When it comes to purchasing a new car, fuel efficiency, repair costs, and reliability often take center stage. However, there’s a strong argument to be made for the quality craftsmanship, luxurious style, and effortless cruising that define these V12-powered marvels. It’s important to remember a V12 engine doesn’t automatically equate to supercar levels of performance. These cars were primarily designed with torque and refinement in mind. No single model will deliver the sharp handling of a true supercar.
But what if you’re looking for a smooth, elegant drive, a luxurious experience, and a statement? If that’s the case, a depreciated V12 executive car from yesteryear is the answer. Similar to Doctor Who’s TARDIS, it will transport you to another era. Specifications are based on information from manufacturers or trusted sources like Hagerty, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, and Edmunds. Used values are sourced from Kelley Blue Book, while average auction values are provided by Classic.com.
10 Jaguar XJ-12 (X300)
- Average Used Value: $9,000
- Engine: 6.0-liter, NA V12
- Power: 333 hp
- Torque: 365 lb-ft
Jaguar, a historic British brand, has long been synonymous with both luxury and performance. The XJ series dates back to the 1960s, and the XJ-12 sedan (pictured) is from the X300 generation, produced from 1995 to 1997 under Ford’s ownership. Featuring the last of the Jaguar V12s before the brand moved to V8s for its flagships, Jaguar also offered other straight-six powertrains for the XJ. A five-speed manual transmission was an available option. This XJ generation improved upon the earlier models, while retaining the classic styling from the brand’s heritage. It features heated seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and electric windows.
9 BMW 750i (E38)
- Average Used Value: $16,000
- Engine: 5.4-liter, NA V12
- Power: 326 hp
- Torque: 361 lb-ft
From the third generation of the BMW 7 Series, the E38 delivers the kind of luxury you’d expect from a 1990s German executive sedan. Produced from 1995 to 2001, it offered a variety of engines, from a straight-six to several V8s, turbodiesels, and of course, the flagship V12. Aside from the smooth twelve-cylinder mill, the 750i and the longer 750iL offered various features for both driver and passengers. These included satellite navigation (one of the first cars to offer this), a TV, tri-zone climate control, and leather upholstery. Imagine a V12 sedan with a manual transmission today – you can’t,
8 Mercedes-Benz CL600 (C215)
- Average Used Value: $16,000
- Engine: 5.8-liter, NA V12
- Power: 362 hp
- Torque: 391 lb-ft
Luxury? Check. Twelve-cylinder engine? Check. This Mercedes-Benz CL-Class (C215) is a coupe version of the S-Class, with the CL600 model getting a V12. Later versions swapped the 5.8-liter for a turbocharged 5.5-liter V12, providing even more power, about 500 horsepower. Even in its original form, this variant is a great grand tourer, capable of hitting 60 mph in around six seconds. The CL 65 AMG, with its turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 and over 700 pound-feet of torque, was king of the hill. This CL generation, with its distinctive quad-headlamp design, offered a range of features in exchange for a considerable price when new. These included keyless entry, self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension, adaptive cruise control, a leather interior, self-closing doors, and more.
7 Toyota Century
- Average Used Value: $17,000
- Engine: 5.0-liter, NA V12
- Power: 295 hp
- Torque: 340 lb-ft
What provides a better example of quiet luxury and V12 effortlessness than the Toyota Century? This model – then Toyota’s most expensive – was designed to provide comfort and peace for its passengers while cruising gently. This model is from its second generation. Built from 1997 but not officially imported to the U.S. on a large scale, it’s now eligible under the 25-Year Rule. Weighing 4,500 pounds with only 295 horsepower, it prioritizes interior ambiance. Rear passengers enjoy footrests and a massage function, while soft-close doors shut out the outside world, along with window curtains.
6 Mercedes S 65 AMG (W220)
- Average Used Value: $25,000
- Engine: 6.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V12
- Power: 604 hp
- Torque: 738 lb-ft
Following the CL-Class is the S-Class sedan (W220 generation), which offered a range of engines. At the top of the lineup is the S 65 AMG, equipped with the same power and torque as the CL 65 AMG. With a remarkable 0-60 mph time of approximately four seconds, the S 65 AMG is impressive for a 4,000-pound executive sedan. The benefits of depreciation are apparent, with a car that once had a $170,000 window sticker now available for under $30,000.
