Most Affordable Luxury Cars

Volvo C30
Starts at $23,395

Even the cheapest of our entry-level luxury cars has a six-speed manual transmission standard. Volvo calls the base model "Version 1.0." The upgraded model is "Version 2.0." A five-speed automatic with manual-shifting capability is optional. A turbocharged, five-cylinder engine previously shared with some of the bigger, more expensive models produces 227 hp. A glass hatchback is probably the single most distinguishing feature.



Saab 9-3
Starts at $26,995

The Saab 9-3 2.0T Sport Sedan has a 210-hp, turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard. A five-speed automatic with manual shifting capability is optional. A 150-watt, seven-speaker audio system is standard. A nine-speaker Bose system is optional. Like most luxury cars, even entry-level ones, anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control are standard.


Porsche Cayenne
Starts at $44,295

The 2008 Cayenne, on sale now, is a new generation of the Porsche SUV. The priciest vehicle on our list is the third most powerful (after the Cadillac CTS and Infiniti G37), with a 290-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 engine. It goes from zero to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, one second faster than the old Cayenne. Bi-xenon headlights are standard.



Mercedes-Benz C300
Starts at $31,975

2008 model goes on sale August 7.

The 2008 C300 Sport Sedan, the first all-new C-Class since 2000, has a 228-hp, six-cylinder engine. (There is also a slightly pricier "Luxury" variant.) Features from the flagship S-Class include a computer hard drive for the optional navigation system. "Selective damping" debuts first on the C-Class. It automatically provides a stiffer ride in sporty driving and a softer, smoother ride for highway cruising.



Lincoln MKZ
Starts at $29,305

The 2008 MKZ on sale now has a powerful, 263-hp V-6 engine and a size advantage over some of its entry-level competitors. Options include a thumping 600-watt, 14-speaker audio system.



Lexus IS 250
Starts at $30,970

The 2007 Lexus IS 250 has a once-rare six-speed manual transmission, plus a 204-hp, 2.5-liter V-6 engine. An optional luxury package includes features that were scarce a few years ago, like heated and ventilated front seats; bi-xenon headlights; adaptive headlights, which redirect the beam of light around a corner for better visibility. An optional sound system includes DVD-audio and DVD-video playback.



Land Rover LR2
Starts at $34,700

The smallest Land Rover is an all-new 2008 model, with a 230-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 engine. Like its bigger siblings, it can "wade" across streams up to about 20 inches deep. Its six-speed automatic transmission has different settings for different slippery conditions. The LR2 isn't exactly roughing it, however: It has a nine-speaker, 320-watt audio system with an MP3 plug-in.



Jaguar X-Type 3.0
Starts at $34,995

X-Type sales are down more than 40% year to date through May, but the entry-level 2008 model Jag has its fans. The X-Type has standard all-wheel drive, which is unusual but "trickling down" among luxury cars. Other upscale features include electronic brake force distribution to prevent skids, wood trim and a 120-watt sound system.



Infiniti G37
Starts at $32,000 (estimated)

Sales of the 2008 model start in August.

The G37 Coupe, with a 330-hp V-6 engine, replaces the 2007 G35. Optional features include advanced four-wheel active steering, where the rear wheels help steer the car. Like the Cadillac CTS, the optional navigation system shows "3-D" landmark buildings. And like some more expensive cars, the G37 has optional "intelligent cruise control," which, within limits, maintains a set distance to the vehicle ahead.



Cadillac CTS
Starts at $32,500 (estimated)

Sales of the 2008 model start in September.

The 2008 CTS, with a 304-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 engine, is a redesigned model. Its innovative "infotainment" system uses several digital formats. Besides music, the dashboard system can play DVD movies when parked. The optional navigation system runs off the car's hard drive, as opposed to a removable DVD or CD-ROMs. As technology improves, customers will someday be able to download updates wirelessly.



BMW 328i
Starts at $33,175

The least-expensive BMW--until the 1 Series lands next year--the 2007 328i has a 230-hp, six-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual transmission is standard. The optional six-speed automatic has a "Steptronic" mode, for manual gear selection without a clutch. High-tech brakes include Brake Standby, which almost but not quite applies the brakes when the driver suddenly lifts off the accelerator pedal, anticipating hard braking.



Courtesy:FORBES