Four future classics you should buy right now

There are always cars we’d rather forget, but there are even fewer that qualify as modern classics. No, we’re not talking about Ferrari 250 LMs sold at a 21st-century auction but rather 2025 cars destined to turn heads decades from now. No, they can’t just be attractive cars or just cars that are sold in high volumes. They must combine style, performance, uniqueness, and character, ensuring they’ll be cherished by enthusiasts for years to come. Let’s take a closer look at four modern cars poised for future classic status. These four cars won't be around forever, so get your hands on one now.

Mazda3 Hatchback: The everyday icon

At first glance, the Mazda3 hatchback might seem like an unlikely candidate for future classic status. It’s an accessible, everyday vehicle—not exactly an exotic sports car. It flies a bit under the radar, but its styling is so unique and special for a hatchback that it stands out from the pack with its stunning design, featuring sculpted bodywork, and an athletic stance that give it a near-premium presence.

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Beyond its looks, the Mazda3 hatchback offers a driving experience that punches above its weight. Mazda’s dedication to engaging dynamics and responsive steering makes the car more fun to drive than most of its compact competitors. Opt for the turbocharged engine, and you get 250 horsepower with all-wheel drive, a combination that delivers both performance and practicality. You can even get one with a manual transmission, and that alone is worth the price of entry, a mere $23,950.

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The interior also contributes to the Mazda3’s appeal. It’s beautifully appointed with high-quality materials, an elegant layout, and attention to detail that’s rare in this segment. Its reliance on great physical knobs and buttons also contributes to its ability to give the driver focus on what matters. The balance of style, substance, and affordability makes the Mazda3 hatchback a car people will look back on with fondness—and one collectors may seek out for its accessible greatness.

BMW Z4 Manual Transmission: A dying breed

Manual transmission roadsters are a dying breed, and BMW did the current Z4 right by finally giving it three pedals. The BMW Z4 has had a complicated history, but the manual transmission model is something special. Paired with the 382-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, the manual is the way to go.

The styling of the Z4 is daring without being weird. The classic long front, short rear roadster profile is present in spades here. The cabin is comfortable for two with its luscious sport bucket seats, and the crisp twin screens for instrumentation and infotainment look sharp in the sporty cabin. 

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BMW kept most of the controls to great switchgear parked on the center stack that’s nicely canted toward the driver. The six-speed manual enhances that spirit, giving drivers full control over the car’s potent inline-six engine. It’s a vehicle that rewards skill and engagement, offering a tactile, visceral experience often missing in today’s tech-heavy sports cars.

As fewer sports cars offer manual transmissions and the automotive industry pivots toward electrification, the Z4’s manual version is destined to become a sought-after collectible. It’s a zippy love letter to driving enthusiasts who want to rope their own gears and look great while doing it.

Mercedes-Benz AMG SL Roadster: Luxury and legacy

The Mercedes-Benz AMG SL Roadster might not have a manual transmission, but it is a droptop grand tourer of the best kind. It’s amazing that the SL still lives in a world where convertibles don’t exactly fly off showroom floors. The model has long been an icon of luxury and performance, and the latest iteration continues that tradition.

The AMG SL 43 gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder engine that delivers 416 horses. Just above it is the SL 53, with a more powerful twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 good for 469 horses. At the top of the trim tree sits the limited-production AMG SL 63 MANUFAKTUR Golden Coast, powered by the same twin-turbo V8 pumped up to 577 horsepower and limited to 100 units globally. The SL Roadster’s opulent interior and sophisticated technology also manage to balance comfort and capability like few other cars can.

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What sets the SL apart from other convertibles is its heritage. As the spiritual successor to the legendary 300SL Gullwing and the classic R107 models, the SL Roadster carries a weight of history while pushing forward with contemporary design and engineering. The blend of top-down glamour and potent performance ensures it will remain desirable for years to come.

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Lexus LC: The modern grand tourer

We adore this sexy beast. The Lexus LC is a masterpiece of design and engineering, whether you choose the hardtop or the convertible, the V8 or the hybrid powertrain. From its striking, concept-car-like appearance to its meticulously crafted modern jazz-lounge-like interior, the LC feels like an instant classic. It’s the kind of car that draws crowds and admiration wherever it goes. Its starting price of $100,600 even seems like a bit of a bargain based on how it looks.

But the LC isn’t just about looks. It offers a choice between a roaring naturally-aspirated V8 and a hybrid powertrain, the former delivering smooth, powerful performance befitting a proper grand tourer while the hybrid powertrain is more about efficiency. The driving experience is balanced—comfortable on long journeys yet capable of athleticism when the road turns twisty.

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What makes the LC a future classic is its rarity and uniqueness. In a world increasingly dominated by SUVs and electric vehicles, the LC stands as a celebration of traditional grand touring combined with modern style. Its distinctive design, excellent build quality, and limited numbers ensure it will become a sought-after collectible in the years to come.

You can even choose the Bespoke Build program that enables buyers to personalize their LC with special colors and materials, making the LC 500 even more special.

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Final thoughts

These four vehicles—each distinct in character and appeal—are united by their potential to become future classics. Whether through their design, driving dynamics, rarity, or a combination of these factors, they represent the best of modern automotive craftsmanship. Years from now, enthusiasts will look back on the Mazda3 hatchback, BMW Z4, Mercedes-Benz AMG SL Roadster, and Lexus LC as cars that defined their era—and remain coveted in their own right long after production ends.

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