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From the Expert’s Garage: 10 Underrated Luxury Vehicles to Watch in 2025
As a seasoned automotive expert with a decade spent navigating the ever-evolving landscape of premium vehicles, I’ve witnessed firsthand the shifts in what truly defines luxury. In 2025, it’s no longer just about the badge; it’s about the seamless integration of cutting-edge technology, unparalleled comfort, exhilarating performance, and a value proposition that often flies under the radar. While the usual suspects dominate the luxury segment’s headlines, there are compelling, often overlooked gems that offer an experience rivaling, and sometimes surpassing, their more famous counterparts. These are the vehicles that savvy buyers, those seeking true substance over sheer brand snobbery, should be seriously considering.
The market in 2025 is a fascinating tapestry of electrification, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and increasingly sophisticated infotainment. Consumers are demanding more from their luxury cars and premium SUVs, pushing manufacturers to innovate beyond traditional perceptions. We’re seeing brands redefine what it means to be a top-tier contender, often delivering surprising levels of refinement and dynamic prowess at competitive price points. Forget the marketing hype for a moment. Let’s delve into the vehicles that genuinely deliver an exceptional experience, offering high-performance luxury and opulent interiors without always commanding the steepest premiums or the loudest cheers. This guide is for those ready to discover genuine luxury vehicle value in 2025.
Cadillac CT4: The Performance Sleeper You Didn’t See Coming
When you hear “Cadillac CT4,” many immediately jump to the track-ready CT4-V Blackwing. But let’s be real: while the Blackwing is a phenomenal machine, the standard CT4, especially in its Premium Luxury trim with the potent 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, is an absolute revelation that often goes unappreciated. Yes, it dials back slightly from the V-series’ 325 horsepower to a still-commanding 310 horsepower and a robust 350 pound-feet of torque, but the result is a compact sedan that rockets from 0-60 mph in a thrilling 4.8 seconds. This isn’t just adequate; it’s genuinely quick, outperforming many rivals burdened by higher price tags.
What makes the CT4 an underrated luxury sedan is its chassis dynamics. Cadillac has truly nailed the balance here. It’s taut, responsive, and engaging, offering a driving experience that’s far more spirited than its segment position often suggests. While some critics point to interior material choices falling short of German rivals, I see it as a trade-off for that exceptional powertrain and chassis. If your priority is a driver-focused, compact premium sedan that delivers exhilarating performance without breaking the bank, the CT4, particularly with that optional 2.7L engine, is a diamond in the rough. It’s an accessible entry point to a true American performance luxury experience, perfect for those seeking an alternative to the usual European fare.
Mazda CX-90: Redefining Mainstream Premium SUV Sophistication
Mazda has been on an upward trajectory for years, meticulously refining its offerings with an eye towards premium aesthetics and driving dynamics. The 2025 Mazda CX-90 isn’t just another mid-sized three-row SUV; it’s a bold statement that positions Mazda as a serious contender in the near-luxury space, offering genuine luxury SUV value. From the moment you step inside, the CX-90 exudes a sophistication that belies its starting MSRP. The cabin is tastefully designed, featuring upscale materials and an ergonomic layout that prioritizes both driver and passenger comfort.
But the real highlight for the CX-90 lies beneath the hood: a silky-smooth inline-six engine. In its base form, it delivers a robust 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for daily driving and highway cruising. What truly sets it apart, however, is its refined handling. Mazda’s engineers have a knack for tuning chassis, and the CX-90 feels remarkably nimble for its size. Its accurate and fluid steering, combined with buttoned-down responses and sophisticated body control, makes it feel smaller and more agile the faster you go – a testament to its engineering prowess. Standard features like leatherette-trimmed seats and the comprehensive i-ACTIVSENSE safety suite further enhance its appeal. While its slightly more expensive twin, the CX-70, ditches the third row for a sportier aesthetic, the CX-90 remains the pragmatic choice for families seeking a truly premium experience with seating for up to eight, without the steep price tag of traditional luxury family SUVs. This is a premium SUV 2025 that challenges preconceptions about what Mazda can deliver.
