13 Sedans That Can Sprint From 0-60 MPH In Under 4 Seconds

Sedans as fast as supercars, right off the showroom floor.

Cast your mind back a decade, to 2008 – the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 520-4, with a 5.0-liter 513-hp V10, could run 0-62 mph in 4.0 seconds dead. For its time, this was a standard supercar benchmark. Of course, top speed could also be a measure, but since most manufacturers limit their vehicles at 155 mph, though they’re far capable of exceeding this, it’s a half measure at best.

So, isn’t it a joyous time for automotive enthusiasts, an era where a family sedan can keep pace with a bona fide supercar? It’s either testament to how far things have come or a scathing indictment on the supercar sector. But it’s now not at all uncommon to find sedans not just keeping pace from standstill, but around racetracks too. To honor the era of the super-sedan, we’ve found all the sedans on the market in the US that currently crack the 0-60 mph mark in under 4 seconds – though many of them have far greater credit than merely their ability to out-accelerate a decade old supercar.

Cadillac CTS-V

A decade ago, Cadillac wouldn’t have dared even dream of being on this list, but the latest incarnations of the ATS-V and CTS-V have established them as a proper performance carmaker for the American masses. It’s the CTS-V that finds a spot here though, as the rear-wheel-drive thunder-saloon is capable of a 0-60 mph sprint time of a manufacturer claimed 3.7 seconds. It’s thanks to the immense power available from its Corvette-sourced 6.2-liter supercharged V8 – 640 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque. That gut-wrenching power doesn’t end at 60 mph though, as the CTS-V will run on to 200 mph if given the track-space to do so.

Audi RS7

The Audi RS7 is one of the oldest cars on this list, and due for replacement at some stage in the near future. But quattro all-wheel drive and a potent twin-turbo V8 engine set the RS7 in good stead to run with supercars well before the rest of the world played catch-up. With 560 hp and 516 lb-ft tied to the ground via permanent all-wheel drive, is it any wonder the RS7 sprints to 60 mph from a standstill in 3.7 seconds? The potent RS7 Performance does it quicker still, in 3.6 seconds with 605hp.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

Which is more exciting – a sedan that can keep pace with supercars, or the fact that it’s a rear-wheel drive Alfa Romeo? Powered by a Ferrari-derived 2.9-liter bi-turbo V6, 505 hp and superior engineering see the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio rocket to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. More than that, the Giulia Quadrifoglio held the Nurburgring record for the fastest production sedan, lapping the Nordschleife in 7 minutes 32 seconds, quicker than a Lexus LFA and Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera. It’s pretty much earned the tag of being a Ferrari sedan.

Audi RS3 Sedan

Who would’ve thought something sharing a chassis with a VW Beetle would end up on this list? Well, here the RS3 Sedan is, replete with a 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder engine – of course – and 400 horsepower, sent to all four corners with 0-60 mph taking a rapid 3.9 seconds. Lest we forget, the RS3 is the junior Audi Sport model of the entire line-up, and it’s capable of dealing out hidings to far bigger foes without batting an eyelid.

Dodge Charger Hellcat

Hellcat power, is there anything else that needs saying? The Dodge Charger Hellcat’s supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 generates 707 earthshaking horsepower, sent to the rear pair of tires with enough force, and grip, to send the Charger from 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. But stick it on a drag strip with some track rubber and it’ll outgun many a supercar. Not to mention, how many family sedans can brag about having 707 horsepower and a 204 mph top speed?

BMW M760i xDrive

Whilst many of the vehicles on this list possess genuine sports car credentials, the same can’t be said of the BMW M760i xDrive. It is after all a luxury land yacht first and foremost, designed to ferry passengers in the rear of the cabin in complete relaxation. But whilst appearances may be somewhat unassuming, the 601 horsepower 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 lurking under the hood is anything but. Throw in permanent all-wheel drive, and the M760i is the land yacht capable of 0-60mph in 3.6 seconds. Down any straight stretch of road, the M760i is capable of dealing supercars a good scare.

