Best Luxury Sedans of 2023: Top Sellers Revealed
While luxury vehicle shoppers increasingly favor crossovers, traditional sedans continue to maintain a notable presence in the market. There was a period, not long ago, when lineups from manufacturers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz were predominantly sedans, clearly categorized by size. This structure has dramatically shifted with the rise of the crossover segment across the entire automotive industry.
The trend isn’t unique to luxury brands; it’s a widespread phenomenon. For many years, the Toyota Camry sedan held the title of the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. However, in recent years, the Toyota RAV4 compact crossover has surpassed it, securing the annual sales crown and appearing set to hold that position for the foreseeable future. But how do luxury sedans fare in this changing landscape? Below, we examine the five top 10 premium car brands‘ best-selling luxury sedans in the American market for 2023. The relatively lower sales figures compared to their crossover counterparts highlight just how strong the shift away from sedans truly is.
Lexus ES
Red 2024 Lexus ES sedan, the best selling luxury sedan of 2023
The Lexus ES distinguishes itself as the best-selling luxury sedan in the U.S. for 2023. While it may not prioritize sportiness, this midsize sedan excels in delivering core Lexus strengths: exceptional refinement, generous interior space, and high levels of comfort. Its hybrid version also boasts impressive fuel economy. All-wheel drive is exclusively paired with a naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine, though Lexus still offers its remarkably smooth 3.5-liter V6 engine on front-wheel-drive models. Its impressive sales volume underscores its appeal to luxury buyers seeking comfort and reliability. Looking to name a luxury car that led the sales charts? The Lexus ES is the answer for 2023.
2023 sales: 41,735
2024 Base Price Range: $43,190 – $53,480
BMW 3-Series
Blue 2024 BMW 3-Series sedan, a popular luxury vehicle
Historically considered BMW’s definitive model due to its compact size and renowned handling capabilities, the 3-Series remains a strong seller. Despite its enduring popularity, this compact sedan now trails several other models in BMW’s lineup by sales volume. It is outsold by the compact 4-Series (a range including sedans, coupes, and convertibles) and significantly by the popular X3 and X5 crossovers. Nevertheless, the 3-Series holds its ground among the top 5 luxury car brands‘ sedan offerings, securing the second spot on this list.
2023 sales: 30,400
2024 Base Price Range: $44,500 – $76,000
Lexus IS
White 2024 Lexus IS luxury sport sedan
Originally designed to compete with the BMW 3-Series, the Lexus IS has carved out its own identity and consistently achieves respectable sales numbers. While its interior space can feel limited and a manual transmission is no longer an option, the IS is infused with a sporty character. The top tier of its model range offers significant V8 power. Reviewers particularly appreciate its well-designed cabin, excellent balance of ride comfort and handling, and its relatively luxury cars for less pricing within its class.
2023 sales: 21,386
2024 Base Price Range: $43,690–$60,020
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
White 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, a best selling luxury model
Although Mercedes-Benz offers the smaller, more affordable A-Class, the C-Class stands as the brand’s leading sedan by sales volume. Positioned as a more traditional, default rear-drive model, the C-Class appeals to a broad market segment through its blend of price, prestige, and availability with various engines and equipment levels. Note: The reported sales figure includes a small number of C-Class coupes. However, given the low demand for the coupe body style, it is estimated that the sedan alone would still rank among the top sellers, likely around 20,000 units. The enduring popularity of models like the C-Class speaks to the strength of established 10 luxury car brands.
2023 sales: 26,192*
2024 Base Price Range: $44,500 – $76,000
BMW 5-Series
The BMW 5-Series was once among the most popular models offered by the brand. However, mirroring the broader market shift, the midsize X5 crossover now outsells the 5-Series sedan by a significant margin, approximately four to one. The compact X3 crossover is also considerably more popular, outselling the 5-Series roughly three to one. The author notes that many individuals he knows who previously owned 5-Series sedans have transitioned to the X5, finding even its more accessible versions to be remarkably refined and comfortable vehicles. Despite this shift, the 5-Series remains one of the [Best Luxury Sedans 2023] by sales volume.
2023 sales: 20,859
2024 Base Price Range: $57,900 – $64,900
In conclusion, while the automotive market continues its strong pivot towards crossovers, the data from 2023 shows that a core group of luxury sedans from prominent brands like Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz still command significant sales volumes. These models, including the Lexus ES, BMW 3-Series, Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and BMW 5-Series, represent the segment’s enduring appeal, offering a combination of style, performance, and luxury that continues to attract a dedicated base of buyers, even as overall sedan market share declines.
