The idea of driving a luxury car without breaking the bank is a dream for many, but it doesn’t have to remain a fantasy. While luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi offer outstanding vehicles, their new price tags often put them out of reach for most budgets. However, you can still experience the opulence and refinement of these high-end cars without the steep price. The trick is finding affordable cars that look and feel luxurious but come with a more manageable price tag.

From sporty sedans to sleek crossovers, there are plenty of cars on the market that look like they belong in the luxury category, but won’t require you to stretch your finances. This list highlights 7 affordable cars that look luxurious on a budget—and while we’ll focus on models that are great value buys in the used car market, you’ll be surprised at how much luxury you can get for less.

1. Genesis G70: Luxury Without the Price Tag

The Genesis G70 is a standout in the compact luxury sedan segment. As Hyundai’s luxury division, Genesis has created a car that delivers both style and substance, all while undercutting the cost of traditional luxury sedans from European brands.

Why It Looks Luxurious:

• Bold and Refined Styling: The G70 boasts a sculpted body with sharp, aggressive lines and a striking front grille. It commands attention while maintaining a level of sophistication.
• Premium Interior: Inside, the G70 is decked out with leather upholstery, a driver-centric cockpit, and high-quality materials throughout. The cabin exudes a sense of class that rivals even the most well-known luxury brands.
• Performance: With powerful engine options, including a 3.3L twin-turbocharged V6, the G70 offers spirited performance that matches its luxury appearance. The smooth handling and responsive driving dynamics enhance the feeling of driving a high-end vehicle.

Used Vehicle Price Range: You can find a used Genesis G70 for about $28,000 – $35,000, making it an excellent entry into the world of luxury sedans at a fraction of the price of its European competitors.

2. Lexus ES: Subtle Elegance

The Lexus ES has long been a favorite among those who desire luxury without being overly flashy. Known for its reliability and comfort, the ES blends modern luxury with a reputation for long-lasting quality.

Why It Looks Luxurious:

• Sophisticated Design: The Lexus ES features an elegant, flowing design that conveys a sense of class without being ostentatious. Its sleek, aerodynamic lines and chrome accents make it look like a premium sedan.
• Upscale Interior: Inside, the ES is filled with high-end materials, from soft leather seating to wood trim. It also includes a refined tech interface and ample cabin space for a truly luxurious experience.
• Smooth, Comfortable Ride: The ES is designed with comfort in mind, offering a smooth, quiet ride that makes it ideal for long road trips or city commutes. The cabin feels serene and relaxing, typical of a luxury vehicle.

Used Vehicle Price Range: Pre-owned Lexus ES models typically range from $20,000 – $30,000, making this a top contender for anyone looking for a luxury experience without breaking the bank.

3. Audi A3: Compact Luxury with European Flair

The Audi A3 may be Audi’s entry-level model, but it brings all the qualities you’d expect from the prestigious German brand: stylish design, high-end technology, and a smooth driving experience.

Why It Looks Luxurious:

• Sleek and Modern Design: The Audi A3 has a clean, sharp design with distinct, angular lines and the signature Audi grille. It’s compact, but it looks powerful and refined.
• Tech-Filled Interior: The interior of the A3 is just as premium as its exterior. High-quality materials, such as soft-touch plastics, leather, and metal accents, create a modern, upscale cabin. The available Virtual Cockpit digital display adds a high-tech touch that enhances the car’s luxurious feel.
• Sporty Performance: Audi’s attention to performance is evident in the A3’s smooth handling and responsive engine options. Its turbocharged engines deliver a zippy driving experience that makes the A3 enjoyable to drive.

Used Vehicle Price Range: You can find a pre-owned Audi A3 starting from around $18,000 to $25,000, offering great value for those who want a European luxury experience on a budget.

4. Mazda6: Affordable Elegance and Sporty Performance

The Mazda6 is a prime example of how an affordable midsize sedan can look and feel much more expensive. Mazda’s focus on design, quality materials, and an engaging driving experience makes this sedan stand out from others in its class.

