10) 2018 Cadillac CTS
$46,495 | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
Value: Although the CTS’ starting price is on the lower end for the class, its average retail price is actually quite high – the highest in the class. The CTS’ total cost of ownership is also higher than average, because it has some of the highest fuel, maintenance, and insurance costs in the class.
Quality: The Cadillac CTS boasts top safety scores, though the mechanically similar 2017 model earns just 2.5 out of a possible five points on the J.D. Power reliability scale.
The CTS also features potent acceleration and athletic handling that make it a standout performer in this class. Rear parking sensors and a rearview camera come standard in the CTS’ base trim, but move up a notch or two on the ladder and you’ll get a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. Though the driver and front passenger will be all set, comfort-wise, you’ll want to look elsewhere if rear-seat and cargo space are priorities for you.
9) 2018 BMW 5 Series
$52,400 | U.S. News Score: 8.8/10
Value: BMW 5 Series has the second-highest average retail price and one of highest starting prices in the class, which keeps it from placing higher on this list. Additionally, its total cost of ownership is more than any other midsize car in this ranking. One of the reasons the 5 Series will cost you is because it will end up in the shop more frequently; it has the highest combined maintenance and repair costs. Not to mention, its fuel and insurance costs are higher than average for midsize cars.
Quality: BMW’s 5 Series should appeal to shoppers who want a responsible approach to luxury. The 5 Series earns full marks in safety, and the 2017 model earned above-average reliability scores from J.D. Power.
The interior is spacious in both rows, and the trunk is among the largest in its class. The 5-Series is offered with a range of powerful yet smooth engines, all of which are complemented by stable handling. Technology features are high-end and easy to learn. The Gran Turismo hatchback model gets retired this year, but the new 530e plug-in hybrid is worth considering for eco-minded buyers.
8) 2018 Jaguar XF
$47,775 | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10
Value: The Jaguar XF sits near the middle of the pack in terms of starting MSRP and average retail price. However, its total cost of ownership is a bit high for the class. Buy the XF and you’ll pay more in insurance than with any other luxury midsize car. Maintenance and repair costs are also higher than average.
Quality: Jaguar’s XF enters 2018 with a lower price and a new, efficient turbocharged engine for the base trim level, giving this sporty luxury vehicle a boost. The XF hasn’t been crash-tested, and though plenty of active safety features are available, Jaguar charges extra for tech that comes standard on many of its competitors. The 2017 model earned a score of three out of five on the J.D. Power reliability scale.
The XF is more of a driver’s car than some others on our list of the best luxury midsize cars for the money. It’s a pleasure to be behind the wheel, but passengers don’t get quite the same level of consideration in terms of space and comfort.
7) 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
$52,950 | U.S. News Score: 9.0/10
Value: The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has the highest starting MSRP on this list, the second-highest total cost of ownership in the class, and the third-highest average retail price. Although the E-Class isn’t the most expensive luxury midsize car to own, it will cost you more than most in the class when paying for fuel, insurance, maintenance, and repairs.
Quality: The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is easily one of the best vehicles in our luxury midsize car rankings, but its relatively high starting price keeps it from being a top contender in terms of value. Otherwise, it’s almost all here.
The E-Class earns full marks for safety, and the 2017 model earned above-average reliability ratings. This lineup includes coupe and convertible models, but value-minded buyers should stick with the sedan, which is anything but basic. The cabin is functional yet elegant, and seating is comfortable in both rows. The base trim provides plenty of power and a long list of standard tech features.
6) 2018 Lexus GS
$46,310 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10
Value: With one of the most accessible base prices in the class, the Lexus GS is a compelling choice for a value-oriented luxury midsize car buyer. The GS not only starts at an affordable price, but moving up in trims won’t necessarily break the bank. Its average retail price is reasonable for the class. However, it will cost you more to own than some competitors. Both the Audi A6 and Volvo S90 have comparable starting prices but cost less in terms of fuel and insurance, so you’ll pay more for the GS throughout its lifetime.
Quality: This Lexus earns top-notch safety scores, and J.D. Power awarded the 2017 model five out of five points for reliability, making this one of the most dependable luxury midsize cars available. Even better, the base model features a smooth and efficient turbocharged four-cylinder engine, plenty of standard safety features, and a comfortable interior. Unless you really want more power, there’s little need to move up through the GS’ available trim levels, but even if you do, you’ll be rewarded with a good value for your money.
5) 2018 Audi A6
$49,700 | U.S. News Score: 9.0/10
Value: The Audi A6’s cost of ownership and average retail price are within a few hundred dollars of the Lexus GS’. However, you will pay over $1,000 more in repair costs for the A6. On the flip side, the A6 offers better fuel and insurance costs.
Quality: This Audi is powerful yet provides impressive fuel economy, has athletic handling for a vehicle of its size, and is, overall, one of the most well-rounded vehicles in the class. The A6 earns top safety scores, and the 2017 model came in with J.D. Power rankings of 3.5 out of five points for reliability.
