© Jaguar Land Rover
Entry-Level Luxury-Brand Vehicles
When car shoppers move upmarket for a new luxury vehicle, often the brand carries as much significance as the car itself. And as buyers seek the amenities and refinements required of a luxurious ride, many subconsciously evaluate and appreciate the status of owning a prestigious marque. With any car purchase, eventually the consideration turns to ultimate value and sticker price. That said, even the most exclusive marques have a least expensive offering for consideration — an easier entry into the brand. Everything is relative, of course — an entry-level Rolls-Royce may be beyond the means of most shoppers, yet is still several hundred thousand dollars less than higher-level models. What follows are models that represent entry-level luxury-brand vehicles — the entry price to exclusivity — all available in America today.
© American Honda Motors
2022 Acura ILX
Base MSRP: $27,300
The lowest priced model offered by Acura, the ILX anchors a lineup that reaches as high as $169,500 for the exotic NSX. The small sedan received a major redesign for the 2019 model year and remains primarily unchanged. Sporting the Acura signature Diamond Pentagon grille with 7-element jewel-eye LED headlights, the ILX has an upscale look that aligns with the rest of the Acura lineup. Inside, a unique dual screen display features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The ILX also comes with the Acura Watch suite of advanced safety tech that includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
© FCA US
2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia
Base MSRP: $43,350
Alfa Romeo currently offers two models in its U.S. lineup. Priced a few thousand less than the Stelvio SUV, the Giulia remains the least expensive route into the Alfa family. A proper sport sedan, the Giulia is available with rear- or all-wheel drive and can sprint to 60 mph in around 5 seconds, thanks to its standard 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 280 horsepower and 306 lb-ft of torque, teamed with a quick-shifting 8-speed automatic gearbox. Even the base-level Giulia Sprint comes well equipped featuring standard leather seats, a 6-way power front seat, dual-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8-speaker audio system featuring HD Radio and Bluetooth streaming. Also included are 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, dual exhaust and a sport-tuned suspension.
© Audi of America
2022 Audi A3 Sedan
Base MSRP: $34,800
Audi’s entry-level luxury car originally arrived in the U.S. as a 2006 model in 4-door hatchback configuration only, but in 2015 Audi changed the A3 lineup to include a sedan and cabriolet. Now only the sedan remains, and it gets a major update for the 2022 model year. Slightly larger than its predecessor, the 2022 Audi A3 gets sharper, crisper lines including new hood sculpting for a sportier appearance. To match the updated exterior, the A3 interior takes a big step forward with a bold, sporty design that incorporates a standard 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a standard 10.1-inch center MMI touchscreen display. Available with front-wheel drive or Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system, the A3 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged TFSI engine delivering 201 horsepower.
© Bentley Motors
2022 Bentley Bentayga
Base MSRP: $166,425
A few years ago, the thought of a Bentley SUV seemed rather farfetched, but in 2017 the famed British brand introduced the powerful Bentayga — it’s first SUV. The Bentayga is now Bentley’s best-selling model, and a new plug-in hybrid variant makes up 20 percent of the luxury SUV’s sales. Redesigned for the 2021 model year, the Bentayga incorporates the same design language found on the new Continental GT and Flying Spur. Although it may be considered the “entry level” Bentley, the Bentayga comes with soft leather-trimmed seats, handcrafted wood trim, a high-resolution 10.9-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 60 GB hard drive, voice control and navigation. The Bentayga’s 4.0-liter twin-scroll turbo V8 engine produces a plentiful 542 horsepower.
© BMW of North America
2022 BMW X1
Base MSRP: $35,400
Given that SUVs continue to gain popularity and gobble market share, it’s not surprising that the first rung of the BMW model ladder begins with a crossover. In fact, this entry-level BMW is the best-selling crossover worldwide. The X1 received a major update two years ago that included revised exterior styling, a wider stance, new LED headlights, electronic gear shifting and an 8.8-inch display screen. Powering the X1 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 228-horsepower, teamed with an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard — xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive adds $2,000 to the base price.
