5 Luxury Cars With the Lowest Maintenance Costs
Everyone loves looking at luxury vehicles, but not everyone can afford the high sticker price. If you’re car shopping and are considering buying a luxury vehicle, remember to account for its yearly costs. Even relatively affordable luxury models are made with more expensive materials, meaning dealers charge a premium when the car needs service.
Still, a few luxury cars offer reasonable MSRPs and low maintenance costs. Here are our five favorites from a list Autobytel recently compiled.
2020 BMW X3 xDrive30e
This plug-in hybrid gets its power from a 2.0-liter turbo-four that puts out 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. BMW X3 xDrive30e is fast and comes with optional summer tires for better grip on the road. It gets up to 18 miles in EV-only mode, making it an excellent commuter car.
The drive is pleasant and serene, especially when this compact SUV is running on electric power only. It can seat five, and tall people have plenty of space even in the back row. Plus, the infotainment system packs plenty of great features, and adding extras to this vehicle doesn’t cost too much.
2020 Tesla Model 3
If you’re ready to make the switch to something fully electric, Tesla’s Model 3 is a great starter. For less than $40,000, you get 250 miles of driving range, a panoramic sunroof, and a slew of standard tech features. If you choose a Long Range model, you can drive up to 322 miles without recharging.
The Model 3 is also athletic. The standard edition can achieve 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. Handling is also enjoyable thanks to the sedan’s low center of gravity. However, the Standard Range model surprisingly lacks smartphone integration, which is usually included on rivals.
2020 Lexus UX 250h
The Lexus UX 250h is one of the cheapest hybrids you can buy, and it’s also one of the most fuel-efficient. It’s rated for 42 mpg combined city/highway, impressive considering it has standard AWD. Plentiful infotainment and safety features also contribute to this crossover’s great value.
However, driving the Lexus UX 250h isn’t very exciting, and sudden acceleration causes the engine to complain. Plus, the backseat is too cramped for riders of above-average height to feel comfortable, and the driver gets a low riding position. Still, the UX’s good suspension ensures bumps in the road won’t jostle passengers.
2021 BMW 330e
This is a new plug-in hybrid version of the BMW 3 Series sedan, and it’s just as sporty as its counterpart. The BMW 330e has a 2.0-liter turbo-four with an electric motor that produces a combined output of 248 hp. Its responsive handling makes it a blast to drive. And it has a boost mode for lightning-fast acceleration.
Drivers can use up to 22 miles of all-electric power and get 28 mpg combined city/highway in hybrid mode. Selectable drive modes are also included, giving this sedan a good range of performance and fuel economy. BMW helps you save even more by offering free scheduled maintenance appointments for three years.
2020 Lexus RX 450h
Like the BMW 330e, the Lexus RX 450h offers a maintenance freebie: Your first two tune-ups are complimentary. This crossover gets the same gas mileage as the BMW sedan. The 2020 RX 450h boasts more standard safety features than the previous model year, as well as smartphone integration.
The Lexus RX 450h also has ample passenger space, with some models seating up to seven. Thanks to its swift acceleration and a smooth-shifting transmission, the handling is surprisingly athletic for a crossover. The 450h is more expensive than the non-hybrid, but it’s also far less thirsty and offers a more satisfying drive.
