Latest news with #affordableLuxury
Auto Blog
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
This Is The Cheapest BMW Model You Can Buy
Luxury Cars Below $40k Are Increasingly Rare The average price of a new car in the United States is getting closer and closer to the $50,000 mark. For buyers looking to get behind the wheel of a luxury model, the options are increasingly scarce. Take BMW, for instance: The German brand has only a few models left at under $50k, and if you want a sub-$40k BMW, well, there's only one of those left. Let's take a closer look at the cheapest new BMW for sale, along with one or two others hovering at just above $40k. These prices are based on the brand's currently available models. Source: BMW What Is The Cheapest New BMW? BMW has started switching over to the 2026 model year for some models, including the base 228 Gran Coupe, which starts at $39,600. It's officially the cheapest new BMW and the only model from the brand to start at below $40k. It also benefits from the updates made to the 2 Series Gran Coupe range late last year. Despite having an extra pair of doors and a larger cabin than the normal 2 Series Coupe, the Gran Coupe is marginally cheaper, likely due to the fact that it has a simpler front-wheel-drive layout, as opposed to the two-door 2 Series Coupe's enthusiast-pleasing rear-wheel-drive setup. But is this cheap BMW worth considering, or should you save up for a more prestigious 3 Series? Base 228 Gran Coupe Doesn't Appear As Basic As You'd Think The 228 GC comes with BMW's M Sport Exterior as standard, which goes a long way towards giving this BMW a more premium look. The package includes an M aerodynamic kit, 18-inch bi-color wheels, and Shadowline exterior trim. LED headlights and LED daytime running lights complete the look. Only Alpine White non-metallic paint is standard, though. The metallic options cost $650 and include vivid colors like Portimao Blue, Vegas Red, and the striking Thundernight (pictured below), the latter being a deep purple hue. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Not everyone loves the design of the 2 Series GC, but we appreciate that it doesn't look as basic as the 'cheapest BMW model' tag suggests. Source: BMW A Modern And Well-Equipped Cabin Several of the latest BMW models, from the X3 to the 5 Series, feel like a downgrade in terms of interior quality when compared to their predecessors. The cost-cutting is less jarring inside the 228 GC, given its price point. Yes, there are a few harder plastics here and there, but it feels like a solidly built vehicle. Facing the driver is BMW's Curved Display, made up of a 10.25-inch gauge cluster and a 10.7-inch touchscreen interface. BMW's latest iDrive system can be a bit overwhelming, simply because there are so many screen icons to navigate through, but responses are quick. Unfortunately, you have to use the screen to control certain climate settings, as the brand follows the trend of abandoning traditional controls. Source: BMW The sporty seats get Veganza imitation leather as standard, available in a variety of hues. Some of these colors, combined with the youthful ambient lighting, give the interior a welcome lift. Rear-seat space falls short of a 3 Series or X1, but children or two smaller adults will be fine. BMW's most affordable model comes with standard items like dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and power-adjustable front seats with a driver's memory system, front/rear parking sensors, an automatic parking assistant, and a Harmon Kardon sound system. A panoramic roof and more advanced driver-assistance gear will cost extra, and it's possible to spend nearly $50k on a fully loaded 228 GC. At that price, a 330i is a much better alternative, so we'd recommend sticking to a base or lightly optioned 228 GC if you're looking for an affordable BMW. Source: BMW Performance: Outclassing Its Key Rival Powering the least expensive BMW is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine developing 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Sending power to the front wheels only via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, the 0-60 mph sprint takes 6.1 seconds. For $2,000 more, the 228 xDrive all-wheel-drive variant's extra traction reduces the benchmark sprint time to 5.8 seconds. