August is peak clearance season for U.S. car dealers. Automakers are pushing out remaining 2026 inventory before 2027 redesigns arrive. At the same time, incentives have climbed sharply this year. Kelley Blue Book data shows incentives now make up over 7% of the average transaction price.
That’s the highest level since early 2021. It marks roughly a 50% jump compared to a year earlier. Slower July sales and hesitant buyers are forcing brands to sweeten deals fast. Many shoppers are waiting on rate cuts before committing.
That hesitation is working in favor of anyone shopping right now. Dealers need traffic, and traffic requires bigger, more aggressive offers. Luxury brands are leading the way this month. Mercedes, Audi, Infiniti, and Genesis are all offering five-figure discounts on select models.
Some of these are dealer cash incentives. Those rarely appear in advertising and often need to be asked about directly. EVs remain the biggest bargain category. Lucid, Kia, and Polestar are dangling some of the richest lease incentives seen all year.
Automakers are managing EV inventory carefully after federal tax credits ended last year. Discounts are filling the gap those credits used to cover. Trucks and full-size SUVs are not far behind either. Chevrolet, Nissan, and Infiniti are combining 0% financing with thousands in stackable cash.
Below is a researched breakdown of the ten vehicles carrying the steepest dealer discounts in August 2026. Each entry reflects verified manufacturer incentive bulletins current as of early August. Discounts vary by region, trim, and dealer stock levels. Always confirm current local offers before visiting a showroom.
1. Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
The Maybach S-Class holds the single biggest discount tracked anywhere this month. Dealers are applying $35,000 off MSRP through dealer cash.
This applies to both the S 580 and S 680 trims. It marks a 40% jump from last month’s already generous $25,000 offer. That kind of month-over-month increase is unusual. It signals Mercedes wants these units gone before the next model cycle arrives.
The incentive works for both purchases and leases. That flexibility is rare for a vehicle at this price point. Most ultra-luxury discounts favor one path over the other. Maybach buyers get to choose whichever structure suits their finances.
Maybach production runs are intentionally limited each year. That scarcity means dealer lots may not carry many units in stock. Shoppers willing to search regionally will have better luck finding one. Coastal metro dealers tend to carry the deepest Maybach inventory.
A 2027 redesign is expected to arrive at dealers soon. That timing explains why Mercedes is clearing out 2026 units so aggressively. Waiting too long could mean missing this discount window entirely. Once new inventory lands, dealer cash on outgoing models usually shrinks fast.
For buyers focused purely on savings, this is the largest cut on the market right now. Few vehicles anywhere approach $35,000 off sticker price. Dealers rarely advertise the full incentive amount upfront. Shoppers should ask directly about the dealer cash program by name.
Bringing a printed incentive bulletin or online reference can help. It removes any ambiguity about what a dealer should be offering. Financing a vehicle at this price point also deserves attention. Even small differences in APR can affect total cost significantly.
Buyers with strong credit may find manufacturer financing worth comparing against outside banks. Always run the numbers both ways before signing.
2. Mercedes-Maybach EQS
The Maybach EQS carries a hidden $25,000 discount this August. Mercedes internally calls it the Mercedes Incentive Bonus. It applies to both buying and leasing the EV flagship. Because it’s dealer cash, it rarely shows up in public advertising.
Buyers often need to ask their dealer directly about it. Not every salesperson will volunteer this incentive upfront. There’s also a stackable $1,500 Upgrade Certificate available separately.
This targets buyers trading in a competing luxury EV. Combined, total savings can approach $26,500 in the right circumstances. That ranks among the largest EV discounts tracked anywhere this year.
Starting price for the EQS sits around $180,000 before incentives. Even with the discount, it remains firmly a niche luxury purchase. Still, proportionally speaking, this is a meaningful cut. Very few electric vehicles see incentives at this scale.
Most EV discounts in this price range come through leasing structures instead. Cash incentives of this size on a purchase are unusual. Dealers with EQS inventory sitting longer than 60 days tend to be most flexible. Regional marketing funds may add further room to negotiate.
Ask specifically about how long a unit has been on the lot. Aged inventory almost always comes with softer pricing. The EQS also qualifies for certain state-level EV incentives in some regions.
California and a handful of other states still offer their own rebates. Stacking a state incentive on top of manufacturer cash can meaningfully change the math. It’s worth checking eligibility before finalizing a deal.
3. Audi Q7 and SQ7
The Audi Q7 lineup is on deep clearance ahead of a 2027 redesign. This is one of the largest Q7 discounts ever recorded by industry trackers. There’s a $6,000 National Customer Credit on both the Q7 and SQ7.
It applies whether buyers choose to purchase or lease the vehicle. An additional National Marketing Allowance adds up to $3,000 on top. The Q7 55 trim qualifies for the full combined amount.
The entry-level Q7 45 gets a smaller $2,500 dealer cash offer instead. Trim level matters significantly for total savings on this model. California shoppers get an extra regional bump as well. A $2,000 Regional Marketing Allowance is available there specifically.
