Best Luxury Sedans Under $45,000
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 luxury sedans under $45,000—plus a select few entry-luxury hatchback and coupe 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 Luxury Sedans Under $45,000 at a glance
1
2026 Audi A3
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$41,395
EPA MPG
28 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Audi A3 sedan stays true to the brand, expertly blending technology and precision in a smart little package. Learn More
2
2026 BMW 2-Series
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$43,050
EPA MPG
26–30 combined
C/D SAYS: The small and nimble 2026 BMW 2-Series coupe punches above its weight. Learn More
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3
2026 Acura Integra
8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$34,695
EPA MPG
30–32 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Acura Integra is a playful premium hatchback sedan that is plenty practical but not as luxurious as some rivals. Learn More
4
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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5
2026 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$40,950
EPA MPG
27–31 combined
C/D SAYS: While the 2-series Gran Coupe is the smallest and least expensive model in the BMW sedan lineup, it takes inspiration from bigger Bimmers. Learn More
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6
2026 Cadillac CT4
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$37,795
EPA MPG
23–26 combined
C/D SAYS: As Cadillac's least-expensive offering, the CT4 attempts to distill Caddy’s premium ethos into a compact luxury sedan with mixed results. Learn More
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7
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$43,900
EPA MPGe
118 combined
C/D SAYS: The CLA-class offers the style and panache of a larger Mercedes-Benz, but with a more reasonable base price and a smaller subcompact footprint. Learn More
8
2026 Mini Cooper JCW
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$40,075
EPA MPG
30 combined
C/D SAYS: Available in hatchback and convertible forms, the 2026 Mini Cooper JCW is unapologetically rowdy and playful. Learn More
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9
2026 Mini Cooper
7.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$26,675
EPA MPG
32 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Mini Cooper is small, spunky, and chock full of personality—and it doesn't care who knows it. Learn More
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