There's something gratifying about sleeper car ownership. Smugness gets gained from knowing that your ride of choice blends into a crowd almost seamlessly but can blow the doors off most rivals. Often mistaken for lesser models in their range, the sleeper is able to dish out a beat-down when challenged – atrick that the Chrysler 300C 6.4-liter Hemi is more than happy to repeat over and over.
European manufacturers have become experts at bolting together a decent sleeper. Adept at hiding some of their best work in plain sight, Audi dropped a 5.2-liter V10 in their S6 and forgot to pump up the appearance to match. It may look like a lowly diesel-engined car, but it doesn't go like one. It may be bland to look at, but it's ferocious to drive.
And that's the joy of European sleepers. Getting in one is like engaging a stealth mode. A European sleeper gives a gearhead an opportunity to stay under the radar, right up until the time comes to pounce and pour on the power. So for those tempted to make the change, here are 10 European sleeper cars that are surprisingly cheap to own and maintain.
10 The Seat Exeo TSI
It's as visually exciting as plain paper, but peer beneath the surface and the Seat Exeo TSI starts to make a lot of sleeper sense. A turbo-fed 2.0-liter engine sits on top of a sports suspension package. Making 208 hp, the unit pushes the Seat Exeo to hit 60 mph in 6.9 seconds.
Corners can get taken fast, and flat. The power delivery from the engine comes with lovely dollops of torque. The Seat Exeo TSI really impresses on the move. And best of all: no one would ever suspect that it is as good as it is as it looks like a typical European taxi cab.
9 The BMW 123d
Europeans love powerful diesel engines, and the BMW 123d has an absolute peach under the hood. A twin-turbo 2.0-liter unit that makes 201 hp and 295 lb/ft of torque. In its standard specification, the 123d will haul to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. Plus, they respond well to tuning.
An engine remap can result in big power gains. Releasing an extra 50 hp is no issue. This slug of power transforms the 123d from fast into ballistic. In-gear surge is addictive as is its overtaking prowess. Plenty of power in any gear. Plus the ability to average over 40 mpg.
8 The Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce
The Giulia is the best Alfa Romeo for years. A sharp-handling sports sedan with huge amounts of appeal. In Veloce trim, it comes with a free-revving 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Pumping out 276 hp and 295 lb/ft torque. This Italian will hammer to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds.
Offered as both a rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle, the Veloce dishes out fistfuls of grip. Optioned with sports brakes and a paddle-shifted gearbox, plus adaptive suspension, this is one Alfa Romeo that loves to get driven hard. All Alfa Romeo class and talent.
7 The Volvo V70 T6
Volvo knows a thing or two about fast wagons. And the V70 T6 is a belter. A great big slab of practicality and safety packing a potent heart. A 3.0-liter straight six unit with forced induction making 304 hp and 325 lb/ft of torque. It hauls the sports wagon to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds.
It's no sports car, but the V70 T6 can get hustled through bends at much higher speeds than many would think. An excellent AWD system adds plenty of traction in any weather. Luxuriously trimmed, the V70 T6 also makes for a pleasant cruiser, soaking up miles with ease.
6 The Audi A8 4.2 TDI
A smooth, refined executive possessing a massive punch. The Audi A8 is the limousine of choice for middle management. It also makes for a great sleeper car thanks to the burly 4.2-liter V8 diesel under its hood making 346 hp and an eye-watering 590 lb/ft of torque.
Bury the throttle into the plush carpet and 60 appears in 5.3 seconds. A Quattro drivetrain provides traction while an adaptive chassis allows the big car to make rapid progress. Controlled and very rewarding to drive., the A8 4.2 TDI can also get tuned to deliver big power.
5 The Renault Safrane BiTurbo
Rarer than most supercars, the Safrane BiTurbo remains an affordable and unique proposition – a French sedan fitted with a 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine and four-wheel drive. It's a setup that was very rare at the time. Loaded with equipment, the Safrane was a left-field choice.
Relying on 276 hp, the Safrane could hit 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. Adaptive air suspension provided one of the best rides in its class. It never really took off though. That's why used examples are keenly priced. Possibly a future classic waiting in the wings, it's packed with French charm.
4 The Jaguar XF SV8
There are so many Jaguar XFs on the road that the most potent versions are hard to spot. Especially the subtle XF SV8. A slick Jaguar sedan packing a 4.2-liter supercharged V8 that churns out 416 hp and 413 lb/ft torque, allowing it to hit 60 mph in 5.4 seconds.
Silky smooth and very vocal, the powerful V8 emits a deep-throated roar before getting accompanied by a shrill supercharger whine. It's an addictive set of notes. Through a series of fast bends, the Jaguar XF hides its bulk, keen to impress and delightful to drive fast.
3 Volkswagen Golf 4Motion
The long-forgotten Volkswagen Golf 4Motion is a warm-up act to the impressive MK4 Golf R32. Nowhere near as polished as its more popular hot hatch counterpart, the 4Motion makes a superb little sleeper. It comes loaded with an envious list of components elevating it above other period hatchback rivals.
The 4Motion system is VWs answer to all-wheel drive. Driving this is a 2.8-liter V6 engine making 204 hp and 199 lb/ft of torque. Getting to 60 mph takes 6.9 seconds. A slick-shifting 6-speed manual allows for rapid progress. It's a sweet engine in an often overlooked body shell.
2 The Volvo S80 V8
The best sleeper cars hide the biggest secrets, and the Volvo S80 V8 has a doozy. A 4.4-liter Yahama-built V8 engine that puts out 311 hp. It's an impressive engine and allows access to nearly all that power below 2000 rpm. Hit the throttle and 60 mph appears in 5.6 seconds.
The exterior says work while the engine screams play. The Volvo S80 V8 is at odds with itself, wonderfully comfortable and massively safe. The AWD system provides all-season traction but also allows the car's power to get transferred onto the asphalt for spirited driving.
1 The Mercedes-Benz E500 Wagon
A sturdy workhorse with loads of power, the Mercedes-Benz E500 has a cavernous interior with an enormous load bay. It also benefits from a 5.0-liter V8 generating 302 hp and 310 lb/ft of torque good enough to launch the big comfortable wagon to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds.
Built to last, old Mercedes-Benz wagons soldier on regardless, taking down corners with a relaxed attitude. The E500 is a sleeper that can turn its hand to all manner of roles. It's a practical car, but with a fun streak a mile wide. Use it, abuse it, and enjoy the experience.