Tesla Model S P100D

Representing the boys from Electric Avenue, the Tesla Model S P100D has been the poster-child for EV performance since day one. YouTube is filled with videos of P100Ds destroying supercars and drag-monsters alike down the strip, not surprising given it sprints from 0-60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. Two point five seconds!

Not only is that true supercar territory, but that’s as quick as a Bugatti Veyron completes the same feat, and the Tesla has been known to do it quicker in testing. It’s perhaps the single feature of the Model S that’s cemented it in the hearts and minds of motoring enthusiasts.

Mercedes-AMG S63

While almost all AMGs are thundering demons of the street and track, it’s the biggest of the lot – the AMG S63 – that offers the best performance in a 4-door sedan package. Powered by the familiar 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine seen across the range, outputs of 603 hp and 664 lb-ft mean the S63 offers one of the highest states of tune for the hot-vee motor. Mated to all-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic transmission, 0-60 mph arrives in 3.4 seconds, frightening not just the BMW M760i but many a supercar on the street too.

Mercedes-AMG E63 S

From one AMG to the next, the AMG E63 S makes use of the same 4.0-liter V8 as the S63, in an identical 603-hp state of tune, and with the same automatic gearbox. But its all-wheel-drive system has an extreme rear bias (and a drift mode), and the reduced weight compared to its bigger brother means the E63 S 4Matic+ takes performance to a new level. 0-60 mph arrives in just 3.3 seconds, but it’s not just that number that tells the story. The E63 S is a capable luxury cruiser but possesses the duality of being equally at home on a racetrack where it can be found hunting down BMW M5s and Audi RS7s.

BMW M5 Competition

After Mercedes-AMG took the E63 the AWD route, it was a waiting game to see how BMW would respond. The response was swift and the strike deadly accurate, as BMW pioneered the M-xDrive all-wheel-drive system specifically for the new M5. Paired with an upgraded 4.4-liter bi-turbo V8 churning out 617 hp in Competition trim, the M5 Performance – replete with an illustrious performance history dating back more than 30 years – smashes the 0-60 mph benchmark in 3.1 seconds. Every day is a track day when you drive an M5.

Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid

It’s said that every Porsche is a sports car first, and a segment competitor second. That’s the ethos behind vehicles like the Macan, and indeed the Porsche Panamera. Now in its second – and arguably most beautiful generation – it’s the hybridized Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid that delivers the strongest of killer blows. A twin-turbocharged V8, measuring 4.0-liters in displacement, kicks out 550 hp, but is bonded to a supplementary electrical system to bolster total outputs to a manic 680 hp and 626 lb-ft of torque.

With all-wheel drive and the incredible PDK dual-clutch gearbox, 0-60 mph takes 3.2 seconds before the Turbo S E-Hybrid stretches on to a 192 mph top speed. Of course, it does all this with the ability to out-handle just about any other sports saloon on track too, making it a true supercar slayer for the modern family man.

Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4-Door Coupe

The most recent addition to this list is perhaps one of the most fitting. Though the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S might be based upon the same chassis as the E63 mentioned above, with the same engine at its heart, the whole thing has been worked over from the ground up by the team at AMG to create what is effectively a 4-door version of its monstrous AMG GT supercar.

It makes use of the same 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system, but dialed in for sharper responses and better on-track behavior – though drift mode is still standard – and the 4.0-liter V8 churns out 630 hp in 63 S trim. 0-60 mph takes 3.1 seconds, quick enough to rival any supercar, and handling gets a boost courtesy of rear-wheel steering. Though it’s yet to go on sale in the US, the recent international launch is enough to warrant its eligibility for inclusion here.

Jaguar XE SV Project 8

The Jaguar XE is a competent sports sedan in its own right, but hand it over to Jaguar Land Rovers Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) department, and the sports sedan becomes something beastly. Under the hood, SVO shoehorned a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 outputting 592 horsepower. Traction is found through a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system, with specially designed, track-honed suspension aiding high levels of grip. Carbon fiber usage is liberal for reduced weight, meaning the most powerful series-production Jaguar ever can achieve impressive performance in all circumstances.

