The 2025 Luxury SUV Sweeps: A Look at the Bestselling Models

Want to know which luxury SUVs dominated U.S. sales in 2025 so far? According to a recent article by Car and Driver, the luxury-vehicle segment is firmly in cross-over territory—and the top movers might surprise you.

The Top 3 Luxury Crossover Winners

1. Lexus RX – 80,427 units

Claiming the top spot, the RX maintains its title as the most popular luxury crossover in the U.S. despite a slight 3 % drop year-over-year. With 80,427 units sold through the first three quarters, it continues to define the premium SUV category.

2. Lexus NX – 57,256 units

The NX takes the runner-up position, having sold 57,256 units and bucked the trend with a 7 % increase compared to last year. The sub-compact luxury SUV punch-in is strong.

3. BMW X5 – 51,870 units

Coming in third is the BMW X5, with 51,870 units sold—a healthy 12 % increase. This underscores that the mid-size luxury SUV is still a key player for premium buyers.

Why SUVs Dominate the Luxury Market

The report highlights that all the top luxury vehicles for 2025 to date are crossovers or SUVs.
Here’s why:

Shift in buyer preference: Luxury buyers are gravitating toward spacious, high-riding models rather than sedans.
Versatility meets premium: These vehicles combine upscale finishes and tech with everyday practicality and family-friendly proportions.
Brand-strategy alignment: Premium manufacturers are leaning hard into SUVs and hybrids, capitalizing on demand and regulatory trends.

Noteworthy Mentions

The BMW X3 sold 50,009 units, making it the fourth best-selling luxury vehicle.
The Mercedes‑Benz GLE‑Class moved 49,626 units and remains the bestselling vehicle in the brand’s lineup.
The compact Mercedes‑Benz GLC‑Class sold 47,125 units, combining broad variant coverage (including plug-in hybrid and AMG performance versions) for a strong showing.
The Lexus TX, a newer three-row SUV introduced in 2024, sold 39,546 units and is gaining traction quickly.
Even beyond “traditional” luxury brands: the Buick Envision (often not thought of first in luxury terms) posted 36,870 units, proving that segment-billing and pricing can blur brand lines.
And rounding out the top ten: the Cadillac Escalade sold 35,707 units—even while excluding the electric Escalade IQ variant.
The Audi Q5 sold 32,633 units, though sales dipped 17 % amid a model changeover.

What This Suggests for Buyers & Enthusiasts

If you’re shopping luxury in 2025, expect your top candidates to be SUVs. Sedans are increasingly the niche.
Brand loyalty still matters, but utility and segment positioning are just as important. Look at how two Lexus models dominate the list.
New-model timing counts. The Q5’s drop shows how model transitions can impact short-term sales—even for strong nameplates.
Plug-in, hybrid, performance variants all help. Many of the top vehicles include hybrid or performance trims, giving buyers a tailored mix of eco- or performance-cred.
Price elasticity remains. Luxury SUVs can command higher margins—buyers are willing to pay—and brands are supplying accordingly.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 luxury-vehicle ranking from Car and Driver underscores a clear message: the crossover/SUV reigns supreme in the premium segment. With the Lexus RX leading by a wide margin, and close competition behind it, the data reflect buyer demand for premium, practical, and versatile SUVs rather than traditional sedans. For anyone in the market for a luxury vehicle this year or next, the numbers suggest: think SUV first, badge second.