4 of the Best Luxury Car Alternatives Not from BMW or Mercedes
With BMW and Mercedes continuing to dominate the luxury rankings, and Genesis grabbing so many headlines, it’s easy to forget that there is a whole world of luxury cars out there. Here are 4 of the best luxury cars that are great alternatives to the BMW and Mercedes landscape.
Cadillac CT5-V: The American Mercedes-Benz alternative
That Cadillac is making legitimately enticing sport luxury cars just before the EV revolution is a true shame. There was nothing wrong with the ATS and CTS models of the previous generation, but they weren’t particularly thrilling either.
Now, the CT5-V is here, and it’s not pulling any punches. Even without the added theater of the Blackwing package, the CT5-V is a road-ripping luxury sedan. Sporting a twin-turbo V6, the V makes 360 horsepower and sends it through the rear wheels for a truly engaging drive. The suspension is a touch softer than the Blackwing as well, and the price tag means its an excellent overall value.
If we had any issues with the CT5-V it would be the interior surfaces. GM’s obsession with cheap plastics on the lower panels takes away from what is otherwise a truly premium driving experience.
Infiniti Q50: The stylish alternative to BMW
The Infiniti Q50 might be one of the easiest luxury cars to forget about, and that’s a shame. The twin-turbo V6 engine in the Q50 Red Sport makes all the right noises, and at 400 horsepower it’s no slouch. And despite its age, the Q50 manages to hold its own against its German and Korean rivals.
Rear-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is optional, so the Q50 can be a respectable daily drive with a fun streak. And cabin comfort is great even as the Infiniti shows its age. The infotainment display is a split-screen unit that is, frankly, weird to use. And the tight footwells may be a challenge for some drivers.
Overall though, the Q50 is a stylish and exciting alternative to BMW and Mercedes models.
Genesis G90: High-Class Cruising for Less
With a starting price just below $90,000 it’s hard to believe how much comes in the Genesis G90. Rear reclining massage seats, front and rear seat ventilation, and leather soft enough to sleep on combine to make the G90 a true standout at the top of the luxury pylon. Beating out alternatives like the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the G90 delivers the goods, and leaves you enough leftover cash to pickup a Miata for some weekend fun.
Volvo V90 Cross Country: The luxury car that acts like an SUV
Its handsome designs and focus on safety can make Volvo easy to overlook, but the brand is churning out legitimately luxurious and fast cars these days. Take the Consumer Reports hit, Volvo V90 Cross Country, for example.
A supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-pot makes nearly 300 horsepower and over 300 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, elevated suspension and all-wheel drive allow you to take those adventures off the beaten path with confidence. Zero to 60 flies by in just a shade over six seconds. It can even tow 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. Despite all that, the V90 CC offers up to 29 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined fuel economy.
As a luxury car, the V90 Cross Country doesn’t disappoint. Nappa leather upholstery wraps heated and ventilated seats, while four-zone automatic climate control keeps driver and passengers happy. The power-sliding panoramic moonroof is standard, as is the bevy of safety features that Volvo bakes into every product. Even more stunning, it all checks in at less than $60k.
Luxury car alternatives are plentiful in 2023
These days, even brands like Mazda and Toyota are churning out luxurious cars. The truth is, you don’t have to rely on Mercedes-Benz and BMW to get a premium driving experience. Cadillac, Infiniti, and Volvo are doing great things, and they’re just a small sampling of all the premium luxury car brands you have to choose from.
