Everyone desires to have that luxury nameplate vehicle, but not all car buyers can afford it. Don’t worry. We understand your plight. This is why we have highlighted 3 vehicles from luxury automakers with prices that rival that of other more mainstream automobiles. We have also reviewed two mid-budget business cars that exude luxury but are easy on the pocket.
Look into vehicle history before buying a car for business use. A detailed vehicle check from carveto.co.uk shows you typical running costs, including taxes, insurance, emissions output and additional, often unforeseen on the road costs.
1. Genesis G70
The BMW 3-series is considered one of the benchmarks of the luxury small cars market. So, whenever a car company aims to take a shot at this market, the BMW 3-series is often the benchmark. But, unlike others that are just as expensive as the BMW 3-series, the Genesis G70, which comes from Hyundai’s luxury department, delivers the same performance of BMW 3-series but at a cheaper price tag.
The base model, G70 2.0T, comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 252 horsepower, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can get it in all-wheel drive. Meanwhile, further up the pricing is what’s considered the best-value purchase; the Sport Prestige trim.
The Sport Prestige trim features a 3.3-liter V-6 engine with 365 horsepower that can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than 5 seconds. It also comes with all of the high-end goodies. This includes Brembo brakes, a heated steering wheel, a luxury microfiber headliner, as well as Nappa leather upholstery, among others.
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter which trim of the G70 you’re getting. You’ll still be undercutting its rival sedans by a substantial amount. Not to mention, all of them come with a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which should dispel all your worries about reliability.
2. BMW X1
There sure was a lot of noise back in 2016 when the second generation X1 came to the market. Fast forward to 2021, and it seems like most of the BMW faithfuls have come to accept the X1 for what it is – a practical and spacious luxury crossover that’s just as fun to drive as it is to be chauffeured in one.
What belies the X1’s plainer look is a playful chassis that’s brought to life by a 228-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. In addition, the x1 flaunts luxurious and spacious cabin, large enough to fit four adults comfortably with a large cargo area in the back for bulkier items. For its 2021 model, the X1 now has SiriusXM satellite radio as standard with LED fog lamps.
We recommend skipping the all-wheel-drive xDrive model. You won’t exactly be finding much use of it and you’re better off getting a different vehicle entirely for better all-wheel-drive capabilities.
3. Mercedes-Benz A-Class
You’d think that it’d be easy for automobile manufacturers to come up with smaller and more affordable versions of their more expensive and larger vehicles without compromising on luxury stylings, but you’d be wrong.
As Mercedes-Benz’s experiment with the CLA-class proves, even the premiere automaker can get things wrong. Thankfully, Benz has since seen the proverbial light. The result is the A-class, which in multiple ways, is just a smaller and entry-level version of its more luxurious stablemates, such as those that are available for rent at Rotana Star.
Despite being more affordable, Mercedes equipped all A-class models with all the niceties with optional extras. As a standard, the A-class comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine whose sound quickly fades into the background once you’re inside the huge and luxurious cabin.
On top of high-class looks and responsive handling, the A-class is also filled with high-tech features. This includes Mercedes’ very own dual-screen infotainment display setup that comes with an MBUX infotainment interface.
4. Nissan X-Trail
The Nissan X-Trail is a mid-budget and utilitarian crossover SUV that has been in the market since 2001. It has always been a popular choice among those looking for a spacious and capable crossover SUV at an attractive price point.
What makes the Nissan X-Trail stand out in a competitive segment is its design and performance. Thanks to a facelift in 2017 and updated engines in 2019, the X-Trail looks like it belongs with the likes of the aforementioned BMW X1, among others. It also comes with the option to have a 7-seater configuration and is equipped with an economical but powerful 148bhp 1.7liter diesel engine.
Speaking of looks, the latest X-Trail is a notable departure from its more utilitarian predecessors. Its interior design gives it a lot of space, with as much as 565 liters of luggage room if the third row seats are folded.
For added functionality, all the latest X-Trail models have cruise control, electric windows, Bluetooth, as well as cruise control. it has the VIN Decorder and on the higher end of the price range, you can opt for premium features like all-around parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, automatic lights and wipers, and a panoramic sunroof, among others.
5. Toyota Camry
The latest iteration of the Toyota Camry is the quintessential economy luxury car. This is thanks to Toyota’s efforts of sculpting one of their more popular car models into a desirable option for those looking for a mid-budget business car.
Thrifty businessmen will love the four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile, it has a hybrid powertrain as well for those who want to see what the fuss is all about with electric cars but don’t want to fully invest in the technology. Lastly, there’s also a Camry available for businessmen who like their rides sporty and compliant.
The top-of-the-line sport-tuned TRD model comes with a 301hp V6 engine that gives it some real power when out on the highway. It also looks the part of a sporty sedan without looking obnoxious. The TRD model has a discrete rear spoiler and exhaust tips for that sleek and sporty look. It also comes with a retuned suspension for a lowered more aggressive stance that doesn’t compromise ride comfort.
As a large executive sedan with plenty of interior and cargo space, the Camry isn’t necessarily the best in any category. However, it checks all the right boxes without raising any significant red flags.