Luxury Vehicle Loans
Luxury Car Finance Broker Australia
Financing a luxury or prestige vehicle requires a different approach to a standard car loan. Lenders assess high-value vehicles more carefully, some banks apply internal caps on how much they will lend on luxury brands, and the tax and structuring considerations are meaningfully different depending on whether you are buying personally or through your business. Australian Finance & Loans is an independent finance broker with access to over 50 Australian lenders, including specialist lenders with deep experience in luxury and exotic vehicle finance. We compare the market and structure your finance properly from the start so you get a competitive rate without the runaround.
We arrange luxury vehicle loans for personal buyers, business owners, high-net-worth individuals and company directors across Australia. Our Melbourne-based team understands the specific requirements of prestige vehicle lending and handles every aspect of the process on your behalf.
Luxury and Prestige Brands We Finance
We arrange finance for the full spectrum of luxury, prestige, supercar and hypercar brands available in Australia, including:
European Prestige
Mercedes-Benz: S-Class, E-Class, G-Wagon, GLE, AMG range and EQ electric models
BMW: 7 Series, 5 Series, M Series, X5, X7, iX and electric i range
Audi: A8, A6, Q7, Q8, RS range, e-tron and e-tron GT electric models
Porsche: 911, Cayenne, Panamera, Macan, Taycan and GT models
Bentley: Continental GT, Bentayga, Flying Spur
Rolls-Royce: Phantom, Ghost, Cullinan, Spectre
Maserati: Ghibli, Quattroporte, Levante, GranTurismo
Lamborghini: Huracan, Urus, Revuelto
Ferrari: Roma, Portofino, SF90 Stradale, Purosangue
McLaren: Artura, GT, 750S and 720S
Aston Martin: DB12, Vantage, DBX707
Bugatti, Koenigsegg and other hypercars (enquire for availability)
British and Other Prestige
Land Rover and Range Rover: Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Defender
Jaguar: F-Type, XE, XF and electric models
Lexus: LS, LC, LX and F Sport models
Volvo: XC90, S90, V90 and Polestar models
Electric Luxury
Tesla: Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y and Cybertruck
Lucid: Lucid Air (available in Australia via import)
Polestar: Polestar 2, Polestar 3 and Polestar 4
BMW i7, Mercedes EQS, Audi e-tron GT and other luxury EV models
If your vehicle is not listed, contact us. We finance virtually all prestige and exotic vehicles available in Australia, including grey imports and vehicles purchased through personal import.
How Luxury Car Finance Works Differently in Australia
Luxury vehicle lending in Australia has a number of specific considerations that do not apply to standard car loans. Understanding these before you apply can save you significant time and money.
Luxury Car Tax (LCT)
The Luxury Car Tax is a federal tax that applies to vehicles whose GST-inclusive price exceeds the current LCT threshold. For the 2024-25 financial year, the thresholds are $91,387 for fuel-efficient vehicles (defined as those consuming no more than 7.0L/100km combined) and $80,567 for all other vehicles. LCT is charged at 33% on the portion of the price exceeding the threshold. If you are buying a vehicle above these prices, LCT will be included in the total purchase price and therefore in your finance amount. We factor LCT into your loan structure from the start so there are no surprises at settlement.
Lender LVR Caps on Luxury Vehicles
Some lenders apply internal restrictions on how much they will lend against high-value or exotic vehicles. A standard lender may cap their loan-to-value ratio (LVR) at 80% for a vehicle over $200,000, meaning you need a 20% deposit regardless of your credit profile. Specialist luxury vehicle lenders often have higher LVR allowances and more flexibility for well-qualified borrowers. We know which lenders apply which restrictions before we submit your application.
Independent Valuation Requirements
For very high-value vehicles, particularly used prestige cars, exotics and rare models, some lenders require an independent valuation before approving the loan. This confirms the vehicle is worth what is being paid and protects both the borrower and the lender. We advise you at the start of the process whether a valuation is likely to be required for your specific vehicle and coordinate this on your behalf where needed.
Import and Grey Market Vehicles
Some luxury buyers import vehicles through personal import schemes, parallel importers or specialist grey market importers. Finance for grey imports and personally imported vehicles is available through select lenders on our panel. Requirements are more stringent and the lender pool is smaller than for Australian-delivered vehicles, but it is achievable for well-qualified buyers.
