Popular Luxury
After six months of car sales in 2017, it is abundantly clear that U.S. consumers love their crossover SUVs and trucks, and exhibit less and less interest in passenger cars. However, shoppers are still looking for classic luxury sedans, albeit fewer than in years past. So which luxury cars are consumers buying most? Let’s look at the 20 most popular luxury cars in America, based on vehicle sales through June 2017.
20. Cadillac XTS
YTD Sales: 7,370
Vs. 2016: -24.7%
The XTS is the flagship of the Cadillac lineup, with a spacious interior and many advanced high-tech features. Sales of the big sedan are down, with June showing a decline of almost 16 percent versus a year earlier. Several updates were made last year, including a new grille design, Surround Vision with a 360-degree overhead view, wireless phone charging and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Offered with front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive, the XTS has two powerplant choices, including a 410-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 with standard all-wheel drive in the XTS Vsport.
19. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
YTD Sales: 7,583
Vs. 2016: -10.7%
The flagship of the Mercedes-Benz line, the S-Class sets a high bar for full-size luxury sedans. Considering that this premium vehicle has a price starting around $100,000, sales are holding their own — although down slightly compared to 2016. The base S550 comes loaded with soft leather seats, a high-end audio system and a plethora of other luxury features — even a hot stone massage and an aromatherapy system. Power is never lacking, with engines ranging from a 449-horsepower turbo V8 to a monster Biturbo V12 boasting 621 horsepower.
18. Genesis G80
YTD Sales: 7,666
Vs. 2016: NA
Now a luxury brand, Genesis started as the first luxury model of Korean automaker Hyundai. Once Genesis spun off as its own brand, the model was renamed the G80. Since Genesis is such a new brand, there are no sales figures for the G80 prior to 2017. The G80’s 3.8-liter V6 engine produces 311 horsepower, combined with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is optional. A new G80 Sport will join the lineup this year with unique front and rear fascias, copper accents, 19-inch dark-alloy wheels and a new 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 powerplant producing 365 horsepower.
17. Audi A6 / S6
YTD Sales: 7,969
Vs. 2016: -4.3 %
Audi has done an amazing job with vehicle design in the past few years, making the A6 one of the most attractive luxury sedans on the market. Sales were down about 15 percent in June versus 2016, bringing the luxury sedan down slightly year over year. Available with Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel drive system, the A6 is available with a choice of engines as well as the latest in high-tech safety features. Also available is the high-performance S6 sporting a 450-horsepower V8 powertrain.
16. Mercedes-Benz CLA
YTD Sales: 8,505
Vs. 2016: -37.5%
The CLA resides at the base of a very full Mercedes-Benz lineup, with prices starting in the low $30,000 range. Introduced in 2014, this entry-level Mercedes had great sales success after its debut, although sales have been in slight decline over the last several months. June sales are down almost 8 percent compared to the same month in 2016. The 2017 CLA receives a face-lift incorporating updated styling and features. With front-wheel drive or available 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the small model is available as either the CLA250 with its 208-horsepower turbocharged engine, or the 375-horsepower high-performance AMG CLA45 4MATIC.
15. Volvo S60 / V60
YTD Sales: 9,102
Vs. 2016: 1.5 %
The midsize S60 sedan and V60 wagon are the oldest models in the Volvo lineup, and they also happen to be the Swedish car company’s best-selling vehicles. Sales had been strong earlier in the year, but June revealed a 33 percent decrease versus one year earlier. As expected from a Volvo, the S60 and V60 are available with the latest in safety technology including Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake, as well as Cyclist and Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake.
14. Buick LaCrosse
YTD Sales: 12,308
Vs. 2016: -11.9%
Buick may not hold the cachet it once had in the U.S. — in fact, more Buicks get sold in China than in America — but the LaCrosse is still one of the best-selling luxury cars in the States. The largest car in the Buick lineup, LaCrosse is all new for the 2017 model year with a wider stance, a new grille and a roomy rear seat. Although overall sales are down for the year, the big Buick recently had an impressive 45 percent increase in sales versus June of 2016.
13. Lexus IS
YTD Sales: 12,328
Vs. 2016: -27.9 %
One of two Lexus models to make this top-sellers list, the third-generation IS debuted as a 2015 model featuring more aggressive styling. It is now offered in three trim levels defined by engine choice: the IS 200t, the IS 300 AWD and the IS 350 with available all-wheel drive. Sales of the IS have declined in recent months — June 2017 revealed a drop of almost 24 percent compared to a year earlier.
12. Audi A3
YTD Sales: 12,537
Vs. 2016: -24.4 %
Available in a variety of body styles including sedan and convertible, the A3 is the entry-level model in the Audi lineup. Sales are not only down for the year, but June also showed a decline of 29 percent compared to 2016. The A3 carries the styling cues of higher-end Audi models, and is available with the brand’s well-known quattro all-wheel-drive system. Premium standard features on the A3 include a panoramic sunroof, Xenon headlights, a 12-way power driver’s seat, leather trim, dual-zone climate control and a high-end audio system.
11. Lincoln MKZ
YTD Sales: 14,342
Vs. 2016: -2.4 %
Redesigned for the 2017 model year, the MKZ is Lincoln’s best-selling model that continues to succeed in a very tight entry-luxury market. Sales have been up most of the year, but a decline of almost 20 percent in June compared with 2016 has pulled overall sales numbers down. The 2017 MKZ receives a new front-end treatment with a grille similar to the new Lincoln Continental, flanked by adaptive LED headlights. MKZ is also available with a 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine as well as an advanced hybrid system.
