2021 Best Selling Midsize Luxury Cars In the United States (All Models Ranked)
In 2021, the midsize luxury car market in the U.S. continued to offer buyers a blend of performance, technology, and premium comfort. Though, like the general midsize segment, it faced challenges from the rising popularity of luxury SUVs and crossovers, midsize luxury sedans still held a significant appeal for those prioritizing a combination of driving dynamics, luxury, and advanced tech features. The rise of SUVs and crossovers affected luxury brands just as much as mainstream ones. Many luxury brands expanded their SUV lineups in response to consumer demand. The luxury segment saw an increased push towards electrification. Several luxury automakers either introduced new electric models or hybrid/electric versions of existing models, reflecting the industry’s broader move towards sustainable mobility.
A benchmark in the segment, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a range of models, from sedans to coupes, convertibles, and wagons. With state-of-the-art tech, refined interiors, and a variety of powertrains, it remained a top choice. A key rival to the E-Class, the BMW 5 Series provided drivers with a sporty yet luxurious experience, paired with a lineup of potent engines and advanced tech features. The Audi A6 stood out with its modern design, high-quality interior, and tech-oriented features, including the brand’s MMI touch response system.
As Lexus’s entry in the segment, the Lexus ES is known for its comfort, reliability, and well-appointed interior. The model also has a hybrid variant, the ES 300h. The luxury arm of Hyundai, Genesis, continued to make inroads in the segment with the Genesis G80. Offering a mix of luxury, performance, and value, it was well-received by critics and buyers alike. The Swedish automaker’s S90 sedan provided a minimalist, comfort-focused alternative in the segment with strong safety features and a plug-in hybrid option.
In 2021, Tesla introduced a significant refresh for the Model S. This included both interior and exterior changes. Externally, the modifications were subtle and focused on refining the car’s appearance without a complete redesign. Internally, the most noticeable change was the adoption of a yoke-style steering wheel and a landscape-oriented central infotainment screen, replacing the previous portrait-oriented screen. 2021 saw the introduction of the Model S Plaid and Plaid+ variants. Sales are picking up for the S and it is now a formidable seller in the midsize luxury car market.
Here Are The Most Popular Midsize Luxury Cars in the U.S for 2021
This data table looks at full year Midsize Luxury Cars sales volumes in the United States by model. We compare U.S market Midsize Luxury Cars model sales for the full year versus the full year last year.
| Model | Month | Month LY | Change | YTD | YTD LY | YTD Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 5-Series | 1,995 | 4,275 | -53.33 | 24,523 | 25,515 | -3.89 |
| Volvo 90-Series | 147 | 198 | -25.76 | 1,495 | 3,195 | -53.21 |
| Audi A6 | 316 | 964 | -67.22 | 9,543 | 10,536 | -9.42 |
| Audi A7 | 104 | 334 | -68.86 | 3,080 | 2,859 | 7.73 |
| Lincoln Continental | 36 | 505 | -92.87 | 1,460 | 5,256 | -72.22 |
| Mercedes-Benz E / CLS-Class | 1,104 | 2,587 | -57.33 | 20,946 | 27,102 | -22.71 |
| Lexus ES | 4,028 | 5,101 | -21.04 | 45,406 | 43,292 | 4.88 |
| Genesis G80 | 421 | 613 | -31.32 | 6,031 | 3,359 | 79.55 |
| Lexus GS | 1 | 85 | -98.82 | 76 | 2,560 | -97.03 |
| Lincoln MKZ | 3 | 1,011 | -99.70 | 1,681 | 12,518 | -86.57 |
| Tesla Model S | 1,233 | 1,928 | -36.05 | 11,556 | 20,301 | -43.08 |
| Acura RLX | 2 | 72 | -97.22 | 214 | 1,054 | -79.70 |
| Jaguar XF | 133 | 77 | 72.73 | 1,183 | 748 | 58.16 |
| ∑ = 9,523 | ∑ = 17,750 | ∑ = 127,194 | ∑ = 158,295 |
2021 New Midsize Luxury Car Sales Data by Month in the U.S
This sales data table looks at monthly sales performance for the Midsize Luxury Cars segment in the United States on a month to month basis for the entire year. It includes all major Midsize Luxury Cars models sold in the U.S market and you can see that the monthly Midsize Luxury Cars sales trends clearly. Seeing the individual Midsize Luxury Cars model sales performance in this way gives you a good sense of the momentum (good or bad).
