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Top-Rated Luxury Cars in the 2018 Initial Quality Study

Serving as an automotive industry benchmark study for over 30 years, the annual J.D. Power Initial Quality StudySM (IQS) measures design and defect problems in new vehicles. People who have purchased a new vehicle and have owned it for at least 90 days respond to a survey, telling J.D. Power what has gone right and what has gone wrong with their cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans.

In order to visually summarize IQS findings in a simple and useful way, J.D. Power generates Power Circle Ratings for people who are researching vehicles. This allows consumers to compare the performance of various models, helping them to make the best choice suitable for their requirements.

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2018 Acura ILX A-Spec front quarter right photo
2018 Acura ILX A-Spec front quarter right photo

This buyer’s guide contains the top-rated 2018 Luxury Cars for Initial Quality. Each model earned a Power Circle Rating of 4 or 5 out of a possible 5 for initial quality during the first 90 days of ownership.

2018 Acura ILX

Based on the previous-generation Honda Civic, the Acura ILX is a small front-drive sedan powered by a 201-horsepower 4-cylinder engine. For 2018, all versions of the ILX are equipped with AcuraWatch safety technologies, and a new Special Edition version of the car provides the look of the sporty A-Spec trim at a lower price.

The 2018 Acura ILX receives an Initial Quality Power Circle Rating of 5 out of 5 and receives a quality award in the Small Premium Car segment.

2018 BMW 2 Series

Offered in coupe and convertible body styles, the BMW 2 Series is offered with a turbocharged 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder engine, and with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. A performance-tuned M2 variant is also available. For 2018, minor exterior and interior design updates accompany a new touchscreen infotainment system and expanded ConnectedDrive services.

The 2018 BMW 2 Series receives an Initial Quality Power Circle Rating of 4 out of 5.

2018 BMW 4 Series

Three versions of the BMW 4 Series are on sale: coupe, convertible, and a 5-door hatchback called the Gran Coupe. Buyers choose between turbocharged 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines, and rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. Performance-tuned M4 versions are available for the coupe and convertible. For 2018, the 4 Series gets minor styling changes inside and out, a new touchscreen infotainment system debuts, and BMW re-tunes the steering and suspension for greater driving fun.

The 2018 BMW 4 Series receives an Initial Quality Power Circle Rating of 5 out of 5 and receives a quality award in the Compact Premium Car segment.

2018 BMW 5 Series

Redesigned for 2017, the 5 Series is BMW’s midsize luxury sedan. BMW expands the 5 Series lineup for 2018, adding a diesel engine option, a plug-in hybrid option, a twin-turbocharged V8 engine option, and a high-performance M5 variant. At the same time, the 5 Series Gran Turismo 5-door hatchback is redesigned and moved into the 6 Series lineup for 2018.

The 2018 BMW 5 Series receives an Initial Quality Power Circle Rating of 4 out of 5.

2018 BMW 7 Series

As the company’s flagship car, the 7 Series offers plenty of power and prestige. Gas engines supply six, eight, or twelve cylinders, and BMW also offers the 7 Series in both plug-in hybrid and high-performance Alpina B7 specification. Few changes accompany the rear- or all-wheel drive luxury sedan into 2018.

The 2018 BMW 7 Series receives an Initial Quality Power Circle Rating of 5 out of 5.

2018 Genesis G80

Serving the role of midsize luxury sedan in the Genesis lineup, the G80 drives further from its Hyundai roots with a light restyling, upgraded interior materials, added standard equipment, and a new twin-turbocharged V6 engine installed in the sporty new 3.3T trim. Previous V6 and V8 engines continue, and all G80 models can be fitted with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.

The 2018 Genesis G80 receives an Initial Quality Power Circle Rating of 5 out of 5.

2018 Genesis G90

A flagship full-size luxury sedan, the Genesis G90 is offered with a twin-turbocharged V6 or a 5.0-liter V8 engine, and either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Minor changes to standard equipment levels are the only updates for 2018.

The 2018 Genesis G90 receives an Initial Quality Power Circle Rating of 5 out of 5 and receives a quality award in the Large Premium Car segment.

2018 Lexus GS

Lexus changes the name of the GS 200t, which has a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, to GS 300. Additionally, Lexus Enform services are free for 10 years, and new optional 19-inch aluminum wheels are available. Otherwise, this midsize luxury sedan remains available with its turbo four, V6, and hybrid power plants, with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The Lexus GS F, a high-performance version with a V8 engine, continues as well.

The 2018 Lexus GS receives an Initial Quality Power Circle Rating of 5 out of 5.

2018 Lincoln Continental

Lincoln’s stately Continental is offered in four trim levels, with three different engines, and with two different drivetrains. They range from the standard Premiere with a 3.7-liter V6 to the opulent Black Label with a twin-turbo V6. A roomy car sitting on a midsize platform, the Continental enjoys standard equipment upgrades for 2018.

The 2018 Lincoln Continental receives an Initial Quality Power Circle Rating of 5 out of 5 and receives a quality award in the Midsize Premium Car segment.

2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz calls the CLA a coupe, but it’s a small 4-door sedan with a trunk and a fast roofline. It comes in CLA 250 and AMG CLA45 model series, the latter a performance-tuned version. The CLA 250 features front-wheel or all-wheel drive, while the AMG-massaged version is AWD only. A new Ice Edition Package arrived for 2018.

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class receives an Initial Quality Power Circle Rating of 4 out of 5.

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This buyer’s guide contains the top-rated 2018 luxury cars in initial quality. Each model earned a Power Circle Rating of 4 or 5 out of a possible 5 for initial quality during the first 90 days of ownership.

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