Luxury cars don’t fly off dealership lots quite like mainstream models. Thanks to a mix of price, exclusivity, and often smaller production runs, premium vehicles usually move at a slower pace than mass-market offerings. Still, slower doesn’t mean slow. Automakers such as Audi, Cadillac, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz reliably sell hundreds of thousands of luxury models each year, from compact sedans to full-size SUVs that can carry six-figure price tags.
So far in 2025, the luxury segment has shown surprising strength, with several brands already setting the stage for record-breaking years. That’s notable given how much of the broader U.S. auto market remains tilted toward affordable crossovers, pickups, and entry-level sedans. The fact that demand remains robust for vehicles priced far above the average transaction cost speaks to both consumer appetite for premium features and the ability of automakers to refresh lineups at the right time. Personally, I think this is a sign that the tariffs are not affecting upper income consumers.
The sales leaders tell an interesting story. SUVs continue to dominate, and in many cases they’re outpacing traditional luxury sedans by a wide margin. For example, Lexus has leaned heavily on its RX crossover, which remains the brand’s anchor model and one of the best-selling luxury vehicles in America. Similarly, Mercedes-Benz’s GLE and GLC crossovers are steady performers, attracting buyers who want a blend of prestige, comfort, and practicality. Cadillac’s XT5 and Escalade also remain on the list, with the latter showing that ultra-premium full-size SUVs still have plenty of takers even in an era of high fuel prices.
But not every entry is an SUV. Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y remain competitive in the luxury ranks, blurring the line between premium and mainstream thanks to their pricing, technology, and electric-only powertrains. BMW’s 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz’s C-Class sedans also continue to pull in strong numbers, underscoring that the traditional luxury sedan market isn’t dead—it’s just smaller and more selective.
Through the first half of 2025, the top ten best-selling luxury vehicles reflect a clear pattern. Consumers are prioritizing space, technology, and brand image, and they’re showing a willingness to pay for it. That’s helped by generous lease deals and relatively strong residual values, which make luxury models more approachable for buyers who might not want to commit to six or seven years of payments.
Another driver of demand is the ongoing wave of redesigns. Automakers have been rolling out new generations of their bread-and-butter luxury models with updated styling, more advanced driver-assistance systems, and ever-larger digital screens. Those upgrades are critical for keeping premium buyers interested, as the technology gap between mainstream and luxury models has narrowed in recent years.
With three and a half months still left in the year, there’s room for movement in the rankings. Seasonal sales pushes, year-end incentives, and the arrival of fresh 2026 models could shift the order before the calendar turns. For now, the first-half results confirm that luxury vehicles remain a steady and highly profitable piece of the U.S. auto market, even if they don’t roll out of showrooms quite as quickly as their mainstream counterparts.
Here are your Top 10 Luxury Vehicles sold in America, through August, 2025:
- Lexus RX: 52,888
- Lexus NX: 38,253
- BMW X5: 33,588
- Mercedes-Benz GLE: 29,434
- Mercedes-Benz GLC: 29,355
- BMW X3: 29,029
- Buick Envision: 28,737
- Lexus TX: 25,147
- Cadillac Escalade: 24,375
- Audi Q5: 22,914
Photo Credit: Lexus.
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