Best Compact Luxury Cars for 2021
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.
Read about how we test and evaluate vehicles here.Top Ranked Compact Luxury Cars for 2021 at a glance
C/D Rating: 9.5/10
1
2021 BMW 3-Series
9.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$42,245
EPA MPG
25–30 combined
C/D SAYS: With its first-rate powertrains, generous cabin space, and engaging demeanor, the BMW 3-series is the segment's finest sedan. Learn More
2
2021 Genesis G70
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$37,045
EPA MPG
20–25 combined
C/D SAYS: The Genesis G70 is a luxury sports sedan coup d'état that delivers lively handling, smooth engines, a classy cabin, and a price that undercuts its competition. Learn More
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3
2021 Mercedes-Benz C-class
8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$42,650
EPA MPG
25–27 combined
C/D SAYS: Gateway models often fall short of their more expensive counterparts in a luxury brand's lineup, but that isn't the case with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-class. Learn More
4
2021 Audi A5 Sportback
8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$42,845
EPA MPG
27–28 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2021 Audi A5 Sportback blends sleek styling and hatchback practicality with a fun-to-drive personality that makes this car easy to love. Learn More
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5
2021 BMW 4-Series
8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$46,595
EPA MPG
25–29 combined
C/D SAYS: The BMW 4-series coupe is completely redesigned for 2021, and it's wearing a controversial new face. Learn More
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6
2021 Kia Stinger
8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$34,135
EPA MPG
20–25 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2021 Kia Stinger has the gall to shoot above the brand's usual mainstream positioning to tackle sedans from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes—and largely succeeds. Learn More
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7
2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$41,845
EPA MPG
26–27 combined
C/D SAYS: Beneath the 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia's seductive sheetmetal lies a sharp-handling sports sedan with Italian heritage and a fun-loving spirit. Learn More
8
2021 Volvo S60
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$39,995
EPA MPG
25–30 combined
C/D SAYS: The Volvo S60 is more stylish and sophisticated than many alternative sports sedans, which bodes well for customers looking to be cosseted rather than thrilled. Learn More
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9
2021 Acura TLX
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$38,545
EPA MPG
21–25 combined
C/D SAYS: The second-generation TLX sedan receives a more distinct personality, and it marks the return of the performance-oriented Type S model. Learn More
10
2021 Audi A4
7.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$40,145
EPA MPG
27 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2021 Audi A4 is a hard-to-fault entry-luxury sedan with sport sedan moves and high-end technology. Learn More
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