0-60 mph takes 3.3 seconds, the Project 8 tops out at 200 mph, and the giant rear wing develops 269 lbs of downforce at 186 mph. But Project 8 was designed to conquer any and all racetracks, and the limited production model of just 300 units proved its track pedigree by setting the fastest ever lap at the Nurburgring for a production four-door sedan, lapping the circuit in 7 minutes, 21.2 seconds – quicker than a Ferrari 488 GTB, Dodge Viper, and Ferrari Enzo. It seems a fitting sedan to finish this list with, one that hammers home the point that sedans are now truly as fast as supercars. What a time to be alive!

Hatchbacks That Should Never Have Been Turned Into Sedans

A few body style transformations turned out great. Others not so much.

Automakers always look at ways to modify platforms or even certain body styles in order to save costs and expand sales. Business is business, plain and simple. Sometimes this works out brilliantly. One example that immediately comes to mind is the original BMW X6.

BMW simply started with the X5’s platform, redesigned the body, went to its massive parts bin for various components and there you go… a best-seller that changed the crossover segment forever and forced competitors to respond.

But it doesn’t always work as well as that. Take these following hatchbacks that were also sold in various global markets sedans to satisfy the appetites of American and Chinese buyers.

Ironically, those same sedans are losing ground to crossovers, which are really just raised hatchbacks. We picked out six sedans/hatchbacks that, in our opinion, are probably best off as hatchbacks, one of which is yet to debut as a sedan but is widely rumored to do so soon. Do you prefer these as hatchbacks or sedans? Let us know in the comments.

Audi A3

The Audi A3 may be the one main exception on this list where the sedan version of the popular hatchback looks really good. Problem is, it loses the convenience of being, well, a hatchback. Currently in its third generation, the A3 became a sedan for the first time in 2013. This was done mainly to lure younger American buyers into showrooms who wanted a step up from their Volkswagen Golf hatchback.

As a sedan is viewed as something more “grown up,” especially by someone just beginning to climb the corporate ladder, Audi created the A3 sedan. To give you an idea just how well the A3 sedan has done in the US, you can only buy the A3 hatchback as the Sportback e-tron. Heck, the S3 and RS 3 are also sedan-only.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

While the first and second generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class were way too dorky to be sold in the US (do a Google search and you’ll understand), it wasn’t until the third generation model debuted for 2013 that it could consider a US market attempt. In short, it looks great, but that still wasn’t good enough for Mercedes. Instead, the German automaker created the CLA-Class. Built on the same platform as the A-Class, the two share pretty much the same components and interiors.

The CLA is a funky-looking three-box sedan that, well, looks better as a hatchback. It was also Mercedes’ first front-wheel-drive sedan, and it originally carried a starting price of just under $30k. Just like the Audi A3 sedan, Mercedes wanted to specifically target young up and comers and bring them into the Mercedes family early. The CLA has sold well enough to warrant a second generation, due to arrive sometime next year as a 2020 model. Oh yeah, the just unveiled next-generation A-Class will also be coming to the US soon - as a sedan.

Mazda2

Americans are most familiar with the previous generation Mazda2, although its origins date back to 1996, before its US arrival. The third generation Mazda2 hit the US market for 2008 but was discontinued after the 2014 model year. Sold only as a five-door hatchback, other markets received a traditional sedan version that, while didn’t look anywhere near as awkward as the Mercedes CLA, still didn’t make much sense.

Why? Because owners lost the hatchback’s additional cargo space and overall better versatility. Despite that, the Mazda2 sedan sold decently in China, but was dropped after only nine months in Australia. But what if you, as a proud American, wanted a subcompact sedan with sporty looks and a fun to drive attitude? Well, look no further than the Ford Fiesta (see below).

Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta dates back to 1976 and was originally sold in Europe. It quickly became a smashing success. The first-gen Fiesta three-door hatchback was sold for three years in the US beginning in 1976, but was later replaced by the Escort and Pinto. When it returned to America in early 2010, Ford billed it as an answer to thirsty SUVs and trucks. Times have certainly changed. The Fiesta will soon be dead in America and trucks like the always popular F-150, reborn Ranger, and a range of SUVs and crossovers now rule the day.

