5 Luxury Cars Actually Worth Your Money, According To Kelley Blue Book
Luxury items often rise above their basic functions. A watch, for example, is meant to tell the time. But when that watch is a Patek Philippe Nautilus, it's not just about minutes and hours — it's about making a statement the second you step into a room that your time is both precious and valuable. Luxury cars work the same way. They do more than just get you from point A to B. Let's say you have a Maserati Quattroporte Modena Ultima Q4. You will enjoy a 424-horsepower, 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine alongside an all-wheel drive performance. And the 12-way power-adjustable, heated and ventilated sport seats? It is no better to say you're not just moving through life; you're cruising.
Still, buying a fancy car is a big deal for your wallet, and knowing if the car keeps its value can save you money down the road. Cars that have a great resale value are seen as smart buys. Also, you will factor in the brand's reputation, model, and how reliable it is over time. These, and more, will decide how well a car holds its value, often with expert help. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) helps car buyers make smart choices by offering detailed analyses of vehicles. Founded in 1926, their evaluations mix current market conditions, historical data, and expert analysis, making KBB a solid guide. Let's dive into the top five luxury cars that are actually worth your money per Kelley Blue Book.
2025 Audi A3 - a compact luxury car
The 2025 Audi A3 is designed to make your drives smooth and safe. It rocks a super-smart MMI® infotainment system with easy touch controls, can sync up your smartphone without a hitch, and a voice command feature that actually understands what you're saying. Safety's a big deal with the A3. It comes loaded with high-tech helpers like adaptive cruise control, which keeps a safe distance from the car in front of you without you needing to adjust the speed manually. There's also lane-keeping assist to nudge you back into line if you start to drift, and traffic sign recognition that reminds you of speed limits and more.
Performance-wise, the A3 got a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that's all about zip and zoom. Plus, if you opt for the Quattro® all-wheel-drive, you're looking at even better grip and handling on those twisty roads or during sketchy weather. Running costs? Audi's got that covered. The A3 is fuel-efficient, which means fewer pit stops for gas. And since it's built tough, you won't be spending much on upkeep. Plus, it's an Audi — they're known for keeping their value over time (here's how quickly a car's value can depreciate after you buy it). Kelley Blue Book notes Audi's consistent performance in value retention, highlighting the A3 as a model that delivers luxury and practicality in equal measure. The 2025 Audi A3 is a thoughtful investment in a vehicle that combines cutting-edge features, exceptional performance, and long-term value.
2025 Lexus ES: mid-size luxury
The 2025 Lexus ES could be perfect if you love a touch of elegance without the complicated extras. This model steps up from its predecessors, making sure you stay connected and engaged while driving. Plus, it's a looker, with its sleek, aerodynamic shape that's not just about style — it helps with fuel efficiency as well. You get a few choices depending on what you need from your engine. The standard model comes with a four-cylinder engine, that's all. If you're after more vroom, there's a V6 that amps up the power but keeps everything classy and calm. The hybrid options are eco-friendly, and allows the buyer to enjoy their car while saving up on gas.
The interior has some badass tech installed — a responsive touchscreen that works nicely with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are several safety features too; like the adaptive cruise control, the lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking; all these are standard, so you can feel secure every time you hit the road. The 2025 Lexus ES tops the list of all the vehicles with great resale values according to Kelly Blue Book's ranking system. This is great news for buyers that hope to acquire a vehicle on a budget. If you are budget-conscious, check out our car shopping guide to know when to buy new, buy used, or lease.
2025 BMW 2 Series: sub-compact luxury powerhouse
BMW has amassed a name for themselves as a firm that creates luxury and performance so the features in the 2025 BMW 2 Series are considered top-notch. It's like all the luxury and performance one expects from a BMW product, were packed into a smaller, zippier package for buyers. Consider this car if you want the BMW experience without the hefty price tag of larger models; this 2 Series will save you money without skimping on the high-end feel. It boasts high-grade materials, cutting-edge tech, and an engaging ride that makes every journey a pleasure.
You've got some cool options with this model. The manufacturers tailored the 2 Series to suit a variety of tastes and needs, plus, it's pretty easy on the gas, especially the base models. These add to the appeal of the BMW, as a cost-effective choice for buyers. Drivers that like a bit of zip, would love the peppy turbocharged engine contained in the 228i model. There's also the M240i xDrive for drivers that prefer something punchier.
Asides the magnificent series available in the market, the 2 Series is a smart investment for anyone who buys with a mindset to resale later. BMW products are consistent, on the Kelley Blue Book vehicle rank system, as a top brand with great resale value and we see proof of this as the 2 Series is popular in the pre-owned market, a testament to BMW's reputation for quality.
2025 Porsche 718 Boxster: luxurious convertible
The 2025 Porsche 718 Boxster is a luxury sports car that blends exhilarating performance with everyday practicality. The sleek design, dynamic handling, and signature craftsmanship, places it in rank as a favorite among enthusiasts. The 718 Boxster offers three engine choices; the Base Engine is 2.0L turbocharged flat-4 producing 300 hp, while the S Model is 2.5L turbocharged flat-4 generating 350 hp, and the GTS 4.0 has a 4.0L naturally aspirated flat-6 boasting 394 hp.
The 718 Boxster's handling is praised for its mid-engine balance and agility. Owners often highlight its sharp cornering, quick acceleration, and engaging driving experience, making it ideal for both spirited drives and cruising. Despite its performance focus, the 718 Boxster delivers respectable fuel efficiency for a sports car. It also has a stylish and functional interior. The cargo space has a whopping 4.4 cubic feet split between the front trunk and rear trunk, offering enough room for essentials. With customizable options for leather upholstery and trim, plus an intuitive infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and optional Bose or Burmester audio upgrades, you can't go wrong.
The 2025 Porsche 718 Boxster offers a perfect balance between thrilling performance and everyday usability. Its variety of trims, customizable options, and strong consumer satisfaction make it an exceptional choice for sports car enthusiasts who value both style and substance. In the Kelley Blue Book, it's rated amongst high-value vehicles, and better than many other luxury convertibles in the market.
2025 Cadillac CT5-V: high-performance contender
Buying the 2025 Cadillac CT5-V gets you a robust 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 360 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. This setup is paired with a ten-speed paddle-shifted automatic transmission, giving you a smooth driving experience. The sedan's well-tuned chassis, magnetic dampers, and electronic limited-slip makes it a joy to drive whether you're cruising through city streets or navigating winding roads.
For the aesthetics, the CT5-V sports a refreshed design with a new front fascia that includes waterfall vertical LED strips and stacked headlights, adding a modern touch to its appearance. The interior, most notably, has a sweeping 33-inch curved display that is paired with both touch and physical controls, providing ease of use while driving.
What truly sets the 2025 Cadillac CT5-V apart is its dual character — it balances comfort with performance, making it suitable for long-distance yet fun enough for enthusiastic driving. The addition of Cadillac's Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving technology also enhances its appeal as a daily driver that can handle both the monotonous and the exciting parts of any journey. You can get this car at your dealer but before you do this, here is a list of things to never say when getting the CT5-V or any new car .