© General Motors
2022 Cadillac CT4
Base MSRP: $33,695
Cadillac introduced the CT4 in 2020 when it replaced the ATS sport sedan. The CT4 features the brand’s latest design cues with expressive LED headlights flush with the grille, as well as horizontal running lights at the corners in a look similar to the new Escalade and CT5. Available in a range of trims from the base-level Luxury to the high-performance V-Series, the CT4 is available with rear- or all-wheel drive. Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 237 horsepower, teamed with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The CT4 Luxury is well equipped with power front seats, an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control and a rearview camera.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2022 Genesis G70
Base MSRP: $37,775
Genesis spun off as an entirely new brand for the 2017 model year, launched by parent company Hyundai to move its clientele upscale. The luxury brand continues to grow, now offering three sedans and two SUVs in the range, beginning with the G70 sedan. The G70 has the lowest price in the Genesis lineup, although it is by no means “entry level.” This fun-driving sport sedan has been redesigned for the 2022 model year, adopting the Korean brand’s unique style introduced on the flagship G90 and new GV80 SUV. The G70 comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivering 252 horsepower to the rear wheels; all-wheel drive adds $2,100 to the price. The long list of standard equipment includes leatherette-trimmed power front seats, a new 10.25-inch display screen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, 18-inch alloy wheels and a rearview camera.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2022 Infiniti QX50
Base MSRP: $39,150
When Infiniti began 30 years ago, the idea of a premium SUV or crossover was completely out of the realm of possibility. Not only is the QX50 SUV the least expensive model in the Infiniti lineup, it is also the premium brand’s best-selling vehicle. The premium crossover received a sportier look in 2020 with a sculpted hood and character lines that run along the sides to wraparound taillights. The large grille and stylish headlights match the rest of the Infiniti lineup. Infiniti also added a new infotainment system to the QX50 that uses dual HD touchscreen displays so multiple functions can be accessed and viewed simultaneously. An innovative a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine powers the QX50 — the first production engine that adjusts compression ratio to optimize both power and efficiency.
© Jaguar Land Rover
2022 Jaguar E-PACE
Base MSRP: $41,800
Like other luxury brands, Jaguar has moved away from sedans to concentrate production on its premium SUV offerings. Anchoring the lineup is the compact E-PACE, which Jaguar introduced in 2018 and refreshed for the 2021 model year. With classic Jaguar styling that fits well with the rest of the lineup, the E-PACE gets standard LED headlights with signature “Double J-blade” daytime running lights. At the rear, LED taillights incorporate the Jaguar chicane graphic. Inside, the premium cabin centers around a curved 11.4-inch HD touchscreen in the center stack that runs the latest version of Jaguar’s Pivi Pro infotainment system.
© Jaguar Land Rover
2022 Land Rover Discovery Sport
Base MSRP: $43,300
Available in America until 2004 as the Land Rover Discovery, the iconic SUV was then rebadged as the LR3. No matter the name, the SUV was boxy and although very capable still felt a bit old school. A few years ago the Discovery name came back — this time on a thoroughly modern SUV with styling that aligns with the rest of the Land Rover lineup, and capability deserving of the Discovery name. Discovery Sport has seating for seven occupants and carries many premium features such as an 11.4-inch touchscreen and head-up display. As expected, the Discovery Sport has impressive off-road capabilities — more than 8 inches of ground clearance, class-leading approach and departure angles, the ability to wade through almost 2 feet of water and climb a 45-degree incline.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
2022 Lexus UX
Base MSRP: $34,225
Lexus joined the growing compact luxury crossover market a few years ago with the all-new UX. The model is the first Lexus vehicle to use the brand’s Global Architecture — Compact platform, providing the small crossover with a rigid structure and low center of gravity designed to deliver both agile handling and improved ride comfort. The exterior styling is similar to the larger NX and RX models but more aggressive, with a large spindle grille that dominates the front view. The UX is offered with a choice of two powertrains: a 169-horsepower 2.0-liter engine sending power to the front wheels, or a fourth-generation hybrid drive system with total system output of 181 horsepower. The hybrid uses the Lexus E-Four all-wheel drive system that adds an additional electric motor at the rear axle.
© Ford Motor Company
2022 Lincoln Corsair
Base MSRP: $36,370
Lincoln revamped its entire SUV lineup, and one of the newest to join the group is the 5-passenger Corsair. Replacing the MKC, the Corsair is easily recognizable as a Lincoln thanks to styling cues borrowed from the larger Nautilus and Aviator models — specifically a similar grille and headlight treatment. However, the Corsair does have an overall style of its own with deep contouring along the side panels, which adds depth to the overall design. The Corsair may be an entry-level model in the Lincoln lineup, but inside it features upscale materials to create a premium feeling within the cabin. Corsair also features Active Noise Control, and sounds that occupants do hear are chimes recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. A range of new technology can be found in this small crossover; for example, owners will be able to use their smartphones as keys to the Corsair.
