10 of the Best Luxury Cars Under $15,000

2016 Buick Regal side view ・ Photo by Buick

Sorry, but you’re not going to find any Rolls-Royces or Bentleys if you’re shopping for the best luxury cars under $15,000. Not if you want one that’s still in luxury condition and isn’t any older than the 2015 model year. That’s as far back as we go, so that you can still have access to some modern-day driver-assistance technologies.

Of course, there are cars from some top-name luxury brands here, and they offer some fairly upscale accoutrements despite their affordability. Real leather upholstery, the warmth of heated seats, and advanced connectivity features all are part of today’s gallery. Nor are these all small compact sedans. We’ve managed to track down a couple of fancy cars with full-size proportions, and we’ve got a sporty premium coupe and a high-end hybrid hatchback, too. Read on to see 10 of the Best Luxury Cars Under $15,000.

2016 Buick Regal

Our list of the best luxury cars under $15,000 starts with automotive royalty. It’s the 2016 Buick Regal, which is available under $15,000 even in its Turbo trim. In that setup, the Regal rides with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 259 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. That’s 38 more horses and an extra 37 lb-ft of torque over a comparable Audi A4.

The Regal also supplies premium features to match that premium power, starting with a standard mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. Many brand-new luxury cars still don’t provide that technology. Buick then builds on that benefit with standard goodies like heated leather-trimmed front seats, Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel.

Photo by General Motors

2015 Audi A3

Although we just mentioned the Audi A4, you might prefer the 2015 Audi A3 if you’re shopping for the best luxury cars under $15,000. The A3 is a bit smaller than the compact A4 in size, but that means it has a lower starting price. And that means you have more money to spend on premium equipment for the car.

For example, our price tag can cover an A3 with heated 12-way power-adjustable leather seats that compare to the eight-way power adjustability in the Buick Regal. The A3 also takes advantage of Audi’s position as one of the industry’s lighting leaders. Xenon headlights are standard with LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, and mirror-mounted LED turn signals. To top it all off, the A3 has a standard panoramic sunroof.

Photo by Audi

2016 Lincoln MKS

If you’d rather be living large in one of the best luxury cars under $15,000, we suggest the 2016 Lincoln MKS. This is a true full-size sedan that stretches more than 205 inches in length - about 2.5 feet longer than the Audi A3. You get some true luxury touches with the MKS as well, like a genuine wood accent for the car’s leather-wrapped steering wheel.

As for the Lincoln’s standard 12-way power-adjustable front seats, those are surfaced in exotic Bridge of Weir leather and fully climate controlled with both heat and ventilation. The MKS also ensures an upscale travel experience with a standard Lincoln Drive Control system with three dedicated driving modes, continuously controlled suspension damping, and electric power-assisted steering.

Photo by Lincoln

2015 Cadillac ATS

Prefer a premium sport sedan? In that case, the best luxury cars under $15,000 also include the 2015 Cadillac ATS. The ATS is the real deal, complete with a standard rear-wheel-drive powertrain, a sport-tuned suspension, and Brembo high-performance front brakes. Beneath the hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that’s good for 272 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. As a result, the ATS can boast the kind of all-around performance you just can’t get with imported rivals at the same price.

It’s the same story when you look at the Cadillac’s high-end standard content. You can stay under our price ceiling with the ATS and still enjoy a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless smartphone charging, leather seating surfaces, and a Bose audio system.

Photo by Cadillac

2015 Lexus CT 200h

Because of the brand’s generally high resale values, Lexus doesn’t offer very many of the best luxury cars under $15,000. However, that budget is big enough for the 2015 Lexus CT 200h. This hot-handling hatchback stands out with a hybrid powertrain and fuel-economy ratings of 43 mpg city/40 mpg highway/42 mpg combined.

Another practical benefit: Even though the CT 200h has a nimble, compact-sized footprint, the cabin has more than 100 cubic feet of passenger space with 14.3 cubic feet left over for cargo. You also can fold the rear seats for a major increase in storage. The top luxury advantages for a $15,000 CT 200h include NuLuxe seating surfaces, a sunroof, a rearview camera, and the priceless prestige of driving a Lexus.

Photo by Lexus

2015 Kia Cadenza

Some of the best luxury cars under $15,000 actually come from mainstream brands. Consider the 2015 Kia Cadenza. Bigger than most midsize sedans, the Cadenza has a powerful but elegant road presence that’s complemented by standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, LED signature lighting, integrated dual-exhaust outlets, and heated power-folding mirrors.

The car also is just plain powerful, thanks to a 3.3-liter V6 that kicks out 293 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque. Want more power? The Cadenza’s standard surround-sound audio system has 550 watts worth. Yet while all that certainly can get your heartbeat racing, the cabin has a calming effect with its standard leather upholstery, heated front seats, and 10-way power-adjustable driver’s chair. A standard nav system takes the worry out of finding your way.

Photo by Kia

2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Before Hyundai launched the Genesis division as a standalone luxury brand, the company dipped its corporate toes into the premium pool with the Genesis coupe and sedan. Both offer noticeably nicer driving environments than the rest of the Hyundai lineup, and the sedan was named the 2015 Luxury Car of the Year by Popular Mechanics.

The coupe combines that award-winning approach to upscale driving with sportier performance and a lower price, so it’s next in our gallery of the best luxury cars under $15,000. Now, to be honest, the 2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe tilts more toward the athletic side of the equation with its standard 348-hp engine and rear-wheel drive. But it provides lux standard touches like an electroluminescent gauge cluster and LED exterior lighting.

Photo by Hyundai

2015 Acura TLX

The 2015 Acura TLX hits the sweet spot if you’re looking for the best luxury cars under $15,000. With its midsize dimensions, the TLX fits right in between sedans like the longer Lincoln MKS and the more compact Cadillac ATS. The Acura also is as well equipped with uplevel features as those other alphabetically named alternatives.

Among the highlights often found under $15,000 are front sport seats with 10-way power-adjustability for the driver and heat for both front positions. For an opulent accent, the console and door trim is finished with high-gloss Zebra wood. The car’s Jewel Eye LED headlights create their own dramatic look for the exterior design. Meanwhile, for dramatic performance, the TLX can treat you to a 290-hp V6.

Photo by Acura

2015 Infiniti Q50

Like the Acura TLX, the best luxury cars under $15,000 can serve up a fair amount of power. But if you want to maximize output in an upscale sport sedan, your No. 1 option might be the 2015 Infiniti Q50. The Q50 relies on a standard 3.7-liter V6 that produces a robust 328 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. The car also comes with standard rear-wheel drive, which most enthusiasts prefer over the front-wheel-drive setups found in rivals like the TLX.

Audio enthusiasts probably prefer the Q50’s audio system, too. Since 15 grand can punch your ticket for the Q50 Premium trim, you can rock out with a Bose “Studio on Wheels” 14-speaker audio system that includes 10-inch subwoofers.

Photo by Infiniti Media

2015 BMW 3 Series

BMW’s best luxury cars under $15,000 are from the brand’s 3 Series - an iconic name in the world of premium compact sport sedans. In fact, both the 2015 BMW 320i and 328i can be priced in that neighborhood, allowing you to enjoy up to 240 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque from a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine.

Some models with sub-$15,000 price tags also have BMW’s performance-focused xDrive all-wheel-drive system. All showcase sporty handling so that you can have fun driving at any speed. The 3 Series gets more serious about luxury in its higher trims, but the affordable models can have heated front seats, genuine wood cabin trim, leatherette upholstery, fog lights, and push-button start.

Photo by BMW