Toyota Crown: The Stealth Luxury Hybrid Sedan
The return of the Toyota Crown for the 2023 model year was a fascinating move, and for 2025, it continues to carve out a unique niche as a truly underrated luxury vehicle. Toyota, long known for its mainstream appeal and bulletproof reliability, often gets overlooked in direct luxury comparisons. Yet, the Crown, with its elevated sedan stance and unmistakably Lexus-like interior, offers a compelling argument for understated opulence. This isn’t just a Toyota with fancy trim; it’s a meticulously engineered vehicle designed to deliver a premium experience without shouting about it.
The standard hybrid powertrain, producing a respectable 236 horsepower and achieving 0-60 mph in around seven seconds, offers a balance of efficiency and smooth power delivery that’s ideal for urban and highway commuting. However, the true showstopper is the Platinum trim’s Hybrid Max system. This powerhouse combines a turbocharged engine with electric motors to unleash a formidable 340 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, slashing the 0-60 mph time to a blistering five seconds. Paired with a standard automatic gearbox (not a CVT) and all-wheel drive, the Hybrid Max Crown delivers genuine hybrid performance luxury. Its cabin features high-quality materials, advanced infotainment, and a serene atmosphere that rivals vehicles costing significantly more. For those who prioritize a quiet, comfortable, and reliable luxury hybrid sedan with a touch of unique design, the Toyota Crown offers incredible luxury car value, flying under the radar of traditional luxury buyers. And if the sedan profile isn’t quite your style, the Crown Signia offers a crossover SUV variant based on the same luxurious platform.
Lexus IS: The Unflappable Standard of Comfort and Reliability
In the cutthroat world of compact executive sedans, the Lexus IS often plays the quiet, sophisticated sibling to its more aggressive German rivals. While it might not always boast the razor-sharp dynamics demanded by a small segment of enthusiasts, for the vast majority of luxury sedan buyers, the 2025 Lexus IS is an exceptionally comfortable, refined, and generously equipped choice that truly merits more attention. For 2025, Lexus continues to refine the IS, ensuring it remains a benchmark for ride quality and long-term ownership satisfaction.
Lexus interiors are synonymous with premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship, and the IS is no exception. The cabin offers a welcoming environment, designed for comfort during long journeys, and it comes standard with a wealth of features and the brand’s robust Safety System+. While earlier models offered a diverse engine lineup, for 2025, the focus on the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6, producing a healthy 311 horsepower, is music to the ears of V6 enthusiasts. This engine delivers smooth, linear power, propelling the IS to 60 mph in the mid-five-second range. What sets the IS apart as an underrated luxury vehicle is its unwavering commitment to a plush ride, impeccable build quality, and legendary reliability—factors that often outweigh raw track performance for daily drivers. It’s the smart choice for those seeking a tranquil, dependable, and genuinely luxurious driving experience that avoids the often higher maintenance costs and less forgiving rides of some competitors. This is a luxury car investment in peace of mind.
Genesis G70: The Disruptor Redefining Entry-Level Luxury
Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury arm, has consistently impressed, and the 2025 G70 continues to be a powerhouse of value and performance, often outshining its more established German counterparts. Going head-to-head with perennial favorites like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the G70 not only holds its own but often surpasses them in terms of standard features and raw performance per dollar. Starting significantly below its rivals, the G70 is a prime example of an underrated luxury sedan that should be on every discerning buyer’s list.
The G70’s agile chassis is a joy, delivering crisp handling and a connected feel to the road. Under the hood, a choice of potent turbocharged engines provides exhilarating acceleration. While the standard 2.0-liter turbo-four is spirited, the optional 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 is where the G70 truly shines, pumping out a thrilling 365 horsepower. This enables a blistering 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.5 seconds, firmly placing it in serious performance territory. The interior is a masterclass in modern luxury, featuring upscale amenities like available heated and ventilated seats, premium materials, and a user-friendly infotainment system. While brand heritage and dealer network perception might still be hurdles for some, dismissing the G70 means missing out on one of the best luxury car deals in the segment. Its compelling blend of high-performance luxury sedan attributes and generous standard equipment makes it an undeniable value proposition for those seeking a sophisticated and dynamic driving experience without the customary luxury premium.