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Coupe is one of the BMW's main rivals, and it appears outclassed on paper. The Mercedes is less powerful (221 hp and 258 lb-ft), slower (0-60 in 6.3 seconds), and significantly pricier at $44,400. However, the most sensible option in this segment appears to be the Audi A3 Sedan. It gets AWD as standard, costs the least ($38,200), and is the quickest to 60 (6.0 seconds). Overall, the cheapest BMW feels quick enough and suitably sporty, even if it lacks the pure driving character of older BMW models. Other Affordable BMWs If you're willing to spend a bit more than the 228 Gran Coupe, there are a few other new BMWs worth considering. BMW 230i Coupe: $41,200 Assuming you don't need a practical car, this is the 'cheap' BMW that most closely adheres to the brand's philosophy of building driver's machines. It gets RWD as standard, while the 2.0-liter turbo-four makes a bit more power than the 228 GC, at 255 hp. As a result, it's quicker and handles better than the 228 GC, but the rear seats are cramped. An xDrive derivative costs $2,000 more. Source: BMW BMW X1 xDrive28i: $41,350 As the most affordable BMW SUV, the base X1 has a few clear advantages over the 228. It gets AWD as standard, has a far larger back seat and trunk, and is very nearly as quick. The layout of the interior and the list of standard features are largely similar to the base 228. Source: BMW BMW X2 xDrive28i: $42,850 The X2 has a lot in common with the X1, matching that SUV's performance and efficiency. However, it has the coupe-style looks that many buyers prefer, and in this iteration, that sloping roofline doesn't affect practicality all that much, since the X2 virtually matches the X1's cargo-carrying capabilities. Source: BMW Summary: BMW's Cheapest Models Are Worthy Of The Badge While they may lack street cred alongside an M340i or M2, BMW's cheapest cars are solid. None of them have an obviously entry-level appearance, all are well-equipped, and they still have relatively sporty driving characteristics, relative to their direct segment rivals. That said, we would only consider these models with one or two options. Once you add too many extras, you're better off moving up to a 3 Series or X3, which are nicer vehicles overall. FAQs What is the cheapest new BMW I can buy? This is the 2026 BMW 228 Gran Coupe, which starts at $39,600. Are BMWs under $40k still considered luxury cars? Yes, a BMW under $40k is still considered a luxury car, even if it doesn't have the amenities and refinement of a larger BMW. Many used BMWs can be purchased for below $40k that are truly luxurious, including the 5 Series and legendary X5. Is it better to buy a new or certified pre-owned (CPO) BMW? There are pros and cons to both. A new BMW will be more reliable and have the benefit of a full warranty, but it'll be pricier. A certified pre-owned model can save you thousands initially, but may require repairs sooner. A used example also may not have the latest available technologies. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The jewellery collection on our radar right now - and the pieces we're adding to cart immediately (with prices from just £50)
A lesser-known jewellery brand is impressing shoppers with its affordable price tags, long-lasting wear and bold designs that can be worn across generations. Tilly Sveaas is an all-inclusive jewellery brand that has inspired a wave of fashion lovers. Known for their bestselling T-bar necklace, chains and pendants, they add a touch of luxury to your everyday stack, and at prices you'll love. Contemporary with bygone charm, pieces start from just £35, proving that timeless jewellery doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. And it even counts Taylor Swift as a fan, with the singer spotted wearing the brand's £320 Gold T-Bar Curb Link Necklace, now a brand bestseller. With huge praise online and shoppers raving about the expensive look but at an accessible price point, it's become the jewellery brand to know. Tilly Sveaas bestsellers Small Gold T-Bar On Belcher Chain A brand bestseller, the signature T-bar necklace is inspired by founder Tilly Sveaas Great-Great-Uncle's gold pocket watch and chain. A riff of a much-loved antiques, the delicate looking necklace is a clever example of how the brand modernises timeless classics. £125 Shop Small Gold Interlock Bracelet A sleek gold chain bracelet is a quick way to instantly add more appeal and intrigue to an outfit. The vintage style piece is immediately elegant and sophisticated with 18 karat gold plated oval links that can be