Yahoo Finance 10 Best Upper-Class Cars in 2024
Everyone recognizes that second only to buying a house, purchasing a car is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. Yet, despite popular opinion — which dictates people should spend only 10% to 15% of their take-home pay on a car — many Americans fall victim of choosing a car before considering a budget, and end up buying too much car or miscalculating what they can afford.
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According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s data for 2022, the median household income in the U.S. was $74,580. Using Pew Research’s designation of “middle-class” being “those with an annual household income that was two-thirds to double the national median income,” the upper-class would be bringing home in excess of $149,160.
Having an estimated household income of over $150,000 and a median net worth of $805,400 (per 2021 Census data) means that upper-class Americans can afford a lot more car and have a lot more options than those who make far less. As auto manufacturers continue to focus on luxury, there are significantly more vehicles with transaction prices above $75,000 then below $25,000, according to Kelley Blue Book.
For 2024, there are a lot of “upper-class” cars that will cost you a tidy sum, but most come with features and levels of quality that justify their steep sticker prices. Here are 10 of the best upper-class cars on the market today.
Acura RDX
Starting MSRP: $44,350
Despite complaints about its “fussy touchpad, which is the only way to interact with the infotainment screen,” Consumer Reports has nothing but nice things to say about the RDX’s drivability, powertrain and interior, ranking it #3 of 21 luxury compact SUVs for 2024.
Audi A6/A7
Starting MSRPs: $58,100/$72,000
According to iSeeCars, in the areas of new car base pricing, fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score, the Audi A6 outperforms the Audi A7 in terms of features and ratings. In terms of base engine power, the Audi A7 is superior. The A7 has more cargo space and a sleeker look, but for close to $14,000 less for their base models, you might be better to sacrifice little and save more.
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BMW X5
Starting MSRP: $66,195
Naming BMW the #1 best car brand — and hence, the #1 luxury car brand — Consumer Reports also thinks that the automaker’s X5 is one of the best SUVs it’s ever tested. For drivers expecting a the best, the X5’s ride is remarkably smooth, stable and comfortable, and the opulent interior is whisper silent.
Genesis G90
Starting MSRP: $89,200
The cheaper G70 and G80 are both excellent cars, but the G90 is in a class of its own. Despite unimpressive fuel economy and acceleration, MotorTrend feels Genesis’ flagship model excels in every area. It looks great, has a wide range of features, offers world-class ride quality and silent comfort. The interior design is tastefully and functionally organized. The lounge-like rear seating area is a dream for passengers.
Jaguar XF
Starting MSRP: $49,800
With plenty of storage capacity and a variety of engine options, the Jaguar XF is a sophisticated and powerful midsize luxury sedan. Its quiet cabin makes it a good daily commuter and country cruiser, even though it is not as performant or state-of-the-art as some of its German rivals, like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series.
Kia EV9
Starting MSRP: $56,395
Kia? Upper-class car? Perhaps not, but that’s an upper-class price tag for a very good EV. While the big automakers are trying to catch Tesla, Kia is distancing itself and “killing it with EVs,” claims Motor1. “The Kia EV9 has the three-row EV market all to its own. It goes to show just how far ahead of the curve the Korean brand is,” said the site. The EV9 is perfect for an American upper-class household that likes the look of owning an electric vehicle over that of a prestigious brand symbol.
Lexus LS
Starting MSRP: $80,865
Jumping up a little in price, the Lexus LS has fallen behind competitors in some experts’ eyes. However, For a stress-free driving experience, the 2024 LS raises the standard for the ultra-luxury sedan class with its comfort, quietness and unmatched build quality. It might not have the most horsepower in its class or the technological prowess of its leading rivals, but with semi-autonomous safety features, the car all but drives itself.
Mercedes-Benz CLE-class
Starting MSRP: $56,500
As Car and Driver notes, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE-class blended its old C-class and E-class models when it trimmed its lineup. Although it’s more opulent than its rivals — the Audi A5 and the BMW 4-series — the CLE outdoes both in cost too. That’s an unfortunate part of owning a Benz. Mercedes’ CLE-class has two powertrain options, is available as a “slick two-door coupe or convertible form factor” and has a ton of standard cabin technology.
Porsche 718 Cayman/Boxster
Starting MSRPs: $68,300/$70,400
These two 718 models share the same superior engine, produce the same excellent horsepower, torque and performance numbers and have the same dimensions. And both will cost you around $70,000, which is not bad considering Porsches are persuasive upper-class lures due to their iconic status and luxe looks.
Volvo S60
Starting MSRP: $43,645
Known for it excellent safety ratings and practicality, Volvo’s sedans are also comfortable. The S60 in particular has a sophisticated interior (“The interior design is unique, and the materials are lovely, especially with the optional Nappa leather or wool blend,” says Kelley Blue Book) and a subtlety sporty yet quiet ride. KBB also likes some of the S60’s standard features, like the panoramic roof and Google-based infotainment system.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 10 Best Upper-Class Cars in 2024