That combination brings total potential savings up to $11,000. Returning Audi customers can add a $2,000 loyalty discount on top of that. That pushes the maximum total to $13,000 off MSRP. Few three-row luxury SUVs offer this level of combined stacked savings.
Dealers are clearly motivated to move remaining stock quickly. The redesigned Q7 is expected to reach U.S. showrooms within the coming months.
Because this is one of the deepest Q7 discounts in years, inventory may thin quickly. Popular trims and colors tend to sell first even during clearance events.
Buyers should ask their dealer for a written breakdown of every stacked incentive. Some offers require documentation, like proof of prior Audi ownership for loyalty cash.
It’s also worth checking SQ7 availability separately. The performance trim carries the same national incentive structure as the standard Q7. Given the size of this discount, financing terms are worth comparing carefully too. Audi Financial Services sometimes runs promotional rates alongside cash incentives.
4. Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 remains one of the strongest lease deals in the country this month. Some regions show total incentives worth $15,500. In California specifically, the Light Long Range trim stands out. It’s listed around $379 monthly for a 24-month term.
That pricing requires $3,999 due at signing under a 10,000-mile annual allowance. Terms shift by region and by current dealer inventory levels. Kia has kept this incentive remarkably consistent over recent months. That stability makes it easier for shoppers to plan a purchase timeline around it.
The EV9 competes directly with three-row electric SUVs from Hyundai and Rivian. Its current lease pricing undercuts several direct rivals in the segment.
Dealers with EV9 inventory sitting on lots longer are often more negotiable. Ask specifically about additional loyalty or regional cash stacked on top.
This remains a strong option for families wanting electric range without a high monthly payment. Cargo space and third-row seating add practical value too. Availability can vary meaningfully by trim and exterior color. Popular configurations sometimes require ordering rather than lot pickup.
Confirm the current lease cash figure before signing anything. EV incentives shift monthly, sometimes without much public notice. Dealer finance offices occasionally hold back part of the advertised discount. Reading the lease worksheet line by line helps catch this early.
It’s also worth asking about charging incentives bundled with the lease. Some EV9 offers include complimentary home charger installation or public charging credits. Those extras don’t always show up in headline pricing. They can still add real value to the deal.
5. Lucid Gravity
The Lucid Gravity is offering the single biggest discount Lucid has ever provided on this model. Stackable offers reach up to $16,500 in total savings.
In California, a MyFirstEV Discount adds $3,500 instantly at signing. This applies specifically to first-time EV owners and lessees. Combined with other national incentives, savings can reach that full $16,500 figure. This applies alongside available 0% APR financing in many regions.
The Gravity is rated up to 450 miles of range on higher trims. The entry-level Touring trim tops out closer to 337 miles instead. Buyers should check specs carefully before committing to a specific trim. Range, performance, and equipment levels vary substantially across the lineup.
Lucid appears to be clearing 2026 inventory ahead of 2027 models arriving. That pattern usually signals discounts won’t last much longer. This is a rare case of a luxury EV startup offering incentives that rival legacy automakers. It reflects how competitive the electric SUV segment has become.
Dealer stock nationwide remains relatively limited compared to mainstream brands. Some buyers may need to travel or order to access the deepest discounts.
Shoppers interested in the Gravity should act before fall inventory shifts happen. Regional incentives can change with very little warning. It’s worth asking about Lucid’s home charging setup incentives as well. Some offers include installation credits that add meaningful value beyond the sticker discount.
Financing terms are also worth comparing closely here. Because Lucid is a newer brand, third-party lenders may offer different rates than the manufacturer’s own financing arm.
6. Infiniti QX80
The Infiniti QX80 continues to post some of the largest full-size SUV discounts on the market. Retail Cash sits at $10,000 across all trims. That figure has held steady for multiple months now.
It applies broadly rather than being limited to just one trim level. There’s also 0% APR financing available for a full 60 months. Sport and Autograph trims now include an added $3,000 APR Bonus on top.
Combining financing and cash incentives creates significant total value here. Few full-size luxury SUVs offer this kind of layered, stackable deal. A 2027 QX80 has already reached some dealer lots in certain regions. That typically accelerates discounting on remaining 2026 inventory nationwide.
Buyers focused on financing terms rather than upfront cash may prefer the 0% route instead. Either path still delivers meaningful savings this month.
Infiniti dealers appear eager to clear space for newer stock arriving soon. Regional advertising allowances may add further room to negotiate beyond the national offer.
This remains one of the strongest full-size SUV values in the current market. Confirm trim-specific eligibility before visiting a dealer in person.
Ask about how the $10,000 Retail Cash interacts with any regional cash your area may offer. In some markets, these figures can be combined for an even larger total.
The QX80’s towing and third-row capacity make it a practical pick beyond just the discount. Buyers cross-shopping against Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator may find this the better value play right now.
7. Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers one of the boldest financing deals on the market this month. Dealers are listing 0% APR for a full 60 months. Previously, 0% financing on the Silverado was capped at just 36 months. The prior 60-month rate also sat much higher, around 3.9%.
This marks a substantial rate cut for the truck lineup. All trims qualify equally for the financing offer. However, this particular deal cannot be combined with other rebates. Buyers must choose between the financing savings or separate cash incentives.