Higher Loan Amounts Require More Documentation
Luxury vehicle loans above $150,000 to $200,000 typically require more supporting documentation than standard car loans, regardless of the borrower's credit score. Most lenders at these amounts will want to see proof of income, recent tax returns or financial statements, and in some cases a statement of assets and liabilities. We prepare you for this from the outset so the process runs smoothly.
Finance Structures for Luxury Vehicles
Secured Car Loan (Personal Buyers)
A secured car loan uses the vehicle as collateral. The lender assesses the vehicle's value as part of the credit decision, which is why lender selection matters more for high-value vehicles than for standard car loans. Interest rates for secured luxury car loans currently start from approximately 6.48% per annum for strong credit profiles, rising depending on loan amount, vehicle type and credit history. Fixed repayments over 2 to 7 years provide payment certainty.
Chattel Mortgage (Business Buyers)
For buyers purchasing a luxury vehicle primarily for business use, a chattel mortgage is typically the most tax-effective structure available. Your business takes ownership of the vehicle at settlement. The full GST on the purchase price is claimable on your next BAS, which on a $200,000 vehicle represents an immediate $18,181 cash flow benefit. Interest on repayments is deductible, and depreciation can be claimed over the vehicle's ATO effective life. For high-income business buyers, these combined deductions can materially reduce the net cost of the vehicle.
Note: The ATO applies a luxury car limit to depreciation claims. For 2024-25 this is $69,674 (adjusted annually). This means that even if you finance a $300,000 vehicle, you can only claim depreciation on $69,674 of that cost through standard depreciation provisions. Discuss this with your accountant before structuring your purchase.
Finance Lease (Business Buyers)
Under a finance lease, the lender owns the vehicle and leases it to your business. All lease payments are fully deductible as a business operating expense with no depreciation cap affecting the deduction. This makes a finance lease potentially more tax-efficient than a chattel mortgage for high-value luxury vehicles where the depreciation cap applies. The vehicle sits on the lender's balance sheet rather than yours. At the end of the term you can purchase, re-lease or hand back.
Novated Lease (Employees and Directors)
A novated lease is a three-way arrangement between the buyer, their employer and a financier. Lease payments are made from pre-tax salary, reducing taxable income. Running costs including fuel, insurance, servicing and registration can also be bundled into the pre-tax arrangement. For company directors and high-income employees purchasing a luxury vehicle, a novated lease can significantly reduce the after-tax cost of ownership. Electric luxury vehicles may also be eligible for FBT exemption under current legislation, making a novated lease on a Model S, Taycan or EQS particularly attractive.
Balloon Payment Structure
A balloon or residual payment is a lump sum deferred to the end of the loan term. It reduces regular repayments throughout the loan life and is particularly common in luxury and prestige vehicle finance where maintaining cash flow and liquidity matters. At the end of the term you pay the balloon in cash, refinance it or, under a finance lease, potentially hand the vehicle back. Balloon amounts are typically set at 20% to 30% of the original vehicle value, though this varies by lender and vehicle type.
Financing New vs Used Luxury Vehicles
New Luxury Vehicles
Financing a new luxury vehicle from an authorised dealer is the most straightforward process. The vehicle has a clear invoice price, no age concerns and typically the widest lender options available. Lenders compete more aggressively for new vehicle finance, which generally means better rates. If you are buying through an authorised dealer, you can often use the finance approval to negotiate harder on the vehicle price since you are not dependent on the dealer's own finance offering.
Used and Certified Pre-Owned Luxury Vehicles
Used luxury vehicle finance is available but involves more lender-side assessment. Age limits apply and vary by lender, with most mainstream lenders comfortable up to 10 to 12 years old at the end of the loan term. Specialist luxury lenders often extend to 15 years for well-maintained prestige brands. Certified pre-owned programs from manufacturers such as Porsche Approved and Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned vehicles often come with independent service history verification, which lenders view favourably. A PPSR check is essential for any used luxury vehicle purchase regardless of where you are buying from.
Ex-Demo and Display Vehicles
Dealer demonstrator vehicles and display models are technically used but are often only months old with very low kilometres. They attract similar rates to new vehicles from most lenders and can represent excellent value, particularly at end-of-quarter when dealers are motivated to clear stock. Finance for ex-demo luxury vehicles works the same way as for new vehicles in most cases.
