Top 10 Used Luxury Cars That Don't Need Premium Gas

As a rule, there is a perception that if you drive a luxury car, you need to fill the tank with premium gasoline. The concept is almost as universal as luxury car owners have the money to fill their cars with premium gasoline, so they do so whether the car requires it or not.

The fact is that gas is an expense. Once you fill up your tank, your car won't have a shiny beacon to let the world know that you just filled it up with good fuel. So whether you use premium or not, no one will ever know. Using premium fuel is only important if your car actually needs it, otherwise you are literally burning your money.

Some luxury cars do require premium fuel. These cars are high performance and usually have high compression engines. Conventional gas is less stable under pressure and high temperature and may actually ignite before a spark is generated in the cylinder on the compression stroke. Hence the terms "spark knock" and "ping". This is a real audible noise from an early detonation that can eventually cause permanent engine damage.

Higher octane gasoline (premium gas) is more stable and can handle the extra compression of high performance engines. It detonates when the spark plug ignites the air/fuel mixture, resulting in smoother, more efficient and more powerful operation.

While some luxury cars do need premium gasoline, many others don't actually require premium gasoline and can run just as well on regular gasoline. They may not be the most powerful in the luxury car lineup, but they are still firmly in the luxury category. It is not uncommon to see the words "premium fuel recommended" in the owner's manual and on the fuel tank cap.

1. 2014 Volvo XC

The Volvo XC90 is a premium luxury SUV comparable to Land Rover and Audi SUVs. The sexy and elegant XC90 is powered by a 3.2-liter inline-six engine with 240 horsepower. The 2014 Volvo XC90 is wrapped in soft leather and offers the best features and options you could ever want in an SUV.

The Volvo XC90 recommends using premium fuel, but this is not required. It will run perfectly fine on regular gasoline, although you may notice a slight increase in power on premium gasoline.

2. 2013 Infiniti M37

The rival of the German luxury car segment, sports sedans, is the Infiniti M37 sedan. The names BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi are long forgotten when you have the opportunity to drive an M37. Crisp, responsive handling paired with breathtaking acceleration is enough to satisfy even the most demanding drivers, and the looks don't hurt either. Its rounded fenders and accents are recognizable as Infiniti styling, and there's just enough chrome to make it look classy.

The 2014 Infiniti M-37 is the first sports sedan with a 3.7-horsepower 6-liter V330 engine. You can fill the M37 with regular gasoline without any side effects, although the standard "premium fuel recommended" label still applies.

3. Buick Lacrosse 2014

If you haven't driven a Buick Lacrosse, you probably think this is your grandfather's car. That stigma is no longer true, and Lacrosse has completely settled down at the luxury car table. Whether you choose the economical 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine or the 3.6-liter V-6, you won't have to reach for a premium pump to fill up the tank. The well-equipped, chic, luxurious and sporty Buick Lacrosse requires regular fuel, with no premium recommendation at all.

In addition to your savings on conventional fuel alone, the 2014 Buick Lacrosse is on the list of luxury cars with the lowest insurance costs. Expect roughly 20 percent savings on your lacrosse insurance compared to similar cars in the luxury segment.

4. Cadillac ATS 2013

Cadillac makes the Top 10 list twice, with the ATS sedan taking the top spot. Without a doubt, all Cadillacs belong to the luxury car segment, combining the highest degree of luxury and comfort with reliable performance. While many Cadillac owners have to pull up to the premium pump and spend premium money, ATS owners can save their money with regular gasoline - for the most part anyway.

For a 2014 Cadillac ATS equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine or a 3.6-liter V-6, regular gasoline will do just fine. However, if you opted for the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, you're stuck with premium fuel.

5. 2011 Hyundai Equus

I know a riot is brewing because Hyundai is on the luxury car list. Don't leave here just yet, because Equus truly deserves this title. With four-seat captain's chairs upholstered in your choice of three fine leathers, luxurious features found in cars twice as expensive, and the invigorating performance of a 4.6-liter V-8 engine, you'll be blown away by what the new Hyundai brand is capable of. .

It's just gravy that you can save on fuel costs as well. Equus recommends premium fuel, although this is not required. Feel free to use ordinary gas without harmful effects.

6. 2014 Lincoln MKZ

Premium car brand Lincoln has expanded its offerings to include business class and luxury sports sedans like the MKZ. Built with sleek details including wood and aluminum accents, luxury options like heated and cooled front seats, you would expect such a premium luxury car to need premium fuel. Not this way!

The MKZ sedan has a 3.6-liter V-6 that runs on regular fuel, even without premium gasoline recommendations. Another bonus is that the hybrid model with a 2.5-liter engine also uses only standard fuel (in addition to electricity, of course).

7. 2015 Lexus EU350

Don't pass by the Lexus ES350 without a second look. What used to be a dull sedan for older people now appeals to every age range. Crisp, sexy lines and piercing lights make the Lexus ES350 a stunningly fresh eye-catcher, and its 268-horsepower V-6 is peppy enough to support its aggressive looks.

Mainly due to its close relationship to Toyota, the Lexus ES350 only requires regular gasoline.

8. Cadillac CTS 2012.

The second entry from Cadillac is the CTS sedan. It has always been synonymous with luxury, offering energetic performance while lulling the driver and his passengers into a well-equipped cabin. It has everything you'd expect from your standard luxury car - leather seats, plush suspension, heated seats, every power feature you can think of, and obvious attention to detail in terms of fit and finish.

The 3.0-liter engine also needs regular gasoline, which is a good thing because the CTS doesn't boast the best fuel economy.

9. Lexus CT2011h 200

In 2011, Lexus introduced us to its new CT200h hybrid model. It's a compact luxury hatchback with a sporty, refined interior, comfortable enough seats for four adults, and the standard equipment of a luxury car - leather, power and sleek looks. Its highlight is phenomenal fuel economy, combining electric power with a 1.8-litre petrol engine. Now you can get to 40 mpg and once again all you need is regular fuel.

10. 2010 Lincoln ISS

The 2010 Lincoln MKS is equipped with all the technical features you would expect from a car in this class. Navigation, chrome fascias, a sleek, sophisticated exterior and a functional interior wrapped in premium leather all confirm Lincoln's reputation as an engineer of the highest order. Its 3.7-liter engine produces 273 hp. delivers invigorating performance by running exclusively on regular gasoline.