Although premier gas is what most luxury models require, some luxury models can use regular gas. Premium gas ensures that a luxury car performs efficiently without experiencing extra wear. Before you start filling your tank with regular gas, let's find out which luxury cars can use it. We've asked experts which luxury cars don't need premium gas and comprised a top ten list.
Most often than not, luxury cars can use regular gas. These vehicles manufacturers agree regular gas is an asset, and it will not make your warranty void.
- Lexus 2014 ES 350 and 300h Hybrid
- Volvo 2014 XC90
- Buick 2014 Regal with 2.4 Liter Four Cylinder
- Buick 2014 Enclave
- Lincoln 2014 MKZ Regular and Hybrid Models
- Hyundai Equus 2011 4.6-liter V-6 Engine
- Cadillac 2015 ATS Coupe with 3.6-liter V-6 Engine
- Cadillac 2014 CTS Sedan with non-turbo engine options
- Audi 3
- Lexus 2011 CT200h
Continue reading as we look at each luxurious model and which regular gas manufacturers recommend using.
Luxury Cars Using Regular Gas
Premium fuel usually costs higher than regular, and manufacturers switched to manufacturing cars that could run on both. Most luxury cars manufactured from 2009 onwards allow owners to use regular gas to cut costs.
The need for premium gas has reduced over time, and consumers are still purchasing fuel-efficient cars. Here are some luxury cars you can buy and fuel with regular fuel without worrying about your engine.
1. Lexus 2014 ES 350 and 300h Hybrid
The Lexus ES Hybrid is a luxurious sedan with a roomy and stylish interior. A reliable car that economizes fuel without compromising on speed. This vehicle lets you enjoy a smooth, quality ride on cozy seats.
The four-cylinder engine car runs on both premium and regular fuel. A force to be reckoned with, it produces 200 horsepower. Manufacturers recommend using 87 Octane Regular fuel.
2. Volvo 2014 XC90
This premium luxury crossover is a favorite on the market—a classy retro car with a 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine. The Volvo XC90 has 240 horsepower and can tow up to 3,970 pounds.
The car has a passenger capacity of seven, making it a roomy family vehicle. It can use regular fuel for cost-conscious consumers. You can fill the tank of the Volvo XC90 with Regular 87 Unleaded Octane.
3. Buick 2014 Regal with 2.4 Liter Four Cylinder
If you are looking for a fuel-efficient car in the luxury class, look no further. The 2014 Buick Regal has a highly efficient engine with 259 horsepower. It has a posh interior that demonstrates attention to detail.
Every consumer appreciates when luxury and class meet fuel economy without compromising. The Buick Regal can give its consumers this feel with the use of regular gas.
4. Buick 2014 Enclave
The Buick Enclave is a crossover with a V6 engine that can generate 288 horsepower. It's a large vehicle with a fancy interior. The car is family-friendly with adequate cargo space.
The Enclave uses regular unleaded gasoline, although it can also use premium fuel.
5. Lincoln 2014 MKZ Regular & Hybrid Models
The 2014 Lincoln MKZ is a modernized car on the inside and out. The sleek look incorporates a glass roof and LED lights. It does not look like its predecessor, but it's better.
It's spacious with unique styling. The MKZ comes with lots of new technology but maintains the use of regular gas that attracts consumers.
6. Hyundai Equus 2011 4.6-liter V-6 Engine
When looking for a spacious car, you could consider the Hyundai Equus 2011. It's a luxurious vehicle and has the price tag to prove it.
The Hyundai sedan has a 4.6-liter V-8 engine which generates 385 horsepower. Consumers can use regular gasoline without affecting the car's performance. The car has a lot of features, and the interior is lush and welcoming.
7. Cadillac 2015 ATS Coupe with 3.6-liter V-6 Engine
The Cadillac Coupe rivals other luxury models in its category. The car has more delicate looks and doesn't compromise on performance.
