Customers are drawn to luxury vehicles because of their high-end interiors, smooth rides, and cutting-edge technology. Also, the social status boost comes from driving a luxury brand. Because of this, the deluxe versions are more expensive than the standard versions.
But do you think the tacked-on cost is fair? How about a used luxury vehicle instead, which would be cheaper?
To help you in deciding which high-end automobiles are worth the additional investment, we have ranked them according to their dependability.
We also analyzed the average cost of 3-year-old premium vehicles for consumers who want a luxury car but don’t want to pay the exorbitant luxury new car pricing, given that these cars are frequently leased.
The most durable high-end cars
Every high-end vehicle has its unique characteristics. iSeeCars studied over 11.8 million pre-owned automobiles to rank them based on their long-term reliability and their predicted mileage of 200,000 miles or more.
We used iSeeCars data to provide an expert review on the best high-end cars for reliability.
Lexus IS 350
Reliability Score: 8.0
The Lexus IS 350, the performance edition of the Lexus IS 300 compact luxury sedan, ranks #1 and is one of the best available luxury compact automobiles. The Lexus IS 350 receives an updated exterior appearance for 2021, along with a potent 311-horsepower V6 powertrain and a host of active safety systems.
The cabin is luxurious and well-appointed, and the ride quality is excellent. The option of all-wheel drive is additionally on the table. You may expect to pay between $42,900 and $44,900 for a brand new Lexus IS 350, while you’ll pay around $36,115 for a three-year-old, lightly used model.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Reliability Score: 8.0
Mercedes Benz S-Class is also a top-tier super luxury vehicle; however, it comes in second. Starting in the six-figure range, it is undoubtedly among the most luxurious sedans available. A high-tech dashboard that is two feet tall and has a digital instrument gauge and an infotainment screen side-by-side, along with park assist technology, are some of the luxurious features that are available on the full-size S-Class. Other luxury features include 16-way power-adjustable front seats with an optional massaging feature. The second row also contains footrests, message functions, folding tables, and motorized sunshades to ensure your comfort.
The vehicle’s driving capabilities are equally outstanding, with a smooth ride and various potent engines to choose from. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is powered by a range of engines, the least powerful of which is a 3.0-liter V6 with 362 hp and the most powerful of which is a 4.0-liter V8 with 603 hp, all of which are twin-turbocharged. For a brand-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, prices range from $103,563 to $175,011, while used models three years older may be found for between $55,989 and $115,974.
Volvo S60
Reliability Score 8.0
The third place goes to the midsize Volvo S60. The interior is luxurious, featuring plush seating and smooth surfaces. Standard safety features include lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and mitigation for veering off the road. The S60 comes equipped with connectivity for smartphone integrations like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
It has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower as standard equipment, with two other engines—a supercharged four-cylinder producing 316 horsepower and a plug-in hybrid producing 400 horsepower—available. The plug-in hybrid variant achieves an EPA-estimated 69 MPGe when running solely on electricity and 30 MPGe on a combination of electricity and gasoline. The price range for a brand new Volvo S60 is $37,750 to $48,000, while a used Volvo S60 three years ago cost, on average, $23,742.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Reliability Score 8.0
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class comes in at number four. The E-Class has several body styles, including a four-door convertible, sedan, coupe, and wagon. The E-Class’s ride quality and luxury cabin are prominent features. It offers a wide range of potent engine options, from the 255-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the basic model to the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 in the top AMG trim’s 603-horsepower.
The E-Class Wagon’s load capacity is 35 cubic feet behind the back seats, and it expands to 64 cubic feet when those seats are folded down, making it one of the most spacious in its class. While a brand-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class can cost as much as $131,242, a used model just three years old will set you back an average of $42,081.
BMW 5 Series
Reliability Score: 8.0
The BMW 5 Series, like the previous entry, is a midsize automobile. Powered by a potent engine and boasting excellent fuel economy and a near-ideal mix between a comfortable ride and confident handling, the 5-Series is among the most extraordinary luxury midsize automobiles on the market. The 12.3-inch smart play infotainment system is only one of the basic safety and entertainment features.