Who Can Apply for Luxury Vehicle Finance
Private buyers purchasing for personal use
High-net-worth individuals seeking to preserve capital through finance rather than buying outright
Business owners and company directors purchasing for business use
Self-employed professionals including doctors, lawyers, executives and consultants
Sole traders and ABN holders buying under a business structure
Individuals purchasing through a company, trust or SMSF (select lenders only for SMSF)
Interstate and overseas buyers purchasing vehicles for Australian delivery
Buyers requiring low-doc assessment based on asset position rather than income documentation
We understand that high-net-worth buyers often have complex financial structures: multiple trusts, investment properties, business income alongside personal income, or situations where income is not easily documented through standard payslips. We have lenders on our panel who assess these situations on their merits, not just by matching income to a standard serviceability calculator.
Luxury Car Loan Details
Loan Amounts
We arrange luxury vehicle finance from $50,000 up to $2,000,000 and above for exceptional vehicles. There is no upper limit imposed by our brokerage. Loan amounts above $500,000 are typically assessed by specialist lenders on a case-by-case basis and require more comprehensive financial documentation.
Loan Terms
Luxury vehicle loans are available over 1 to 7 years. Some lenders offer terms up to 7 years on high-value vehicles. Longer terms reduce monthly repayments but increase total interest paid. For buyers who intend to keep the vehicle for the full term, a shorter loan makes financial sense. For buyers who plan to upgrade or sell before the end of the term, understanding early payout conditions is critical.
Interest Rates
Secured luxury car loan rates currently start from approximately 6.48% per annum for well-qualified borrowers with strong credit profiles purchasing high-value vehicles. Rates vary based on loan amount, vehicle type, lender and credit profile. Always compare the comparison rate, not just the headline rate, as it includes fees and reflects the true annual cost. As a broker, we compare across 50+ lenders to find the most competitive option for your specific vehicle and circumstances.
Deposit
Deposit requirements for luxury vehicle finance depend on the lender and the loan amount. For vehicles up to $200,000 with strong credit, many lenders will fund up to 100% of the vehicle price. For vehicles above $200,000 or with exotic and rare marques, some lenders require a deposit of 20% to 30%. A larger deposit reduces the lender's risk, which can improve both the rate and approval terms.
Balloon Payment
Balloon payments are very common in luxury vehicle finance and can be set at 20% to 35% of the vehicle's original value depending on the lender and structure. This significantly reduces ongoing repayments, which suits buyers who prioritise cash flow over rapid equity building. Ensure you have a clear plan for the balloon at the end of the term before structuring the loan this way.
Why You Should Never Finance a Luxury Car Through the Dealership
This is one area where the difference between broker and dealer finance is most significant. Here is why.
Luxury dealerships build margin into finance
Prestige dealerships, including those representing Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Ferrari and others, have their own or affiliated finance products. These products often carry higher rates than the market because the margin from finance is a meaningful revenue stream for the dealership. Some buyers are quoted a rate, accept it, and never realise a broker could have secured the same approval at a rate 1% to 2% lower. On a $200,000 vehicle over 5 years, 1% difference in rate equates to approximately $5,000 to $6,000 in interest saved.
Manufacturer finance programs have limitations
Manufacturer finance programs such as Porsche Financial Services, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services and BMW Financial Services offer tailored products for their vehicles. These can be competitive, particularly when promotional rates are available during model year changeovers or new model launches. However, they are single-lender products with no comparison. We compare manufacturer finance programs alongside our broader lender panel to confirm whether the manufacturer rate genuinely is the best option or whether an alternative lender is superior.
Pre-approval removes dealership finance pressure
Walking into a prestige dealership with a broker pre-approval in hand is a fundamentally different experience to walking in without one. You know your approved amount, your rate and your repayments before any negotiation begins. The dealership cannot pressure you into their finance product because you already have a better alternative confirmed. This also gives you more leverage on the vehicle price itself.
Tax Considerations for Business Buyers of Luxury Vehicles
This section is relevant to business owners, company directors, sole traders and professionals purchasing a luxury vehicle primarily for business use. Always confirm your specific situation with a qualified accountant before proceeding.
GST on Purchase
Under a chattel mortgage, the full GST on the luxury vehicle purchase is claimable on your next BAS. On a $300,000 vehicle this is $27,272 claimable in the quarter of purchase. This is a significant immediate cash flow benefit and is one of the primary reasons business buyers choose a chattel mortgage over a personal car loan.