© Maserati
2022 Maserati Ghibli
Base MSRP: $78,600
Maserati added a second sedan — below the flagship Quattroporte — in 2016 when the Italian marque introduced the new Ghibli. Smaller, lighter, and more dynamic than the Quattroporte, the Ghibli’s exterior styling clearly ties in with the rest of the Maserati lineup, while interior appointments include leather sport seats, high-gloss trim, a high-end audio system and — of course — the traditional Maserati clock with blue face. Power options range from a twin-turbo 345-horsepower V6 engine to the Ghibli Trofeo with its 580-horsepower engine and a top speed in excess of 200 mph.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Base MSRP: $33,950
Mercedes has one of the widest-ranges of luxury vehicles on the market. At the upper levels reign the ultra-luxurious and powerful AMG models exceeding $200,000, and at the other end of the scale resides the versatile A-Class. The diminutive 4-door sedan has a sporty stance with short front and rear overhangs, and is easily recognizable as a Mercedes-Benz with the familiar grille and center-mounted large central star logo. It may be an entry-level sedan, but the A-Class comes well equipped with power front seats, dual-zone climate control, a panorama roof, LED interior lighting, and dual 7-inch displays. The A-Class also features MBUX, the brand’s new natural-language voice control system.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2022 Polestar 2
Base MSRP: $45,900
Volvo’s new premium EV brand Polestar came to market about a year ago with the all-new, all-electric Polestar 2. As the only model currently in the lineup (more models are coming), the Polestar 2 is available in single- or dual-motor configuration. The Polestar 2 long range single motor delivers a range up to 270 miles; the more powerful dual-motor variant adds $4,000 to the price. While the environmentally friendly interior materials of the 2021 Polestar 2 provide a relaxed residential feeling throughout the cabin, the car also possesses a high-tech ambience thanks to a large center display as well as a smaller digital driver display. Aside from those on the steering wheel, the vehicle has virtually no physical buttons for systems operation. Polestar 2 has the distinction of being the first car to embed Google’s Android operating system as the platform for its infotainment system.
© Porsche Cars North America
2022 Porsche Macan
Base MSRP: $54,900
Although it exist within the crowded compact luxury SUV segment, the Macan certainly stands out from that crowd. The second crossover in the Porsche lineup, Macan is the brand’s best-selling model. Styled after the larger Cayenne, Macan still embodies all qualities expected from the iconic German sports car brand. Macan draws power from a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 261 horsepower and comes standard with full-time all-wheel drive. The Macan has a long list of standard equipment, including a new 10.9-inch integrated touchscreen display.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2022 Rolls-Royce Ghost
Base MSRP: $332,500
From the “everything is relative” department, the entry-level model in the Rolls-Royce lineup starts in the neighborhood of $300,000. Compared to the $530,000 long-wheelbase Phantom, the Ghost is quite a bargain. Rolls-Royce describes the new Ghost as the most technologically advanced vehicle ever from the legendary marque. The hand-built sedan is lavishly equipped with the finest materials: soft leather, open-pore wood and integrated fine aluminum. The Ghost’s 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 engine provides 563 horsepower delivered to all four wheels through a satellite-aided transmission that uses satellite data to shift to the correct gear for upcoming corners or terrain.
© Tesla Motors
2022 Tesla Model 3
Base MSRP: $46,990
The third model in American automaker Tesla’s lineup following the Model S and Model X, the Model 3 sedan is smaller and more affordable than the flagship Model S. With a bold level of standard equipment and sleek styling that complements the rest of the Tesla line, the more economical Model 3 was designed for high-volume sales. One of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in America, the standard-range Model 3 delivers 132 MPGe with a range of 267 miles between charges. Standard features include a 15-inch touchscreen display, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, LED exterior lighting, a backup camera and a suite of advanced safety technology with collision avoidance and automatic emergency braking.
© Volvo Cars North America
2022 Volvo XC40
Base MSRP: $35,100
Volvo bolstered its premium crossover lineup a few years ago with the compact XC40. With styling similar to its larger siblings, the XC40’s most notable feature is signature “Thor’s Hammer” headlights. Even the base XC40 Momentum comes well equipped with leather seat trim, an 8-way power driver’s seat, automatic climate control, a rearview camera, a power tailgate and 18-inch alloy wheels. A 9-inch vertical touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 250-watt AM / FM / HD audio system with eight speakers and Bluetooth streaming are also standard on all XC40s.