5 Aston Martin DB7 V12 Vantage
- Average Used Value: $31,000
- Engine: 5.9-liter, NA V12
- Power: 420 hp
- Torque: 400 lb-ft
The Aston Martin DB7 debuted in 1994 and shared its platform with the Jaguar XK8. It also incorporated features and components from Ford or Mazda models. Despite this, it remains one of the most beautiful designs of the era. While early models (1994-1999) used a straight-six engine, the V12 Vantage is the star of the standard range. Buyers can choose from a manual or automatic transmission, and a ‘Volante’ convertible model was produced as well. Beyond its gorgeous styling and fabulous twelve-cylinder engine, the Aston Martin DB7’s cabin features luxury leather and wood trim. The V12 Vantage could reach 60 mph in five seconds and attain speeds up to 180 mph.
4 BMW 850Ci (E31)
- Average Used Value: $38,000
- Engine: 5.0/5.4-liter, NA V12
- Power: 296-322 hp
- Torque: 332-361 lb-ft
This is another 1990s grand tourer that has remained relatively unappreciated, despite the qualities of a sleek BMW with pop-up headlamps and a V8 or V12 engine. The first-generation BMW 8 Series (E31) ran from 1990 to 1999, then was reborn in 2019. In the 1990s, the eight-cylinder 840Ci model was the entry-level choice, but a V12 was available, called the 850i and later the 850Ci. The 850i/Ci was initially produced with a 5.0-liter V12 and then a 5.4-liter, with power increasing from 296 to 322 horsepower. Today, the 375-horsepower 850CSi commands even higher values, averaging around $97,000. The E31 was designed with a focus on luxury and style. While not as sharp to drive as a supercar, it’s comfortable, full of 90s charm, and will get noticed at any car show.
3 Bentley Continental GT Coupe
- Average Used Value: $38,000
- Engine: 6.0-liter, twin-turbocharged W12
- Power: 552 hp
- Torque: 479 lb-ft
Bentley is the go-to brand for luxury buyers seeking absolute quality and style. However, used examples, as shown, face the same depreciation affecting other models. A purchase that once cost $150,000 can now be had for under $40,000. Of course, maintenance, repairs, insurance, and fuel will add to the cost. However, you get a lot of car for the money. The Bentley Continental GT was first produced in 2003 and ran through 2011 before the second generation was released. The standard for the first generation includes a twin-turbo W12 and all-wheel drive. The cars were hand-built, although it was the first mass-produced mass-produced Bentley under Volkswagon’s ownership.
2 Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2
- Average Used Value: $74,000
- Engine: 4.4-liter, NA V12
- Power: 335 hp
- Torque: N/A
Designed as a grand tourer, the Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2 was part of the front-engine V12 models that built the brand’s reputation for luxury and performance. Its Pininfarina bodywork represented a departure from its predecessor, the 365 GT 2+2. It resembled a three-box sedan, with straight lines. The Colombo V12 engine was the powertrain of choice, generating adequate power for its time. Later variants were the 400 and 412, which used larger versions of the same V12. Fuel injection and a three-speed GM automatic transmission (uncommon for Ferrari) were firsts for the brand, although this model was not sold in the U.S. Inside a 365, 400, or 412, there were premium features such as leather upholstery, electric windows, and air conditioning.
1 Rolls-Royce Phantom VII
- Average Used Value: $132,000
- Engine: 6.75-liter, NA V12
- Power: 454 hp
- Torque: 531 lb-ft
Rolls-Royce embodies luxury. Despite its traditional styling, the seventh generation was advanced, incorporating aluminum in its construction and a direct-injected BMW V12 under the hood. This long-running model, which began in 1925, was produced from 2003 through 2017 in this generation. The Phantom is now in its VIII generation. Anticipated, this fully loaded chauffeur mobile only achieves fuel economy in the low teens. The Phantom can reach 60 mph in six seconds, which is incredible considering its weight and modest power output by today’s standards. Back when it cost $300,000, it surely gave you exclusivity. It has a presence on the road only matched by an Abrahams tank. It also provides luxuries like multi-zone climate controls, power rear seats, DVD entertainment, heated-cooled cupholders, complimentary umbrellas, and anything else that was ticked on the order form. Champagne was probably available if you asked nicely.