Lincoln Nautilus: The Sanctuary of American Luxury
The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus stands as a testament to American luxury reimagined, offering a serene and sumptuously appointed interior that often gets overshadowed by its European competitors. While the Lincoln badge might not carry the same international prestige as a BMW or Mercedes-Benz, the Nautilus delivers a profoundly luxurious experience that offers exceptional luxury SUV value, especially when considering its starting price point compared to rivals like the significantly more expensive BMW X7.
Stepping inside the Nautilus is like entering a tranquil sanctuary. The cabin is adorned with high-end materials, and the standout feature is undoubtedly the panoramic 48-inch display that spans the dashboard, creating an immersive and futuristic command center. Advanced active safety features, a pillowy-soft ride, and an extensive list of standard and optional amenities ensure every journey is supremely comfortable. While its driving dynamics prioritize comfort over aggressive cornering, the experience is undeniably refined and hushed. The standard powertrain, a 250-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, provides ample motivation. For those seeking more punch and improved efficiency, a 310-horsepower hybrid version is also available, offering an incredibly smooth and quiet operation that enhances the sense of luxury. For buyers who prioritize a truly opulent, tech-forward, and remarkably quiet premium SUV 2025 that offers incredible comfort and value, the Lincoln Nautilus is an underrated luxury SUV that deserves serious consideration. It’s a true American contender for the discerning luxury buyer.
Genesis GV80: The Bold Statement in Luxury SUVs
Another triumph from Genesis, the 2025 GV80 is a visually stunning and incredibly well-appointed luxury SUV that consistently battles for attention against the established European giants. Its original and striking design, both inside and out, is a breath of fresh air in a segment often characterized by conservative styling. Despite its myriad merits, including a plush cabin and quality materials, the GV80 often struggles to shed the perception that a lower price tag equates to less luxury. This is a misconception that savvy buyers should absolutely disregard.
The GV80’s interior is a masterclass in modern opulence. Key features include a massive 27-inch display that elegantly stretches across the dashboard, heated seats, wireless phone charging, sophisticated ambient lighting, and a powered tailgate. The attention to detail and ergonomic design create a truly premium environment. Performance is equally impressive, with a choice of two compelling engines: a robust 300-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder or a powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 375 horsepower. The latter propels the GV80 to 60 mph in under six seconds, putting it on par with much pricier competitors. This isn’t just a pretty face; it’s a dynamic and capable premium SUV 2025 that offers a compelling blend of power, luxury, and advanced technology. For those who demand real opulence and distinctive design and are willing to look beyond mere badge prestige for a fair price, the Genesis GV80 is an underrated luxury SUV that promises an exceptional ownership experience. It represents true luxury vehicle value in the competitive SUV market.
Volvo S90: Scandinavian Serenity and Electrified Performance
While its availability in the US market has shifted, the 2025 Volvo S90 remains an underrated luxury option that beautifully embodies Scandinavian design principles: minimalist elegance, exceptional safety, and a focus on human-centric comfort. Though some reviews might highlight areas where it doesn’t directly compete with the most dynamic German rivals, such as ultimate ride refinement or raw trunk space, the S90’s unique blend of attributes makes it a profoundly appealing choice for a specific kind of luxury buyer.
The S90’s cabin is a masterclass in understated luxury, featuring high-quality materials, tasteful design, and an intuitive infotainment system. Standard features like heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and all-wheel drive contribute to its premium feel. The base mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while not designed for thrilling acceleration, delivers a respectable 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with an EPA-rated 26 MPG combined. However, the true gem is the potent T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant. This combines the turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to unleash a mighty 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. This translates to a phenomenal four-second 0-60 mph time and an impressive 66 MPGe combined figure, making it a compelling hybrid performance luxury sedan. For those who prioritize safety, a serene and stylish driving environment, and the significant performance and efficiency benefits of a PHEV luxury car, the Volvo S90 offers an intelligent and exceptionally well-rounded executive sedan alternative that truly stands apart.
