Hi, this is Alice Coleman from EpicVIN. Here are a few luxury SUVs that are likely to actually be cheaper for 2026: Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV - 2025 stickers are around the high-$70k range, 2026 is expected to be closer to mid-$60k, so roughly a $10-13k drop. Slow demand for luxury EVs and extra inventory are pushing Mercedes to cut prices. Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV - Expect a $10-15k lower starting price vs previous model years. It's a pricey EV in a softer market, so Mercedes is using big cuts to keep it moving. BMW iX (new xDrive45 trim) - The new base iX should start in the mid-$70k range instead of the high-$80k, so over $10k cheaper entry price. BMW basically added a slightly less powerful trim to get more people in the door. Cadillac Optiq - Cadillac is positioning it as the "value" luxury EV SUV, with pricing expected to come down by around $2k to stay competitive in the crowded $50k segment. Overall, 2026 is the first time in a while that buyers can say, "The new luxury SUV is actually cheaper than last year's," mainly because carmakers are under pressure to move high-end EVs.
Luxury SUVs depreciate, on average, by 49.5% after 5 years, a number that gets supercharged when you factor in a facelift or an EV alternative into the mix. And models like the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS generally depreciate around 10-12% in anticipation of a refresh. Both were due for one before 2026. EV pressure is also pressuring prices. According to Cox Automotive, EV transaction prices shrank 22% from year to year in 2023, and it's also got even luxury marques rethinking. The Cadillac Lyriq and Tesla Model X have already had their price levels cut. This means the stock could roll into 2026 at the same price levels that the regular consumer can afford.
Image-Guided Surgeon (IR) • Founder, GigHz • Creator of RadReport AI, Repit.org & Guide.MD • Med-Tech Consulting & Device Development at GigHz
Answered 3 months ago
1. BMW X5 Why it will drop: Inventory is building, financing costs remain high, and BMW refreshed the X5 already — meaning 2024-2025 trims will see accelerated depreciation. Expected price drop: 5%-10% on new inventory; 8%-15% on used. MSRP context: Currently low-mid $70Ks, depending on trim. Drivers: Slower demand for ICE midsize luxury SUVs, more incentives, and leasing pressure. 2. Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Why it will drop: Luxury buyers are delaying purchases, and Mercedes has increased dealer allocations. The GLE also faces direct price competition from the BMW X5, Audi Q7, and several new EVs. Expected price drop: 5%-12%. MSRP context: Typically $62K-$85K. Drivers: Incentives rising, softening lease market, and excess 2024-25 inventory. 3. Audi Q7 / Q8 (including SQ variants) Why it will drop: Audi's larger SUVs are aging platforms and will be overshadowed by upcoming EV-first redesigns. Dealers have already started stacking incentives. Expected price drop: 6%-12% for Q7, 8%-15% for Q8. MSRP context: Q7 starts around $60K; Q8 around $74K. Drivers: Aging architecture, rising discounting, and competition from Genesis and Volvo. 4. Volvo XC90 Why it will drop: The new EX90 EV (delayed but imminent) will push down XC90 pricing across the board. Whenever a new flagship lands, the outgoing generation softens quickly. Expected price drop: 10%-18%. MSRP context: $57K-$80K. Drivers: Model transition + EV adoption pressure. 5. Lexus RX 350 / RX 500h Why it will drop: The RX remains popular, but Lexus inventory is increasing for the first time in years. With higher supply and fewer buyers eager to finance at 7%+, transaction prices are expected to come down. Expected price drop: 4%-8%. MSRP context: $50K-$66K. Drivers: Higher inventory, softening luxury demand, and Toyota/Lexus beginning to offer mild incentives again. Bottom line Luxury SUVs are cyclical. With rates still high, liquidity thinning, and inventory normalizing, 2026 is shaping up to be a buyer's market — especially for higher-end models that rely on leasing and low-cost financing. The biggest drops will hit outgoing models, high-MSRP trims, and any SUV overshadowed by a new EV launch. —Pouyan Golshani, MD | Interventional Radiologist & Founder, GigHz and Guide.MD | https://gighz.com
I'm an automotive enthusiast and I would say that there are a few luxury SUVs that will probably go cheaper in 2026. I see the Audi Q7, Infiniti QX80, and Land Rover Range Rover being on the target list for potential price cuts or good deals on pre-owned models, along with the Cadillac Escalade ESV, as depreciation along with possible new model releases and market conditions could also make these models more accessible for potential buyers. These vehicles can offer luxury, performance, and the premium features that consumers are looking for. While these models may continue to receive incentives from the manufacturers, all of these cars will experience depreciation over time and will also lose value more quickly on the used and near-new markets. Purchasing these vehicles in 2026 or after could also see reduced depreciation rates and running costs while also giving potential buyers a wider range of options as older models on the used market depreciate. On the other hand, I feel that the buyers should ensure to consider other factors like depreciation, running costs, and local market conditions before the purchase decision.
Luxury SUVs That Will Likely Get Cheaper in 2026 I'm Karah Epel, General Manager at Scottsdale Collision Center. Based on current market trends, dealer incentives, and upcoming model updates, several luxury SUVs are expected to decrease in price in 2026. Here are four that buyers may find more affordable, along with projected price drops and the reasons behind them. Mercedes-AMG EQE53 SUV The EQE53 is a powerful electric SUV with quick acceleration and a premium performance interior. With Mercedes cutting EQ prices by up to $10,000, this model should see a sharp drop as dealers move older electric units. Audi Q8 e-tron The Q8 e-tron is easy to drive, well-built, and has the kind of comfort people associate with Audi. Prices will likely fall $4,000 to $8,000 because dealers need to clear out current EV stock ahead of newer battery versions. 2015 Acura MDX The 2015 Acura MDX is a stable three-row SUV with a dependable V6 engine, heated leather seats, and elegant handling. Older midsize luxury SUVs continue to lose value as new models add more standard features, so it will probably drop another $1,000 to $2,000. 2019 Land Rover Discovery Sport The 2019 Land Rover Discovery Sport is a compact, high-end SUV that is ideal for families. It has a roomy cabin, good ground clearance, and outstanding off-road capability. It will likely decrease by $1,500 to $3,000 in 2026 as more modern Land Rover models with better interiors and higher fuel economy drive down the price of this generation. Karah Epel General Manager at Scottsdale Collision Center https://scottsdalecollisionaz.com/
It's a rare thing to hear the phrase "luxury" and "cheaper" paired side by side, but 2026 is proving to be a pretty intriguing time for luxury SUVs. New regulations for electric cars, a shift in consumer desire, and a deluge of successor models mean a number of luxury SUVs are going to get cheaper. Case in point is the BMW X5. The 2026 refresh is centered on plug-in hybrid technology, so expect the existing gasoline models to be discounted by anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 to get rid of existing stocks. Mercedes-Benz's GLE models, through its mild-hybrid version, may experience a price decrease, putting its previous models in a sweet spot for customers. The Audi Q7 and Range Rover Velar can also be expected to soften a little, now that supply is normalizing and the mid-lux segment of the EV market is heating up. And then there's the Tesla Model X, a disruption pioneer that is now finally going to see its value drop, now that other electric SUVs have entered the market. Bottom line: 2026 is a buyer's market where those who have had their eye on luxury cars but had to wait for the numbers to add up to the feelings of desire finally get to take luxury home. It's a unique situation where luxury is actually on sale.