ILX

Make
Acura
Segment
Sedan

So you finally got that promotion you've been working so hard to get for some time. You've put in the hours, nights and weekends without receiving extra pay to prove just how dedicated you are to your job. Your sacrifices have finally been noticed by the powers that be and you've received a financially satisfying promotion. Now it's time to reward yourself with a new luxury sedan that not only emanates success but also won't totally wipe out your bank account either. Here are five examples that fit the formula.

Mercedes is moving into new territory with its recently unveiled CLA-Class. Built off the same platform as the also new A-Class hatchback, the CLA represents a new era for the automaker as it attempts to attract a younger generation of buyers. With its sleek lines inspired by the larger and much more expensive CLS-Class, the CLA comes with all of the typical luxury appointments found in a Mercedes along with a 2.0-liter turbo four producing 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Pricing will start at just $29,900 when it goes on sale in September, making this one very tempting proposition.

For many enthusiasts, the Acura ILX is more of what the current Honda Civic Si sedan should be. Built off the same platform as the Civic, the ILX is more refined and ditches that boy racer mentality the Si often carries. Powered by a standard 2.0-liter four pot with just 150 horsepower, performance enthusiasts will instead check the box for the optional 2.4-liter with 201 hp, which can be mated to a six-speed manual. But even with that more powerful engine and all of the bells and whistles added into the mix, an ILX costs just $30,000 out the door.

Say you need something bigger, much bigger than the two previous examples. You're looking for something stately, more refined and better suited, for example, to an up-and-coming bank manager. Hyundai's Genesis is one answer. The South Korean automaker broke new ground when it launched the big rear-wheel-drive sedan back in 2008. It may not have the sophistication of more expensive rivals from BMW and Lexus, but the Genesis sedan is affordable in the sense that it offers adequate base power (a 3.8-liter V6 with almost 300 horsepower), a healthy list of standard features and plenty of interior space all for a base price of just $34,200.

Not wild about driving around in a Hyundai? A lot of luxury car shoppers are turned off with the idea of driving a brand that used to build cheap Asian econoboxes. But if you're still looking for a big RWD sedan with plenty of style, the Chrysler 300 fits the bill perfectly. For a base price of just under $30,000, buyers are treated to a classic American brand, plenty of style and luxury and a state-of-the-art 3.6-liter V6 that produces 292 horsepower and mated to an also new ZF eight-speed automatic. Chrysler also outfitted the 300 with a top-notch interior complete with an 8.4-inch infotainment screen.

It's in your blood to own a Buick. Your father had one, as did his father before him. To keep this family tradition going strong, the Buick LaCrosse is something that will more than satisfy your heritage. Like those classic Buicks of the past, the LaCrosse exudes elegance and maturity while still managing to avoid the dreaded "old man's car" persona. Base power comes from a 2.4-liter four with direct injection mated to a six-speed automatic that sends power the front wheels. A more powerful V6 engine and AWD are optional, but with a base price of just $31,660, the LaCrosse is a smart buy.