5 Affordable Luxury Sport Sedans Offering Premium Experience on a Budget
Discover Unbeatable Luxury: High-Performance Sedans That Won't Break the Bank
The Fading Era of Large Luxury Sedans and Emerging Opportunities
The automotive sector is experiencing a notable transition, with a distinct shift away from large, opulent sedans towards utility vehicles. Recently, Lexus announced the discontinuation of its flagship LS model, a vehicle that profoundly influenced the luxury segment for over three decades. This move underscores a broader industry trend where many established luxury sedans from brands like Lincoln, Cadillac, Acura, and Chrysler have either vanished or been significantly marginalized, making way for SUVs and electric models. This paradigm shift, while signaling the end of an era for some, creates unique buying opportunities for consumers who still appreciate the grandeur and performance of a full-size luxury sedan.
Infiniti Q70/Q70L (2014-2019): Japanese Engineering Meets Unbeatable Value
The Infiniti Q70, previously known as the Infiniti M, served as the brand's premier sedan until its discontinuation in 2019. Built on a modified version of Nissan's FM platform, also utilized by the Infiniti G35 and Nissan Z, the Q70 offered an impressive combination of performance and luxury. Buyers could choose between a powerful 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 420 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.7-liter V6 with 330 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Both engine options were available with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations. Known for its robust V8 and lavishly appointed interior, the Q70/Q70L has become an exceptional value in the used car market, with models that originally retailed for around $65,000 now selling for under $16,000. These vehicles are also celebrated for their reliability, leveraging proven powertrains from other Nissan and Infiniti models.
Cadillac CT6/CT6-V (2016-2020): American Innovation at an Affordable Price
Despite its relatively brief production run, the Cadillac CT6 stands out as a testament to Cadillac's ambition in the luxury sedan market. Constructed on a unique platform, the CT6 was distinguished by the availability of GM's pioneering twin-turbocharged Blackwing V8 engine. This 4.2-liter V8, offered in two variants, produced up to 500 horsepower and 574 lb-ft of torque in the CT6 4.2 Platinum, and a more potent 550 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque in the CT6-V. While not a commercial success against the popular Escalade, the CT6 represents an outstanding deal for savvy buyers. A V8-equipped 2019 CT6 Premium Luxury with low mileage recently sold for approximately $37,000, presenting a compelling alternative to a new base model SUV, especially for those seeking a powerful and spacious pre-owned luxury vehicle.
Genesis G90 (2020-2021): Understated Elegance and Performance
The Genesis G90, despite its continued presence in the market, has seen its previous generations undergo significant depreciation, making them highly attractive on the pre-owned market. Tracing its lineage back to the Hyundai Equus, the G90 has a longer history of offering V8-powered luxury sedans than the Genesis brand itself. The 2020-2021 models are particularly appealing, featuring a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine that generates 419 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Beyond its impressive performance, the G90 is lauded for its distinctive and elegant design, which promises to age gracefully. These vehicles now offer a superb combination of modern luxury, dynamic performance, and affordability, with some fully-equipped V8 models selling for significantly less than $40,000, rivaling the cost of much less luxurious new cars.
Lincoln Continental (2017-2020): Turbocharged Refinement Without the V8
The Lincoln Continental, a distinguished nameplate, provided a luxurious experience without a V8 engine in its 2017-2020 iteration. Instead, it was powered by robust turbocharged Ecoboost V6 engines: a 335-horsepower 2.7-liter or a 400-horsepower 3.0-liter option, offering comparable power to its V8-equipped competitors. A front-wheel-drive model with a 305-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 represents one of the most reliable and budget-friendly choices on this list, albeit sacrificing some performance thrill. These Continentals are currently available at remarkably low prices, with models ranging from under $20,000 for higher mileage vehicles to about $36,000 for well-equipped versions with lower mileage. It's crucial to distinguish these standard models from the rare and highly valued Coach Door Edition, which commands significantly higher prices due to its unique features.
Kia K900 (2019-2021): A Hidden Gem of Korean Luxury
The Kia K900, sharing its platform and engines with the Genesis G90, offers an even more budget-friendly entry into full-size luxury. Despite its association with the Kia brand, which may not carry the same luxury perception as Genesis, the K900 is an often-overlooked gem. Like the G90, it was available with a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 and presented a luxurious and sporty package. Early first-generation K900s (2013-2018) can be found for as little as $14,000. However, the second generation (2019-2021) introduced significant aesthetic and technological upgrades, offering a more contemporary and refined experience for only a slight increase in price. As these models become scarcer, seizing the opportunity to acquire a K900 represents a smart move for those seeking exceptional luxury value.