If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional American muscle cars,
German sedans
can offer a compelling mix of power, precision, and luxury at an attractive price point – especially if you know how to bargain hunt. Cars like the
BMW E92 M3
and Mercedes-Benz W204
C63 AMG
bring the raw excitement of a V8 but with the added benefit of German engineering. It’s a driving experience that’s both thrilling and refined.
Generally, German performance cars combine balance with straight-line speed and acceleration. Still, their V8 engines and rear-wheel-drive (and occasional all-wheel-drive) layouts make them very similar to muscle cars in spirit. However, thanks to advanced sport-tuned suspension setups, traction control systems, and braking components, they’re far more dynamic in their cornering performance. Best of all, depreciation makes these
luxury options surprisingly cheap
, meaning you can get some top-shelf features at bottom-dollar prices.
How we made our selection: HotCars only considered used German sedans that came fitted with a V8 from the factory. We looked to Kelley Blue Book’s Fair Purchase Price estimate which constitutes the average price you’d pay for these cars on the used market using it to rank the cars from least to most affordable.
Discussion
What are your favorite European muscle cars?
Or do you consider only American-made rides to be true muscle cars? Let us change that tune with killers like the Iso Grifo and its big-block Chevy or perhaps the Bizzarrini 5300GT that’ll do 174 mph. Of course, you can’t forget the all-time great AMG Hammer with bodacious ’80s looks backing up it’s name.
10
2006–2013 BMW M3 E92
Average Used Price: $15,463 (Sedan) / $17,393 (Coupe)
BMW M3 E92 Specs
Engine |
S65 4.0-Liter V8 |
Horsepower |
420 Horsepower |
Torque |
295 LB-FT |
0-62 MPH Time |
4.6 Seconds |
Top Speed |
155 MPH |
BMW
BMW’s
E92 M3
is widely regarded as a high point of the M experience, even 12 years after its debut. And it’s largely due to the S65 engine. The 4.0-liter V8 is unique to the E92, and enthusiasts love it for the mix of German precision and raw power.
Unlike the thundering low-end torque typical of muscle cars, the M3’s V8 thrives in the higher RPM range, offering an exhilarating, more refined performance. Combine that with a balanced chassis and some finely-tuned suspension, and the result is a brawny yet refined approach to the muscle car ethos. You’ll find that low-mile examples
command a higher price
compared to some of the other options on this list, but it’s a car that’s earned its reputation, and we’d get it why we still can.
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9
2007-2008 Audi RS4 B7
Average Used Price: $22,654
Audi RS4 B7 Specs
Engine |
4.2-Liter V8 |
Horsepower |
420 Horsepower |
Torque |
317 LB-FT |
0-62 MPH Time |
4.8 Seconds |
Top Speed |
155 MPH (Governed) |
Audi
If you’re after
all-wheel-drive
in your European V8, Audi’s Quattro platform is sure to please. The
B7 RS4
is still one of the cheaper buys, but its engine appeal means values are always on the rise. The 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 comes from
Audi’s R8 supercar
and produces a healthy 420 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque in the RS4 B7. While the all-wheel-drive system means it’s a heavier sedan at 4,000 lbs, you’ve got plenty of stopping power thanks to a set of eight-piston calipers. If you’re really penny-pinching, the convertibles are even cheaper.
8
2008-2014 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG W204
Average Used Price: $11,975
Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG W204 Specs
Engine |
6.2-Liter V8 |
Horsepower |
451 Horsepower |
Torque |
443 LB-FT |
0-62 MPH Time |
4.4 Seconds |
Top Speed |
155 MPH (Governed) |
Mercedes-Benz
The W204
Mercedes C63 AMG
is one of the ultimate sleeper cars, an unassuming German sedan that comes powered by a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8. Mercedes-Benz made a winner in the M156, and the small C-class benefited from its raw 414 horsepower output. To keep the car well-behaved, AMG thoroughly revised the handling, fitting a new front suspension, an upgraded steering rack, and a fully switchable stability control system. Thanks to the limited-slip diff, the W204 C63 has also become infamous for its sliding potential.
7
2010-2016 Porsche Panamera 970
Average Used Price: $13,251
Porsche Panamera 970 Specs
Engine |
4.8-Liter V8 |
Horsepower |
400 Horsepower |
Torque |
370 LB-FT |
0-62 MPH Time |
5 Seconds |
Top Speed |
175 MPH |
Porsche
Although most are quickly rising in value, the Panamera is an exception to the rule. It’s followed the depreciation arc typical of most luxury sedans, with the eldest first-generation models (now as old as 16) making for a great second-hand deal. At the heart of the four-door, you’ll find a 4.8-liter V8 and a competent all-wheel-drive system, both things Porsche has proven to be capable of in the case of the
Cayenne SUV
. 60 mph comes in a respectable 4.4 seconds and top speed maxes out at 175 mph, but it’s a plush ride on account of the girth.