But America’s brief time again with the Fiesta also saw a sedan version. Considering the Fiesta and Mazda2 were close cousins, the Fiesta sedan was for those who wanted a tiny sedan because for whatever reason a hatchback was unacceptable. The sedan was also sold in China, parts of South America, and even Russia. While it didn’t look terrible, the Fiesta sedan made little sense compared to the hatchback for a variety of reasons, perhaps the best one being the Fiesta ST was hatchback only.

Volkswagen Polo

You can’t even buy the Volkswagen Polo in the US. Never could. It’s probably for the best because VW, at least up until fairly recently, couldn’t figure out how to make its Golf popular in America at the level it was in Europe. Again, Americans have never been hatchback lovers. It wasn’t until the Polo’s fourth generation when a dedicated four-door sedan body style arrived. Like the Mazda2 and Fiesta, it honestly made little sense, convenience wise. Cargo space was down and its general design proportions just didn’t look quite right compared to the hatch.

The Polo sedan survived to be part of the fifth generation lineup, specifically targeting buyers in India, where it was called the Vento, as well as Russia. It must not have sold particularly well because when the sixth-gen Polo debuted in 2017 it was, once again, a hatchback only.

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe (Coming Soon?)

The BMW 2 Series is one of our favorite BMW models currently sold in the US. Available here only as a coupe and convertible, other markets, specifically Europe, received an MPV version dubbed the 2 Series Active Tourer. But the 2 Series can trace its roots back to the first generation 1 Series, itself sold as a coupe, convertible, and hatchback. Today, the 1 Series, which isn’t available in the US, comes as a three- or five-door hatchback and a four-door sedan. Why the sedan? Because China.

However, because Audi and Mercedes have achieved success in the US with the A3 and CLA, respectively, it’s widely rumored BMW will launch the 2 Series Gran Coupe in the coming years.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe is expected to be built on the same platform that’ll underpin the next 2 Series MPVs, meaning it’ll be FWD-based. However, all-wheel drive is expected to be offered for the hot M Performance version. Expected arrival date: not before 2020.

13 Sedans That Can Sprint From 0-60 MPH In Under 4 Seconds

Sedans as fast as supercars, right off the showroom floor.

Cast your mind back a decade, to 2008 – the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 520-4, with a 5.0-liter 513-hp V10, could run 0-62 mph in 4.0 seconds dead. For its time, this was a standard supercar benchmark. Of course, top speed could also be a measure, but since most manufacturers limit their vehicles at 155 mph, though they’re far capable of exceeding this, it’s a half measure at best.

So, isn’t it a joyous time for automotive enthusiasts, an era where a family sedan can keep pace with a bona fide supercar? It’s either testament to how far things have come or a scathing indictment on the supercar sector. But it’s now not at all uncommon to find sedans not just keeping pace from standstill, but around racetracks too. To honor the era of the super-sedan, we’ve found all the sedans on the market in the US that currently crack the 0-60 mph mark in under 4 seconds – though many of them have far greater credit than merely their ability to out-accelerate a decade old supercar.

Cadillac CTS-V

A decade ago, Cadillac wouldn’t have dared even dream of being on this list, but the latest incarnations of the ATS-V and CTS-V have established them as a proper performance carmaker for the American masses. It’s the CTS-V that finds a spot here though, as the rear-wheel-drive thunder-saloon is capable of a 0-60 mph sprint time of a manufacturer claimed 3.7 seconds. It’s thanks to the immense power available from its Corvette-sourced 6.2-liter supercharged V8 – 640 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque. That gut-wrenching power doesn’t end at 60 mph though, as the CTS-V will run on to 200 mph if given the track-space to do so.

