03Mar
Car and Driver released its rankings for the best luxury small cars in 2024, featuring top contenders in both the compact and subcompact segments.
The list includes renowned models like the BMW 3-Series, Audi A5 Sportback, Genesis G70, and more, with rankings drawn from extensive testing and subjective impressions covering various factors such as acceleration, handling, comfort, and value.
See also:
The 10 Most Powerful Small Cars Under $30,000 ¬– Affordable Powerhouses For 2023
List Of The Best Luxury Small Cars In 2024 According To Car and Driver Rankings:
Best Compact Luxury Cars:
- 2024 BMW 3-Series
- 2024 Audi A5 Sportback
- 2024 Genesis G70
- 2024 BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe
- 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- 2024 Audi A4
- 2024 Audi A5
- 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class
- 2025 BMW 4-Series
- 2024 Volvo S60
Best Subcompact Luxury Cars:
- 2024 Acura Integra Type S
- 2024 Audi S3
- 2024 BMW 2-Series
- 2024 Audi A3
- 2024 BMW M2
- 2024 Audi RS3
- 2024 Acura Integra
- 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA-Class
- 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
- 2024 Cadillac CT4
These rankings took into account factors like acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, and value. Below are the important details about each car.
The 10 Best Compact Luxury Small Cars In 2024
#1. 2024 BMW 3-Series – $45,495 Starting MSRP
Specifications:
- Engine Type: Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
- Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-Liter 4-Cylinder / 3.0-Liter Hybrid Inline-6 / 2.0-Liter Plug-In Hybrid
- Output: 255 - 382 Horsepower
- MPG: 25 City / 34 Hwy
- MPG: 26 - 29 Combined
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Infotainment: 14.9” Touchscreen
- Instrument Cluster: 12.3” Digital
- Cargo Capacity: 13.2 - 17 ft³
- Suspension Type - Rear: Multi-Link
- Suspension Type - Front: Strut
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 16 gal
- Base Curb Weight: 3,582 lbs
- Safety Features: Stability Control, Backup Camera
- Entertainment: Bluetooth®
- Brake Type: Disc
- Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50k miles
#2. 2024 Audi A5 Sportback – $46,200 Starting MSRP
Specifications:
- EPA-estimated fuel economy (combined): 30 MPG
- Transmission: 7-speed S tronic®
- Engine: 2.0 TFSI 4 Cylinder 12V MHEV
- Horsepower: 261 HP
- Drivetrain: All Wheel Drive
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Cargo: Hatchback design for additional cargo space
- Exterior: Matrix-design LED headlights, 19" 5-spoke-Cavo design wheels, bi-color finish
#3. 2024 Genesis G70 – $41,500 Starting MSRP
Specifications:
- New standard engine in G70 2.5T models
- Every G70 now has a performance braking system
- Minor design, feature, and technology updates
- Price Range: $41,500 - $52,050 (Base MSRP for various trim levels, excluding options or fees)
- Rating: 8.5/10 by Car and Driver
- MPG: 24 Combined
- Engine: Turbocharged 2.5-liter base engine
- Standard Equipment: New Brembo brakes, revised Genesis emblem, fresh paint options, expanded phone-as-key functionality, touch-sensitive HVAC panel, and more
#4. 2024 BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe – $48,300 Starting MSRP
Specifications:
- Engine: 2.0L Inline-4
- Horsepower: 255 hp @ 5,000 rpm
- Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 1,550 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed shiftable automatic
- MPG: 25 City / 34 Highway
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Curb Weight: 3,792 lbs
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
- Standard Features: Double overhead cam (DOHC), Variable Valve Timing, Stability Control, Backup Camera
- Dimensions: 188.5" L x 81.6" W x 56.8" H
- Cargo Space: 16.6 cu-ft
- 0-60 MPH: 5.8 seconds
#5. 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class – $46,950 Starting MSRP
Specifications:
- Most Popular Model: C 300 4dr Sedan
- Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid
- Transmission: 9-speed shiftable automatic
- Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
- Fuel Type: Premium unleaded (required)
- Fuel Efficiency: 26/36 MPG (City/Highway)
- Horsepower: 255 hp @ 5,800 rpm
- Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 6.0 seconds
- Curb Weight: 3,825 lbs
- Wheelbase: 112.8 inches
- Cargo Capacity: 12.6 cu-ft
- Colors: Various options like Mojave Silver Metallic, Polar White, Graphite Grey Metallic, etc.
