I’m a Car Expert: 5 Most Improved Luxury Cars That Are Now Worth Your Money
Written by
Gabriel Vito
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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When it comes to wealthy luxury vehicles, most buyers gravitate toward long-established German brands. But according to Alan Gelfand, owner of German Car Depot — with over 30 years of experience servicing BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Porsche vehicles — it’s time to expand our view.
“The luxury experience market no longer depends on German brands because alternative manufacturers now provide comparable premium experiences at lower prices,” Gelfand said.
Here are the most improved luxury cars Gelfand recommends buying now and why they’re worth your money.
Genesis G90 and G80
Why they’re worth it: Once dismissed for their Hyundai roots, the Genesis G90 and G80 (2022 and newer) have evolved into serious contenders in the luxury space. Gelfand said Genesis recruited engineers from German brands and it shows.
“The engineering divisions of Genesis and Cadillac established partnerships with employees who previously worked at German automakers. The suspension settings and interior materials and overall sophistication of these vehicles demonstrate a clear enhancement,” Gelfand said.
Genesis also offers a 10-year powertrain warranty, which is significantly longer than the four years offered by BMW and Audi, making it a more cost-effective option to own. Gelfand estimated owners save 40% to 50% on maintenance over five years compared to a Mercedes S-Class.
Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing
Why they’re worth it: Cadillac’s Blackwing sedans (2022 to 2024) pair American muscle with premium refinement. Powered by a supercharged V8 from the Corvette Z06, the CT5-V Blackwing delivers over 650 horsepower (according to Cadillac’s website) with the option of a manual transmission, an increasingly rare feature.
“The construction quality and interior components of these vehicles match the standards of BMW M vehicles,” Gelfand said.
Low production numbers and strong enthusiast demand are already pushing resale values higher. Gelfand believes these will become future collectibles.
Lexus LS 500
Why it’s worth it: The Lexus LS 500 has always been known for reliability, but newer models (2021 and Newer) deliver a more complete luxury experience. The 2021 refresh introduced significant enhancements to ride quality and infotainment, two areas where Lexus had previously lagged.
“The brand stands as a proper competitor to S-Class luxury vehicles,” Gelfand said. For buyers who value peace of mind and long-term durability, the LS 500 is a smart pick.
2025 Models To Watch
Looking ahead, Gelfand is keeping an eye on several luxury EVs poised to shake up the market:
- BMW iX M60: With up to 610 horsepower and adaptive air suspension (according to BMW’s website), the iX M60 delivers the dynamic handling expected from a BMW, even as an electric SUV.
- Mercedes-Benz EQS (2025): A larger battery and updated software aim to fix early issues (according to Mercedes-Benz’s website), making the 2025 EQS more refined and range-efficient.
- Genesis Electrified G90: Expected to carry over Genesis’s award-winning design and build quality, this flagship EV could disrupt the high-end luxury electric segment.
Gelfand said we’re in the middle of a major shift in the luxury car world. “The luxury experience market no longer depends on German brands because alternative manufacturers now provide comparable premium experiences at lower prices,” he said.
While German brands still lead in brand prestige, they’re no longer the only way to get a premium driving experience. Today’s most improved luxury cars offer competitive quality, cutting-edge tech and in many cases, better long-term value.
Editor’s note: Vehicle prices range depending on vehicle’s year.
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