The 2000s was a decade full of rapid technological advancements. We saw smartphones replace the traditional flip phones, laptops gained on desktops, and even the introduction of PlayStation 2. Above all, it marked the insurgence of advanced electronics in sporty cars. Automakers started giving spacious luxury sedans and even the odd family wagon performance tweaks that transformed them into lightning-fast machines.

RELATED: These Are The 10 Best German Grand Tourers Of All Time

By the time we were in the mid-2000s, German automakers had already rewritten the rules regarding comfort and performance in a family-sized sedan, thanks to cars like the underrated BMW E39. Throughout the decade, BMW and Mercedes-Benz continuously engaged in fierce competition regarding who had the best sports sedan. This saw other automakers express interest in the sporty sedan category, including those in the U.S and Japanese markets.

With German automakers setting the sedan bar high in terms of design and engineering; these are the 10 coolest German sports sedans from the 2000s.

10 2008-2010 BMW 7 Series

With the fifth-generation 7 Series, the Bavarian brand moved from the “E” model naming and adopted the new F-series cod names. Another significant change in the 2008 7 Series was a move from the “Bangle” design seen in its predecessors and the comeback of the traditional-like design.

Under the hood of the BMW 7 Series was a choice of three engine categories, including the bespoke 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six engine that produced between 255 hp and 322 hp. A V8 and V12 engine configuration produced 402 hp and 536 hp, respectively. The F01 would later become the first BMW car powered by a hybrid drivetrain.

9 2008-2010 Audi C6 RS6

The third generation Audi A6 was unveiled in 2004, but the most powerful version appeared in 2008 – the RS6. Available as a station wagon initially, the RS6 sedan followed in 2009, becoming the most powerful Audi at the time. Faced off against its direct rivals (BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG), the RS6 was a blockbuster.

Under the hood was a massive 5.0-liter V10 engine producing 580 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. Power was sent to all wheels via the brand’s famous Quattro system and a standard six-speed automatic transmission. The interior featured highly bolstered sport-bucket seats.

8 2003 BMW M5 E39

The E39 M5 wasn’t the first big-motored four-door sedan, but it set the benchmark for others to follow. With a combination of understated and handsome styling, the E39’s performance made it an iconic German sports sedan.

RELATED: 10 German Performance Cars From The '90s You Can Easily Daily Drive

Many consider the M5 E39 as the best in the M5 generation. The E39’s chassis was so good that several companies tried replicating it; even by today’s standards, it’s still one of the best. While Bimmer purists love the brand’s straight-sixes, you’ll hardly hear any of these gearheads slighting the E39’s 4.9-liter V8 churning 400 hp and 370 lb-ft of torque.

7 2008 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63

The C63 AMG was launched in 2007 as a direct rival to the BMW M3 and became the most powerful compact car from Mercedes. Competition between Mercedes and BMW had seen a power increase in their luxury sedans from about 200 hp to over the 400-hp range in the late 2000s.

The W204 wasn’t only comfortable, it was equally fast, thanks to the 6.2-liter naturally-aspirated V8 engine. With an initial power output of 450 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque, it was later upgraded to 480 hp. Other editions, such as the Black Series and Edition 507 generated more than 507 hp with the stock naturally-aspirated engine.

6 2005 BMW M5 E60

Following the success of the E39, BMW took a bold step in fitting the E60 with a naturally aspirated V10. They simply plucked a Formula 1 V10 engine, redesigned it, and fitted it in a street-friendly sedan. The result was 400 hp in normal mode, but with a slight push on the M button, the 5.0-liter behemoth generated 100 more horses.

Better yet, the engine was a revving masterpiece, hitting peak power at 7,750rpm. However, the M5’s SMG gearbox and reliability issues threatened the success of the E60. But once fixed, the M5 E60 remains a fantastic performance sedan.

5 Audi A4 B6

This second-generation Audi A4 was introduced in 2000, featuring a new Bauhaus-inspired design look. It faced stiff competition from the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the BMW 3-Series, but its main advantage was the shift from the classic rear-wheel-drive to a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive system.

RELATED: 9 German Performance Cars From The 2000s That Can Easily Be Daily Driven

The A4 came riding on a new B6 (PL46) platform. The base model was powered by a 1.6-liter gasoline engine, while the top trim featured a more powerful 220-hp 3.0-liter V6 engine. An Ultra Sport package was launched in North America months before the B7 replaced the B6.

4 2004 Volkswagen Passat W8

The VW Passat was an instant hit in North America and the rest of the world when it was introduced in 2000. It featured several upgrades that made it more appealing to the market. Among the upgrades was a choice of several engine options that boosted the car’s sales, from the fuel-efficient 1.9-liter TDI to the top-of-the-line W8 engine.

The potent 4.0-liter W8 petrol engine produced 275 hp. The Passat came in either a front-wheel or 4motion all-wheel-drive drivetrain. A choice of manual or automatic transmission was also available. The W8 engine technology would later be applied in other Volkswagen Group’s performance cars before facing its imminent discontinuation in 2004.

3 Mercedes-Benz E55

This second-generation E55 AMG - the predecessor to the E63 AMG – was unveiled in 2002, becoming the fastest sedan in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. It outperformed rivals such as the Audi RS6 and the then Corvette Z06, accelerating from standstill to 60mph in 4.2 seconds before hitting a top speed of 155mph.

The E55 was a German beast, driven by a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 producing 469 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. It was renamed to E63 in 2006. This followed a power increase to 507 hp but less torque (460 lb-ft) than the E55.

2 2006-2010 Audi S8 D3

The third generation Audi A6 was unveiled in 2004, but the most powerful version appeared in 2008 – the RS6. Available as a station wagon initially, the RS6 sedan followed in 2009, becoming the most powerful Audi at the time. Faced off against its direct rivals (BMW M5 and Mercedes Benz E63 AMG), the RS6 was a blockbuster.

RELATED: Check Out This Modified Turbocharged German Engine Showdown

Under the hood was a massive 5.0-liter V10 engine producing 580 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. Power was sent to all wheels via the brand’s famous Quattro system and a standard six-speed automatic transmission. The interior featured highly bolstered sport-bucket seats.

1 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

To date, the GLI name is held in high esteem by Volkswagen aficionados – perhaps only bested by the GTI letters. The GLI moniker is the sedan version of the GTI hot hatch, providing all the GTI joy and performance in the family-friendly Jetta package.

Three trim levels were available for the 2006 Jetta (Sportline, Trendline, and Comfortline). Available engines included petrol and gasoline options that produced between 102 hp and 200 hp. A sporty direct-shift gearbox was available for the Jetta GLI.