Audi RS7

The Audi RS7 is one of the oldest cars on this list, and due for replacement at some stage in the near future. But quattro all-wheel drive and a potent twin-turbo V8 engine set the RS7 in good stead to run with supercars well before the rest of the world played catch-up. With 560 hp and 516 lb-ft tied to the ground via permanent all-wheel drive, is it any wonder the RS7 sprints to 60 mph from a standstill in 3.7 seconds? The potent RS7 Performance does it quicker still, in 3.6 seconds with 605hp.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

Which is more exciting – a sedan that can keep pace with supercars, or the fact that it’s a rear-wheel drive Alfa Romeo? Powered by a Ferrari-derived 2.9-liter bi-turbo V6, 505 hp and superior engineering see the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio rocket to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. More than that, the Giulia Quadrifoglio held the Nurburgring record for the fastest production sedan, lapping the Nordschleife in 7 minutes 32 seconds, quicker than a Lexus LFA and Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera. It’s pretty much earned the tag of being a Ferrari sedan.

Audi RS3 Sedan

Who would’ve thought something sharing a chassis with a VW Beetle would end up on this list? Well, here the RS3 Sedan is, replete with a 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder engine – of course – and 400 horsepower, sent to all four corners with 0-60 mph taking a rapid 3.9 seconds. Lest we forget, the RS3 is the junior Audi Sport model of the entire line-up, and it’s capable of dealing out hidings to far bigger foes without batting an eyelid.

Dodge Charger Hellcat

Hellcat power, is there anything else that needs saying? The Dodge Charger Hellcat’s supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 generates 707 earthshaking horsepower, sent to the rear pair of tires with enough force, and grip, to send the Charger from 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. But stick it on a drag strip with some track rubber and it’ll outgun many a supercar. Not to mention, how many family sedans can brag about having 707 horsepower and a 204 mph top speed?

BMW M760i xDrive

Whilst many of the vehicles on this list possess genuine sports car credentials, the same can’t be said of the BMW M760i xDrive. It is after all a luxury land yacht first and foremost, designed to ferry passengers in the rear of the cabin in complete relaxation. But whilst appearances may be somewhat unassuming, the 601 horsepower 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 lurking under the hood is anything but. Throw in permanent all-wheel drive, and the M760i is the land yacht capable of 0-60mph in 3.6 seconds. Down any straight stretch of road, the M760i is capable of dealing supercars a good scare.

Tesla Model S P100D

Representing the boys from Electric Avenue, the Tesla Model S P100D has been the poster-child for EV performance since day one. YouTube is filled with videos of P100Ds destroying supercars and drag-monsters alike down the strip, not surprising given it sprints from 0-60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. Two point five seconds!

Not only is that true supercar territory, but that’s as quick as a Bugatti Veyron completes the same feat, and the Tesla has been known to do it quicker in testing. It’s perhaps the single feature of the Model S that’s cemented it in the hearts and minds of motoring enthusiasts.

Mercedes-AMG S63

While almost all AMGs are thundering demons of the street and track, it’s the biggest of the lot – the AMG S63 – that offers the best performance in a 4-door sedan package. Powered by the familiar 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine seen across the range, outputs of 603 hp and 664 lb-ft mean the S63 offers one of the highest states of tune for the hot-vee motor. Mated to all-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic transmission, 0-60 mph arrives in 3.4 seconds, frightening not just the BMW M760i but many a supercar on the street too.

Mercedes-AMG E63 S

From one AMG to the next, the AMG E63 S makes use of the same 4.0-liter V8 as the S63, in an identical 603-hp state of tune, and with the same automatic gearbox. But its all-wheel-drive system has an extreme rear bias (and a drift mode), and the reduced weight compared to its bigger brother means the E63 S 4Matic+ takes performance to a new level. 0-60 mph arrives in just 3.3 seconds, but it’s not just that number that tells the story. The E63 S is a capable luxury cruiser but possesses the duality of being equally at home on a racetrack where it can be found hunting down BMW M5s and Audi RS7s.

