Luxury cars often conjure images of sleek design, cutting-edge technology, and a hefty price tag. However, not all vehicles branded as luxury truly live up to the name. Some are merely badge-engineered versions of more affordable models. Here are six examples of “luxury” cars that are essentially cheap badge swaps.

1. Acura ILX

The Acura ILX is often touted as an entry-level luxury sedan, but a closer look reveals its close ties to the Honda Civic. While the ILX features a more upscale interior and Acura’s signature styling cues, its core components and driving dynamics remain closely aligned with its Honda counterpart. For buyers, this means paying a premium for a badge rather than substantial upgrades.

2. Infiniti QX30

The Infiniti QX30 might wear a luxury badge, but it’s essentially a rebadged Mercedes-Benz GLA. This crossover shares much of its platform and mechanical components with the Mercedes, including its engine and transmission. While the QX30 sports Infiniti-specific design elements and features, the underlying vehicle is more Mercedes than Infiniti, making it a badge swap rather than a true luxury offering.

3. Lexus ES

The Lexus ES has long been a staple in the luxury sedan market, yet its foundation lies in the Toyota Avalon. Though Lexus has infused the ES with premium materials and advanced technology, its chassis and drivetrain are remarkably similar to the Avalon. This connection makes the ES more of a luxurious trim level rather than a distinct model, offering a plush experience that might not justify the price difference for some.

4. Lincoln MKZ

The Lincoln MKZ shares its underpinnings with the Ford Fusion, highlighting its status as a badge-swapped luxury sedan. While Lincoln has worked to differentiate the MKZ through styling and interior refinement, its mechanical aspects remain largely unchanged from the Fusion. For those seeking a truly distinctive luxury experience, the MKZ might fall short, as the enhancements are mostly skin-deep.

5. Cadillac XTS

The Cadillac XTS is another example of a luxury car built on a mainstream platform, in this case, the Chevrolet Impala. Despite Cadillac’s efforts to elevate the XTS with improved materials and additional features, the vehicle’s core remains the same as its Chevy sibling. While it provides a comfortable and spacious ride, the XTS doesn’t stray far enough from its origins to fully justify its luxury label.

6. Chrysler 300

The Chrysler 300 is often perceived as a luxury sedan, but its design roots trace back to more humble beginnings. Sharing its platform with the Dodge Charger, the 300 offers a more upscale appearance and additional features, yet its performance and mechanics align closely with its Dodge counterpart. This connection makes the Chrysler 300 a classic case of a badge swap, offering style over substance in the realm of luxury cars.