- Interior Options: Leather and leatherette seating in different color combinations
- Price Range: $46,950 - $48,950 (Base MSRP for various trim levels)
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Luxury Cars of the 21st Century
#6. 2024 Audi A4 – $42,295 Starting MSRP
Specifications:
- Engine: 2.0L turbocharged inline-4
- Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
- Drive Type: All-wheel-drive
- Fuel Type: Premium unleaded
- Power: 261 hp @ 5,000-6,300 rpm
- Torque: 273 lb-ft @ 1,600-4,500 rpm
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds
- Fuel Efficiency: 24/31 MPG (City/Highway)
- Cargo Capacity: 12 cu-ft
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Technology: Audi Virtual Cockpit, MMI infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- Safety Features: Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring
- Price Range: Starting at around $40,000
#7. 2024 Audi A5 – Around $45,500 Starting MSRP
Specifications:
- Engine: 2.0L turbocharged inline-4
- Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
- Drive Type: All-wheel-drive
- Power: 261 hp
- Torque: 273 lb-ft
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds
- Fuel Efficiency: 24/31 MPG (City/Highway)
- Cargo Capacity: 21.8 cu-ft
- Seating Capacity: 4
- Technology: Audi Virtual Cockpit, MMI infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- Safety Features: Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring
#8. 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe – Around $57,000 Starting MSRP
Specifications:
- Engine Options: 2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-4 / 3.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-6
- Output: 255 to 375 horsepower
- Seating: Accommodates up to 4 occupants
- Cargo Capacity: Between 10.4 and 14.8 cubic feet
- Fuel Type: Gasoline
- Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Tech-rich cabin with premium design
- Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system
- Heated front sports seats with integrated speakers
- Standard premium audio system
- All-wheel drive (4Matic) system
- Nine-speed automatic transmission
- Various trims: Premium, Exclusive, Pinnacle
- Driver-assist features like lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring
#9. 2024 BMW 4 Series – Around $49,900 Starting MSRP
- Engine Options: 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder / 3.0-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder
- Horsepower: 255 to 503 horsepower
- Torque: Varies based on engine choice
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic / 6-speed manual
- Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations available
- Fuel Efficiency: Varies based on the engine and configuration
- Body Styles: Coupe and convertible options
- Technology: BMW iDrive infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- Driver-Assist Features: Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking
- Convenience Features: Keyless entry, power-adjustable seats, premium audio system, ambient lighting, and more
#10. 2024 Volvo S60 – $42,450 Starting MSRP
Trim Levels:
- Core Dark Theme
- Plus Dark Theme
- Plus Black Edition
- B5 FWD
- B5 AWD
Specifications:
- Engine Type: Intercooled Turbo Gas/Electric I-4
- Displacement: 2.0 L
- Horsepower: 247 hp @ 5400 rpm
- Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
- Fuel Economy:
- City: 26 MPG
- Highway: 35 MPG
- Combined: 30 MPG
- Transmission: Automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
- Suspension Type: Double Wishbone front and multi-link rear
- Brakes: 4-wheel disc brakes
- Passenger Capacity: 5
- Standard Metallic exterior paint and Dark theme
- Various trim levels and package options are available
- Standard heated front seats and steering wheel
- Safety features like headlamp cleaners
- Optional climate package with heated rear seats
- Pricing starts from $42,450 (MSRP) for the B5 FWD Core Dark Theme trim
The 10 Best Subcompact Luxury Small Cars In 2024
#1. 2024 Acura Integra Type S – Around $53,000 Starting MSRP
Specifications:
- Engine Type: Turbocharged Intercooled 2.0-liter Inline-4
- Horsepower: 320 hp @ 6,500 rpm
- Torque: 310 lb-ft @ 2,600-4,000 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission with Rev-Match Control
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
- Fuel Economy (Type S):
- Manual Transmission: 21 MPG city / 28 MPG highway / 24 MPG combined
- Redline: 7,000 rpm
- Valvetrain: 16-Valve DOHC VTEC
- Compression Ratio: 9.8:1
- Fuel Injection: Direct
- Engine Displacement: 2.0 liters
- Idle Stop feature
- EPA Fuel Economy Ratings for CVT: 30/37/33 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)
Additional Features:
- A-Spec with Technology Package options
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters
- Light Weight Single-Mass Flywheel
- Helical Limited-Slip Differential
- Integrated Dynamics System with various driving modes (Sport, Comfort, Normal, Individual, Sport+)
See also:
MX-5 vs. Mustang: What Is The Best-Selling Sports Car Of All Time?
