5 Affordable Non-Japanese Luxury Cars That Are Almost Toyota Reliable

Luxury and reliability, typically, don't bold well together when it comes to a car's long-term reliability. The more hi-tech features a car has, the more likely it is that something will go wrong. There is a reason people see a certain “brilliance in simplicity". While Toyota and its luxury arm, Lexus, continue to enjoy a decade-long reputation for stellar reliability (with a few exceptions), these are not the only companies that can make reliable cars.

Moreover, even a Toyota can cause you headaches. In fact, there are a fair number of non-Japanese companies that have made luxury cars that can stand the test of time. Some of those are relatively new in the luxury car segment, but they already prove to be worthy contenders to Toyota and even offer better value for money.

According to owner testimonies and reputable publications, as well as my own research on the models here are the top five non-Japanese luxury cars that are about as reliable as Toyota. 

Mercedes E500/E550 W211 

There was an old saying according to which if there was a nuclear war, only two things would survive – cockroaches and old Mercedes Benz. Sadly, it cannot be said about most modern cars (even Mercedes), but the early 2000s era "Mercs” still retain some of those qualities that ensure relative longevity. The E500 variant is particularly popular in some parts of the world and it was also offered in North America as the most powerful, non-AMG variant of the car.  

If you go for a pre-facelift model (2001-2006), you are getting the near-bulletproof M113 V-8. From 2003, a seven-speed DCT automatic transmission becomes optional, but the five-speed automatic can hold more torque. Facelift models (2006-2009), dubbed the E550 in North America, get the M273 V-8, which packs more power and is almost as unpretentious as the M273. A well-maintained Mercedes W211 can easily give Lexus and Toyota a run for their money, reliability-wise. 

Volvo S80 V-8 

The second-generation Volvo S80 (2006-2015) is a bit of an unsung hero in the luxury sedan segment. It is the only time Volvo sedan to feature a V-8. This, however, was only in pre-facelift models (2006-2009). The engine was made by Yamaha and a twin-turbocharged version of it powered the British supercar, Noble M600. This "Volvo” engine and the models it “lives” in (S80 and XC90) have a small cult following. In Europe, V-8 Volvos are already appreciating, but in North America, these are largely overlooked.  

The six-speed automatic in the V-8 models was beefed up to handle the extra torque. The engine is very reliable aside from some issues with the balancing shaft. Volvos from that era are known to suffer from some electrical issues, some of which can be expensive to fix, but overall, it is a stout and slightly quirky offering.  

BMW 5 Series E39 

The BMW 5 Series E39 is, often, regarded as one of the Bavarian company's most reliable cars. Many of these cars are still being driven, despite the high mileage they have racked up. The M5 E39 is a modern classic and, arguably, the most reliable BMW M-car. If you want something more unpretentious and easier on the wallet, the 530i and 540i are great. If you go for the inline-six 530i, you are getting the bulletproof, M54 engine, which if properly maintained can easily surpass 300,000 miles.  

The 535i is not worth it as it isn't much quicker than the 530i and the V-8 adds a level of complexity. The 540i is a good choice if you want more power, but the single-row timing chain can cause issues if not changed on time. Also, the automatic in the 540i is, sometimes, prone to failure, so a manual is a better option. 

Hyundai Genesis 

The Korean brand is still trying to dust off the image of a "budget-car company” and it, partially has, largely thanks to the Genesis. I am, of course, talking about the Genesis sedan and not the Genesis Coupe. Regardless of whether you go for the first generation (2008-2013) or the second generation (2013-2016), the Genesis sedan offers generous standard equipment for much less than what Mercedes or Lexus would charge for a similarly equipped model.  

The Hyundai Genesis sedan is also one of very few Korean vehicles to feature the Tau series V-8 engines, although the V-6 variants are also reliable when looked after. The latter engine is more common and despite some faulty chain tensioners, cam-phaser wear, and carbon build-up on GDI variants, the 3.8-liter V-6 can be extremely reliable. The same engine is also put in the Hyundai Palisade, which is still one of the best luxury SUVs you can buy. 

Cadillac CTS-V  

American Muscle and luxury blend in the Cadillac CTS-V. The first generation of the mid-size luxury performance sedan (2004-2007) may not be the best luxury car, but it only packs a stout LS1 or LS2 engine. Cadillac recently celebrated 20 years of the "V" badge, marking an exciting milestone for its performance models.

Moreover, the CTS-V was manual-only as it came with a Tremec T56 six-speed manual, shared with the C5 Corvette Z06, Dodge Viper, and other American high-performance cars. In 2006, the CTS-V received stronger half-shafts. The GM Sigma platform was good enough for the time and the LS V-8 engines benefit from enormous aftermarket support. 

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.

Image sources: Mercedes W211, Hyundai Genesis sedan