Lexus
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.
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