Mercedes-Benz G-Class
5-Year Residual Value: 77%
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a luxury SUV that seamlessly blends opulence with ruggedness. With a starting price of $180,150, the G63 AMG offers impressive off-road capabilities and is powered by a potent twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine that generates 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque.
Equipped with a nine-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive, the Mercedes SUV can conquer steep dirt grades effortlessly. In the AMG version, specific suspension tuning ensures improved ride comfort compared to the previous G-wagen models.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 4.0-liter V-8 twin-turbocharged |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 416 to 577 HP |
| Torque | 450 to 627 LB-FT |
| Driveline | AWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.5 to 5.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 130 to 137 MPH |
(Data was collected from Mercedes-Benz)
Despite the SUV’s rugged exterior, the interior offers ample head and legroom for front and rear passengers. The cabin features a modern design with leather along with other high-end materials. It is also loaded with all the features expected of a Mercedes.
The G-Class is estimated to lose just 23 percent of its value after five years. It combines luxury, capability, and brand recognition to maintain its substantial resale value.
Pros
- Opulent interior
- Rugged construction
- Capable off-road
Cons
- Truck-like driving experience
- No major updates from the introduction
8Lexus ES350
5-Year Residual Value: 73%
The ES350 is a mid-size luxury sedan by Lexus, a brand that is known to bring comfort and luxury at a reasonable cost. Starting at $43,190 for its gasoline-powered model, it offers indulgence, style, and reliability at a fraction of the price of its mid-size luxury contemporaries.
Although the ES has existed for a while on its current platform, its solid reputation for a no-frills luxury sedan is still evident. Its 3.5-liter naturally-aspirated V-6 in particular, is known to be a bulletproof engine that produces a decent 302 horsepower.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 3.5-lite V-6 naturally-aspirated |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 302 HP |
| Torque | 267 LB-FT |
| Driveline | FWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 6.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 131 MPH |
(Data was collected from Lexus)
Inside, the ES350 provides spacious accommodation, comfortable seats, and a quiet cabin. In terms of entertainment, it comes with an 8-inch screen or an optional 12.3-inch display with all the latest connectivity choices. The Lexus signature Mark Levinson sound system is also an option.
Remarkably, the Lexus ES350 is estimated to depreciate only 27 percent of its MSRP over five years, demonstrating its robust value retention convincingly.
Pros
- Value for money
- Solid reliability
- Updated infotainment
Cons
- Aged platform
- Non-folding rear seats
- Dated styling
Lexus IS
5-Year Residual Value: 71%
The Lexus IS is a premium sedan that promises to deliver an enjoyable driving experience with a reputation for reliability. This vehicle, starting at $41,235 has three engine options. A 241 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, a 311 horsepower V-6, and a new 471 horsepower V-8 in the IS500 F Sport model.
Opting for the V-6 unlocks the performance-oriented F Sport package. The rear-wheel drive IS350 F Sport models accelerate from 0-to-60 MPH in 5.6 seconds, while the V-8-powered IS500 achieves it in an impressive 4.4 seconds.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 5.0-liter V8 naturally-aspirated |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 472 HP |
| Torque | 395 LB-FT |
| Driveline | RWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 149 MPH |
(Data was collected from Lexus)
Inside the cabin, the IS offers a premium experience with power front seats, dual-zone climate control, and upscale materials. Although it may not be as spacious as Lexus’ flagship LS sedan, it still provides ample comfort for passengers.
The Lexus IS, even in lesser trims, is estimated to depreciate only 29 percent in five years. Its reputation for reliability and a premium experience contribute to its robust value retention.
Pros
- Toyota reliability with European luxury
- Mechanical simplicity
- New trim levels
Cons
- Tight rear seat
- Aging styling
6Acura RDX
5-Year Residual Value: 67%
The Acura RDX is a compact luxury SUV that competes against the likes of the Mercedes GLC and BMW X3. At an entry price of $44,350, the RDX merges clever practicality and luxury in a sporty package.
It is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 272 horsepower and can accelerate from 0-to-60 MPH in a respectable 6.2 seconds. The engine is matched to a ten-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive ensuring all-weather capability in the mid-size Acura SUV.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged |
| Transmission | 100-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 272 HP |
| Torque | 280 LB-FT |
| Driveline | AWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 6.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | 112 MPH |
(Data was collected from Car and Driver)
Although the RDX isn’t as luxurious as its opponents in the segment, it is well-equipped with tech and features proven by the numerous buttons on its dash, ambient lighting, and even power-adjustable and heated seats. It comes standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen with all the phone connectivity choices and a 12-speaker premium sound system is optional.
The expected depreciation of the Acura RDX is only 33 percent over the span of five years. This figure speaks volumes about the bargain-basement package that the RDX affords its owners.
Pros
- Extensive standard equipment
- All-wheel drive is now standard for 2024
- Pleasing to drive
Cons
- Transmission isn’t the best
- Not quite luxurious interior
5BMW 3 Series
5-Year Residual Value: 63%
The 3 Series BMW is a luxury compact sedan that has been the gold standard for its segment for decades. With a starting price of $44,500 for the 330i, the base model makes a healthy 255 horsepower from a turbocharged four-cylinder and 382 and 473 horsepower in the M340i and M3 respectively, from a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder. While the M340i and M3 have quite the performance, the 330i accelerates from 0-to-60 in a respectable 5.6 seconds with a rear-wheel drive setup and 5.4 seconds in an all-wheel drive.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged or 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbocharged |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 255 to 503 horsepower |
| Torque | 295 to 479 LB-FT |
| Driveline | RWD or AWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.8 to 5.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 130 to 155 MPH |
(Data was collected from BMW)
Inside, the BMW shows it is a true luxury car despite its compact packaging. The materials are upscale, its seats are supportive and its cabin is quite spacious. The 3 Series is also loaded with relevant tech and features.
The BMW 3 Series is expected to depreciate by around 37-percent in the span of five years. This is evidence of the compact sedan’s popularity and build quality, and is equally proof of BMW’s stellar brand recognition.
Pros
- Powerful engines
- Nimble handling
- Luxurious cabin
Cons
- No significant updates for the new model year
- Lacks standard features in lower models
