Moving across the country to Colorado soon and will be looking for a vehicle. I’m looking for some advice on my next car - what luxury brands are leasing the best right now?
I am pretty open-minded apart from non-ev. I’m most interested in A4s, 3-series, Q3s, and maybe an X1. I’d also consider a Benz but I don’t have experience with the brand. Any insight would be appreciated!
For a Colorado resident, you’re probably going to get a nice state incentive with a plug-in hybrid so check out the GLC350e for starters
Thank you for the suggestion. I know the deals are in the hybrids and EVs but I can’t bring myself to drive something I have to plug in. Maybe I’m being closed minded though.
Welcome to CO! The only part I will weigh in on is that CO certainly chooses to get a portion of its money through vehicle registration costs.
While I may be slightly off it’s pretty close to 2.10% of 85% of MSRP. Taken another way it’s (MSRP * 85%) x 2.10% Just don’t be surprised when it comes in the mail or the amount.
Welcome to CO & enjoy!
You don’t need to plug it in. You can drive it gas only.
Rent one and find out. You charge your cell phone nightly, right? Your smartwatch, your laptop, your tablet, etc? What’s the big deal about charging vs going to a gas station?
These are fair points. I’ll look into it further
I would look into a CX-50 hybrid (luxury-ish) or a loaner X3 (either 2024 or 2025).
Are the X1’s just not leasing well?
I can understand not wanting to go full EV but PHEV could work out. It’ll be more expensive than gas only but with the rebates that usually evens it out.
I would not get a PHEV only to drive it as gas only as the battery is a heavy paperweight just to lug around everywhere and never use…
I’m starting to research the GLC350e and the battery only range is 54 miles. If you charged it regularly even on a regular outlet you could potentially skip a few fill ups each week/month.
theres no non EV merc/bmw/audi that really have any amazing deals
There are a couple exceptions
C-class among sedans
GLC350e and Q5e among SUVs.
None of these are fully electric.
Correct.
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I guess the question is, do these have higher RVs? I’m not looking for a deal just for the sake of a deal - so if they end up being the same price what benefit am I getting?
Basically, I’m gathering that it’s only worth leasing if you are getting some form of electric to get the rebates?
Yes right now some form of electrification will be your best deal.
A plug-in hybrid can be driven around like a gas car or it can be charged overnight at home using a regular outlet, meaning fewer trips to the pump.
Not sure about RV but PHEV gets the $7500 rebate although the MSRP Is higher also, so the rebate basically makes the upgrade to PHEV free. Also the general public has a similar mindset and wants nothing to do with anything electric in a car, so the demand is lower so incentive to discount is higher.
Using the GLC350e as an example–the main benefit is being able to drive 54 miles electrically which, at least for me at $0.11/kWh and assuming at least 3 miles per kWh would cost $1.98, whereas using premium gas would cost about $8, assuming say 25 mpg and $4/gal for 93 octane. Repeat this multiple times a week and you can see where it adds up.
Makes sense. I work from home and sometimes don’t leave my house for a few days at a time so I’m not sure how much the gas savings would affect me. But I’ll look into the residual values and see. The one thing I wasn’t considering is they have better performance which I am a fan of.
Are you mentioning high RVs b/c you assume that will lead to lower total overall lease cost?
Yes that was the thought process.