Upwardly Mobile-Mobiles

It’s a sure sign that the economy is on the upswing when the so-called “entry level” segment of the luxury car market not only thrives, but expands to draw in a new crop of upwardly mobile buyers. That’s currently the case, with upscale compact cars and crossovers becoming especially popular among empty nesters and up-and-comers that otherwise eschew larger models but still want a higher measure of performance and accommodations. According to an analysis of registration data conducted by IHS Automotive in Southfield, Mich., recently debuted models like the Acura ILX, Cadillac ATS and Mercedes-Benz CLA are successfully serving as “gateways” into the luxury segment for buyers who previously shopped among mainstream brands. The leaders in this regard are actually drawing the majority of their sales away from non-luxury nameplates. “The fact that many luxury models are pulling more than half of their conquests from non-luxury models suggests the line between luxury and non-luxury is blurry at best,” says IHS Automotive Solutions consultant Tom Libby. “As more luxury makes join Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi in the entry-level arena, and as mainstream makes continue to offer sophisticated products at the top of their portfolios, the division between luxury and non-luxury may fade even more.” Not only do those buying bona fide luxury cars enjoy bragging rights with regard to brand cache, they’re afforded added benefits of ownership. These often include longer warranties and/or free scheduled maintenance programs and upgraded treatment at the service department, usually with complementary loaner cars, waiting rooms stocked with espresso bars and other amenities and cars that are returned to customers washed, vacuumed and with the fluids topped off. Here’s a quick look at the 10 luxury vehicles boasting the highest percentage of conquests coming from mainstream segments, based on registration figures from 2013. 1. Volvo C70. Though it’s been discontinued for 2014 because of sluggish sales, Volvo’s modestly sporty retractable hardtop convertible nonetheless drew 68.01 percent of its modest volume from non-luxury buyers last year. 2. Infiniti JX/QX60. Infiniti’s midsize crossover SUV was recently renamed the QX60; coming with a roomy interior and offering a long list of high-tech features it registers 63.89 percent of its sales from non-luxury owners. 3. Acura ILX. Essentially an upscale version of the compact Honda Civic, Acura’s smallest sedan draws 59.66 percent of its sales from buyers that are new to the luxury segment. 4. Audi A3. Previously offered only as a small hatchback, the A3 morphs into a compact sporty sedan for the 2015 model year; last year it garnered 57.34 percent of its sales from non-luxury segments. 5. Cadillac ATS. This compact rear-drive competitor to the BMW 3 Series now comes in both coupe and sedan versions, each with a decidedly sporty flair; it draws 56.88 percent of its sales from up-and-comers. 6. Acura RDX. This compact crossover SUV is stylish, capable and comfortable; it draws 56.53 percent of its volume from buyers who were previously outside the luxury-car class. 7. BMW 128/228. Recently renamed the 228, BMW’s sporty, entry-level coupe performs nearly as well as a 3-Series, but for less money; it draws 53.93 percent of its sales from mainstream brands. 8. Lexus CT 200h. Conquest buyers from non-luxury brands account for 53.17 percent of this small and sporty high-mileage hatchback hybrid’s volume. 9. Land Rover LR2. This swank, small upscale SUV finds 52.47 percent of its buyers coming from outside the luxury segment. 10. Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. Newly added for 2014, the sleekly cast CLA is both the brand’s smallest and its only front-drive car; more than half its volume - 51.83 percent - is going to buyers who’ve never purchased a new luxury car.