There are six different engine choices, beginning with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 248 horsepower. The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 617 hp is the most potent option. The price range for a brand new BMW 5 Series is $54,200 to $76,800, while a three-year-old used model would set you back an average of $37,802.
Lexus ES 350
Reliability Score: 8.0
The sixth-place finisher is the luxurious midsize Lexus ES 350. Lexus, Toyota’s luxury division, is often regarded as the most trustworthy luxury automaker. In addition to its roomy and plush cabin, the ES comes equipped with a long list of advanced safety technologies. Among these are lane departure warning, frontal collision warning, road sign detection, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam lighting.
There are two engine choices: a V6 that drives the front wheels and a new four-cylinder that provides all-wheel drive (AWD) for the 2021 model year. The price of a brand new Lexus ES 350 ranges from $40,000 to $49,000, while the average cost of a used Lexus ES 350 over the last three years is $30,292.
BMW 3 Series
Reliability Score: 8.0
The BMW 3-Series, which comes in at number seven, is a popular option for newcomers to the luxury automobile market thanks to its affordable price tag, agile handling, and plush interior. The sports sedan is offered with a basic turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an optional turbocharged six-cylinder engine, or a plug-in hybrid powertrain consisting of a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and an electric motor.
The price of a brand new BMW 3 Series ranges from $41,250 to $56,700, while a used model from just three years ago can be purchased for an average of $26,680.
Audi A4
Reliability Score: 7.9
The Audi A4, a compact luxury car, comes in at eight. It has a plush cabin crafted from premium materials and drives smoothly. It is one of the more fuel-efficient cars in its class because it features conventional stock 2.0-liter supercharged four-cylinder engine and scores a good EPA rating of 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the interstate.
Some of the standard safety features are autonomous emergency braking, automatic high beam headlights, and lane departure warning. An Audi A4 ranges in price from $39,100 to $49,800 brand new, while a used A4 from the last three years goes for an average of $28,418.
Audi S8
Reliability Score: 7.9
The Audi S8, the high-performance version of the Audi A8 big sedan, comes in at number nine on the list and is considered a super luxury vehicle. Standard amenities include:
- A head-up display
- Wireless charging
- Massaging front sport seats
- The vehicle’s twin-turbo V8 engine produces 563 horsepower
The Audi S8’s average new vehicle price is between $115,900 and $130,900, demonstrating the high cost of performance and luxury. Due to its rapid depreciation, this car is a steal for anyone in the market for a secondhand vehicle. You can purchase a used Audi S8 three years old for $62,450, which is less than half the price of a brand new one.
BMW 7 Series
Reliability Score: 7.9
The list is completed with the ultra-luxurious BMW 7 Series. An optional twin-turbocharged V8 joins the basic 335-horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder in the base model. The M760i is the top-of-the-line model and features a V12 engine with 600 horsepower.
Safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning are all standard equipment. The price range for a brand new BMW 7 Series is $86,800–$157,800, while a used BMW 7 Series from the past three years sells for around $54,189.
Electric alternative
Tesla Model S
Reliability Score: 8.3
The Tesla Model S stands out as the most dependable option over time in terms of electric luxury cars. While it may lack the plush inside of its luxury competitors, the car makes up for this by offering a high-end sports car’s responsive handling, quick acceleration, and a plethora of cutting-edge technological features.
Automatic emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning are some of the standard advanced safety features. And it can go up to 400 kilometers on electric power alone. The price of a brand new Tesla Model S ranges from $69,420 to $91,990, while the average cost of a used Model S from the last three years is $61,101.
Final thoughts
If you value comfort and performance, a new premium model may be worth the investment if you’re ready to splash out. Alternatively, you may consider buying a used luxury vehicle, which often has the same or similar amenities and comfort levels but costs much less.
You can mitigate the high expense of maintenance and repairs on luxury vehicles by purchasing a certified pre-owned model that includes a warranty from the original manufacturer. Luxury vehicles with high-reliability ratings are always a good bet when shopping for a pre-owned automobile.
Infoceptor's editorial team handpicks all of the products and services it recommends, regardless of external influences. Affiliate links appear in some of our stories. We may receive an affiliate commission if you purchase something through one of these links, which helps us stay independent and support our great team.
