10 Used Luxury Cars That Look Expensive But Cost Much Less
Luxury cars lose value faster than most vehicles—bad news for first owners, but a goldmine for used buyers. Models that once sticker-priced at $60,000, $80,000, or even $100,000 can now be had for a fraction of that, yet still ooze prestige, comfort, and cutting-edge tech. In fact, a used luxury car often delivers more style and refinement than a new mainstream model at the same price. Here are 10 standout picks that look expensive, but won’t break the bank.
Models are listed in ascending order based on starting average used prices, from the least expensive to the most expensive.
2018–2021 Jaguar XF
Average Used Price: $20,000–$30,000
The Jaguar XF is easily one of the most overlooked luxury bargains out there. It once squared off with the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Audi A6, offering British style, a plush cabin, and a supremely comfortable ride. Even now, the XF’s clean, upscale design and understated sophistication hold up. Many examples sold new for over $50,000, but depreciation has dropped used prices to Camry territory.
The catch is ownership costs. Jaguar’s reliability still trails Lexus and Toyota, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection of a 2018-2021 XF is crucial. Experts weighed in: Top Gear loved its “elegant design and genuinely refined ride,” while Car and Driver highlighted its “athletic handling and clean cabin layout,” calling it one of Jaguar’s most balanced sedans.
2018–2021 BMW 5 Series
Average Used Price: $22,000–$32,000
The G30-generation BMW 5 Series remains one of the most complete luxury sedans of the modern era. When it launched, Car and Driver praised the car’s balance of comfort, technology, and driving dynamics, reinforcing its position as a benchmark executive sedan.
Step inside, and the 5 Series still feels properly premium—excellent materials, supportive seats, and BMW’s iDrive remains a standout for its era. Motor Trend hailed it as “a masterclass in refinement,” especially for long-distance comfort and chassis tuning. Many examples that once topped $55,000 now go for under $30,000, making for serious luxury value. Just remember, BMW upkeep isn’t cheap. Still, the G30 5 Series has truly stood the test of time.
2017–2020 Maserati Ghibli
Average Used Price: $22,000–$35,000
Few vehicles on this list create the same sense of occasion as the Maserati Ghibli. The trident badge alone carries an exclusivity that many mainstream luxury brands cannot match. Add aggressive Italian styling and a cabin that remains special, and the Ghibli continues to turn heads years after launch. When new, many sold for well over $70,000.
Depreciation now makes the Ghibli one of the most accessible exotic-tinged sedans around. But maintenance costs and ownership expenses remain firmly rooted in Maserati territory—that low price is just the start. The Ghibli delivers “exclusivity and Italian flair unmatched by mainstream rivals,” says Road & Track, offering “a sense of drama few competitors can match.” Edmunds praises its “distinctive design and engaging exhaust note,” but warns about “long-term ownership costs.”
2017–2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Average Used Price: $24,000–$35,000
For decades, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has hit the luxury sedan sweet spot, blending prestige, comfort, and everyday practicality. The W213 generation raised the bar even higher, with reviewers noting its S-Class-level refinement and technology at a more approachable price. Inside, the E-Class impresses with elegant design, premium materials, and meticulous attention to detail—showcasing Mercedes-Benz’s dedication to true luxury.
Even today, climbing into a well-maintained E-Class is like stepping into a piece of premium paradise on wheels. Motor Trend described the W213 as “a mini‑S‑Class,” praising its interior craftsmanship and ride quality. Considering many examples originally carried MSRPs approaching $60,000, today’s used pricing makes the E-Class one of the strongest luxury values available. The W213 E‑Class is about refinement – even when used.
2018–2022 Volvo S90
Average Used Price: $24,000–$36,000
The Volvo S90 shows that luxury doesn’t have to be flashy. Rather than mimic German rivals, Volvo leaned into Scandinavian minimalism, crafting one of the most elegant sedans of the past decade. Inside, the S90 stands out with beautiful materials, clean design, and outstanding seat comfort—making it feel far pricier than its used-market value suggests. Many models once topped $50,000, but depreciation has now made them surprisingly attainable.