worn by any age. £200 Shop Large Gold T-Bar Earrings A twist on the classic hoop earrings, these have been given a style upgrade with the addition of a sleek detachable t-bar. A brand bestseller, the T-bar earrings give the wearer two styles in one and feature 2 microns of 18kt fairmined gold plating. £160 Shop Gold T-Bar Curb Link Necklace For a slice of Taylor Swift's style look no further than the Tilly Sveaas Gold T-Bar Curb Link Necklace. Spotted on the singer, the 18kt gold plating with hand-crafted brass pendant has an ageless style that can be worn by generations. £320 Shop Silver T-Bar Stud Earrings Perfect for layering with other studs, the Silver T-Bar Stud Earrings are the smallest of the brand's T-bar family. Shiny and small with 925 sterling silver, these are also at a brilliant price point of £50. £50 Shop Silver Torque Bangle Incredibly elegant, this sterling silver bangle is understated yet is striking enough to be worn on its own, equally it can be layered up with other bracelets and bangles for a cool stacked look. £230 Shop Gold Lariat Necklace If you're looking for a show-stopping piece of jewellery for any summer weddings then we think we've found it with the Gold Lariat Necklace. Made with 18kt gold plating, the necklace has a traditional chunky belcher chain with the classic Tilly Sveaas T-bar and hoop fastening for a modern twist. With adjustable length, it's a hugely versatile piece that can be worn shorter for everyday or longer for those more special occasions. £325 Shop Medium Silver T-Bar On Chunky Belcher Chain Those that love silver can also invest in the brand's signature Medium Silver T-Bar On Chunky Belcher Chain. Suitable for elevating dressed down days or putting the finishing touch to smarter ensembles, this 3cm sterling silver T-bar pendant is a must-have piece for under £200. £190 Shop
News.com.au
03-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Target fans go wild for $40 cardigan that rivals $229 version
A viral cardigan from Target is taking the internet by storm, thanks to its luxe-looking texture and budget-friendly price tag. The Lily Loves Fluffy Button Front Cardigan, retailing for just $40, has been dubbed a 'dupe' for the $229 Solene Cardigan from Nadia Bartel's designer fashion label, Henne. The cardigan is gaining a cult following on TikTok for its comfortable and cosy feel, crafted from an ultra-soft fluffy material. Boasting a classic crew neckline, button closure, long cuffed sleeves and a chic cropped length, it's proving to be a versatile piece, perfect for working from home or winter outings. The trendy item is available in five colours – brown, black, red, light blue and white, and in sizes XXS to XXL. 'Our trend and design team travel the world and are inspired by many of the trends we see in Europe and North America. This season, texture takes centre stage – from soft and fluffy yarns to 'quiet luxury' classic knits,' said Carrie Kirkman, General Manager of Merchandise at Target Australia, speaking to 'Our colour palette is inspired by international runway trends and directional designer brands. We love camels, browns and wine tones, spruce greens and soft greys.' Ms Kirkman said the new collection is all about bringing customers 'affordable luxury' and making them feel comfortable and 'even a little bit spoiled'. 'This collection offers stylish, on-trend pieces that make you feel amazing – so whatever you choose, you can be sure you'll look and feel gorgeous,' she said. On TikTok, @unfiltered_mum shared her review of the viral cardigan. 'It's so good, and it reminds me of the Henne one but honestly it was a fraction of the price,' she said, showing off the brown colour. 'I plan on wearing it with jeans. So cute, I want to get the light blue one too because it's so fluffy and comfy. Highly recommend. And also, chocolate is the colour of the season,' she added. Fellow fashion blogger @ also styled hers with blue jeans, matching chocolate sneakers and a handbag. Meanwhile, @lilhargreaves gave her followers a changeroom haul to show what the collection looks like on a size 14-16. Speaking about the cardigan, she said, 'If you have been searching for a brown cardi, Target has you covered. It's so soft and warm. So cute'. The comments on all the videos have been full of praise, with one saying: 'Obsessed!' 'Target is slaying sooo hard,' another wrote. 'So lush,' said someone else. 'I need it,' said another. 'Going to buy this right now'.