BMW M5 Competition

After Mercedes-AMG took the E63 the AWD route, it was a waiting game to see how BMW would respond. The response was swift and the strike deadly accurate, as BMW pioneered the M-xDrive all-wheel-drive system specifically for the new M5. Paired with an upgraded 4.4-liter bi-turbo V8 churning out 617 hp in Competition trim, the M5 Performance – replete with an illustrious performance history dating back more than 30 years – smashes the 0-60 mph benchmark in 3.1 seconds. Every day is a track day when you drive an M5.

Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid

It’s said that every Porsche is a sports car first, and a segment competitor second. That’s the ethos behind vehicles like the Macan, and indeed the Porsche Panamera. Now in its second – and arguably most beautiful generation – it’s the hybridized Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid that delivers the strongest of killer blows. A twin-turbocharged V8, measuring 4.0-liters in displacement, kicks out 550 hp, but is bonded to a supplementary electrical system to bolster total outputs to a manic 680 hp and 626 lb-ft of torque.

With all-wheel drive and the incredible PDK dual-clutch gearbox, 0-60 mph takes 3.2 seconds before the Turbo S E-Hybrid stretches on to a 192 mph top speed. Of course, it does all this with the ability to out-handle just about any other sports saloon on track too, making it a true supercar slayer for the modern family man.

Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4-Door Coupe

The most recent addition to this list is perhaps one of the most fitting. Though the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S might be based upon the same chassis as the E63 mentioned above, with the same engine at its heart, the whole thing has been worked over from the ground up by the team at AMG to create what is effectively a 4-door version of its monstrous AMG GT supercar.

It makes use of the same 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system, but dialed in for sharper responses and better on-track behavior – though drift mode is still standard – and the 4.0-liter V8 churns out 630 hp in 63 S trim. 0-60 mph takes 3.1 seconds, quick enough to rival any supercar, and handling gets a boost courtesy of rear-wheel steering. Though it’s yet to go on sale in the US, the recent international launch is enough to warrant its eligibility for inclusion here.

Jaguar XE SV Project 8

The Jaguar XE is a competent sports sedan in its own right, but hand it over to Jaguar Land Rovers Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) department, and the sports sedan becomes something beastly. Under the hood, SVO shoehorned a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 outputting 592 horsepower. Traction is found through a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system, with specially designed, track-honed suspension aiding high levels of grip. Carbon fiber usage is liberal for reduced weight, meaning the most powerful series-production Jaguar ever can achieve impressive performance in all circumstances.

0-60 mph takes 3.3 seconds, the Project 8 tops out at 200 mph, and the giant rear wing develops 269 lbs of downforce at 186 mph. But Project 8 was designed to conquer any and all racetracks, and the limited production model of just 300 units proved its track pedigree by setting the fastest ever lap at the Nurburgring for a production four-door sedan, lapping the circuit in 7 minutes, 21.2 seconds – quicker than a Ferrari 488 GTB, Dodge Viper, and Ferrari Enzo. It seems a fitting sedan to finish this list with, one that hammers home the point that sedans are now truly as fast as supercars. What a time to be alive!

Can't Afford The New Kia K900? Here Are Some Cheaper Luxury Sedans

The Kia K900 is a highly impressive luxury sedan, but what could you get on the used market instead?

As much as we loved the Kia K900 when we reviewed it a few years ago, we never would have predicted Kia would give the car a second generation. Revealed at the 2018 New York Auto Show, the 2019 Kia K900 takes everything we loved about the old K900 and wraps it up in a more handsome body. Pricing has not been announced, but we expect the new car to be priced close to the current car's base price of around $50,000. Still, this is a lot for a Kia, and there are plenty of options on the used market if you prefer a car from a different brand.

Audi A8

Not impressed by Kia's flagship for $50,000? How about Audi's top-of-the-line luxury sedan for the same money? This isn't just a run of the mill A8, this is the performance-oriented S8. We found S8 examples as new as 2014 (with as little as 25,000 miles on the odometer) for less than a new K900. A base K900 is powered by a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 borrowed from the Kia Stinger, producing 365 horsepower. The S8 produces a whopping 520 hp from a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. How's that for a performance bargain?