BMW 5 Series: The Attainable Icon of Executive Luxury
It might seem counterintuitive to call a BMW 5 Series “underrated,” given its iconic status and prestige badge. Yet, in the fiercely competitive executive sedan segment, the 2025 BMW 5 Series, especially in its entry-level 530i guise, often gets overlooked in favor of its more expensive, higher-performance siblings. This is a mistake, as the 530i offers an incredibly balanced, comfortable, and genuinely luxurious experience at a surprisingly accessible price point, particularly when compared to fully loaded alternatives or even some models from “value” luxury brands like Genesis.
The 530i’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower, might be considered “adequate” rather than “impressive” by some, but it’s more than sufficient for most driving scenarios, propelling the car to 60 mph in the five-second range. Crucially, it also delivers a commendable EPA-rated 31 MPG combined, making it an efficient choice for daily commuting. What truly shines in the 530i is the quintessential BMW 5 Series experience: a spacious and beautifully crafted interior, exceptional perceived quality, and a ride that perfectly balances refinement with the brand’s signature driving engagement. This is a premium sedan 2025 that effortlessly devours miles, offering supreme comfort and composure. For buyers seeking to enter the prestigious German luxury sedan club without an exorbitant price tag, the 530i is an excellent all-around option. And for those desiring more power, the 375-horsepower inline-six 540i xDrive awaits, ensuring BMW has a solution for every need. The 530i is an underrated luxury car because it provides so much of the traditional 5 Series goodness at a price point that makes it a highly intelligent buy.
Lexus LC: The Grand Tourer Masterpiece You Keep Forgetting
The 2025 Lexus LC is arguably one of the most beautiful and emotionally resonant cars on sale today, a true flagship coupe and convertible that continually deserves more recognition. Priced above $100,000, it sits at the pinnacle of Lexus’s lineup, but its focus as a grand tourer rather than a track weapon often sees it overlooked by those chasing outright performance numbers from German or Italian marques. This is a mistake, as the LC offers a unique, handcrafted, and utterly captivating V8 luxury coupe experience that is becoming increasingly rare.
Beneath its breathtaking exterior styling lies a magnificent heart: a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine. In an era dominated by forced induction, this engine is a glorious anomaly, delivering a visceral roar and linear power delivery that is pure automotive theatre. While its dynamics are tuned for luxurious cruising rather than razor-sharp track attacks, the LC is far from a slouch. The cabin is an opulent sanctuary, meticulously crafted with exquisite materials and detailing that rival much more expensive bespoke vehicles. Features like Lexus’s comprehensive Safety System+ 2.5, an eight-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, and a premium 12-speaker sound system ensure every journey is a delight. The LC’s high price, its lack of a manual transmission, and its comfortable grand tourer dynamics might contribute to its underrated luxury car status among certain circles, but make no mistake: this rear-wheel-drive, naturally-aspirated V8 masterpiece is an automotive experience unlike any other. It’s an investment luxury car in beauty, sound, and a rapidly disappearing driving sensation.
Your Journey Beyond the Obvious Starts Now
In the dynamic world of 2025 luxury vehicles, true value and exceptional experiences aren’t always found under the most heralded badges. This exploration of underrated gems reveals that sophistication, performance, cutting-edge technology, and unparalleled comfort are more accessible and diverse than ever. From the spirited driving of the Cadillac CT4 to the serene elegance of the Lincoln Nautilus, and the unique allure of the Lexus LC, these vehicles prove that looking beyond the conventional can lead to discovering your perfect luxury match.
Don’t let preconceived notions or brand prestige dictate your next automotive investment. We invite you to explore these incredible machines for yourself. Visit your local dealerships, take a test drive, and experience firsthand the compelling blend of features, performance, and value that these underrated luxury vehicles offer. Your journey into the true essence of 2025 luxury starts with an open mind.
