Top 10 List: These are the best-selling luxury cars in America

So you have a few bucks. You’re moving on up and looking to trade that old Accord in for something sleek and speedy. Yes, you can go get yourself a luxury crossover, but that just seems predictable and ordinary at this point.
Maybe it’s time for something different – like a luxury car. There are plenty to choose from, and each offer a unique personality based on years of refinement, and carefully designed features meant to create an optimal experience.

About this list

The luxury cars on this list earned best-seller status based on the number of models sold during 2017. Pricing shown is the base sticker price, plus destination fee*.

Also noted is news of upcoming redesigns for the 2019 model year, so shoppers looking for a better deal can haggle on outgoing models, while people looking for the latest upgrades may wish to wait.
* Pricing accurate as of Feb. 28, 2018

#10 Lincoln MKZ

The Lincoln MKZ is a best-seller thanks to classy styling and new technology.

(Lincoln)

Somewhere, Matthew McConaughey is smiling. Why? Because the Lincoln MKZ is one of the best-selling luxury cars in America. Despite a features list that sends the sticker price skyward (and quickly), buyers are responding to its classy styling, comfortable interior, quiet ride and advanced technology.

Sure, the lack of a German brand on your luxury car’s grille might be hard to get over, but the MKZ makes the idea of a traditional American luxury brand more appealing.

• Total sales: 27,387
• Base model sticker price: $36,530

Ratings and Review: Lincoln MKZ

#9 Acura TLX

The Acura TLX retains best-seller status and ushers in new changes to the grille and an added A-Spec variant. 

(Acura/Wieck)

Acura has evolved the TLX into a high-quality and refined luxury sedan, the result of which is a popular and best-selling car. For 2018, Acura adds an updated grille and a new sport-tuned A-Spec variant, a model our reviewers say adds a healthy dose of attitude and fun. That just might move the TLX closer to the kind of luxury performance sedan it aspires to become.

• Total sales: 34,846
• Base model sticker price: $33,965

First Drive: Acura TLX A-Spec

#8 Audi A4

Revised for the 2017 model year, the Audi A4 retains its charm and poise as a best-selling luxury sedan that offers a superb overall experience. 

(Jim Fets)

It’s surprising to see the Audi A4 toward the bottom of the best-seller list, simply because it’s such a comprehensively solid sedan. Redesigned for the 2017 model year, it provides buyers with timeless styling, capable handling, strong engines, and a lofty level of quality.
As such, it likely won’t be long before the A4 begins to crowd the BMW 3 Series – and perhaps even the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

• Total sales: 37,674
• Base model sticker price: $36,975

Ratings and Review: Audi A4

#7 BMW 4 Series

Refreshed for 2018, the BMW 4 Series is a definite best seller that offers a fun-to-drive experience with updated styling cues, a stiffer suspension, and additional colors. 

(Fabian Kirchbauer)

A sporty alternative to the BMW 3 Series? That seems like it might be too much fun. But then again – nah. Based on the same platform and powertrains as the 3 Series, the BMW 4 Series offers a lower center of gravity and sportier feel behind the wheel. Refreshed for the 2018 model year, the 4 Series is simply scintillating.

• Total sales: 39,634
• Base model sticker price: $44,295

Gallery: BMW 4 Series

#6 BMW 5 Series

As a perennial best-seller, the BMW 5 Series has sold well over a million versions in the U.S. since it debuted in 1975. It continues as a popular choice for luxury car buyers.

(BERNHARD_LIMBERGER)

New for 2017 model year, the BMW 5 Series brings a well-earned pedigree of performance luxury to car buyers. It’s one of the best all-around sedans available – period.
Yet the competition for premium performance dollars grows fiercer by the day, with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Cadillac CTS crowding into the 5 Series’ territory. It doesn’t help that adding many of the fantastic available options to the 5 Series will make the price soar.

• Total sales: 40,658
• Base model sticker price: $53,645

Ratings and Review: BMW 5 Series 530i

#5 Infiniti Q50

Refreshed for the 2018 model year, the Infiniti Q50 comes in fifth place among best-sellers, thanks to sculpted styling, a more angular design, and a generous array of technology.

(Infiniti)

The evolution of Infiniti continues with the Q50, the fun-to-drive and best-selling relative to the G35 and G37. It will be interesting to see if this interpretation of Infiniti’s unique performance and technology DNA wins over as many fans in the long term, but the Q50’s strong sales show definite promise.
The Q50 just might offer luxury shoppers a different take on the combination of luxury, performance and technology.

• Total sales: 40,739
• Base model sticker price: $35,195

Ratings and Review: First Drive: Infiniti Q50

#4 Mercedes-Benz E / CLS-Class

A perennial best-seller, the E-Class is better than ever, offering buyers what one of our reviewers termed a “technological tour-de-force.”

(Mercedes-Benz)

You can drive the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Or, it can drive you – at least in a semi-autonomous way. That’s because the sedan’s 2017 redesign brought with it a bevy of driver assistance technology and infotainment wonderment…not to mention what our reviewers characterized as a sleek and sophisticated style.
Soon enough, the E-Class will have plenty of competition from the likes of BMW, Volvo, and Audi, but for now it is arguably the midsize luxury sedan standard.

• Total sales: 51,312
• E-Class base model sticker price: $53,945
• CLS-Class base model sticker price: $76,145

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz E-Class
First Look: 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS

#3 Lexus ES

As a top best-seller, the Lexus ES offers a comfortable, quiet and spacious experience, with a starting sticker price that’s decidedly reachable. 

(Lexus)

The Lexus ES is known as a comfortable, reliable, quiet and spacious ride. It’s a sedan for those who prize the trappings of luxury, and the comfortable feeling of premium space.
True, there are sportier options available on the market, and the ES 350 and ES 300h was last freshened for the 2016 model year.
But when it comes to a luxury ride with room to breathe, the Lexus ES puts together a compelling experience.An all-new version is expected for the 2019 model year.

• Total sales: 51,398
• Base model sticker price: $39,945

Gallery: Lexus ES

#2 BMW 3 Series

A redesigned 3 Series is due to arrive in 2019, but the current sedan is still a best-seller thanks to BMW’s signature approach to performance, luxury and technology. 

(Tom Kirkpatrick)

Maybe the current BMW 3 Series is getting a little old. And perhaps the competition is catching up to its exciting blend of performance, luxury and technology.
If so, well, it seems not to matter: the sedan is still the #2 best-selling luxury car in America, with thousands of buyers flocking to its siren song of sport, status and sophistication.
With a revised version coming in the 2019 model year, things promise to get even better – and more competitive for the top spot.

• Total sales: 59,449
• Base model sticker price: $35,895

Gallery: BMW 3 Series

#1 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Best-selling and built to stay that way, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class tops the luxury car list and is perhaps the best C-Class ever.  

(Mercedes)

The C-Class stands out as the king of luxury car hill because it does just about everything right and at a refined and premium level. The combination of safety, style, performance and all-around luxury is very hard to beat – and very tempting to buy.
Our reviewers found it to be the most capable, complete, and balanced proposition currently available among luxury compact sedans.

• Total sales: 77,447
• Base model sticker price: $41,245

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