Alpina B7

Next up we have another German flagship sedan: this time from BMW. Like with the S8, this is no ordinary 7 Series. The F01 generation Alpina B7 was built from 2011 to 2013, and prices have plummeted well below the $50,000 mark. BMW's V12 was deemed too heavy for the B7, so Alpina used the M5's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8. Total output is 540 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque going out to RWD or AWD. We found several short and long wheelbase models available, all with fairly low mileage.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Part of the reason why we love the K900 so much is that it offers 80% of the Mercedes S-Class experience for around 50% of the price. Though why settle for an imitation when you can afford the real thing? If you are willing to go back a few model years (around 2014 to 2015), you can afford an S-Class for the same price as a new K900. A 2015 S550 is powered by a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 with 449 hp. The Kia offers amazing materials and features for a $50,000 car, but an S-Class for the same money easily tops it on premium feel and prestige.

Jaguar XJ

The German sedans on this list all have their advantages, but they are very predictable. The next car on our list, the Jaguar XJ, is more of a wild card. People seem to forget about the XJ because it has been on the market since 2009. Not only did we find plenty of XJ examples for less than $50,000, we even found a few XJR models for under $40,000. The XJR is the most power car on this list with a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 pumping out 550 hp. If you want your large luxury sedan to drive like a sports car, the XJR is the best option.

So far, it may sound like we are trying to talk people out of buying a Kia K900. On the contrary, we believe the K900 is the ultimate used car bargain. In our past research, we've found used K900 (and Hyundai Equus) models for less than $25,000 with a certified pre-owned warranty. These weren't just the base 3.8-liter V6 models, we found the 5.0-liter 429 hp V8 ones as well. A $50,000 Kia may not make sense to a lot of people, but a $25,000 Kia with the luxury of a $100,000 car sounds pretty good.

Three Luxury Super Sedans Undergo Challenges Only The Rich Care About

How well can someone draw in the backseat while hooning the tires off?

Compromise is not a word the ultra wealthy like to hear very often, not from their butlers, tailors, or the automakers they choose to do business with. That’s why the companies that cater to them, in this case Porsche (presumably standing in for Audi given that it’s the newest super sedan of the VW family), BMW, and Mercedes, like to reserve the upper echelons of their price brackets for cars that offer both supreme luxury and unrestrained performance without compromising either.

Porsche has just released its newest version of the Panamera Turbo with a not so small price of $141,000 while BMW has offered the $117,000 M6 Gran Coupe since 2013. Mercedes is about two years into the run of its current S-Class coupe, which comes in at $164,750 in S63 AMG guise making it the priciest of the bunch.

However, it's also the longest running nameplate of the three meaning it also has the respect from the wealthy out of the group. So all three offer ludicrous amounts of power, a cocoon of luxury that could make the Queen of England feel petty, and are priced high enough to ensure no one mistakes its driver for a pleb, so how does one go about determining which is the best? According to Autocar, numbers don’t matter here because in the real world, rich people use these cars for fun as well as transport, making tests like drawing cartoons in the back seat while the driver hoons the car more practical. Can you guess which executive German brute takes the trophy?

New BMW M5 Is One Of The Fastest Sedans To Ever Lap The Nurburgring

Let’s see what happens when the new BMW M5 Competition is unleashed onto the Green Hell.

Nurburgring lap times are a hot topic right now, as automakers continue to chase production car lap records. BMW hasn’t set an official Nurburgring lap time in the new M5 yet, but Germany’s Sport Auto magazine has already beaten the German automaker to it. In the hands of Christian Gebhardt, the super sedan ripped around the Ring in seven minutes and 38.92, making it one of the fastest four-doors to ever lap the famous German circuit.

That also makes it only slightly slower than the Porsche Panamera Turbo, which completed the circuit in seven minutes and 38 seconds, though that time was set by a factory driver. Compared to the last-generation M5, it’s almost 16 seconds faster. In the hands of a professional racing driver, it’s probably safe to say the new M5 could set an even faster time.

