Although nothing is wrong in running the mainstream brand, luxury automakers have an air of appeal that cannot be denied. However, premium brands come with a premium price tag. If you make a clever shopping, however, there are some models that prove to be a great starting point for buyers for the first time.
While entry-level luxury cars may not have state-of-the-art technology that you will find in the top model, maximum of that quality moves below you expect. You can still get refinement and comfort that you will expect from these high-end brands until you are ready to compromise.
A special model stands for us as a mark of $ 40,000 that offers an extraordinary value and starts at a price point. While the cheapest is not, we think it is one of the best entry-level options outside there. We expand all the things that help it stand in your segment and how you get value from its technical features and impressive powertrain.
To give you the most updated and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced with toppeed and EPA from various manufacturer websites and other official sources.

Connected
Best budget cars with premium technology that are luxury vehicle rival
In premium tech, sleek design and performance, these budget-friendly ride pack-bina of heavy price tags.
Audi A3 is inexpensive and packed with value
While the most pronounced is not a cheap luxury car that you can buy, A3 is small and practical, is full of high-end features, and comes at a price that is actually difficult to debate. Audi has created a name for itself through distributing sophisticated and comfortable vehicles, and the A3 is no different.
New to 2025
Audi has given its youngest and cheapest car 2025 model fresh for yearThe front end of the car, which includes its headlights and grills, with its wheels, has been rear defuse and bumper. It takes a slightly more aggressive and sports look than before.
Inside, Audi has modified air vents, add silver trim around them, as well as add fabric trim to the entire cabin. New light elements have also been added. Beyond, however, there are very few changes. Audi added a little more torque to the mixture, although you can expect the performance to be similar to the outgoing model.
2025 trims and pricing
Sample |
Start MSRP |
---|---|
Outward value |
$ 38,200 |
Premium plus |
$ 40,800 |
Audi only keeps things simple by offering two different trims for the entry-level A3. However, what is the most influential is what models you go with, the list of standard devices is very broad. This means that you do not need to spend too much to tell your A3 how you want it.
We will go to the premium plus model as it adds a lot of features for a quite small leap in the price. It comes with adaptive cruise control, lane-keip assist, a memory function for the driver’s seat and a wireless smartphone charging pad as well as a keyless entry. For additional $ 1,600 you can also get a technology package, which gives you a large digital gauge display and a more connected navigation system.
Warranty and maintenance
-
Limited warranty – four years/50,000 miles
-
Paurtrain Warranty – Four years/50,000 Miles
-
No compatible maintenance
Unfortunately, this is an area where the contestants of the Audi A3 pull forward. Standard warranties on the German sedan are not particularly bad, but there are options on the market with more broad coverage. The Audi A3 does not offer a compatible maintenance, while the BMW 2-Series Gran Coup gets free maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles.

Connected
Best Luxury SUV with innovative technical features for price
We have handled the best 2025 luxury SUVs that mix the state-of-the-art technology with premium comfort-without a homogeneous price tag.
Audi provides much more lively performance than Little Car
While clearly a budget is not the main concern of those looking for a luxury car, something that is really pleasant to drive is always a plus. A3 is not a sports sedan, but it becomes very quick and saves playful handling dynamics. Things become even better when you see how efficient it is.
performance specifications
engine |
2.0-liter Turbocharged inline-For |
---|---|
Transfer |
7-speed auto-shift manual |
Horse power |
201 hp |
Torque: |
221 lb |
Puffy |
Agitation |
0-60 mph |
6 seconds |
Top speed |
127 MPH |
Unlike most modern audis, the A3 comes with only one powertrain option. Thankfully, this is a good. Add four-bangers turbocharged with 48-volt hybrid. Auto-shift manual transmission also provides some smooth shifting and contributes to the effective fuel efficiency of the sedan.
Being an all-wheel drive standard kit, there is a large plus for A3, giving it a lot of traction and makes it better to drive in difficult weather. Although it is not a fully developed sports sedan, Audi is fickle enough to ensure that you are not bored during traffic. It is very smooth to absorb most of the bumps in the road with very little effort.
fuel efficiency
Sample |
City |
Highway |
Joint |
---|---|---|---|
A3 |
24 mpg |
34 mpg |
28 mpg |
If you are looking for a luxury car on a budget, the fuel economy is likely to be an important factor for you. While A3 does not have gas-potting in the form of some mainstream cars, it is very light on fuel for its class. This is especially true. If you often travel long distances, its highway estimates are exceptionally high.

Connected
This inexpensive EV has luxury-grade technology-for $ 35K
Luxury-level technology, large screen, and real EV range-for less than $ 35,000? This electric crossover is the way above its value tag.
This may not be particularly spacious, but is packed with A3 technology
With the passage of time, technology is playing more and more roles in the automotive world, especially in the luxury segment. Audi is clearly aware of it and is producing some of the most influential cabins in the market. While A3 is still a budget model, many of the most influential features of Audi have tricked the inexpensive A3.
Interior dimensions and comfort
Front line headroom |
36.8 inch |
---|---|
Front Ro Legarim |
41.2 inch |
Second line headroom |
36.6 inch |
Second row legroom |
35.2 inch |
Cargo capacity (behind second line) |
10.9 cubic feet |
If the ton ton interior space is at the top of your priority list, you may want to skip A3. The driver and the front passenger have enough space to stretch their legs, but long drivers may feel that the cabin is slightly tight. Meanwhile, people going backwards can struggle a little, especially on long trips. Cargo capacity is also not at all class-leading, with other options more space in the trunk.
If you are not worried about the maximum space for passengers and cargo, you will find the cabin of A3 as a very good place. While there is evidence that it is a more affordable luxury sedan, here and there, with rigid plastic bits, there are also a lot of high quality materials that make things comfortable.
The design is very good, in our opinion, a mixture of modern technology with traditional European sedan style to create a welcome cabin. The seating position is great and the seats themselves are exceptionally comfortable. The only thing that we can see can see is Stuby Little Gear Selector.
Chaos and technology
Even if you choose for which model you choose, A3 fit with a digital gauge display. The 10.3 -inch unit is the standard, but selecting for an alternative technology package gives you a large 12.3 -inch unit. The same package allows you to display the navigation system on the gauge display centrally. The package also includes traffic sign recognition and six-month membership for Audi Connect Plus, 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity.
The 10.1 -inch infotainment screen sits centrally on the dash, which can be controlled through touch or voice commands. Thankfully, climate controls are physical and many other models of Audi are not accessed through a separate screen. Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto include. If you choose a premium plus trim option, the A3 can also be performed with a 3D sound with a premium 15-spicker sonos sound system.
Along with having many USB-C ports and a wireless smartphone charging pad optional tool, a lot of sensible features are also available in the cabin.