The Sun
02-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Top five affordable luxury cars to get back into driving this summer from a used car expert
EARLY mornings, late nights, and lots of sun are the perfect driving conditions. Don't like the car outside your doorstep or on the driveway? 6 Check out Sun Motors' selection of the best and most affordable luxury cars for sale in time for summer. Why buy a luxury car? Because you're worth it. Prestige cars – like those featured below – look better, feel better and drive better than your average car. Luxury cars aren't just bought with the heart but involve the head, too. When you buy used, you're getting a bargain, with the original owner taking the hit. If you're searching for an inexpensive luxury car, Sun Motors gives you access to the UK's best selection of premium cars. You'll find luxury cars from all manufacturers for sale at competitive prices. In fact, we've found some seriously cheap luxury cars that won't break the bank. Here's our top-five affordable luxury cars… What is a luxury car? Luxury cars are, as their name suggests, a cut above your bog-standard, basic models. You'll find bigger and better engines, refined looks, better interiors and enjoy a smoother driving experience. There are companies that specialise in building prestige, performance cars like Rolls Royce, Aston Martin, Maserati etc. These are all considered luxury cars. You'll also find that pretty many of the established names like Mercedes Benz, BMW, VW, Audi, Ford and more produce luxury rages. Some of these are featured below, like the S Class, a luxury executive car that oozes class and sophistication. Most car brands also produce luxury versions of standard models. The Golf GTIi is a good example of how a manufacturer can improve the engine, internals and externals to transform a good one into a truly great one. Buying a used luxury car Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but luxury cars look good. (Or at least, they should do!) Nobody is going to argue that a Porsche Cayman isn't perfection, are they? Luxury cars should be as attractive on the inside as the outside, with fine internal fittings, comfortable seats, and ultra cool in-car-entertainment. You'll also find a more powerful engine, precision steering, super smooth suspension and higher levels of driving technology. Depreciation on a luxury car can be massive. When you buy a used luxury car, you're getting a huge amount of engineering and performance at a much lower price tag. Top 5 affordable luxury cars This is our list of the best and most affordable luxury cars for sale today. This list isn't scientific or based on any fixed criteria. That's the point with a luxury car, it's about your personality… Range Rover Evoque 6 Model: Range Rover Evoque FIND HERE Considered an 'entry level' Range Rover, the Evoque was still over £40,000 when new – and it feels it. The crossover SUV is a firm favourite among families, yummy mummies and what we used to call yuppies (ask your dad). The Evoque is a proper luxury car and, for us, is a better investment than the BMW X3. (Opinions on this may differ.) It's luxurious inside, with amazing in-car entertainment and a smooth ride all around. This used-approved 2020 Evoque is top of budget at £25,000, but that's still a bit of a bargain. Porsche Boxster 6 Model: Porsche Boxster FIND HERE Who doesn't love the Porsche Boxster? It's a super capable mid-engine roadster that tears up the road. 'Sensationally to drive and beautifully built,' is WhatCar's opinion and it's all true. The Porsche Boxster is a super convertible. This 2015 Porsche Boxster Convertible is a shade over £25k, but with some careful negotiation could get you closer to "affordable" levels. Open top cruising probably doesn't get any cooler. Mercedes S Class Model: Mercedes S Class FIND HERE The ultimate executive car? Lexus might disagree, but the S-Class range of sedans and coupes has been carrying the rich and powerful around for over 50 years. They are exquisitely built and near silent while driving. Under the bonnet of every S-Class is a finely tuned beast. A brand new S-Class can easily run you over £100,000 – but you can pick up a used bargain. This awesome Mercedes-Benz S Class 2.9 S350L d AMG Line car comes in at around £23,000 – which is an amazing price for this 9-speed, diesel-powered beast. BMW 6 series 6 Model: BMW 6 series FIND HERE The BMW 6 series is classed as a grand tourer and is built for cross-continental journeys on those unregulated German motorways. But don't worry, it'll also fit in just as well in the Lidl car park. The BMW 6 series is no longer in production, being replaced by the 8 Series. That means you can pick up a bit of a bargain. It's summer, so our choice is this BMW 6 SERIES 3.0 640d M Sport Convertible. You get a super convertible with the all-important M-series badge on the back. If you don't buy it, I might. Jaguar XE Model: Jaguar XE FIND HERE Jaguar is the quintessential luxury car to any kid brought up in the 70s and 80s. It may no longer be British-owned, but the brand is as part of our culture as apologising for nothing in particular. Jaguar executive care, like the Jaguar XE, can lose a huge amount of value in the first 3 years – in some cases, almost 50%. Spare your tears for the sad banker and instead start looking for a bargain, like this 2019 JAGUAR XE 2.0 [250] R-Sport. The 250 in brackets refers to the 250 horsepower, turbocharged