Why It Looks Luxurious:

• Sculpted and Sleek Design: The Mazda6 features a fluid, elegant design that gives it an upscale, sporty appearance. The sharp lines, bold grille, and clean silhouette make it look much more expensive than its actual price tag.
• Premium Materials: Inside, the Mazda6’s cabin is adorned with high-quality finishes, including leather upholstery, real wood trim, and an intuitive infotainment system. The layout feels upscale and well thought-out.
• Engaging Driving Experience: One of the standout features of the Mazda6 is its sporty handling. It offers sharp steering and a smooth ride, making it a fun yet comfortable car to drive.

Used Vehicle Price Range: A used Mazda6 typically falls between $15,000 and $22,000, which is an excellent deal for those looking for a premium feel on a budget.

5. Volvo S60: Scandinavian Luxury at Its Best

Volvo is synonymous with safety, but the Volvo S60 also offers a refined, luxurious experience. Known for its minimalist design and high-quality interiors, the S60 is a great choice for those looking for understated elegance.

Why It Looks Luxurious:

• Minimalist, Stylish Exterior: The Volvo S60 offers a modern design that incorporates clean lines, a sleek profile, and a bold front end. Its minimalist approach to luxury makes it look sophisticated and stylish.
• Comfortable, Refined Interior: Inside, the S60 features soft leather upholstery, quality finishes, and a clean, modern layout. The cabin feels airy and luxurious, with a focus on comfort and a calming atmosphere.
• Impressive Safety Features: Beyond luxury, the S60 excels in safety. It comes equipped with a suite of advanced safety technologies, which is another reason why it stands out in the luxury car market.

Used Vehicle Price Range: A used Volvo S60 typically ranges from $18,000 to $30,000, which makes it a fantastic option for anyone who values both luxury and safety in their ride.

6. Honda Accord: Affordable Luxury with Practicality

The Honda Accord is often seen as a practical choice, but recent models have taken the car to new levels of luxury, with sleek styling, a high-tech interior, and a comfortable driving experience.

Why It Looks Luxurious:

• Sophisticated Exterior: The Accord has a sleek, refined look with a sculpted body and modern lines. Its design has matured, with a more elegant stance and a premium front grille that gives it a luxury sedan vibe.
• Upscale Interior: The cabin of the Accord features premium materials, such as soft-touch surfaces, leather upholstery, and a tech-laden infotainment system. It offers a surprising amount of luxury for a non-luxury brand.
• Comfort and Efficiency: The Accord is known for its smooth ride and solid performance. It’s comfortable, practical, and efficient—without sacrificing style.

Used Vehicle Price Range: Used Honda Accords typically range from $12,000 to $20,000, making it one of the best options if you’re looking for a blend of luxury, practicality, and value.

7. Chrysler 300: Bold American Luxury

The Chrysler 300 is a full-size sedan that commands attention with its bold, imposing design. While it has a muscular stance and large proportions, it also offers an upscale interior and a quiet, refined ride.

Why It Looks Luxurious:

• Powerful, Bold Design: The Chrysler 300 features a commanding, bold design with a massive front grille, sharp lines, and a luxurious presence on the road. It looks like a car that’s worth much more than its price.
• Luxurious Cabin: Inside, the 300 is all about comfort and elegance. Soft leather seating, high-end finishes, and a large touchscreen infotainment system create a luxurious, high-tech cabin.
• Muscle Car Performance: For those who want power in addition to luxury, the Chrysler 300 offers a HEMI V8 engine that provides plenty of muscle without compromising on comfort.

Used Vehicle Price Range: You can find a pre-owned Chrysler 300 for between $15,000 and $25,000, making it a great value for anyone looking for a luxury sedan with American muscle.

While luxury cars tend to be out of reach for many, you don’t have to sacrifice quality, performance, or style in order to drive a car that feels luxurious. Whether you’re drawn to sleek sedans, sophisticated interiors, or impressive tech features, these 7 affordable cars can offer you the best of both worlds: luxury and budget-friendliness. By opting for a used model, you can enjoy all the premium features without the hefty price tag, ensuring that your dream car doesn’t have to remain a dream for long.