10. Tesla Model S
YTD Sales: 14,400
Vs. 2016: 9.1%
A unique alt-fuel vehicle in the American marketplace, The Model S offers impressive performance and a driving range that exceeds 250 miles in an attractive electric sedan. Tesla reports that sales are continuing to increase, showing a bump of about 9 percent in June versus the same month in 2016. The Model S is available in different configurations ranging from the base-level 75 to the P100D, which has the capability of reaching 60 mph in less than 3 seconds when in “Ludicrous” mode.
9. Audi A4 / S4 / allroad
YTD Sales: 18,652
Vs. 2016: 18.4 %
The Audi A4 is completely redesigned for the 2017 model year, and it appears that consumers like the new look. In a very tough luxury car market, the A4 has experienced considerable sales growth for the year, and June was up 11 percent versus a year ago. The new A4 – along with its more powerful sibling, the S4 – features fresh styling, updated powertrains, new high-tech features and impressive handling. These sales numbers also include the A4 allroad, Audi’s wagon-based crossover.
8. BMW 5 Series
YTD Sales: 17,499
Vs. 2016: -13.7 %
The BMW 5 Series is all new for the 2017 model year and the Bavarian automaker is beginning to see results from this redesign. June sales are up 43 percent compared to June of 2016. This seventh-generation 5 Series makes extensive use of aluminum, magnesium and high-strength steel to improve handling while reducing weight. Available with rear- or all-wheel drive, the new 5 Series wears the familiar BMW kidney grille with integrated twin circular LED headlights and features a new user interface with available Gesture Control.
7. Acura TLX
YTD Sales: 19,603
Vs. 2016: -3.2%
The best-selling passenger car in the Acura portfolio, the TLX is having a bit of a sales comeback with an impressive 37 percent increase in June compared to a year earlier. The TLX debuted as a 2015 model replacing the TL in the Acura lineup with a combination of sport-sedan performance with luxury refinement. An all-new 2018 TLX was introduced earlier this year at the New York Auto Show with more aggressive styling, plenty of new high-tech features and available torque vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive.
6. Infiniti Q50
YTD Sales: 19,603
Vs. 2016: -3.2%
The entry point into the Infiniti lineup, the Q50 replaced the G Sedan back in 2014. Unfortunately a common occurrence in this market, the Q50 has experienced a sales decline – however, a comeback may be in the works with strong June sales numbers. The Q50 is available with rear- or all-wheel drive and can be powered by a variety of engine options. Drivers seeking higher performance can opt for the Q50 Red Sport 400, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Standard features on all Q50s include LED headlights, a rearview monitor, dual-zone climate control, keyless start, power front seats and a premium audio system.
5. BMW 4 Series
YTD Sales: 20,351
Vs. 2016: 5.6 %
One of three BMW cars in this best-sellers list, the 4 Series joined the BMW lineup in 2014 when the 4 Series Coupe and Convertible replaced the 2-door 3 Series variants. Sales for this year were down early on, but a strong showing over the last few months – including a 41 percent year-over-year increase in June – has turned the numbers positive. The 4 Series is offered in Coupe, Gran Coupe and Convertible versions with different engine choices and available xDrive all-wheel drive.
4. Lexus ES
YTD Sales: 21,800
Vs. 2016: -21.8%
The ES is the entry-level model in the Lexus lineup, and wears the crown as the brand’s best-selling car. While the ES received bold new styling just last year, sales have seen a bit of a drop off – June shows a decline of 8 percent versus a year earlier. Available with a V6 or fuel-efficient hybrid powerplant, the ES comes standard with the Lexus Safety System+ Package that includes the Pre-Collision System with pedestrian detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
3. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
YTD Sales: 23,708
Vs. 2016: 18.6%
Mercedes-Benz introduced an all-new 2017 E-Class sedan early last year, joined by the updated Coupe a few months ago. The new model is doing well for the brand — posting a healthy increase over 2016, with June showing a bump of almost 8 percent compared to the same period last year. The 10th-generation E-Class boasts a new exterior design, a new luxurious interior and some world-premiere technologies. The muscular front-end design offers two iterations of the Mercedes grille: The Luxury version has a more classic look with three horizontal ribs and a Mercedes star on the hood, while the Sport version features a sport grille with a large Mercedes star in the center.
2. BMW 3 Series
YTD Sales: 27,707
Vs. 2016: -16.0%
Long known as the benchmark sport sedan, the BMW 3 Series had always reigned at the top of the luxury car sales charts, but with the introduction of the 4 Series as a separate model line, the numbers are a bit lower. That said, the 3 Series is certainly holding its own even with large declines year over year. Last year the 3 Series received minor exterior styling updates including available LED headlights, revised suspension for improved handling and new interior trim. Also new is the 340i which replaced the 335i as the top trim level, powered by a new turbocharged inline 6-cylinder that produces 320 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque.
1. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
YTD Sales: 42,552
Vs. 2016: 14.1%
With an expanded lineup that includes a coupe and convertible in addition to the 4-door sedan, the C-Class is doing quite well in the tough luxury car market. Not only are sales up for the year, June sales show an increase of almost 4 percent compared to the same month in 2016. The C-Class Sedan was redesigned for the 2015 model year, followed late last year by the all-new C-Class Coupe and the first-ever C-Class Cabriolet.