petrol engine. The R-Sport trim describes the aggressive and sporty styling which continues inside. Trust us, arrive in this luxury car and you'll turn heads at the golf club. Luxury car FAQs What are some luxury car brands? When you think of luxury cars, you naturally think of prestige brands like Jaguar, Porsche, Aston Martin, Range Rover, etc. These are all luxury car brands. You'll also find mainstream brands like Mercedes Benz, BMW, VW and any other you can think of with luxury lines, as well. Cheapest luxury cars to look out for A cheap luxury car isn't necessarily a great thing because they're notoriously complex to work on and costly to fix. Instead, let's look at the biggest depreciation. We can see the Maserati Levante, Audi A8, Audi S6, Maserati Ghibli are all luxury cars that lose *a lot* of value, says AutoExpress. If you're looking for bargain luxury cars that won't break the bank, check out our list above! What is luxury car tax? The luxury car tax is an additional £425 levy applied to any car that costs over £40,000 when new. Introduced in 2017, the increase in vehicle excise duty (VED). The increased cost is paid for 5 years. New cars are sold with a year's VED paid, so the luxury car tax is paid from when the car is 1 year old to 6 years old. Does luxury car tax apply to second-hand cars? Sadly, yes, the luxury car tax covers used cars, too. Are luxury cars more expensive to insure? Yes. Bigger, more powerful and more expensive cars will cost you more money to insure than a smaller car. But the total price you pay depends on more than the make and model of car but your circumstances, age, driving history and more. In the end, many people think a few extra quid a month to insure a prestige car is money well spent, and who are we to argue? Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you're looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Coach! Michael Kors! Longchamp! These designer bags are all under $250 — but they look much more expensive
If you've been wanting to invest in a designer bag but don't want to spend outside of your budget, we get it — it can be hard to justify dropping $1,000s on a crossbody, tote or shoulder bag. Luckily, we're here to help — we've curated a list of some of the best bags under $250 that combine luxury with affordability. You can still achieve high-end appeal and score high-quality pieces without the painful price tag — from classics by Coach and Michael Kors to modern and trendy styles from SSENSE. Whether you're looking for an everyday tote, a belt bag or an evening bag, there's a little bit of everything here. Ready to build your collection with some stylish (but attainable) handbags? Keep scrolling to see some of our favourites. Are you a die-hard belt bag fan but want something a little more elevated than your usual picks? This nylon Tory Burch bag is sporty yet chic, and available in various colours. Reviewers confirm it's "very roomy" and love that the fabric is "easy to clean." This little crossbody is super versatile — it can be worn as an everyday bag, fitting your main essentials. But you can also remove the crossbody and just rock the chain strap to wear it as a shoulder bag, making it an easily convertible evening bag. This bag is made by a great mid-range designer who has some very chic pieces. This shoulder bag is a great accessory that can be dressed up or down. And you can trust that not everyone will have this bag, making it a bit more unique. In my opinion, you can't go wrong with a classic Swinger Bag 20 from Coach. It's simple, sleek and the perfect size for carrying the necessities — wallet, cash, lip balm, Advil, you name it. It even has built-in card slots if you want to downsize the contents even more. I've got another belt bag pick for ya — this Marc Jacobs one is very on-trend and practical. You can sling it across your chest or clip it around your waist, depending on your outfit. This polished leather pochette is the perfect on-the-go pouch with a vintage feel. I am obsessed with the buckled pockets — not only are they cute, but they serve as extra storage, too. You can carry it as a shoulder bag or a wristlet, thanks to its convertible strap. If you're seeking a minimal, practical bag, this messenger crossbody from Coach is a top contender. It has an exterior pocket, which I predict will be perfect for sliding your phone in and out of. It may look small, but shoppers say, "You'd be amazed at how much you can fit inside." This faux leather bag has a chic curb chain strap that can convert it into both a shoulder or crossbody bag. The silver hardware makes it easy to dress up or down, too, making it a great going-out option. This bestselling bag has been added to people's carts more than 100 times this week and for a good reason. It's totally practical and big enough to fit most things you'll need on a daily basis. This "Burnt Sienna" shade is the perfect pop of colour for spring and summer. I personally own this tote bag, and I can't say enough good things about it. I've used it as a work bag, daily tote, personal item while travelling, weekend bag and more. It's very versatile, super spacious and goes with everything. It's very durable — I've owned it for six years now and it looks brand new. Do you prefer logos? This mini tote by Marc Jacobs might be the right bag for you — and it will fit plenty of stuff, too. It has one large opening and a zippered closure to keep the contents nice and secure.
