10 Mid-Spec Luxury Cars That Are Better Than The Highest Trim

When it comes to luxury vehicles, more is more. It’s one thing to be able to afford a brand new 3 Series, but it’s another to afford one with a twin-turbo inline-six under the hood, Premium package, Harmon Kardon Soundsystem, and Adaptive M Suspension. Luxury cars are supposed to be feature-rich, they’re supposed to offer an engaging driving experience, and very often these are sacrificed in the base trim of a given car, but they all come at a price. We all want a Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid, but coughing up $200,000 just isn’t realistic for most people.

On top of this, sometimes paying all that money isn’t really worth it. Sure, it’s nice to have the most powerful model in the range with all the bells and whistles, but do you know what can be even better? Saving thousands, maybe even tens of thousands of dollars, and getting a vehicle that has all the luxury you need, and none you don’t. We’ve found 10 different luxury vehicles that offer a mid-level trim we believe is better than the top-level trim, and the list covers everything from luxury sports cars up to your massive 3-row luxury SUVs.

This list compares mid-level trims to a vehicle’s highest regular trim. Comparing the 330i to the M3 Competition is like comparing apples and oranges, and it’s much more realistic to compare the 330i to the M340i instead. We know it isn’t always cut and dry, however, so before you comment “That isn’t the car’s highest trim!”, trust that it’s all a part of the process. Additionally, we compare the 2025 models wherever possible.

1 2025 Lincoln Navigator: Reserve Vs. Black Label

The Lincoln Navigator finally became the luxury barge it was always meant to be with its 2025 updates, but just like before, the top trim isn’t the one you want. Both the Reserve and Black Label trims feature the same 440-hp twin-turbo V6 engine and offer a plush driving experience, and it’s up to you if you want the extended L versions. The Black label does offer further luxury themes inside and out, but if you’re fine without the extra looks, the base model comes standard with massaging, cooling, and heated seats, and advanced features like hands-free BlueCruise. While the pricing hasn’t been officially released, we feel no matter what it is, the Navigator Black Label just won’t really be worth the extra dough.

2 2025 Lucid Air: Grand Touring Vs. Air Sapphire

We’ve decided to fight this battle between the Lucid Air Grand Touring and the Lucid Air Sapphire because, as good as the Sapphire is, it just doesn’t make sense. Sure, 1,234 horsepower is incredible to witness and unleash, but you’re not getting much more luxury for that price. In most situations, 819 horsepower will be just as impressive, and the cherry on top is you then get the best EV range in America at 512 miles. At $250,000, the Sapphire needs to be on a level above, as big a leap as the base CT5 is to the CT5-V Blackwing, and it’s just not. We admire the vehicle, we do, and we’re excited to see where Lucid can push the technology from here, but the Grand Touring is the Air to buy in our book.

3 2025 Volvo XC90: Plus B6 Vs. Ultra B6

The XC90 creates an interesting proposition for 2025 due to its refresh. The updated model has evolved the SUV’s already handsome looks with futuristic accents that bring it more in line with the fully electric EX90. Performance is the same, but the interior has been completely redone with a new infotainment system that uses Google built-in as well. Unfortunately, the model isn’t arriving until halfway through next year, meaning it’s technically a 2025.5 model, as the old version is being sold as a 2025 model too. Given the powertrains are going to be the same between the two, our opinions haven’t changed, and we still believe the Plus B6 version is going to offer you all the luxury you and your passengers will want, without having to worry about plugging in at night.

4 2024 Jaguar F-Type: 75 Vs R75

We know the F-Type is dead, but don’t think you won’t find plenty of new models on dealer lots across the country. The model is going to go down as one of the most beloved sports cars in history, and if we had to buy one, we’d definitely reach for the 75 trim. In fact, we’d even recommend the lower R-Dynamic trim, because while both will be down on power compared to the top-of-the-line R models, they have enough to be fun without getting in trouble. They allow the F-Type to be easily used as a daily driver, but you only get AWD with the 75 whereas the R-Dynamic gets RWD. It’s up to you what you want, but both will make incredible daily drivers that will only age like fine wine.

