The term “affordable luxury” is often used as a marketing strategy to give ordinary products an air of exclusivity. However, one area where this concept is most accurately applied is the entry-level luxury car segment.
These vehicles often feature materials and technologies once reserved for much pricier models, yet many can now be purchased for less than the cost of an average new car.
One reason this segment has seen such improvement is the intense competition within it.
Alongside established German and American luxury brands, South Korean newcomers have compelled major players to upgrade their interiors to remain competitive.
This benefits consumers, as it means that with a bit of research, it’s now possible to enjoy high-end features without exceeding a reasonable budget.
There are many luxury cars available under $50,000, but even those priced under $40,000 can offer premium interiors.
Kia Stinger
Although slated for discontinuation after 2024, the Kia Stinger remains an appealing premium alternative to leading German sedans. Starting at $36,690 for the GT-Line trim, it’s notably more affordable than many rivals.
While its 300-horsepower four-cylinder engine attracts performance enthusiasts, its interior also stands out for the price.
Refreshed in 2022, the base model includes heated leather seats and a 10.25-inch touchscreen as standard.
Optional packages, such as one that adds a power sliding sunroof and a premium Harman Kardon sound system, enhance the experience.
However, adding these extras can push the price beyond $40,000, making them less accessible for those on a strict budget. Even without these upgrades, the Stinger’s base interior remains a highly enjoyable space.
Buick Encore GX
Buick’s smallest model gets an upgrade for the 2024 model year with a new, more luxurious Avenir trim that starts at $33,195. This trim includes the Buick Virtual Cockpit, a modern infotainment system with a combined 19-inch screen setup.
“Avenir” logos appear throughout the cabin, including on the front seat headrests. The seats feature leather trimming, heating, and unique stitching, though they are not fully leather.
Drivers also benefit from eight-way power seat controls and two-way lumbar adjustment.
Additional features include a heated steering wheel and various exterior design touches to distinguish the Avenir from standard models.
While the previous generation was considered underwhelming, the updated interior suggests significant improvements. Hopefully, the driving dynamics match the step-up in cabin quality.
Lexus UX
The Lexus UX, the brand’s most compact and affordable model, starts at $36,690 for the front-wheel-drive version. Despite its lower price, its interior rivals that of Lexus’s more expensive offerings.
The 2023 model year brought a refreshed cabin featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, voice-controlled infotainment, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
However, many premium options — like a sunroof, heated front seats, and a heads-up display — are only available as extras, quickly raising the price beyond $40,000.
Nevertheless, the standard features maintain Lexus’s hallmark quality. When reviewed in 2021, the UX’s driving performance was deemed average, with the engine sounding strained under pressure.
Despite this, its well-crafted interior solidifies its place as a top contender in its class.
BMW 230i
The BMW 230i, the most affordable model in the 2 Series lineup, starts at $38,800 for 2024. Introduced in 2022, this generation prioritizes driving dynamics over luxury, but the cabin still meets BMW’s high standards.
While technically a four-seater, the coupe’s rear seats are not practical for extended use by adults.
BMW’s options list can significantly inflate the 230i’s price, with testers showcasing cars loaded with over $11,000 worth of extras.
Despite this, the base model’s interior is among the best in this price range, blending premium materials with a driver-focused design.
Mercedes-Benz GLA
Starting at $37,500, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is the smallest crossover in the brand’s lineup. Known for its impeccable interiors, Mercedes ensures that even the base-spec GLA delivers.
It includes dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats, and twin 7-inch infotainment displays.
The MBUX interface makes navigation easy, and the “Hey Mercedes” voice control system has been praised for its responsiveness.
While leather upholstery and wood trim remain optional, the base model retains the premium feel that Mercedes buyers expect.
Audi A3
The 2024 Audi A3, starting at $35,400, offers an impressive interior for its price. The current generation debuted in 2022, bringing upgraded tech and materials.
The base trim includes a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
However, some safety features like parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring are optional, a decision that may divide opinions.
Still, the A3 invests heavily in premium materials and high build quality, making it a standout choice in the entry-level luxury sedan market.
Lincoln Corsair
Just barely fitting under the $40,000 threshold, the 2024 Lincoln Corsair starts at $38,730. Its interior includes aluminum finishes and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, though leather seats are limited to higher trims.
The 13.2-inch central touchscreen uses Ford’s SYNC 4 system, with three years of navigation included.
The Corsair’s sliding second-row seats enhance versatility, either increasing cargo space or improving rear legroom.
With its competitive starting price, the Corsair offers plenty of value in the compact luxury SUV category.
Genesis G70
Starting at $39,400, the Genesis G70 is Hyundai’s luxury contender in the under-$40,000 market. The sedan received a tech-focused refresh in 2022, featuring a Genesis-specific 10.25-inch touchscreen.
The cabin’s design is among the most refined in this price range, rivaling far more expensive sedans.
While higher trims offer full leather seats, a sunroof, and an upgraded audio system, the base model remains highly competitive, offering superior build quality and design compared to many of its rivals.
BMW X1
The BMW X1 starts at $39,100 and provides a scaled-down version of the brand’s signature luxury.
Features like “SensaTec 2.0” faux leather seats and a 10.7-inch touchscreen ensure that comfort and technology are prioritized.
While its four-cylinder engine lacks the refinement of BMW’s more powerful offerings, the X1 excels in interior quality.
Though not as dynamic to drive as other BMW models, it remains a strong competitor in the entry-level luxury SUV category.
Buick Envista
Priced at just $29,695, the Buick Envista Avenir offers a surprisingly upscale cabin for under $30,000.
Although some cost-cutting measures like piano-black plastic are evident, features like perforated leather seats and an 11-inch touchscreen enhance the experience.
Borrowing design cues from the Buick Wildcat concept, the Envista’s exterior stands out in its price class.
Whether this model can boost Buick’s appeal to younger buyers remains to be seen, but it certainly delivers excellent value for its cost.