Owning a luxury vehicle is one way Americans signal to others that they are successful and to signal to themselves that they deserve a slice of the good life. But what does “luxury vehicle” really mean besides a brand name- such as BMW?
Per the Wikipedia:
A luxury car is a car that provides above-average to high-end levels of comfort, features, and equipment. More expensive materials and surface finishes are often used, and buyers expect better build quality. The usually higher pricing and more upscale appearance are often associated with higher social status of the users, compared to low and mid-market segment cars.
Yes, But …
This begs the question: Is acquiring a luxury vehicle for less than $40,000 possible? If you’re BMW, the answer is a resounding YES! In fact, Kelley Blue Book has just issued its latest list of “10 Best Luxury Cars Under $40,000.” BMW has two vehicles – an SUV and a car – on the list; here’s a sample of what the kbb.com editors had to say:
The 2023 BMW X1 is “One of the most spacious and high-performance vehicles in the subcompact luxury SUV segment … Excellent standard and option features, a practical cabin, and a strong 241-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine help it stand out from a competitive class.” It got the #1 ranking on the kbb.com list. The 2024 BMW 2 Series is “the most affordable entry point to the BMW brand … If you’ve always wanted a BMW but have been too frugal, here are a couple of options that won’t break the bank.” The editors cite the BMW 228i Gran Coupe 4-door sedan and the 230i Coupe. They also suggest that if you need some extra traction (mountain driving, for example), you spring for the optional AWD.
Don’t Take Our Word for It
It’s easy for us at Schomp BMW to tell potential customers how good our cars are and point out that luxury can come at an affordable price, but you’d expect us to say that. Impartial judges like the folks at Kelley Blue Book, one of the most respected automotive review organizations, just give us additional credibility.