapter for the long-running luxury sedan. It offered strong straight-line performance, a conventional automatic transmission and a relatively traditional luxury-car layout.
10. Alfa Romeo Giulia
The 2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia rounded out the list with one of the most performance-oriented choices.
The base Giulia started at $43,950 and used a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 280 horsepower. Rear-wheel-drive versions were rated at 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, while all-wheel-drive models returned 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.
The Giulia stood apart for its sharper driving character and distinctive Italian design. Its appeal was less about maximum practicality and more about providing sports-sedan performance without requiring the budget of a high-performance luxury model.
As with any premium performance-oriented car, prospective owners should budget for maintenance, tires and other consumables rather than judging affordability solely by the purchase price.
What Buyers Should Know Before Buying
The biggest takeaway is that “below average” does not mean inexpensive to own.
A $35,000 luxury car can still carry higher insurance premiums, premium-fuel requirements, more expensive tires and pricier maintenance than a mainstream vehicle. Options can also dramatically change the final transaction price.
The 2024 models on this list therefore make the most sense for buyers who want premium design, technology, performance or comfort but are disciplined about choosing trims and equipment.
Among them, the Acura Integra and Lexus UX 250h stand out for efficiency and practical value, while the Lexus ES 350 offers a larger and more traditional luxury experience. The BMW 228i, Audi A3 and Alfa Romeo Giulia lean more heavily toward driving character, while the Volvo S60, Acura TLX and Cadillac CT4 provide a more substantial sedan experience.
The luxury market in 2024 was broader than its reputation suggested. Buyers did not have to spend $50,000 or more to enter the premium segment, with several models starting thousands of dollars below the typical new-vehicle transaction price.
The smartest choice depends on priorities. Those seeking efficiency and practicality have strong options, while drivers who care more about performance can find surprisingly capable alternatives without crossing the average new-car price threshold.
The important part is to compare the complete purchase price, not just the advertised starting MSRP, and to consider fuel, insurance, maintenance and long-term ownership costs before signing a deal.