Having said that, Gebhardt has thrashed a variety of cars at the Nurburgring over the years, so he isn't exactly inexperienced. Back in 2016, he set an impressive time of eight minutes and six seconds in a Ford Focus RS and seven minutes and 10.92 seconds in a Mercedes-AMG GT R the same year. The F90 BMW M5 is the most powerful M5 in history, producing 600 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. 0-62 mph takes just 3.4 seconds, while 0-124 mph is clocked in just 11.1 seconds. It may also be more powerful than BMW claims if the M5’s recent trip to the dyno is anything to go by. It’s not surprising, then, that the new M5 is one of the fastest sedans to ever lap the Nurburgring.

Recently, BMW has also revealed the more powerful M5 Competition with 25 extra horses under the hood. It also has lower suspension, model-specific chassis tuning, adjustments to springs and dampers, and new mountings for the rear anti-roll bar. These tweaks make the M5 stiffer and more track-focused, and could shave off a few more seconds off the standard car’s lap time. Whether BMW will unleash the M5 Competition onto the Nurburgring remains to be seen, but we wouldn’t be surprised if Sport Auto’s Christian Gebhardt gets his hands on one to see how it compares.

Can't Afford The New Kia K900? Here Are Some Cheaper Luxury Sedans

The Kia K900 is a highly impressive luxury sedan, but what could you get on the used market instead?

As much as we loved the Kia K900 when we reviewed it a few years ago, we never would have predicted Kia would give the car a second generation. Revealed at the 2018 New York Auto Show, the 2019 Kia K900 takes everything we loved about the old K900 and wraps it up in a more handsome body. Pricing has not been announced, but we expect the new car to be priced close to the current car's base price of around $50,000. Still, this is a lot for a Kia, and there are plenty of options on the used market if you prefer a car from a different brand.

Audi A8

Not impressed by Kia's flagship for $50,000? How about Audi's top-of-the-line luxury sedan for the same money? This isn't just a run of the mill A8, this is the performance-oriented S8. We found S8 examples as new as 2014 (with as little as 25,000 miles on the odometer) for less than a new K900. A base K900 is powered by a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 borrowed from the Kia Stinger, producing 365 horsepower. The S8 produces a whopping 520 hp from a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. How's that for a performance bargain?

Alpina B7

Next up we have another German flagship sedan: this time from BMW. Like with the S8, this is no ordinary 7 Series. The F01 generation Alpina B7 was built from 2011 to 2013, and prices have plummeted well below the $50,000 mark. BMW's V12 was deemed too heavy for the B7, so Alpina used the M5's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8. Total output is 540 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque going out to RWD or AWD. We found several short and long wheelbase models available, all with fairly low mileage.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Part of the reason why we love the K900 so much is that it offers 80% of the Mercedes S-Class experience for around 50% of the price. Though why settle for an imitation when you can afford the real thing? If you are willing to go back a few model years (around 2014 to 2015), you can afford an S-Class for the same price as a new K900. A 2015 S550 is powered by a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 with 449 hp. The Kia offers amazing materials and features for a $50,000 car, but an S-Class for the same money easily tops it on premium feel and prestige.

Jaguar XJ

The German sedans on this list all have their advantages, but they are very predictable. The next car on our list, the Jaguar XJ, is more of a wild card. People seem to forget about the XJ because it has been on the market since 2009. Not only did we find plenty of XJ examples for less than $50,000, we even found a few XJR models for under $40,000. The XJR is the most power car on this list with a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 pumping out 550 hp. If you want your large luxury sedan to drive like a sports car, the XJR is the best option.

So far, it may sound like we are trying to talk people out of buying a Kia K900. On the contrary, we believe the K900 is the ultimate used car bargain. In our past research, we've found used K900 (and Hyundai Equus) models for less than $25,000 with a certified pre-owned warranty. These weren't just the base 3.8-liter V6 models, we found the 5.0-liter 429 hp V8 ones as well. A $50,000 Kia may not make sense to a lot of people, but a $25,000 Kia with the luxury of a $100,000 car sounds pretty good.