For buyers seeking something different from the usual German luxury sedan formula, the S90 remains one of the most compelling options, epitomizing Scandinavian minimalism and still offering one of the most elegant cabins in the segment. Top Gear highlighted its “calm, beautifully executed interior” and strong value proposition.
2019–2021 Audi A6
Average Used Price: $25,000–$34,000
The Audi A6 has always been an understated player in the luxury sedan segment. Eschewing flashy styling, it impresses with refinement, advanced tech, and top-notch build quality—helping it look fresh years after launch. The real highlight is inside: Audi’s Virtual Cockpit remains a standout digital display, and the cabin feels solid, sophisticated, and smartly designed.
When new, many A6 models carried sticker prices approaching $60,000 or more. Today, depreciation has pushed clean examples into the mid-$20,000 range. The A6 may not attract as much attention as a Maserati or Porsche. Still, it delivers the kind of premium experience that reminds you exactly why Audi built its reputation in the first place. The A6 emphasizes refinement, technology, and build quality for which it never really received the credit it deserved.
2017–2020 Cadillac CT6
Average Used Price: $25,000–$38,000
The Cadillac CT6 never quite got the recognition it deserved. As the brand’s flagship, it went head-to-head with top executive sedans, offering spacious interiors, advanced tech, and impressive comfort—yet often flew under the radar. That oversight is a win for used buyers: while some models topped $70,000 new, depreciation now makes the CT6 one of the most underrated luxury bargains around. Car and Driver highlighted its “surprisingly agile handling” and strong value compared to German rivals.
The CT6 looks substantial in a way many modern sedans no longer do. It delivers a genuine flagship-car presence while costing less than many mainstream midsize sedans. The CT6 offered flagship‑level comfort and technology but never received the recognition it deserved.
2021–2023 Genesis G80
Average Used Price: $28,000–$38,000
If there is one car on this list that owns a genuine luxury-car cheat code, it may be the Genesis G80. Genesis entered the luxury market as an outsider but quickly earned praise for delivering premium materials, generous equipment levels, and exceptional refinement at prices that undercut established rivals. The G80 showcases that philosophy perfectly.
Car and Driver called the G80’s cabin “luxurious,” highlighting its rich leather, elegant design, and impressive craftsmanship—qualities that rival anything from Germany. Many buyers can’t tell the difference between the G80’s interior and those of much pricier competitors, which is exactly why Genesis has become a go-to for smart used luxury shoppers. The G80 stands out as one of the best value propositions in modern luxury.
2014–2017 Porsche Panamera
Average Used Price: $28,000–$40,000
The Porsche Panamera remains one of the most surprising vehicles on this list. After all, this is still a Porsche. Its reputation precedes it. Presence. Power. Performance. When new, Panamera models often carried price tags exceeding $90,000, with higher trims stretching well into six-figure territory. Yet today, early examples can be found for less than the cost of many new family crossovers. What buyers receive in return is a luxury sedan with genuine sports-car DNA.
The Panamera’s cabin still projects a premium feel, its driving reputation remains engaging, and the Porsche badge holds enduring prestige. Of course, while purchase prices have dropped, maintenance and repair costs remain high—something buyers should factor into their budgets. Even so, few luxury bargains match the Panamera’s mix of prestige, performance, and road presence. It stands out for blending luxury sedan comfort with genuine Porsche performance.
2018–2020 Lexus LS 500
Average Used Price: $38,000–$50,000
The Lexus LS 500 might be the ultimate example of a luxury car that still feels expensive but costs much less. As Lexus’ flagship sedan, the LS was designed to compete directly with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, and Audi A8. That meant exceptional comfort, advanced technology, premium materials, and a level of refinement expected from a six-figure luxury vehicle.
Many Lexus LS 500s originally sold for over $80,000, with some fully loaded models exceeding $100,000. Thanks to depreciation, buyers can now experience flagship luxury for about half the original price. The interior stands out for its beautiful craftsmanship, plush seating, and impressive ride quality—qualities that make the LS feel genuinely special even years later. Crucially, Lexus also offers a stronger reputation for long-term reliability than many rivals. That combination of comfort, craftsmanship, and dependability is tough to beat.
Sources: OEMs, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book
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