10 Best Luxury Cars Under $40,000

Luxury doesn't mean Daddy Warbucks in a long limo anymore. These days, legit luxury transportation is both better than ever and affordable for folks like you and us. Our list of 10 Luxury Cars Under $40,000 is proof -- it includes lust-inducing sedans and coupes, and even three SUVs that'll treat you like royalty.

10. 2014 Volvo S60

Though often overshadowed by the big-name players from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus, the Volvo S60 offers some of the finest luxury appointments, driving characteristics, and safety technology in the segment.

9. 2014 Buick Enclave

For the family in search of an upscale SUV with seating for seven, well-mannered driving dynamics, and innovative safety features like an industry-first front center airbag, the Buick Enclave delivers on all counts, yet does so for thousands less than the competition.

8. 2014 Acura RDX

While it may not have the prestigious curb appeal of its European rivals, the Acura RDX stands out for its ability to so effortlessly blend the core elements of luxury motoring with compelling value for dollar.

7. 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Move over C-Class, there's a new most-affordable Mercedes in the lineup. The all-new CLA starts around $30,000, combining striking looks and responsive performance with highway fuel economy of 38 mpg. More than just a wallet-friendly way to enter the realm of the 3-pointed star, the CLA is arguably the best-looking Mercedes sedan available at any price.

6. 2014 Lexus ES

The ES has long been the go-to sedan for entry-luxury shoppers seeking comfort over corner carving. Revamped just last year, the ES remains the paragon for a reliable sanctuary on wheels. That the ES 350 can be had for under $40,000 -- and the 40 mpg ES 300h hybrid for not much more -- makes it all the more appealing.

5. 2014 Infiniti Q50

More than just a new name in place of the well-regarded G37, the Q50 sedan brings streamlined exterior metal, an interior you'll want to stay in long after the driving's done, and technology that seems years ahead of its time. What remains is an excellent V6 engine that now returns up to 30 mpg to further stretch the Q50's value.

4. 2014 Lexus IS

The third generation of Lexus' compact luxury sedan debuts with a more aggressive exterior and a sleeker interior that appeal to the younger professionals it courts. Its reputation for resisting both repair shops and depreciation, meanwhile, makes the IS sedan all the easier to recommend.

3. 2014 Audi A5

Numbers and features alone tell a good story for the A5: 220 horsepower, up to 32 mpg and all-wheel drive for under $40,000. But specs are only the start. Audi's A5 captivates in every sense, from the visual of its hunkered frame and the feel of its controls to the way it blends performance and comfort in a perfect dance.

2. 2014 BMW 3 Series

The 3 Series is the reason BMW was put on the planet. All of those other cool cars from Bavaria are just window dressing for BMW's masterpiece, an exciting, affordable entry-level luxury car that you bought because you craved it, not because you couldn't afford the 5 Series.

1. 2014 Cadillac ATS

The shock of desire that often accompanies a first look or first drive of Cadillac's newest nameplate says it all: Cadillac is a luxury carmaker to reckon with. The ATS' sport-sedan chassis, Ritz Carlton interior and $32,000 starting price all make it one of the smartest show-off purchases you can make.