These 10 Fast Luxury Sedans Can Be Yours For Under $20,000

Before the rise of market-dominating crossovers and SUVs, luxury sedans ranked among the most popular car types, especially those that combine comfort with thrilling performance. Unfortunately, their premium price tags when new lock out many buyers and the only way to own a performance luxury car is to go for an entry-level model. An entry-level luxury car is the most basic trim in a model lineup that sacrifices standard luxury features and performance for a more affordable starting price.

That means enthusiasts who want thrilling performance from a luxury sedan have to look at the used car market for the most affordable luxury cars that don’t sacrifice either luxury or performance. Notably, used luxury sedans are among the cheapest cars as they rank among the highest depreciating vehicle categories, according to a study by iSeeCars. While there are a few luxury sedans that hold their value the best, such as the Lexus ES and the Acura ILX, most luxury cars retain an average of about 52% of their original value after five years. That makes sedans from luxury brands like Audi and Mercedes rank among the cheapest used cars. For budget buyers, here are the 10 fastest and cheapest luxury sedans you can buy in 2024.

How We Got Our Model Selection:
HotCars analyzed used luxury sedans under $20,000 (based on J.D. Power’s average used price) and filtered for performance luxury sedans with an acceleration time of under 5.0 seconds from 0-60 mph (according to respective manufacturer estimates). We ranked the cars according to their acceleration time, from the slowest to the fastest. Performance specs and data were also sourced from Edmunds.

10 2013 Audi A8 4.0T: 0-60 MPH In 4.7 Seconds – $13,525

Specs & Pricing

Best Luxury Features

• Alloy, leather, and wood trim
• Multi-level heated seats
• Bose premium brand stereo system

The 2013 A8 Perfectly Blends Impeccable Build Quality With Impressive Performance

The 2013 Audi A8 is a top pick in the luxury sedans segment thanks to its high-tech features, comfort, and impressive performance. Its cabin, which is one of the finest in the industry, delivers a high level of excellent craftsmanship.

Luxury aside, the 2013 A8 employs a detuned version of the Audi S8 engine. Its 420 hp and 444 lb-ft of torque are good enough to accelerate the car from 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds. You can get used models from as low as $12,808, which makes it the cheapest luxury car on our list.

9 2013 Jaguar XJL Supersport: 0-60 MPH In 4.7 Seconds – $15,538

Specs & Pricing

Best Luxury Features

• Multi-level heated, ventilated, and massaging seats
• Meridian premium brand speakers
• Glass moonroof
• Alloy, leather, chrome, and wood trim

The 2013 XJL Supersport Is Ultra-Luxurious

While exclusivity is one of Jaguar’s primary attributes, the 2013 XJL Supersport goes a step further and adds stunning modern styling to the mix. Stepping inside the cabin reveals some of the best materials, including exquisite ambient lighting.

But the XJL Supersport is more than a luxury sedan. Its supercharged V8, which produces 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, propels the car from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. The 2013 XJL is among the coolest affordable Jaguars, averaging about $15,538.

8 2013 Audi S7: 0-60 MPH In 4.5 Seconds – $15,525

Specs & Pricing

Best Luxury Features

• Premium leather
• Multi-level heated seats
• Bose premium brand audio system

The 2013 S7 Features Cylinder Deactivation Technology

The 2013 Audi S7 is a higher-performance version of the A7 that features a coupe-style roof line. Its plush cabin boasts excellent material quality. A dash-mounted pop-up screen fitted with Audi’s MMI controls vehicle functions like communication, navigation, and entertainment.

Powering the 2013 S7 is a 4.0-liter V8 that makes 420 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, enough for an acceleration time of 4.5 seconds from 0-60 mph. Despite this kind of performance, the 2013 S7 is light on fuel, returning 20 mpg combined, thanks to cylinder-deactivation technology. Used examples are dirt cheap, with an average price of $15,525.

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7 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG: 0-60 MPH In 4.4 Seconds – $18,500

Specs & Pricing

Best Luxury Features

• Alloy, leather, and wood trim
• Sport front seats
• Harman/Kardon premium brand stereo system
• Power glass moonroof

The 2012 CLS63 AMG Features A Sleek, Sloping Roof Line

The “four-door coupe” concept has become so popular ever since the CLS-Class debuted in 2006. Although not as practical as other sedans due to its sloping roof line, the CLS63 AMG features incredible build quality inside the cabin with abundant comfort and convenience features.

The 2012 CLS63 AMG is also a performer thanks to its 510-hp 5.5-liter V8 that propels the car from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, making it one of the fastest used Mercedes-Benz cars for budget buyers. If that’s not powerful enough, the available AMG Performance package ups the ante to 550 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. One of the cheapest luxury cars, the 2012 CL63 AMG, has an average used price of $18,500.

6 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 63 AMG Sedan: 0-60 MPH In 4.4 Seconds – $19,900

Specs & Pricing

Best Luxury Features

• Multi-level heated, ventilated, and massaging seats
• Harman/Kardon premium brand stereo system
• Alloy, leather, and wood trim

The 2013 S63 AMG Produces Up To 563 Hp

Rarely do carmakers meet the luxury standards they promise to buyers, but Mercedes did just that with the 2013 S-Class. For decades, the S-Class has continued to set standards for other luxury cars, and the 2013 incarnation upholds this tradition with its exquisite craftsmanship. Its cabin quality is out of this world, boasting top-notch materials and construction.