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6
2007-2012 Audi S5
Average Used Price: $10,070
Audi S5 Specs
Engine |
4.2-Liter V8 |
Horsepower |
354 Horsepower |
Torque |
324 LB-FT |
0-62 MPH Time |
5.1 Seconds |
Top Speed |
155 MPH |
Audi
In the case of Audi’s
first-generation A5
, the hotter S5 shared its 4.2-liter V8 with the RS4 saloon, and it makes for an equally affordable option on the used market. In the case of the lengthy two-door coupe, Audi detuned the engine for a milder 354 horsepower, though torque is up at 324 lb-ft. As with the RS4, you can get it in
ever-important manual form
, and the six-speed row-your-own gearbox means it’ll hit 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and do the quarter-mile in 13.4. We’re partial to the sleek design, but we can also appreciate that it lacks the brawn of a traditional muscle car.
5
2003-2006 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG W211
Average Used Price: $8,063
Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG W211 Specs
Engine |
Supercharged 5.4-Liter V8 |
Horsepower |
469 Horsepower |
Torque |
516 LB-FT |
0-62 MPH Time |
4.7 Seconds |
Top Speed |
155 MPH |
Mercedes-Benz
Assuming you’re prepared for life with an older Mercedes, the
E55 AMG
produced from 2003 to 2006 is among the more accessible German V8s. The supercharged 5.4-liter M113 engine produces 469 horsepower and a neck-breaking 516 lb-ft of torque. Though the sole transmission option is a five-speed automatic, AMG tuned it for quicker responses. Add to that adaptive suspension and a thrilling exhaust, and you’re left with a
certifiable Mercedes bargain
.
4
2010-2017 BMW 550i Gran Turismo F07
Average Used Price: $7,701
BMW 550i Gran Turismo F07 Specs
Engine |
Twin-Turbocharged 4.4-Liter V8 |
Horsepower |
400 Horsepower |
Torque |
450 LB-FT |
0-62 MPH Time |
5.4 Seconds |
Top Speed |
155 MPH (Governed) |
BMW
If you can look past the Gran Turismo’s odd proportions, the F07 550i is among the cheapest used BMWs you’ll find. The 4.4-liter twin-turbo N63 engine is a strong performer, producing 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. While the weight of the 5 Series means that it’s not as quick as some options on this list, it does make for a well-rounded ride.
We’d generally avoid xDrive for reliability reasons, but the all-wheel grip can be a welcome addition for those in colder climates. The fast-back style and extended wheelbase are an acquired taste, but let’s not forget how big classic muscle cars can be.
3
2003-2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG W209
Average Used Price: $7,830
Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG W209 Specs
Engine |
5.4-Liter V8 |
Horsepower |
362 Horsepower |
Torque |
376 LB-FT |
0-62 MPH Time |
5.2 Seconds |
Top Speed |
155 MPH |
Mercedes-Benz
Although the Mercedes CLK55 can’t match the likes of the C63 and the SL63 when it comes to power, it does make for one of the cheaper V8 performance cars you can buy used, and the M113 engine is an all-time AMG great. Despite the CLK’s unassuming appearance – 17″ alloys, understated badging, and few aesthetic differences from the more pedestrian models – the 5.4-liter is good for 362 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. You won’t find a BMW M3 alternative in this sophisticated sedan, but it does make for one of the
more reliable Mercedes-Benz vehicles
on the market. You’re just missing out on some of the more failure-prone components, such as air suspension and Sensotronic Brake Control.
2
2004-2010 BMW 645CI E63
Average Used Price: $6,968
BMW 645CI E63 Specs
Engine |
4.4-Liter V8 |
Horsepower |
325 Horsepower |
Torque |
330 LB-Ft |
0-60 MPH Time |
5.4 Seconds |
Top Speed |
155 MPH (Governed) |
BMW
The
E63 6 Series
may look like a lazy GT on the outside, but this BMW packs a V8 under the hood. In the case of the 645CI, BMW opted for its 4.4-liter V8, a naturally aspirated block good for 325 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. When mated to a six-speed manual transmission, it was enough to move the 16-foot-long coupe from 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds flat and run the quarter-mile in just over 13. It’s not a lightweight at nearly 4,000 lbs, but even the Mustang is heavier these days.
1
2004-2006 Volkswagen Phaeton
Average Used Price: $5,753
Volkswagen Phaeton Specs
Engine |
4.2-Liter V8 |
Horsepower |
332 Horsepower |
Torque |
317 LB-FT |
0-62 MPH Time |
8.2 Seconds |
Top Speed |
155 MPH |
VW
The
Phaeton flopped when it was new
, as few buyers could stomach the price tag attached to a VW. As such, depreciation hasn’t been kind to the
luxury sedan
, and you can pick up a V8 (or even a W12) for right around 10 grand. It’s an unexpected car to feature such powerful engine options, but the 332-horsepower 4.2-liter V8 was borrowed from the period’s A6.
In addition to plush air suspension, you can also get all-wheel-drive if you’re patient in your search efforts. The Phaeton’s understated mix of sophisticated engineering, luxury, and quiet power makes it a unique German alternative to more overtly muscular sedans.
Sources: Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, KBB, Classic.com, Edmunds,