With 60 percent of the global luxury auto market split between the German Big Three – Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW – when it comes to expensive cars, the country's car companies have cemented their status as kings of the world. But since there's really only room for one king, it seems like increased competition between the monarchs may actually enable other automakers to take a bigger piece of the global pie. As the German brands move downmarket to increase sales, others are creeping up the ladder.

According to Reuters, Jaguar-Land Rover, Tesla and Citroen's DS models are expected to increase their combined market share from 12.5 percent in 2014 to 30 percent by 2018. And as the Germans lower their prices to attract fleet sales, their exclusivity is waning, adding to the snob appeal of brands like Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Infiniti, Volvo and more.