Best Compact Luxury Cars
Car and Driver's rankings are arrived at from the results of our extensive instrumented testing of several hundred vehicles each year and from our expert editors' subjective impressions gained in real-world driving. We've ranked the best compact luxury cars—including sedan, coupe, convertible, and hatchback models—based on roughly 200 data points encompassing acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value, and how enjoyable they are to drive. We take rankings seriously because we want you to know everything about the vehicles that you're interested in.
Top Ranked Compact Luxury Cars at a glance
1
2026 BMW 3-Series
9.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$48,850
EPA MPG
29–31 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 BMW 3-series leads the sports sedan class by being good at pretty much everything. Learn More
2
2026 Genesis G70
8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$44,845
EPA MPG
19–24 combined
C/D SAYS: The Genesis G70 has the poise and premium accommodations to challenge costlier luxury sport sedans from more established European marques. Learn More
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3
2026 BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe
8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$51,950
EPA MPG
27–30 combined
C/D SAYS: For BMW buyers wanting a little more style in their compact sports sedan, the 2026 4-series Gran Coupe delivers athletic handling with a side of rakish good looks. Learn More
4
2026 Audi A5
8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$51,495
EPA MPG
26 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Audi A5 merges the greatest hits from the now-defunct A4 and A5 Sportback, offering a chic interior, liftback practicality, and a hint of sportiness. Learn More
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5
2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$50,800
EPA MPG
27–29 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-class sedan’s classic good looks and swanky cabin will impress many. Learn More
6
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$60,700
EPA MPG
26–27 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class coupe and convertible cater to two-door fans without sacrificing much in the way of comfort and practicality. Learn More
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7
2026 BMW 4-Series
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$53,950
EPA MPG
28–31 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 4-series coupe brings style and sportiness, but buyers seeking the genuine BMW experience may be better served by its raucous M4 sibling. Learn More
8
2026 Alfa Romeo Giulia
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$47,745
EPA MPG
26–27 combined
C/D SAYS: While some rivals offer more outright luxury, the 2026 Alfa Romeo Giulia is still a satisfying driver's car with an undeniable Italian charm. Learn More
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9
2026 Lexus IS
7.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$47,295
EPA MPG
N/A
C/D SAYS: Part sports sedan, part luxury car, the 2026 Lexus IS is aging but still fun to drive—though rivals offer more excitement in their lineups now. Learn More
10
2026 Cadillac CT5
6.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$50,995
EPA MPG
21–27 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 standard Cadillac CT5 models are attractive, well-equipped, and nimble—and nothing like the marshmallow-soft rolling living rooms of yore. Learn More
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