Stackable rebates, when chosen instead of 0% financing, separately range from $4,250 up to $7,000. Best availability tends to favor trims equipped with the 5.3L V8 engine.
On a roughly $70,000 configuration, estimated total savings could approach $16,000. That equates to about 31% off MSRP on qualifying base models.
Inventory for these specific configurations may be limited at certain dealers. High-demand trims often sell through incentive periods faster than base models.
Buyers should compare both the financing and cash paths carefully before deciding. The better option depends heavily on individual credit score and preferred loan term.
For buyers with excellent credit, 0% financing over 60 months often produces the lowest total cost. For buyers planning to pay cash or trade in soon, the rebate path may make more sense instead.
It’s worth running both scenarios through a simple loan calculator before visiting a dealer. That preparation makes negotiating the final price much easier.
Ask the dealer directly which engine configurations currently qualify for the deepest rebates. Availability tends to shift week to week as inventory moves.
8. Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue currently holds the biggest discount among small SUVs tracked this month. Customer Cash reaches $4,500 on the range-topping Platinum trim.
Other trims receive a slightly lower $3,500 customer cash offer instead. This pattern favors higher-trim buyers more than base-model shoppers. All Rogue trims now qualify for 0% APR financing as well. That financing runs for a full 60-month term across the lineup.
This combination makes the Rogue notably cheaper to finance than several rivals. A $35,000 Rogue could cost over $4,600 less than a comparably priced RAV4.
That estimate assumes similar financing terms across both vehicles. Toyota rarely matches Nissan’s zero-percent offers on the RAV4 in current market conditions.
Buyers should watch for a misleading loyalty discount some dealers advertise separately. Reading the fine print carefully helps confirm actual eligibility before assuming it applies.
This remains one of the more accessible discounts on this entire list. It applies broadly rather than requiring a luxury-tier budget to access.
Nissan dealers appear motivated to keep Rogue sales strong through the fall season. Regional cash offers may add further savings on top of the national incentive in some states.
The Rogue’s fuel economy and cargo space also make it a practical daily driver. Combined with these incentives, it’s currently one of the better value picks in the compact SUV segment.
Buyers should ask specifically whether the customer cash can stack with any dealer-added discount. Some dealers apply their own markdown on top of manufacturer incentives during slower sales months.
9. Polestar 4
The Polestar 4 remains one of the richest EV lease deals available anywhere in the country. National lease discounts on this model reach roughly $19,000.
Pricing sits at $399 monthly for select lease terms currently. That requires $1,399 due at signing under a 7,500-mile annual allowance. A recent government policy change will end Polestar sales in the U.S. after the 2027 model year. That announcement triggered sharp price drops across the brand’s lineup.
Dealers are clearing remaining inventory aggressively as a direct result. Lease terms have shifted slightly, dropping from 39 months down to 27 months recently.
At an effective monthly cost near $451, it undercuts even Tesla’s cheapest available lease. That makes it one of the most affordable luxury EVs to lease nationally right now.
Buyers should factor in Polestar’s limited future presence in the U.S. market. Long-term ownership support may become a real consideration over the coming years.
For short-term leasing specifically, though, this remains an exceptional value. Few EVs anywhere combine this monthly price point with this level of equipment.
Confirm current terms carefully before signing anything. Polestar’s bulletins have changed multiple times already this year, sometimes with little advance notice.
Regional dealer stock also varies significantly across the country. Buyers in smaller markets may need to check neighboring states for available inventory.
It’s worth asking directly about the brand’s long-term U.S. exit timeline. Understanding service and warranty support beyond 2027 helps set realistic expectations before committing to a lease.
10. Genesis G90
The Genesis G90 offers one of the largest conquest incentives tracked anywhere this month. A $5,000 Loyalty or Competitive Owner Bonus runs through early September.
This applies specifically to buyers currently owning a competing luxury brand vehicle. Genesis has stacked an additional $5,000 Retail Bonus Cash directly on top of that. Combined, total savings reach $10,000 for eligible buyers. That places it among the largest luxury sedan discounts tracked nationally this month.
Genesis has used conquest incentives aggressively to build brand awareness in the U.S. market. The G90 competes directly with established German and Japanese flagship sedans.
Buyers without a qualifying trade-in brand may still access the Retail Bonus Cash alone. That still represents solid savings on a full-size flagship sedan.
Genesis dealers tend to be more flexible given the brand’s smaller network size. Regional negotiating room may extend well beyond the advertised national incentive.
This deal expires in early September, so timing genuinely matters here. Buyers considering a switch from another luxury brand should plan to act soon.
For shoppers unfamiliar with Genesis, this incentive offers a relatively low-risk entry point. Savings this large are uncommon on a full-size luxury sedan from any brand.
The G90 also comes well-equipped compared to rivals at similar price points. That combination of standard features and discount pricing strengthens the value proposition.
Buyers should bring proof of current vehicle ownership to qualify for the loyalty portion. Dealers typically require registration or title documentation to confirm eligibility on the spot.