Depreciation and the Luxury Car Limit
The ATO imposes a luxury car limit on depreciation claims. For the 2024-25 financial year this limit is $69,674. This means that regardless of how much your luxury vehicle costs, your depreciation claim through standard provisions is capped at the effective life depreciation on $69,674 of value. Temporary full expensing provisions that allowed immediate deduction of asset costs did not apply to luxury vehicles above the LCT threshold under most circumstances. Discuss this with your accountant for your specific year and situation.
Interest Deductions
The interest component of chattel mortgage repayments is deductible in full as a business borrowing expense, with no luxury car cap applying to the interest deduction. For a $300,000 luxury vehicle financed at 7% over 5 years, the total interest over the loan life would be approximately $57,000, all of which is potentially deductible.
Finance Lease vs Chattel Mortgage for Luxury Vehicles
Because of the depreciation cap, a finance lease may deliver better tax outcomes than a chattel mortgage for luxury vehicles above the LCT threshold. Under a finance lease, the full lease payment is deductible without a cap. Under a chattel mortgage, depreciation is capped at the luxury car limit. The comparison depends on your marginal tax rate, the vehicle cost and the lease payment structure. This is exactly the kind of analysis your accountant and our finance team should work through together before you commit.
FBT on Luxury Vehicles
If a luxury vehicle is provided to an employee (including a director-employee), fringe benefits tax may apply on the private use portion. The FBT calculation for luxury vehicles involves the statutory formula method applied to the vehicle's cost, which means higher-value vehicles generate higher FBT liabilities. Zero-emission luxury vehicles, including Tesla Model S and Model X, may be exempt from FBT under current legislation if provided under a novated lease, making the after-tax ownership cost meaningfully lower for some buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luxury Car Loans in Australia
What is considered a luxury car for finance purposes in Australia?
For lending purposes, most lenders classify a vehicle as luxury or prestige when its purchase price exceeds $60,000 to $80,000. For Luxury Car Tax purposes, the threshold for the 2024-25 financial year is $80,567 for standard vehicles and $91,387 for fuel-efficient vehicles. These thresholds are adjusted annually by the ATO. Practically speaking, any vehicle from a prestige manufacturer or priced above these thresholds is assessed differently by most lenders, with more documentation and specialist lender consideration required.
Can I finance a Ferrari, Lamborghini or other exotic supercar?
Yes. We arrange finance for exotic supercars including Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Bugatti and similar marques. The lender pool for these vehicles is smaller than for standard prestige vehicles, and loan amounts above $500,000 are typically assessed by specialist lenders on a case-by-case basis. Strong credit, a demonstrated relationship with high-value borrowing and a meaningful deposit typically position buyers well for exotic vehicle finance. Contact us directly to discuss your specific vehicle and we will confirm which lenders are realistic options.
Do I need a deposit to finance a luxury car?
For vehicles up to $200,000 with a strong credit profile, many lenders will fund up to 100% of the vehicle price with no deposit required. For vehicles above $200,000, or for exotic and rare marques where resale value is less predictable, most lenders require a deposit of 20% to 30%. A deposit reduces the lender's risk and can improve both your interest rate and your approval terms. It also protects you from being in a negative equity position if the vehicle depreciates faster than expected.
Can I finance a luxury vehicle for my business?
Yes. Business vehicle finance for luxury cars is one of the most common transactions we handle. A chattel mortgage delivers the broadest tax benefits: full GST claim on the next BAS, interest deductions on repayments and depreciation up to the luxury car limit. A finance lease may deliver superior deductions for vehicles above the LCT threshold because lease payments are fully deductible without a depreciation cap. We work through both options with you and your accountant to identify the most tax-effective structure for your situation.
Can I finance an imported luxury vehicle?
Yes, through select lenders. Grey imports, parallel imports and personally imported luxury vehicles are financed by specialist lenders on our panel. Requirements are more stringent than for Australian-delivered vehicles. The vehicle typically needs to comply with Australian Design Rules (ADR), have a VIN and be properly registered. Some lenders require an independent inspection and valuation for imported vehicles. Contact us early in your import process so we can confirm lender requirements before you commit to the purchase.
How does a balloon payment work on a luxury car loan?