With 333 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V-6 engine, the Cadillac can run on both premium and 87 Octane regular fuel. Manufacturers claim that you can use ethanol-blended E85 in the 2015 Cadillac Coupe.
8. Cadillac 2014 CTS Sedan with non-turbo engine options
The Cadillac 2014 CTS Sedan offers consumers three types of engines with this model. The turbo engined cars use premium fuel only.
2014 Cadillac CTS Sedan with 3.6-liter V6 engine six or eight-speed automatic can use mid-grade fuel rated at 87 Octane. Lower-grade gas will make the engine knock.
9. Audi 3
Audi is the home of luxury with bold interior styling. Moreover, the Audi 3 series has several cars that use regular and premium gas.
The Audi 3 can run on regular petrol 91 RON in an emergency. A permanent fuel change will cause the engine to slow down a bit.
10. Lexus 2011 CT200h
The Lexus CT200h is a hatchback that incorporates luxury. The refined interior ups the game, making it a must-have family car.
Although it is a luxury car, you can use regular gas in the 1.8-liter engine without any problem.
Does Premium Gas Last Longer?
No, it doesn't. The consumption rate doesn't depend on whether it is premium or regular. The octane level in regular fuel is 87, but premium fuel has 89, 91, and 93.
The advantage of using fuel with the 87 octane level and above is that it lowers the chances of your engine knocking. Some types of engines will show their full potential with the help of premium fuel only.
Why Do Turbo Engines Require Premium Gas?
Turbo engines are manufactured with high compression ratios or turbochargers. For optimal performance and fuel efficiency, turbo engines require fuel with higher octane levels. Gas with lower octane levels reduces the engine performance and may cause it to knock.
Therefore, manufacturers have optimized most vehicles to run on regular and premium fuel. It has enticed consumers to purchase luxury models of many car brands. And, if you are truly curious, you can read more about how these supercharged systems work -whether you have a luxury car or not!
Check out this manual on Amazon.
Are Turbos Expensive To Maintain?
The type of maintenance will affect the maintenance cost. Turbos are relatively easier to maintain than regular engines. The only catch in turbo engines, they require frequent oil changes. It's not the case with regular engines.
Other items that don't survive long in turbos are spark plugs. Vehicles with turbo engines could change spark plugs every three years, while regular engine cars change them in seven years.
Here is a video on how to efficiently maintain your turbocharged car.
What Happens When You Accidently Put Regular Gas In A Premium Car?
Most luxury cars only require premium gas. Some consumers might put regular gas by accident. The lower octane gas might cause the engine to make a pinging noise. The noise means that the pistons in the engine are damaged.
The warranty of your vehicle becomes void when the engine is damaged due to the consumer's negligence. The void warranty means that the damage won't be covered by the manufacturer.
Why Octane Levels Matter To Your Car
A gasoline vehicle ignites when the levels of air and fuel are optimal. The air and fuel mixture is compressed prior to each combustion.
The compression creates a lot of heat which the fuel should be able to withstand. If the fuel does not have the ideal octane level, it might ignite prematurely.
Therefore, manufacturers indicate the octane level in the fuel that is heat resistant for the said engine. It stops the engine from making a knocking sound. Supercharged engines need high octane levels due to their high compression levels.
Why Is Ethanol Added To Gasoline
Most of the gasoline sold is infused with ethanol. Ethanol has a higher octane rating than gasoline. It emits less carbon dioxide than petrol when burnt.
Subsequently, ethanol-infused petrol has less harmful emissions. This makes it a cleaner renewable fuel. Almost all fuel in the US has 10% ethanol.
To Sum Up
Some luxury cars can use regular gas without compromising their performance. Use fuel with the recommended octane levels to avoid damaging the engine.
Other vehicle models, especially those with turbo engines, can only use premium fuel. To save money and the car's warranty, read the car's manual or inquire from the dealers whether the car can use premium and regular gas.
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