Top Luxury Car Best Cars for Resale Value in 2025
When investing in a high-end vehicle, understanding resale value is crucial. While the allure of performance and prestige drives many purchases, a luxury car represents a significant financial commitment. Choosing one of the Luxury Car Best Cars known for strong value retention can protect your investment significantly. Unlike mainstream vehicles, depreciation on luxury models can mean losing tens of thousands of dollars quickly. This guide, leveraging Kelley Blue Book’s 2025 data, highlights the premium vehicles projected to hold their value best over the next five years, ensuring your luxury choice is also a smart financial one.
Why Resale Value Matters for Luxury Cars
Depreciation is the single largest cost of owning most vehicles, and this impact is often magnified in the luxury segment due to higher initial purchase prices. A luxury car that retains its value well offers several advantages:
- Lower Ownership Cost: Less value lost translates directly to lower overall expenses during your ownership period.
- Higher Trade-In/Sale Price: When you decide to sell or trade, a car with high resale value commands a better price, maximizing your return.
- Reduced Negative Equity Risk: High depreciation on expensive cars financed over longer terms can lead to owing more than the car is worth (negative equity). Strong resale value mitigates this risk.
- Enhanced Financial Flexibility: Recouping more money provides a larger down payment for your next vehicle, potentially lowering future monthly payments.
While the average new vehicle might retain around 44.6% of its MSRP after five years, the top performers, including several luxury models, can retain significantly more, potentially saving owners thousands, even tens of thousands, over a typical ownership cycle.
Top Luxury Cars for Resale Value in 2025
Kelley Blue Book’s analysis identifies specific models projected to retain the highest percentage of their original sticker price after 60 months. Among the overall top 10 vehicles for resale value across all segments, two notable luxury models stand out:
- 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: Projected 5-Year Resale Value: 56.6%
- 2025 Porsche 911: Projected 5-Year Resale Value: 53.8%
Beyond these overall leaders, KBB recognizes winners across specific luxury categories. Here are some of the Luxury Car Best Cars identified for their outstanding value retention in 2025:
Standout Luxury SUVs
Luxury SUVs combine versatility with premium features, and some excel at holding their value.
- 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: (Full-Size Luxury SUV) With a remarkable 56.6% projected resale value, the iconic G-Class leads not just its segment but ranks 6th among all vehicles. Its enduring design and off-road prowess contribute to its desirability. Starting Price: $149,400.
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class seen from a front quarter angle
- 2025 Lexus RX: (Midsize Luxury SUV) A consistent leader, the RX is projected to retain 49.8% of its value. It offers a blend of comfort, reliability, and luxury appeal. Starting Price: $50,325.
- 2025 Lexus UX: (Subcompact Luxury SUV) This entry-level Lexus holds value well, projected at 47.8%. It provides an accessible entry into the luxury market with strong brand backing. Starting Price: $37,715.
- 2025 Lexus NX: (Compact Luxury SUV) Another strong performer from Lexus, the NX is projected at 43.5% resale value, offering modern tech and sharp styling. Starting Price: $42,140.
2025 Lexus NX driving on the road.
Premier Luxury Sedans & Coupes
From sporty coupes to stately sedans, these luxury cars demonstrate impressive value retention.
- 2025 Porsche 911: (Sports Car – Luxury Segment) A perennial icon, the 911 boasts a projected resale value of 53.8%, placing it 9th overall among all vehicles. Its timeless design and driving dynamics ensure lasting demand. Starting Price: Varies significantly by trim.
- 2025 Lexus ES: (Midsize Luxury Car) Known for comfort and reliability, the ES sedan holds 44.1% of its value, making it a sensible choice in its class. Starting Price: $43,215.
- 2025 Acura Integra: (Compact Luxury Car) Offering a sporty driving experience and premium features, the Integra returns with a solid 43.0% projected resale value. Starting Price: $34,195.
2025 Acura Integra A-Spec
- 2025 Lexus LS: (Full-Size Luxury Sedan) The flagship Lexus sedan is projected to retain 42.3% of its value, offering top-tier luxury and refinement. Starting Price: $81,685.
2025 Lexus LS driving on the street.
Note: While the Chevrolet Corvette ranks highly (61.0%), its classification leans more towards ‘sports car’ than traditional ‘luxury car’, though it certainly offers premium performance.
Leading Luxury Electric Vehicles
As the EV market matures, certain luxury electric models are demonstrating better value retention.
- 2025 Rivian R1S: (Electric SUV – Premium Segment) This adventurous electric SUV projects a 41.9% resale value, appealing to buyers seeking capability and innovation. Starting Price: $77,900.
- 2025 Rivian R1T: (Electric Truck – Premium Segment) The truck counterpart to the R1S, the R1T also shows strong retention for an EV truck at 43.0%. Starting Price: $71,900.
- 2025 Porsche Taycan: (Electric Luxury Car) Porsche’s electric sedan holds value relatively well in the luxury EV space at 39.4%. Starting Price: $101,395.
- 2025 Lexus RZ: (Electric Luxury SUV) Lexus enters the EV space with the RZ, projected to retain 39.2% of its value. Starting Price: $43,975.
2025 Lexus RZ parked on the beach near the ocean.
Lexus: The Top Luxury Brand for Value Retention
For the ninth time, Lexus has been named Kelley Blue Book’s Best Luxury Brand for Resale Value in 2025. This consistent performance underscores the brand’s reputation for quality, reliability, and enduring desirability across its lineup. With six individual model wins in various luxury categories this year (UX, NX, RX, ES, LS, RZ), Lexus demonstrates a portfolio-wide strength in holding value, offering buyers confidence when choosing from their range of luxury vehicles.
2025 Lexus IS 500 F-Performance symbolizing the Lexus luxury brand
Understanding Luxury Car Resale Value Calculations
Kelley Blue Book determines its Best Resale Value Awards using projections from its Official Residual Value Guide. These residual values, representing the estimated value of a vehicle after a set period (typically five years), are calculated by experienced automotive analysts. They utilize sophisticated statistical models analyzing millions of vehicle transactions, considering factors like:
- Vehicle specifications and trim levels
- Sales data and market trends
- Economic conditions
- Auction results
Vehicles forecast to retain the highest percentage of their original Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) over 60 months receive these awards. Low-volume niche models are generally excluded, except within specific categories like luxury, sports, and electric cars where volumes might naturally be lower. This data-driven approach provides a reliable forecast of future value, helping consumers identify the luxury car best cars for long-term financial prudence.
Conclusion: Investing Wisely in Luxury
Choosing a luxury vehicle involves balancing desire with financial acumen. While performance, features, and brand prestige are key attractions, resale value significantly impacts the true cost of ownership. Models like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Porsche 911, and numerous offerings from Lexus demonstrate that luxury and long-term value can coexist. By considering vehicles recognized for strong resale value, buyers can enjoy the premium experience while making a more sound financial investment. Opting for one of the luxury car best cars for value retention ensures greater peace of mind and potential savings down the road.