Buying a luxury car doesn't have to feel like giving up on good fuel economy. In fact, there are many models that blend the refinement of a luxury driving experience with the peace of mind that comes from better fuel economy and less frequent trips to the pump. Before assuming the worst about luxury cars and their fuel consumption, consider ten models that are setting new standards for high-end models.
1. BMW i3
BMW's traditional sedans have typically offered lower fuel economy than sedans from more conventional automakers, but the company’s i3 is a new kind of car with a new commitment to the world of electric driving. The all-electric model gets the equivalent of 117 miles per gallon in highway driving, with a recharge necessary after longer trips. An additional gas-electric hybrid model further extends the car's range, adding a high-economy gasoline engine to the mix alongside the electric battery.
2. BMW 328d
The i3 is a new type of car that might leave some buyer wanting more, at least in terms of conventional sedan design. That's where the 2015 BMW 328d comes in. This midsize sedan uses diesel fuel instead of unleaded gasoline, boosting its fuel economy to 45 miles per gallon on the highway and 32 mpg in city driving. A combined 37-mpg fuel economy rating will certainly attract buyers looking for efficiency. According to this guide, BMW 3 series is a smart vehicle choice for any season.
3. Acura ILX Hybrid
The Acura ILX Hybrid model is a product of Honda, so it should come as no surprise that it offers superior fuel economy in all types of driving. Indeed, this midsize sedan enjoys a 39-mpg rating on the highway and a 38-mpg rating in city driving. That's a nearly identical mileage rating for both driving styles, making this car one of the most consistent hybrids on the market for luxury buyers.
4. Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
The competition for sedan buyers is fierce in both the luxury and non-luxury car markets, so it's no surprise at al that Lincoln is competing directly with Acura in this space. The company’s MKZ hybrid leverages highly efficient Ford engine tuning with a powerful electric motor on the side. Interestingly, its fuel economy rating is virtually identical to the Acura's: 39 miles on the highway and 41 miles in the city.
5. Audi A3 TDI
The compact Audi A3 TDI runs on diesel fuel and leverages years of diesel research done by Volkswagen engineers. The compact sedan gets average fuel economy of 31 miles per gallon in city driving, with a highway fuel economy rating of 41 miles per gallon. This makes the A3 TDI one of the most efficient and affordable compact sedans on the market for luxury consumers.
6. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Mercedes-Benz offers what is perhaps the most popular executive sedan on the market. The E-Class can achieve up to 45 miles per gallon on the highway, with city driving resulting in roughly 28 miles per gallon. These ratings are even more impressive when the car's large engine and fast zero-to-60 times are considered. Better yet, the E-Class has plenty of interior room for extra passengers or extra work, whichever comes first.
7. Cadillac ELR
Domestic manufacturers have really stepped up to the plate in recent years, both for conventional cars and luxury models. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Cadillac ELR, which proudly boasts an electric-hybrid design that helps it leap ahead of almost every other luxury car in this list. The ELR gets combined fuel economy of 83 miles per gallon, making it a really impressive choice for fuel-conscious consumers.
8. Tesla Model S
Is there any electric car more attractive than the Tesla Model S? Currently, the Tesla stands out as one of the largest, most popular, and most efficient all-electric models on the market. Buyers can expect over 100 miles on a single charge, with fuel economy equivalents skyrocketing into the triple digits. This model is not without competitors, however, primarily from BMW at the current time.
9. Lexus CT 200h
The CT 200h is Lexus' attempt to respond to competitors who are now pushing their luxury sedans into 40-mile-per-gallon territory. The highly efficient CT 200h performs well in terms of fuel economy, with city fuel economy of 43 miles per gallon and a highway rating of 40 miles per gallon. This makes it one of the few models on this list to exceed an average fuel economy of 40 miles per gallon.
10. Lexus ES 300h
The ES 300h offers slightly lower fuel economy than the CT 200h, but still manages to come close to an average rating of 40 miles per gallon. Furthermore, this model offers plenty of interior space and a long list of luxury amenities that will turn the interior cabin into an impressive entertainment landscape for driver and passenger alike.
Excellent Fuel Economy in a Luxury Package
All too often, consumers associate luxury brands with less-than-stellar fuel economy. While some makes and models do suffer from low mileage ratings, there are some strong competitors in this market for those buyers who wish to reduce their dependence on the gas pump. The ten models listed here are all excellent ways to get the best benefits of high fuel economy and high luxury from today's biggest high-end automakers.
Resources:
http://www.autospies.com/news/Top-Gear-s-James-May-Reflects-On-His-All-New-BMW-i3-Purchase-82656/
http://burnsmotorcompany.com/Top-Luxury-Cars-Ready-For-Any-Season/
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1095870_2015-audi-a3-tdi-diesel-fuel-economy-review
http://www.autospies.com/news/Which-Is-Greener-The-Audi-A7-Diesel-Or-The-Tesla-Model-S-78029/
http://www.tflcar.com/2015/02/the-2015-lexus-es-300h-offers-economy-luxury-performance-and-connectivity-review/