Today’s luxury cars are technological marvels, with features that would have seemed like science fiction a few decades ago. Semi-autonomous driving, advanced suspension systems, and comfort features like massage seats create a serene driving experience. Powertrains are also more advanced, including hybrid technology that boosts power and fuel economy.
This article highlights high-performance, used luxury sedans from the last decade. These vehicles deliver impressive acceleration and comfort and offer an attractive price point as they depreciate. Specifications are from manufacturers or trusted sources, including Hagerty, J.D. Power, Edmunds, and Hemmings, while any average values quoted are courtesy of Classic.com and Hagerty.
10 Chevrolet SS
- 0-60 MPH: 4.5 Seconds
- Engine: 6.2-liter, NA V8
- Power: 415 hp
- Torque: 415 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic, 6-speed manual
- Drivetrain: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
The Chevrolet SS replaced the Pontiac G8. Based on the Australian Holden Commodore, the Super Sport came with the Corvette’s LS3 engine and rear-wheel drive (with an available manual transmission). It included adaptive suspension, dual-zone climate control, and safety features like active lane monitoring. While it delivers muscle car performance, the EPA rates this model at 17 MPG combined.
9 Aston Martin Rapide S
- 0-60 MPH: 4.5 Seconds
- Engine: 5.9-liter, NA V12
- Power: 550 hp
- Torque: 547 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Before the DBX SUV, Aston Martin produced four-door models like the Rapide. This four-door sedan, reminiscent of the DB9, comfortably seats four adults and delivers supercar-like performance, thanks to its iconic V12 engine. The ‘S’ variant of 2014 offered more power.
8 Second-Gen Bentley Flying Spur S
- 0-60 MPH: 4.3 Seconds
- Engine: 6.0-liter, twin-turbo W12
- Power: 626 hp
- Torque: 605 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-engine, all-wheel drive
Initially called the Continental Flying Spur, the second-generation Spur dropped the ‘Continental’ prefix. The second-gen introduced a lower-cost V8 engine to the lineup, along with the existing W12, plus an eight-speed transmission. This all-wheel-drive Bentley can reach 190 mph, and returns 17 MPG on the highway—provided you don’t enjoy the W12 engine too much.
7 Chrysler 300C SRT-8
- 0-60 MPH: 4.3 Seconds
- Engine: 6.4-liter, NA V8
- Power: 485 hp
- Torque: 475 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Chrysler promotes the 300C’s performance and luxury. The 2023 model offered a limited run of 2,000 examples with the return of the 392 engine. The 6.4-liter Hemi powers the rear wheels. The package includes 20-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, active exhaust, active damping suspension, and a limited-slip differential.
6 Sixth-Gen Maserati Quattroporte Trofeo
- 0-60 MPH: 4.2 Seconds
- Engine: 3.8-liter, twin-turbocharged V8
- Power: 572 hp
- Torque: 538 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
The final generation of the Maserati Quattroporte (2014–2024) marked the end of an era for this Italian sedan. The Trofeo trim offers the most power, featuring an F154 engine, shared with the GTS model.
5 Third-Gen Cadillac CTS-V
- 0-60 MPH: 3.7 Seconds
- Engine: 6.2-liter, supercharged V8
- Power: 640 hp
- Torque: 630 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
This third and final generation of the CTS (2014–2019) exemplifies a simple yet effective setup. The 2016 model featured the LT4 engine, a supercharged V8 from the Corvette Z06. While it weighs 5,270 pounds, the raw power is undeniable.
4 Sixth-Gen BMW M760i xDrive
- 0-60 MPH: 3.5 Seconds
- Engine: 6.6-liter, twin-turbocharged V12
- Power: 610 hp
- Torque: 590 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-engine, all-wheel drive
The BMW M760i xDrive, produced from 2017-2022, was the last BMW to have a V12 engine. In-demand hedge fund managers can take Zoom meetings on the expansive screen setup up front while getting the benefit of the massaging/heated seats. Passengers in the back can watch Netflix on the drop-down 8K screen.
3 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye
- 0-60 MPH: 3.5 Seconds
- Engine: 6.2-liter, supercharged V8
- Power: 797 hp
- Torque: 707 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
The Dodge Charger, while not traditionally a luxury car, offers comfort features combined with an upgraded interior. The Hellcat version tops the Charger lineup and has an engine producing 797 horsepower – nearly as powerful as the 2018 Demon. The Charger ceased production in 2023.
2 Third-Gen Audi S8 Plus
- 0-60 MPH: 3.3 Seconds
- Engine: 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8
- Power: 597 hp
- Torque: 553 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-engine, all-wheel drive
The Audi A8, first introduced in 1997, is a full-size sedan boasting a lightweight construction, Quattro all-wheel drive, and a range of engines. The third generation started in 2010 and lasted until 2017. While a 6.3-liter W12 was available, the S8, with its twin-turbo V8, offered the best performance. The S8 Plus added even more power.
1 Second-Gen Porsche Panamera Turbo S
- 0-60 MPH: 2.9 Seconds
- Engine: 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8
- Power: 621 hp
- Torque: 605 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-engine, all-wheel drive
The Porsche Panamera leads the speed charts. The second-gen Panamera (produced from 2016) Turbo S model was one of the most potent variants, only second to the Turbo S E-Hybrid in terms of overall power. In 2016, it cost $180,000; today, the average value is around $45,000.