#2. 2024 Audi S3 – Around $45,000 Starting MSRP
Specifications:
- Engine: 2.0L turbocharged inline-4
- Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
- Drive Type: All-wheel drive (Quattro)
- Power: Around 300 horsepower
- Torque: Estimated around 295 lb-ft
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph in about 4.6 seconds
- Technology: Audi Virtual Cockpit, MMI infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- Safety Features: Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring
#3. 2024 BMW 2-Series – Around $38,800 Starting MSRP
Specifications:
- Engine Options:
- 230i Coupe: 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
- M240i Coupe: 3.0L Turbo Inline-6 Gas
- Horsepower: Ranges from 255 to over 300 hp depending on the model
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations available
- Fuel Efficiency: Around 26/35 mpg (City/Highway)
- Technology: Infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- Safety Features: Limited standard safety features
- Pricing:
- 230i Coupe: Starting at about $38,800
- M240i Coupe: Starting at about $49,700
The 2024 BMW 2-Series is one of the best luxury small cars of 2024, with various configurations and trim levels, including the 230i Coupe, 230i xDrive Coupe, M240i Coupe, and M240i xDrive Coupe.
#4. 2024 Audi A3 – $36,495 Starting MSRP
Specifications:
- Engine Options: Turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine
- Horsepower: 200-220 hp
- Transmission: 7-speed automatic
- Drive Type: Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (Quattro)
- Fuel Efficiency: Estimated around 30 mpg combined
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Technology: Audi Virtual Cockpit, MMI infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- Safety Features: Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking
#5. 2024 Audi RS3 – $63,395 Starting MSRP
Specifications:
- Engine: Turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-5 engine
- Horsepower: 401 hp
- Torque: 369 lb-ft
- Transmission: 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission
- Drive Type: Quattro all-wheel drive system
- Performance: Acceleration from 0-60 mph in about 3.5 seconds
- Technology: Audi Virtual Cockpit, MMI touch display, smartphone integration
- Driver-Assist Features: Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking
#6. 2024 Acura Integra – $32,995 Starting MSRP
Specifications:
- Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine
- Horsepower: 200 hp
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or automatic transmission options
- Drive Type: Front-wheel drive
- Technology: AcuraLink infotainment system, touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- Safety Features: Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking
#7. 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA-Class – $56,100 Starting MSRP
Photo credit: Alaatin61 via YouTube
Specifications:
- Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine
- Output: 302 to 416 horsepower
- Torque: 295 to 369 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Performance-focused styling
- Various trim levels available like CLA35 and CLA45 S
- Dual 10.3-inch displays standard
- MBUX user interface installed
- Parking sensors and folding, auto-dimming side mirrors included
- Power and efficiency enhancements with mild hybrid integration
- Updated front and rear fascia design
- Improved LED headlights
- Fresh paint, wheel, upholstery, and trim options
- Refined driver-assist functionality
#8. 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class – $44,350 Starting MSRP
Specifications:
- Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine
- Transmission: 7-speed automatic
- Horsepower: 221 hp @ 5,800 rpm
- Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm
- Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options available
- Fuel efficiency: Around 24 MPG city / 33 MPG highway
- Features: Handsome styling, reasonably upscale interior, plenty of tech
- Lows: Cramped rear quarters, unexciting performance
- Highs: Representative of the luxury expected from Mercedes
- Available in various trims like CLA 250 and CLA 250 4MATIC
- Sunroof, 18" wheels, MB-Tex leatherette seat trim, etc.
- Safety features like parking assist
#9. 2024 Cadillac CT4 – $35,990 Starting MSRP
Specifications:
- Engines: 2.0L Twin-Scroll Turbocharged I-4 / 2.7L Dual-Volute Turbocharged I-4
- Horsepower: 237 hp to 310 hp
- Torque: Ranges from 258 lb-ft to 350 lb-ft
- Transmissions: 2.0L Turbo: 8-speed automatic / 2.7L Turbo: 10-speed automatic
- Fuel Efficiency: EPA-estimated MPG ranging from 21-32 city and 21-32 highway
- Fuel Tank Capacity: Approximately 17.4 gallons
- Features: Variety of trim levels, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking
- Driver Assistance Technology: Super Cruise™ available
- Stylish exterior design and sporty dynamics
- Interior luxury with touchscreen display and infotainment system
#10. 2024 BMW M2 – $64,195 Starting MSRP
Specifications:
- Engine: Turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine
- Horsepower: 453 hp
- Transmission: 6-speed manual / 8-speed automatic
- Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
- Torque: 406 lb-ft
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph in approximately 4 seconds
- Safety Features: Include advanced driver-assist systems like lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control
- Infotainment Features: BMW iDrive system with a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto compatibility
- Luxury Features: Premium materials, sport seats, ambient lighting, premium audio system, advanced climate control
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