A balloon payment is a lump sum deferred to the end of the loan term. It reduces your regular repayments throughout the loan because you are only repaying the non-balloon portion of the principal during the term. At the end, you either pay the balloon amount in cash, refinance it into a new loan, or, under a finance lease arrangement, potentially hand the vehicle back at the agreed residual value. Balloon amounts for luxury vehicles are typically 20% to 35% of the original vehicle value. They suit buyers who value lower ongoing repayments and who have a clear plan for the balloon at the end of term.
What interest rate can I expect on a luxury car loan?
Secured luxury car loan rates in Australia currently start from approximately 6.48% per annum for well-qualified borrowers with strong credit histories. Rates increase based on vehicle age, loan amount, exotic marque classifications and credit profile complexity. As a broker comparing 50+ lenders, we find the most competitive rate available for your specific situation rather than offering you a single lender's rate. Always compare the comparison rate, not just the headline rate, as it includes establishment fees and ongoing charges.
Can I get luxury car finance as a self-employed buyer?
Yes. Many of our luxury vehicle finance clients are self-employed business owners, company directors, medical professionals, lawyers and other high-income self-employed individuals whose income is complex to document through standard payslips. We have lenders who assess self-employed applicants on the basis of tax returns, business financials, accountant letters and asset position rather than requiring traditional payslip evidence. Low-doc and asset-backed luxury vehicle loans are available for well-positioned borrowers.
Can I use my SMSF to buy a luxury vehicle?
In most circumstances, an SMSF cannot purchase a vehicle for personal or recreational use as this would constitute a breach of the sole purpose test. SMSF vehicle purchases must be for genuine business purposes and the vehicle must be used solely for that purpose. Very few lenders will fund SMSF vehicle purchases and those that do have strict requirements. We would always recommend getting independent SMSF and financial advice before pursuing this path. Most clients who want to access SMSF wealth for a vehicle find a business finance structure through their operating company a more practical solution.
What happens if I want to pay out my luxury car loan early?
Most luxury car loans allow early payout. Some lenders charge an early termination fee, typically calculated as a set number of months of interest remaining on the loan. For loans with a balloon payment, you can also pay out the balloon early or refinance it. We disclose all early payout conditions before you sign and if early payout is important to you, we factor this into our lender recommendation from the start.
Can I refinance my existing luxury car loan?
Yes. If your current luxury vehicle loan rate is no longer competitive, or if your circumstances have changed since the original loan was taken out, refinancing through a lender on our panel may reduce your rate, lower your repayments or change your loan structure. We assess your current loan, the vehicle's current market value and your credit position to confirm whether refinancing delivers a genuine saving after any break costs. For high-value luxury vehicles, even a small rate reduction can result in significant savings over the remaining term.
Does the Luxury Car Tax affect my finance amount?
Yes. If your vehicle purchase price exceeds the LCT threshold, the Luxury Car Tax is included in the total purchase price and is therefore included in your finance amount. LCT is charged at 33% on the amount above the threshold, so on a $100,000 vehicle with a standard threshold of $80,567, LCT applies on $19,433 at 33%, equating to approximately $6,413. This is folded into the total price and therefore into your loan. We factor the full LCT-inclusive price into your finance assessment from the start.
Is dealer finance ever a better option for luxury vehicles?
Occasionally. Manufacturer finance programs occasionally offer genuinely promotional rates during model year changeovers or new model launches that are competitive with what we can source from our lender panel. When this happens, we tell you clearly. Our obligation is to find you the best deal available, not to dismiss manufacturer finance out of hand. However, in the majority of cases, comparing across 50+ lenders delivers a better outcome than accepting the single rate a dealership offers without comparison.
Why Choose Australian Finance & Loans for Luxury Vehicle Finance
Independent broker: we compare 50+ lenders including specialist luxury and prestige vehicle financiers
No allegiance to any dealership or manufacturer finance program: we work for you
Deep understanding of the specific requirements of high-value vehicle lending
Access to specialist lenders for exotic supercars, grey imports and complex borrower situations
Expertise in both personal and business luxury vehicle finance including chattel mortgage and finance lease
Practical knowledge of the Luxury Car Tax, depreciation caps and FBT implications for business buyers
Pre-approval available so you walk into the dealership with a firm offer already confirmed
Fast approvals: most standard luxury vehicle applications assessed within 24 to 48 hours
Discreet, confidential service suitable for high-net-worth individuals and company directors
Melbourne-based team with national reach across all states and territories