5 great year-end luxury car lease deals

People who drive luxury cars have always liked to lease them. But for the first time this year, it appears that luxury dealers will lease more cars than they sell. Edmunds.com reports that leasing is on track to hit 51 percent of luxury transactions.

That number has risen from a low of 27 percent in 2003, according to Jessica Caldwell, executive director of industry analysis for Edmunds. For the entire industry, including luxury and mainstream brands, leasing will account for just over 30 percent this year, also an all-time high, according to Edmunds.

In addition, December is an especially strong month for taking home a luxury car -- as those TV ads where the cars have huge red bows on their hoods would like to remind you. So the parent companies of luxury brands have rolled out very attractive year-end lease deals.

If leasing a luxury car revs your engine, here are five of the best December deals as picked from data compiled by U.S. News. The deals that make the list have relatively low monthly payments compared with their competitors.

2017 Acura ILX

If you want to start at the bargain end of luxury sedans, the ILX lease may be for you. With a list price that begins at $27,900, this lease offers monthly payments of $219 for 39 months with $2,499 down at signing.

Though it can't match some rivals for thrilling acceleration, the ILX delivers some of the best fuel economy in the class, with EPA ratings of 25 MPG in city driving, 35 on the highway. Reviewers also praise its responsive steering and sharp handling on twisting roads.

2017 Audi A3

Long a critics' favorite among small luxury cars, the A3 is leasing for $299 a month for three years with $3,794 down. The 2017 model has had a minor redesign with a new look for headlights and a wider grille.

The A3 comes equipped with Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive. The four-cylinder turbocharged engine is rated for 26 MPG in city driving and 35 on the highway. The A3 sports the latest safety gear, including a sensor that warns of cross traffic to the car's rear as you back up.

2017 Infiniti QX30

If a luxury SUV is on your list, consider the Infiniti's QX30 -- new for this model year. It's leasing for $299 a month for 39 months with $2,799 down. This subcompact SUV can seat five but works better with four.

The QX30 earns praise for its luxurious interior and comfortable ride. Its 2-liter turbocharged engine, which delivers ample power, is rated for 24 MPG in city driving, 33 on the highway.

2017 Lexus IS

The 2017 IS, which has had a styling update with a sportier front end, is leasing for $349 a month for three years with $2,499 down.

The IS 200t version is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated for 22 MPG in city driving, 32 on the highway. Test drivers praise the IS for its elegant interior and comfortable ride.

2016 BMW 7 Series

If you can afford to go for super-luxury, take a look at the lease being offered on BMW's 7 Series. It calls for $979 a month for 36 months with $5,500 down. That's a $1,343 lower down payment and a $70 lower monthly payment than the 7 Series' chief rival, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S- Class.

Reviewers praise this big BMW sedan for a mix of comfort, performance and the latest technology. The 750i version offered in the lease deal is powered by a turbocharged eight-cylinder engine rated for 17 MPG in city driving and 25 on the road.