When you want a sports sedan, you turn to Germany. They are the masters of the sports sedan having released many greats over the years. In old times, the German sports sedan was reasonably priced. Nowadays, some of the new cars are priced at supercar money. However, on the used car market things are a little different.
You can get a German performance sedan nowadays, for less than a Mitsubishi Mirage. It may be a little less reliable than a Mirage, but just like any other car in existence, it sure will be better. Here are ten German performance sedans that are surprisingly cheap nowadays.
10 Mercedes W211 E55 AMG
The W211 Mercedes E55 AMG was Germany's answer to the muscle car scene. It was powered by a 5.4 liter supercharged V8 with 469hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. That's more than an LP700 Lamborghini Aventador. The torque was so high, that the E55 had to use the old 5-speed automatic transmission instead of the new 7G Tronic gearbox.
It was more powerful than a Ferrari 360 and E39 M5 at the time. In fact, back in 2003, it was the world's fastest sedan. You can now get one for less than the price of a new Kia Rio Sedan. We know which one we would rather have for sure. It's also a great sleeper too.
9 BMW M5 E60
It's crazy how this future classic can still be yours for less than a small family SUV. The E60 M5 was launched in 2004, and it was the first-ever V10 sedan. It packed 500hp under the hood and 384 lb-ft of torque. BMW claimed that it took 4.7 seconds to hit 60, but magazine tests showed it was actually 4.1 seconds. Flat out, it would do over 200 mph.
This sedan with all of its luxuries like an onboard TV, five seats, i-drive, etc was faster than a Ferrari F430. Despite the troublesome engine, it was still a legendary car that all petrolheads should strive to own.
8 Audi S8 D4
The next V10 sedan on this list is the Audi S8 D4. It's a stupidly fast luxury sedan with 444hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. It hit 60 in just over 5 seconds and flat out did 155 mph. The engine was derived from a Lamborghini Gallardo, but it had been slightly detuned for efficiency.
The S8 is a very luxurious car, with loads of luxury kit on board. You have massage seats, TVs, loads of exotic materials and big comfy seats. All of this can be yours for probably less than a new Hybrid Camry.
7 Mercedes W204 C63 AMG
The W204 Mercedes C63 AMG is a big fan favorite amongst car enthusiasts. It's a really silly car with a huge engine stuffed into a small car. The W204 C63 AMG pushes out 451hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. It hit 60 in 4.2 seconds, doing a limited top speed of 155 mph. It was far better than its previous C-Class AMG rivals.
The W204 C63 was a handful. It would eat tires for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It was very fast indeed, but it just didn't have enough grip to beat the E92 M3 on the track. It is a very fun car and a definite must-have for anyone who loves a muscle car but wants something a little different.
6 BMW F80 M3
The F80 M3 is a seriously quick car, that has fallen sharply in value these past years. It will continue to decline due to the release of the new G80 M3, and it's not like this thing is really at a disadvantage compared to the G80. It looks better by a long shot. Under the hood is a 425hp 406 lb-ft of torque twin-turbo inline-6. The 0-60 time is 3.9 seconds on the DCT and 4.1 on the manual.
The M3 seats five comfortably, yet it can be thrashed about like a proper sports car. It is the ultimate German sports sedan for drift enthusiasts since it loves to get its back end out in the corners.
5 BMW F10 M5
The BMW F10 M5 is a very fast German sedan that could be yours for a lot less than you think. It was the first and last M5 to use a dual-clutch transmission, and it was also the last manual BMW M5. Under the hood is a 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 with 553hp and 502 lb-ft of torque. That was 53 more horses than the previous E60 M5.
BMW stated that the F90 M5 hit 60 in 4.4 seconds when actually it was close to around 3.7 seconds. Flat out, it could probably hit 200 mph or so unrestricted. A very underrated sedan, and right now prices are very low for early models.
4 Mercedes W221 S65 AMG
The W221 Mercedes S65 AMG is a very powerful sedan, both in status and in performance. It packs a 604hp 738 lb-ft of torque Biturbo 6.0 V12, which is incredible even by today's standards. It hits 60 in 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. It uses the 5-speed automatic rather than the 7G Tronic used in other S-Class models, due to the torque.
The W221 S65 is packed with many luxury features. It is the top S-Class model, and it has all the bells and whistles included. From massage seats to an onboard TV, this car seriously has it all. What makes it cooler, is that you can get one for less than a new Toyota Avalon.
3 Porsche 971 Panamera 4S
The Porsche Panamera 971 was very controversial when launched. It wasn't the most attractive of cars at all, but the 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V8 in the S/4S models was absolutely superb. It pushed out 395hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. It hit 60 in around 4.8 seconds and flat out did 177 mph.
It is a very sporty sedan, that handles and feels like a proper Porsche. The gearbox is either an 8-speed Tiptronic, a 6-speed manual, or the one we would go for as it's the best gearbox for this car, or any modern Porsche; the 7-speed PDK gearbox. It feels so mechanical, and it is just so fast. You can get yourself a V8 Panamera for less than a new EcoBoost Mustang.
2 Audi 8V S3
This may be the least powerful car on this list, with just 296hp. Pretty measly compared to the likes of the S65 AMG, but do not for one second think that this car is a slouch. It hits 60 in just 4.8 seconds, and flat out will do 155 mph. Under the hood is the same 2.0 turbocharged 4-cylinder unit used in the VW Golf R.
The Quattro Haldex AWD system in the S3 makes it a joy to drive. It has so much grip, and it can easily outperform the big boys. It may not look like the most exciting car in the world, but it sure moves like a rocket. You can get a good one nowadays for similar money as a new Hyundai Accent.
1 BMW M760i
The BMW M760i may not be as cheap as some of the other cars on this list, but it has depreciated massively. A once $150,000 upwards car, can be yours for maybe $100,000 less than that. It had 602hp and 590 lb-ft of torque originally, but the horsepower was dropped to 577hp on the facelift. Though torque was increased to 627 lb-ft.
The M760i will do a 3.7 second 0-60 time quite easily. It features a lot of technology including gesture control and a touchscreen. Luxury is this car's middle name, as it is a private jet on wheels. It's super long and despite the fact it's more powerful than a McLaren 570S, you really don't feel the acceleration or the power. A very effortless car indeed.