Not that many years ago, the term "entry-level luxury car" meant exactly that: basically an entry-level or mid-size sedan dressed in drag-with luxury brand names, some luxury features and of course, a luxury price tag. But during the past several years, the so-called "entry-level" segment has grown to include vehicles so outstanding that, for many buyers, they are just as desirable as their more brethren in the luxury and ultra-luxury segments for reasons altogether different than price. Hallmarks of this group include sporty handling, prudent dimensions, and a somewhat paradoxical combination of comprehensive luxury features and an overall lack of excess. It's no surprise, then, that entry-level models generally earn the highest sales volumes for each luxury brands.

So while we still technically have to refer to them as entry-level luxury cars, we like to think of that "entry-level" part as silent.