The S63 AMG features added creature comforts like multi-heated and ventilated seats with massaging. Under the hood is a 536-hp 5.5-liter V8 that can be upgraded to 563 hp with the AMG Performance package. And with an acceleration time of 4.4 seconds from 0 to 60 mph, the 2013 S63 AMG certainly deserves a top spot if you’re looking for a cheap luxury car under $20k.

5 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E63 AMG Sedan: 0-60 MPH In 4.2 Seconds – $18,225

Specs & Pricing

Best Luxury Features

• Multi-level heated and ventilated seats
• Harman/Kardon premium brand stereo system
• Leather and wood trim

The 2012 E63 AMG Features Mercedes COMAND Electronics Interface

Like its S-Class sibling, the Merces-Benz E-Class has one of the plushest interiors in the industry. It features a Mercedes COMAND interface comprising a large display screen, dash-mounted buttons, and a control knob. Its spacious cabin is relatively comfortable, matching that of the BMW 5 Series.

Under the hood, the 2012 E63 AMG features a twin-turbocharged V8 that produces 518 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque or 550 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque when equipped with the AMG Performance package. Mercedes claims the 2012 E63 AMG could rocket from 0-60 mph in a scant 4.2 seconds. Today, the 2012 E63 is an affordable luxury car with an average price of $18,225.

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4 2013 Tesla Model S Performance: 0-60 MPH In 4.2 Seconds – $17,675

Specs & Pricing

Best Luxury Features

• Multi-level heated driver and passenger seats
• Leather upholstery
• 200 watts stereo system

The 2013 Model S Performance Has Pulse-Quickening Acceleration

The 2013 Model S’s sleek, seductive, powerful, and luxurious nature makes it one of the best affordable used luxury cars. Featuring a modern interior design and advanced technological features, the Model S served as the benchmark for all vehicles. The interior is free from the typical knobs and buttons, with almost every control integrated into the sleek 17-inch vertical screen.

It is also incredibly practical, boasting a generous amount of luggage space. But the 2013 Model S Performance’s most impressive feature is its pulse-quickening performance thanks to its 416-hp electric motor. Tesla claimed it could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds, making it one of the fastest sedans on the planet. Today, used examples average about $17,675 on the second-hand market.

3 2010 Porsche Panamera Turbo: 0-60 MPH In 4.0 Seconds – $16,750

Specs & Pricing

Best Luxury Features

• Bucket front seats
• Multi-level heated driver and passenger seats
• Bose premium brand stereo system
• Leather, wood, and simulated alloy trim

The 2010 Porsche Panamera Turbo Is A Performance Bargain

The 2010 Porsche Panamera Turbo is a practical sedan that offers cosseting luxury and amazing performance in one package. Despite its low stance, its cabin offers more than enough head- and legroom for its passengers. The interior evokes that of a 911, with easy-to-reach controls, bolstered bucket seats, and other amenities you’d find in a luxury sedan.

Under the hood, the 2010 Panamera Turbo employs a 500-hp 4.8-liter V8 capable of accelerating the car from 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds flat, according to Porsche. Such incredible acceleration and an average used price of $16,750 make the 2010 Panamera Turbo a performance bargain today.

2 2013 Audi S8: 0-60 MPH In 3.9 Seconds – $18,700

Specs & Pricing

Best Luxury Features

• Multi-level heated, ventilated, and massaging seats
• Bose premium brand speakers
• Carbon, alloy, and leather trim

The 2013 S8 Was Quicker Than Audi’s R8 Sports Car

Based on Audi’s flagship luxury S8 sedan, the 2013 A8 is dressed in the finest materials with a clean interior design. Its superb fit and finish make it one of the best cabins in the industry. Front and rear seat comfort is incredible, with enough legroom even for tall passengers.

Like its S6 and S7 siblings, the 2013 S8 sports a twin-turbocharged V8 that makes 520 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. According to Audi, that’s enough muscle to help the A8 sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, which was way quicker than the company’s most popular sports car, the Audi R8. The 2013 A8 made it to our list of the cheapest luxury cars thanks to its average used price of $18,700.

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1 2010 Cadillac CTS-V: 0-60 MPH In 3.9 Seconds – $18,675

Specs & Pricing

Best Luxury Features

• Leather/suede microfiber
• Multi-level heated seats
• Bucket front seats
• Bose premium brand speakers
• Simulated carbon fiber trim

The 2010 CTS-V Utilized A Detuned Version Of The Corvette ZR1 V8

In creating the CTS-V, Cadillac used the same formula carmakers employed in creating the original muscle cars. They took an average production model and stuffed in the biggest and baddest V8. Although the interior materials aren’t as class-leading as other luxury sedans, they are generally high quality and an improvement over the first-generation CTS-V.

Under the hood, the 2010 CTS-V utilizes a detuned version of the Corvette ZR1 engine, a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 good enough for 556 hp and 551 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough grunt for an acceleration time of 3.9 seconds from 0-60 mph, making it one of the fastest, cheap luxury cars. A used 2010 model has a starting price of $17,646.

Sources: J.D. Power, Manufacturer websites, Edmunds, iSeeCars, CarEdge