Although the A6’s starting price isn’t as low as some of its competitors’, Audi makes it the extra expenditure well worth your while, with an upscale interior, comfortable seating, and a long list of standard features, such as an easy-to-use infotainment system with a 8.3-inch display and several active safety features.
4) 2018 Volvo S90
$48,100 | U.S. News Score: 8.5/10
Value: The Volvo S90’s starting price is average. However, its average transaction price is on the lower end. The S90 offers an array of features in the entry-level trims, so buyers may not need to upgrade to get the bells and whistles they desire. The S90’s total cost of ownership is also quite low for the class, due in part to extremely low maintenance costs. You’ll spend thousands less than you would on the Genesis G80, which is the next most affordable luxury midsize car in terms of maintenance costs.
Quality: Though Volvo’s reputation for safety is still a compelling attribute for a value-oriented shopper, most competitors’ technology has caught up in recent years. Yet, the S90 still represents quite a good value if you are looking for cutting-edge equipment, since it includes a comprehensive suite of the latest active safety and driver assist features (like the Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system) in the base price, and several more advanced features (such as adaptive bending headlights) are optional.
The 2018 model hasn’t yet received safety or reliability scores, but the 2017 model aced its safety tests and earned an average reliability rating. This luxury midsize sedan delivers in terms of power, handling, and comfort, as well.
3) 2018 Genesis G80
$41,750 | U.S. News Score: 8.8/10
Value: The Genesis G80 undercuts numerous competitors with its low starting price. Only the Acura TLX and Lexus ES are cheaper.
The G80 ranks fourth in total cost of ownership, and its high fuel costs are mostly to blame. It ranks about average for insurance costs, and its maintenance and repair costs are just slightly above the class average.
Quality: The Genesis G80 was designed specifically to deliver good value for the money, promising style and technology on par with much more expensive European models, and its efforts are largely successful. The 2018 and 2017 models have not yet received reliability ratings from J.D. Power, but as a sub-brand of Hyundai, Genesis models come backed by a class-leading warranty. The G80 also earns great safety scores and comes packed with safety features and easy-to-use infotainment technology.
If the G80 has a significant shortcoming, it’s that its powerful standard V6 engine yields subpar fuel economy compared to rivals, and its optional twin-turbo V6 and V8 engines are also on the thirsty side.
2) 2018 Acura TLX
$33,000 | U.S. News Score: 8.0/10
Value: If you are looking for one of the most affordable models in the luxury midsize category, you’ll find that to be the Acura TLX’s greatest strength. It not only has the lowest starting price, but it also offers the cheapest average retail price. Its total cost ownership is on the lower end for the class. However, it’s not by a significant enough margin to take the top spot.
It bests the Volvo S90 and Genesis G80 by only a few thousand, and the Lexus ES costs about $10,000 less to own. Part of the reason the TLX is not the cheapest to own is because of its pricey maintenance costs, which are the highest in the class.
Quality: The TLX has strong safety scores, and the 2017 model earned an above-average reliability rating, so the most practical aspects are covered. Inside, you’ll find a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch materials and a cramped rear row. However, the seats are comfortable, and plenty of technology features are included.
At this price, you can add a few upgrades and still spend much less than you would on a competing model.
1) 2018 Lexus ES
$38,900 | U.S. News Score: 8.5/10
Value: The Lexus ES is our Best Luxury Midsize Car for the Money because it is priced affordably, has a low total cost of ownership, and offers good quality. It has the second-cheapest starting MSRP and average retail price on this list. But more impressively, it boasts the cheapest total cost of ownership – by several thousand dollars. The ES has low fuel, insurance, maintenance, and repair costs. It also depreciates much more slowly than its competitors, which makes purchasing the ES an even smarter buy.
Quality: The Lexus ES isn’t as fun to drive as many of its competitors, but otherwise, it’s hard to argue with the value packed into this luxury midsize sedan. The 2017 model has a perfect five out of five predicted reliability rating from J.D. Power, and safety scores are also strong.
The ES comes standard with a V6 engine and a long list of advanced safety features, such as the Lexus Enform Safety Connect system with automatic collision notification. Additional features are bundled into options packages, but the ES is so well-equipped out of the gate that most drivers can probably skip the upgrades. With this value-oriented luxury sedan, you’re in for a smooth and comfortable ride over the long haul.
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Here Are the Top Contenders From the U.S. News Best Luxury Midsize Car for the Money Awards
Luxury midsize car sales may be slumping in the wake of the crossover boom, but there are plenty of models that are still worth a look. If you plan to buy a luxury sedan or coupe in the coming year, we have your best bets right here.
Every year, the U.S. News Best Car for the Money awards put the spotlight on models that offer the best quality and value. To measure quality, we use the U.S. News overall scores from our rankings, which factor in expert reviews from the automotive press, as well as safety and reliability data. To measure value, we use TrueCar average transaction prices and Vincentric five-year total cost of ownership data.
Remember that we update U.S. News scores often as new expert reviews and data become available. So, the scores in this slideshow may not match the scores in our rankings.
Based on our criteria for quality and value, the following slides highlight our picks for the 10 best luxury midsize cars for the money.