5 2024 Lexus GX: Overtrail vs Luxury+

Lexus hasn’t released details on the 2025 Lexus GX yet, but given a new generation debuted in 2024, we don’t expect much to change. Whether in 2024 or 2025, the new GX is awesome. It’s finally the luxury off-roader the model always needed to be with attractive looks, ample power, and solid off-road capability. Many people are going to buy this SUV for strictly road duties, but it looks awesome kitted out, and that’s why we feel the Overtrail is the trim to go for. It gives you Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), crawl control, 33-inch tires, a panoramic view monitor, and much more for over $10,000 less than the Luxury+. The Overtrail+ gives you a tad more luxury too, but the regular Overtrail will give 90% of what you want, and none of what you don’t need in your GX.

6 2025 Porsche Macan: S Vs GTS

Porsche has always been a company that has offered great capability in its mid-level trims, and the Macan is no different. Many lament the fact the model has gone all-electric, and indeed this is a massive risk for the company, but it will continue to sell the combustion model alongside it for a little while as it’s going to do with the 718 successor. A Porsche is always better with a six-cylinder engine, and fortunately, that can be found in the S and GTS models. While the GTS will be faster, the 375 horses in the S will be more than enough to help you stay ahead of traffic, and combined with the Sport Chrono package and Premium package, it should be the perfect one-car solution.

7 2025 Lexus RX: 350 Premium+ Vs. 450h+ Luxury

The RX is one of those luxury SUVs you look to when you want something comfortable and reliable. Its looks aren’t for everyone, but in the right hue, it definitely is a looker, and although you can get it in various trims with different attributes, we feel the Premium+ is where it’s at. This trim sticks with the turbocharged inline-4 engine that gives you a healthy 275 horsepower. Fuel economy could be better, but it’s a proven engine that won’t let you down. We also have love for the brand’s hybrid options, and if they’re really calling to you, then definitely give them a shot, but we doubt you’ll miss having to plug in your car at night.

8 2025 BMW X7: xDrive40i Vs. M60i

The BMW X7 has one of those faces you either love or hate. There’s no in-between, but if it does pique your curiosity, the good news is that the buying options are pretty simple. Besides the absurd Alpina version, which is in a bit of a league of its own, you can choose from the M60i or the xDrive40i, and with savings of over $25,000, the xDrive is the one we’d get. All the luxury you can want either comes with this model or can be optioned, and you still get nearly 400 horsepower on tap to get things going. Sure, it won’t sound as great as the V8, but fuel economy will be slightly better, and do you really need over 500 horsepower to pick your kids up from school? It’s just unnecessary.

9 2024 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Vs. 911 Turbo

There is no other sports car in the world as consistently good as the Porsche 911, but given all the options and trims available to buyers, there’s a lot to think about. Fortunately, we’ve done the thinking for you, and if we had the money, the 911 we’d reach for is the all-new hybrid GTS. While the GT3 is on another plane, the Turbo is the pinnacle of what a “normal” Porsche is in our eyes, and it’s impressive to see how closely the GTS stacks up. Despite being down 100 horsepower, it’s nearly as quick as 60 mph, and the top speed is a little over 10 mph slower. All for $70,000 cheaper. It’s the world’s first hybrid 911, and we think it’s worth the wait.

10 2025 Mercedes-AMG GT: GT 63 Vs. GT 63 S E Performance

The final luxury entrant on this list is the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe in two different flavors: turbocharged or hybridized V8. Look, we’ll be straight with you, the S E Performance is going to have the power in the straights to rip away from the regular GT63, but what the regular model lacks in power it makes up in having a nimbler footprint. It’s the more traditional sports car of the two, which is why it’s no surprise this model has received a Porsche 911 GT3 fighting version. The GT63 is going to be much closer to a Turbo S competitor, and unless your goal is only ultimate power at all times, we feel the slightly cheaper model will do you just fine.